Chapter 64

Selene

As I wash the table with a damp, hot rag, Makayla's voice slips into my head through our mind-link. "Sooo, how did last night's conversation go?" she asks, though by the teasing lilt in her voice, I think she already knows.

My cheeks burn hotter than a furnace as I try to maintain my composure, though I'm sure my face is redder than a tomato. "He...he told me that he loves me," I confess, my voice tinged with disbelief and joy. I can't help but smile, the memory of his words still fresh in my mind. "I mean, I said it first, but he said it back."

Makayla's excitement is palpable, even through the mind-link, and she claps her hands together with a soft squeal. The sudden noise in the otherwise silent kitchen draws the attention of the men in the living room. Luke and Loki glance over in confusion, but Phoenix just chuckles, his eyes glimmering with amusement as he gives me a knowing smirk.

Yeah, we're talking about you, I think, rolling my eyes playfully.

Makayla's sudden shift in demeanor catches me off guard as she finishes drying off the last plate. "Selene, I think I'm ready to go home," she says, her voice firm yet gentle.

My eyes widen in surprise. "Why? What's wrong?" I ask, concern lacing my words.

Has Loki done something else to make her uncomfortable? Do I need to plot his murder, find a place to bury his gigantic-ass body where no one will ever find him?

Makayla offers me a reassuring smile. "Nothing at all. It's just since we realized that it's Zack who's stalking you, I think it's safe enough for me to go home and go back to work. I know it's sad to say, but as much as this whole break has been nice, I really fucking miss the office."

I nod in understanding. I might not want to go home, since I'm here with Phoenix, but I want to return to work too. I miss the routine, the sense of accomplishment, and the fun conversations with my coworkers, even the fake ones that secretly hate my guts and think I only got my job because I'm Philip's stepdaughter.

But with everything that's happened, especially with Philip probably still showing up there every day, I doubt Phoenix would be okay with me going back.

There's also a chance Zack is camping out around there, waiting for me to show up to work so he can kidnap me like the psycho I now know he is.

Something crosses Makayla's expression as she studies me. "Oh my goddess. You're ready to go back too, aren't you? We should tell them together."

I snort out loud, but reply through mind-link. "Good luck with that," I reply with a hint of sarcasm. "I don't think Phoenix will let me out of his sight, let alone go back to work."

Makayla takes a deep breath, steeling herself. "You're probably right. Wish me luck, then."

She strides into the living room with a determined look on her face, stopping right in front of the guys. "Luke, I want to leave and go back to my house," she announces, her voice steady and unwavering.

She glances at me for reassurance, and I give her a thumbs up.

This is not going to well, but I'll offer her my support just in case.

I watch as Luke's expression shifts from shock to concern. "That's out of the question, Makayla. You know what's going on with Philip, you could still be in danger-"

Makayla cuts him off. "You said Zack is the one that broke into our house, and he's only after Selene, correct? So, why can't I go home?" she retorts, folding her arms defiantly across her chest.

Luke's frustration is evident as he tries to reason with her. "Because the Devils are still out there," he fires back, his tone edged with the protective instincts of a father—though he hasn't openly admitted it yet.

Makayla isn't backing down, and I admire the hell out of her for it. "If you're so worried about that, Loki can stay at my place until the threat passes," she suggests, her voice calm but insistent.

Loki stammers, his eyes wide with horror. "I...I can't do that," he mumbles, clearly uncomfortable with the idea of being alone with the woman I know he has feelings for.

Oh, Loki, I think. You're fucking up so badly, buddy.

Makayla rolls her eyes at his reaction. "Or just keep watch over me from outside."

Luke sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. "Makayla, I-"

Before he can finish, Makayla drops an unexpected bomb. "And Selene wants to go back to work too!" she blurts out.

My heart skips a beat as all eyes shift to me. "Makayla!" I gasp, feeling like a deer in headlights.

Great, I think, wanting to turn invisible so they can't see me. Thanks for that, bestie.

Makayla puts her hands up in defense. "Sorry, I just thought they should know. We are strong, capable women, and they can't just keep us locked up in here for our own safety."

Phoenix tilts his head, his intense gaze still locked on me. "Is that true, little wolf? Are you ready to go back to work?" he asks calmly...almost too calmly.

I swallow hard, nodding. "Y-Yes," I manage to stammer, feeling small under his scrutinizing gaze.

His expression remains unreadable for a long moment before he simply says, "Okay. I'll go with you."

Wait, what? Am I being pranked right now? Did someone else take over Phoenix's body and replace him with a kinder, less-overprotective guy?

I don't know what to think of his answer, but I don't have time to think about it right now. I'll ask him if he's been possessed later.

Luke, however, isn't giving up so easily. The conflict in his eyes is clear as he looks at Makayla, torn between his protective instincts and the fact that he hasn't told her the truth about their possible relationship. He finally sighs in defeat. "Fine. Pack your bags, and I'll take you home."