Chapter 35

Selene

When I walk into Luke's house, I'm caught off guard. I didn't really know what to expect. I figured it would be a typical bachelor pad—messy and chaotic. Instead, it feels like a home.

The kitchen, living room and dining room flow together, creating a sense of space. I look around at the silver-grey walls, worn black furniture, and blue accents, which remind me of Phoenix's eyes. I actually feel safe—safer than I did at the club.

Phoenix did tell us that both look and him decided this would be a better place to stay while they sorted out the stalker situation. That's why he allowed Loki to take us here, while he stayed behind to take care of some business.

"Wow, it's nice here," Makayla murmurs, her gaze roaming just like mine.

"Yeah, it is. I'm so glad we don't have to sleep on top of sex furniture."

She snorts. "Honestly, I didn't mind it."

I head into the kitchen, surprised again by the modern appliances and facilities. I remember my brother making soup for me when I was sick. Did Luke install all this for Phoenix? Does my brother actually stop by that frequently? Or does he live here when he isn't staying at the palace? It's jarring to realize how little I know about Phoenix's current life, despite feeling like I understand his past and demons better than most.

I guess that has to count for something.

Loki stands by the front door as we make our way upstairs to a hallway lined with rooms. "Ooh, we can have our own rooms!" Makayla exclaims, excitement bubbling in her voice.

As she disappears into one of the empty rooms with her bag, I push open a door to find a large extravagant bed, a sleek black sofa on the opposite side of the room, with a television about it. And a little black table beside the bed.

When my eyes land on it, my breath catches. Is that...?

There, laid in plain sight, is a familiar piece of lingerie—my favorite one that had gone missing a few weeks ago. My pulse quickens as I step closer, my palms sweating as I pick the article of clothing up and study it.

Bringing it to my nose, I find that it doesn't smell like anything, but the fabric is crusty and stuck together in some parts.

Holy shit. Did he...masturbate with this?

My cheeks flush, my heart pounding hard against my ribcage. Shameful, bold thoughts cross my mind. Does he fantasize about my body? Does he wrap my lingerie around his cock and stroke himself with it? I can almost see it: Him pumping his large cock in his hand, his breath hitching as he comes closer and closer to his release, his body glistening with sweat as he loses himself in his desire.

I seem to hear his suppressed breaths in my mind, and heat pools in my core, soaking my panties. A mix of shame and guilt wash over over, along with an indescribable thrill. I should be freaked the fuck out that he stole my lingerie. I mean, some dude just stole my birth control and B.O.B, but I know it wasn't him because he was with me.

But how the hell do I keep attracting guys that cross my boundaries like this?

"Hey, Selene." Makayla's voice snaps me from my thoughts, and I quickly shove my lingerie underneath the bed before she can see it.

"Who's room is that?" she asks, stepping inside, her brows furrowed.

"Uh, Phoenix's...I think," I mutter, trying to cool my hot cheeks.

"I thought he stayed at the palace with Philip."

I shrug. "I guess he stays here too."

"Wanna go through his shit?" she asks, her eyes lighting up with mischief. "Maybe we could learn more about him. I bet he has some dark secrets he's hiding."

"Um, no. We're not doing that," I say, almost too quickly. Her eyebrows raise in suspicion, but I grab her hand and pull her out of the room and back downstairs. "Let's respect his privacy. I don't want to piss him off when all he's done is help us."

"Oh, you're right," she mutters. She plops down on the couch in the living room, sighing heavily. "Well, I'm hungry. What are we going to order out?"

I grin, already know what we're both in the mood for. "Chipotle," we say enthusiastically in unison.

As she pulls out her phone to order it, Loki's deep voice interrupts her, making us both jump. I almost forgot he was here. "No food deliveries, Luke's orders. If you want something to eat, I'll go pick it up."

We stare at him, him staring back with what I'm assuming is his usual stoic demeanor. "Um, we're adult women, Loki. If I want to have food delivered here, I can do it. Who are you to stop me?" Makayla retorts, defiance lacing her words.

I glance back at her, my eyes wide. "What are you doing?" I whisper.

Does she really want to piss off the scary, scared-up guy that could easily snap us like twigs? I bet his wolf was huge, I wouldn't want to see what happens if he lost control and shifted in here.

I noticed the way Phoenix acted when Luke went to talk to him. He must be weary of him, but trusts him enough to allow him to guard us. Or maybe he just didn't have a choice in the matter.

Loki's jaw tenses, his dark, intense eyes locked on my best friend. "Write down your order and I will go out and get it. I won't repeat myself," he says, his voice low and dangerous.

The hair on the back of my neck raises, but Makayla doesn't move a muscle.

She just smiles, her voice too sweet. "I must've missed the memo that I got a new dad. Why don't you go somewhere and fuck off?"

I gasp, panic surging through me. She's going to get us killed!

I quickly type out our order on my phone and show it to him. "Here, I wrote it down. I can Airdrop it to you, if you'd like."

His eyes slowly drift to me, and I fight the urge to shudder. "That's fine," he grumbles.

After I send it to him, he walks out the door without another word. I immediately turn to Makayla, hissing, "What the hell is wrong with you?"