“Stop being alarmist,” Jacqueline said quietly. She settled against him, her head against his shoulder and hair tickling his cheek. “Who else would be coming after us now? We’ve risen to the challenge of all comers, Phelan. We’ve earned our quiet. Everything’s going to be fine.”
“That’s a comforting lie,” he murmured, “but we both know that’s exactly what it is—a lie. It’s the one we tell ourselves so we can sleep at night.”
“Neither of us appear to be sleeping right now.”
“No,” he admitted. “I guess we’re not.”
“So are you going to tell me what’s actually bothering you, or are you just going to lay here in this bed and be vague and fret all night? All that does it make me worry, y’know. Then I look like hell in the morning and Marin asks me if something’s wrong and I have to tell her and that gets her involved…”
Phelan groaned. “Is this what they call the dark side to a relationship?”
“Possibly. I’m not really sure.” Her hand brushed along his healing side and he flinched slightly, reaching down to capture her fingers. She sighed. “I’m worried about you. I’m always worried about you. I’m not sure if I like it or not.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. It’s not your fault—most of the time, anyway.”
He sighed and let go of her hand, wrapping his arms around her and holding on tight. “The Hecate isn’t going to stop coming after me just because Leinth was willing to throw herself between us. I don’t know why she wants what she wants, but once she’s got her sights set on something, she doesn’t back off until she’s gotten it. I’ve seen it before.”
“How long has she been after you?”
“Gods only know,” Phelan said. “I lost track of the years and who’s been hunting. I’ve had a lot of time and opportunity to piss people off, Jac. It’s just another part of my existence. Can you—?”
“Handle that? I wouldn’t be here if I couldn’t.” She kissed his jaw gently. “Sleep, Phelan. She’s not coming for you tonight—and if she does, she’s not going to make it any closer than the walls. We both know that.”
“It’s only a matter of time,” he murmured sleepily.
“Just like everything else.” She kissed his ear. “Sleep,” she whispered. “Sleep, Phelan.”
He exhaled softly and drifted off into dreams.
