He kissed my cheek. “I already have your number, and when you get home, mine will be in your contacts.”
There was a knock on the door then. “Okay, two things,” I said as Louis led me through the house and helped me get my coat back on. “How did Braxton find you here and how the hell did he get here so fast?” My feet felt funny. I tripped and would have landed face first if strong arms didn’t surround me.
I was lifted and I could feel the cool breeze as the door opened.
“You were waiting for her?” Louis said to whomever was on the other side. My eyelids had decided they needed a little rest, so I couldn’t see who it was.
“She’s my Jessa and I know nothing of you, sorcerer.” Braxton’s voice washed over me and with it came a sense of comfort. “What did you do to her?”
“Stupid faerie wine,” I slurred. “Those little shits must have cast iron stomachs – oh wait, they’re allergic to iron.” I started laughing. That was hilarious.
“How long has she been like this?” Braxton asked.
Louis chuckled, his chest moving under me. “Long enough to be cute and entertaining. But I don’t want her to be sick; she needs fluids and rest. Next time I’ll shelve the fey wine for something less potent.”
Braxton growled. “You’re pretty damn confident to think there will be a next time.”
“Be nice,” I said, or slurred.
Cold surrounded me as Louis lifted me away from his body and then I was in the strong, familiar arms of my best friend. His massive chest cradled me and heat flashed along all parts of my body touching him. I opened my eyes to meet his amused expression.
“You’re so hot,” I said, patting his shoulder.
“Holy damn, I need to keep her away from the others,” Braxton laughed. “They’ve never seen Jessa drunk. They might be tempted to take advantage of this.”
Louis’ words were short. “Yes, as I said, very cute.” He reached out and grazed my cheek. “Stay safe and I’ll text you. Thank you for tonight.”
“I’m sorry,” I said. A few tears sprinkled my eyes. “I wasn’t a very good date and you cooked and everything was so perfect.” My babbling trailed off as more tears slipped down my cheeks.
I buried my face in Braxton’s chest. “I’m a mess.”
“I’m taking her home now,” Braxton’s said, and he started moving before I could thank Louis again. “I’ve got my eye on you, sorcerer,” I heard him murmur.
We crossed out of the secret waterfall alcove and back through the industrial area.
Braxton sounded amused as he strode without effort. “Louis said you requested I carry you home.”
“Yeah, it’s a pretty long way and I’d be too heavy for anyone else.” I wiggled against his rock hard body. “Wait, am I too heavy for you?”
He tightened his hold on me. “No, Jess, you’re perfect.”
I studied the flawless planes of his face. Maybe it was the alcohol but he looked different tonight. He wasn’t clean shaven, like usual, which seemed to increase the bad-boy fa?ade he wore so effortlessly.
“Why were you so close to Louis’ place?” I asked, as he looked down and caught my eye.
He examined me, I could tell he was carefully considering his next words. “Louis is very powerful. There’s nothing I could say to make him fear me, and therefore I couldn’t be sure he didn’t mean you harm on this date.”
“You were protecting me?” My voice was low. Emotions started bubbling up inside of me, overwhelming emotions.
“Always,” he said.
My heart was racing in pitter-pattering beats. I’d never heard Braxton use a tone like that, but before I could think too much on it, his smooth movements sent me off into la-la land.
Chapter 10
“Jessa!”
A shrill voice penetrated the haze in my head … my pounding, aching, heavy head. I was not opening my eyes yet, I just knew that would end up with me barfing everywhere. Instead I attempted to moisten my dry mouth.
“Water,” I croaked.
The annoying presence left and then my nose caught up and I realized it was Mischa.
“Here,” she said upon returning. I felt cool condensation coat my hand as I wrapped my fingers around the smooth glass.
“Thank you.” I lifted it up. I still couldn’t move my head or open my eyes, so I tipped back, aiming for my mouth.
“Argh!” I shrieked as I poured the entire glass onto my face. I spluttered a little, trying not to drown.
I heard the distinct huskiness of Maximus’ voice: “Damn.” Then strong arms were lifting me, water droplets flying everywhere.
I pried open one eye, and through the pain and light haze I noticed the room was filled with my grinning pack.
“What the freaking hell are you all doing here?” I slurred. If Maximus wasn’t lifting me I’d have fallen down.
“I figured out how to shift.” I winced at how enthusiastic Mischa was, her voice rising to a pitch that should have been outlawed in my presence. “And you’ll be relieved to know I’m wolf, not dragon.”