“I know you’re rolling your eyes at me,” he murmurs, and I hear the trace of humor in his voice.”

“I am not certain I liked you referring to my brother as a monster.” There was a trace of humor in Mikhail’s voice.“You should hear what I call you behind your back,” Gregori said, even as his arms spread to accommodate the wings forming.”

“Whether I see the Fae, or whether I’m a man. I believe I’ve laid your mind to rest on the former; shall I relieve it on the latter?” He reached for his belt.“Oh, please.” I rolled my eyes. “You’re a leftie, Barrons.”“Touché, Ms. Lane,” he murmured.”

“Hey, which one of them is supposed to be your boyfriend?” Starkasked me. Even in the terrible shape he was in, he caught my glancewith his. His voice was scratchy, and he sounded scarily weak, buthis eyes sparkled with humor.“I am!” Heath and Erik said together.”

“You’re safe, Lauren,” he murmured and my eyes came back to his.“You weren’t safe with him but, honey, swear to God, you’re safe with me.”

“I'm afraid,' I finally confessed.'I know.' His voice was quiet. 'I know, and it kills me that I put that fear into your eyes.”