Unveiled: The Cursed Trilogy, Book Three Betty Legend (best short novels txt) 📖

“You’re not so bad when you’re not losing your shit for blood.”

My smile fades. “They starved me for days, maybe longer. I lost track of time.” Pressure on my chest builds as I recall the memories. “They threw acid on me and electrocuted me regularly. A vampire can only take so much before we become slaves to our hunger for blood. Every civilized characteristic is suppressed in exchange for survival. We become rabid, animalistic. I never wanted to hurt Selene. Before my abduction, I had plans to apologize and work on building our bond. The bastards took that from me and turned me into a monster.” The fire crackling fills the silence as I lower my head. “I’ve done nothing but push her away and nearly kill her, yet she hasn’t given up on me. No one has ever cared that much for me, not even Vivian.”

Emeric tosses his empty bottle next to Killian’s. “Maybe now you’ll understand why we love her.”

My back stiffens, my gaze meets theirs. “And you’re all comfortable with sharing her?”

“Most days,” Killian quips. “There are days we want her to ourselves. We try to be considerate of the time we each have alone with her.”

“What about sex?”

They’re all grinning. Bastards.

“If you’re asking if we share her during sex, the answer is yes.” Killian stands and stokes the fire with his boot. “We’ve all been with her at the same time. Recently, as a matter-of-fact.”

Jealousy gnaws at my insides nearly as viciously as my hunger did.

“She likes it,” Emeric’s mouth quirks. “A lot.”

Griffin lowers his beer, a memory glimmering in his eyes. “Her magic lit up like the Northern Lights.”

Cyrus tosses another log onto the fire. Behind his glasses, his eyes are shimmering with silver. “Afterward, we all slept in the same bed together.”

My fangs have descended, a low growl vibrating my throat.

“Quit boasting.”

“Why?” Emeric asks, tilting the hand holding his beer. “She enjoys getting fucked by all of us, and we enjoy fucking her.”

Cyrus rolls his eyes. “It’s more than just fucking.”

“No shit, Sherlock, but making love isn’t a part of my vocabulary.”

“Not a lot of words are,” Griffin jokes, the side of his mouth lifting.

“Fuck you.” Emeric laughs and kicks dirt at Griffin’s feet.

“You all seem chummy,” I grimace.

Killian angles his body to face me better. “Why is this hard for you? Vampires have covens.”

“We don’t share our women, at least not vampire women.”

“Get used to it. Selene won’t choose any one of us over the other. She’s made that perfectly clear.”

As much as I hate hearing it, I believe that’s the truth. She’s had months to bond with them, and by their willingness to support her in helping me, it means their bonds are deep.

“When will she return?”

“When she’s ready,” Emeric replies, his tone defensive. “And don’t ask for us to call her here because we won’t.”

“Not much has changed since university. You’re still the asshole I remember.”

Emeric expands his wings as if to stretch, his grin impish. “Such flattery.”

“Jokes aside,” Killian interjects. “There are a few things you should know.”

“What?”

“It was us, Selene, Kristo, Leo, and a few other vampires who rescued you from the Holy Accolades. We killed the entire group that night, and they killed Leo,” he informs me, his tone full of sympathy.

Shoulders slumping forward, I lay my head in my hands as the discomfort of the news takes hold.

“I’m sorry for your loss.” Killian’s voice sounds sincere.

“Kristo didn’t tell me, not that I was in a condition to be told.” Swallowing hard, I stare at the dress shoes on my feet, the only thing I’m wearing that’s mine.

“Did Kristo have a royal service for him?”

“I don’t know.”

“It’s fine,” I sigh heavily. “I’ll ask when I get in touch with him.”

“We’re going in to have dinner.” Killian stands from the chair and dips his chin. “You’re welcome to hunt the woods, then join us after.”

Giving him an acknowledging nod, I remain by the fire as the four of them head inside. Once I’m alone, I bury my head in my hands. Everything in my life is a jumble of chaos. From this moment on, I’ll do whatever it takes to earn Selene’s trust.

CHAPTER THREE

SELENE

Stepping out of the portal, I walk to the front door and see a diminishing fire with chairs and beer bottles scattered around it. It’s nice to know my guys were hanging out together. I hope Phoenix joined them. Through the door, I’m greeted with whistles, hoots, and hollers from four heavily intoxicated males.

Cyrus stands from the chair, a bit wobbly. “We didn’t expect you tonight.”

Dropping my bag by the door, I chuckle at them. “I see you’re having a guys’ night.”

Cyrus swoops his arms around me, squeezing my ass to him. “We’ll make an exception for you.”

As he backs me into the living room, Emeric pulls both of us onto the couch. Landing, my ass is on Emeric’s lap with my arms still around Cyrus.

“Then I have some catching up to do.”

Emeric hands me his beer, the bottle still chilled.

“How was your trip?” Palming my back, he rubs, his glistening eyes focused and full of desire.

Cyrus caresses my thigh, silver shimmering in his eyes. Killian comes nearer and kisses me before sitting on the coffee table on my right. Griffin, who was already standing behind the couch, leans over it and kisses me. Their nearness is comforting, and by the look in their carnal gazes, they all want me—naked. Remembering how incredible it was to have all four of them over a week ago, my arousal is rising, imagining it happening again.

“It was fun and relaxing. Rachel and I practiced magic together. My aunt Molly came over too. We all ate, drank, and laughed.” Glancing at the loft, concern pinches my brows. “Where is Phoenix?”

Killion points a finger toward the door. “Hunting in the woods.”

“Oh, how is he?”

Cyrus leans back on the couch, his hand caressing farther up my thigh. “After he drank the elixir, his pain subsided, and