Unveiled: The Cursed Trilogy, Book Three by Betty Legend (recommended ebook reader txt) 📗

“Would you like to meet them?”

“Yeah, after I clean up. I assume I look like I’ve been attacked by a vampire.”

With a chuckle, I hand her the cup of water and pills.

“You do. Feel free to use the bathroom over there.” I point to the one by the front door. “I’ll get you some fresh clothes and a brush. We look like we’re about the same size.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it.” She glances at her jeans. “Probably only need a shirt. My jeans look fine.”

Returning from the loft, I hand her a fitted t-shirt, a brush, mouthwash, and deodorant. She accepts them with thanks and heads into the bathroom. Giving her privacy, I join the men on the porch. Everett is pacing, Garrett is glaring at Andrea as if he wants to attack her, and Bennett, who was already watching the door, stands from the table.

“Is she all right?”

“Her name is Lexi, and she’s fine. She’s a wolf shifter.”

Their shoulders lower and Everett stops pacing.

“When can we see her?”

“She’s freshening up, then she’ll be out.”

“You better apologize to our mate,” Garrett growls at Andrea.

“Whatever.” She rolls her eyes.

“He’s right.” Kristo frowns at her. “You need to apologize.”

“Fine,” she huffs.

Leaving us, she heads back inside. The Redwood shifters go on the defensive.

“I got it,” I assure them.

Following Andrea inside, I supervise the exchange.

Lexi stops in her tracks, glaring at Andrea.

“I came to apologize.”

“Save your apology. I think you’re the kind of vampire who would’ve left me for dead rather than a loss of memory of the last few hours.”

Lexi walks past Andrea, and Andrea turns on her heels with a huff.

“If it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t have found your mates.”

Lexi spins around. “What?”

“Yeah, that’s right. Those three shifters out there are your mates. They lost their shit when they smelled you on me.”

Lexi’s mouth drops, then she looks at me for confirmation.

“She’s right. They recognized you as their mate and brought you inside.”

Her cheeks flush. “Do I look okay?”

Smiling, I nod. “You do. You look great.” I mean it, she does.

Looking pleased, she turns to Andrea. “How do you know them?”

Andrea points at me. “She fucks their cousin.”

With an exasperated sigh, I shake my head.

“Killian, their cousin, is my mate,” I explain.

“Oh, what are the other supernaturals?”

“Fae, warlock, demon/angel hybrid, and a vampire.”

“The vampire is my cousin,” Andrea adds.

“Was this a family reunion tonight?”

“No. Your mates came to help me train with my magic. Andrea and Kristo came to share important news.”

Biting at her lips, she ponders something.

“What are my mates like?”

“Good men,” I assure her. “You’ll like them.”

With their patience running thin, the Redwood shifters burst through the back door, with my guys and Kristo following behind. My guys surround me and watch as Killian’s cousins approach Lexi. Standing awkwardly under their gazes, she scrapes a hand through her hair.

“Hi, I’m—”

“Our mate,” Garrett finishes.

“Yes, that’s what I hear.”

Garrett moves in closer, and she seems to catch his scent. Any nerves she had moments ago dissipate as her stance grows more confident and her eyes glisten.

“Let’s give them privacy,” I tell the others.

Garrett and Lexi’s eyes remain locked as he steps even closer to her. By the time we’re walking out the door, the three of them have surrounded her, looking like three infatuated and lustful wolves.

“She should be thanking me. She’s about to get laid,” Andrea grumbles.

“I think you need to get laid,” I quip.

“Smh, please,” Andrea bites back. “You think I have problems getting laid?”

“Your arrogance is astounding.” I take a seat at the patio table.

Killian takes my hand, pulls me from the chair, sits down, then puts me on his lap, where he likes me to be.

“That’s better.”

“It is.” I grin.

“Don’t be a hater,” Andrea replies, taking a seat across from us.

Thankfully, the rectangular wooden table seats eight, giving everyone a spot at the table.

“Andrea, I believe under that shallow exterior is a vampire who wants to be loved.”

She briefly glances at her father, who doesn’t give her any acknowledgment. With a pout, she sits back in the chair.

“If I needed a therapist, I’d hire one. Save your breath.”

Kristo clears his throat. “Let’s get to business. Shall we?”

“What happened at the nightclub?” Phoenix asks from my left.

“I’ve been informed the demons entered, looking like ordinary supernaturals. Shortly after their arrival, the video footage has them searching the club, their behavior aggressive and erratic. When bouncers tried to remove them, they shifted into their true form, attacking the bouncers and anyone else who got in their way.”

“How many were injured?” I ask.

“Four supernaturals.”

Sitting on my right, Cyrus puts a reassuring hand on my knee. “The devil must be desperate to find us.”

“Surely,” Kristo agrees. “The rumors are spreading. Your bonds are breaking the curse.”

“Father felt a glimpse of his prior magic earlier today,” Andrea shares.

Phoenix and I glance at each other, smirking.

Kristo notices. “Whatever you’re doing, keep at it.”

Those words are clearly for Phoenix and me since Kristo is eyeing both of us as though he’ll lock us up together to ensure we fully bond.

“Our bond isn’t meant to be forced,” Phoenix counters. “It’ll happen naturally, at our pace.” His tone is final, leaving no room for argument. The authority in his tone is attractive, leading me to believe he’d defend me if necessary.

“Of course.” Kristo gives a polite nod. “I’m pleased to see you bonding, is all.”

Phoenix doesn’t bother responding. I’m sure he heard the same false sincerity I did.

“We’ll be leaving tonight,” Phoenix informs him and us. “We’ll be staying on Mordeeves Island. I’ll need for you to attend to my affairs while I’m away.”

“That won’t be a problem,” Kristo assures him.

“Andrea,” Phoenix draws her attention. “Please have my estates attended to and the art stored properly. It will likely be some time before I return.”

“Done,” she replies easily, her red nails gently tapping the wooden table.

I’m pleasantly surprised to hear Phoenix ask Andrea to do something so important. I’ve been hoping there’s more to her than being rich, spoiled, and a shadow to her