Free Blood and Redemption (Cassandra Myles Witch Series) by Electa Graham

madness , not rehash it all. Killian seemed to sense my inner struggle.
    He nodded. “I had booked this time off anyway. Did you want to watch a movie?”
    “Yes, I’d love that.” Doing something as mundane as watching a movie was what I needed.
    Killian had a media room. It looked like a real movie theatre, but with leather seats. There was even a pop fountain and a popcorn machine. We watched a comedy and he thought my laugh was much funnier than the movie. I’ve never had a dainty laugh and if I find something funny , it comes flying out before I have a chance to stop it. Most people find it irritating. Tonight, I didn’t care.
    “I have never heard anyone laugh like that. You just vomit laughter. It’s loud and unapologetic. I love it.”
    “You’re embarrassing me.” I blushed.
    “I don’t mean to , Cass. I just love how much you enjoyed that movie. You have to come again and watch a movie with me.”
    “I’d like to. I had fun. I guess I should get home , though. My problems won’t go away by running away.”
    “You can stay here , Cass. William can make up one of the guest rooms. It would be nice to have someone else in this big house.”
    “I’m sure you have girls stay over all the time.”
    “I won’t lie, Cass. I enjoy women. I do have the occasional adult sleepover. It isn’t the same as having someone you look forward to seeing when you wake up again.”
    “I had a really good time, but avoiding the problem never helps.”
    “ My door is always open. I hope you come by again.” He kissed my forehead. “I’m afraid I’m no match for the old man, but if you ever feel really frightened, I would hide you.” It touched me that he would even offer such a thing.
    I finally broke away. “Thank you for tonight, Killian. It was just what I needed.”
    “My pleasure . Drive safe, Cassandra.” 

    Chapter Seven
     
    I quietly entered my own home, like a thief in the night, slipping in the backdoor, trying my hardest to remain undetected. I held my breath until I got to my room. Quintus and Lucius had fallen into a constant Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde routine and it was just too much to handle tonight.
    I wasn’t surprised that all traces of what happened earlier were erased from my bathroom. Quintus would tell his new assistant to make sure my bathroom was fixed as good as new. I barely kept my eyes open while brushing my teeth. The stress of the day was gone and now I just wanted my sweet, soft, comfy bed.
    Quintus was right about Declan. He and his pack had forced my hand. He had lied to me for years and then asked me to open the fae door. Lucius was only alive because I agreed to be Declan’s mate. In my heart, I knew these were all horrible things, things he would have had to answer for if he was here, but he died saving my life. He had loved me, I know that was true and he had been a great friend and that was how I was going to remember him.
    As for Quintus, I wasn’t going to hide behind Declan any longer. Quintus needed to know that we weren’t ever going to be together and Declan had nothing to do with that. I just didn’t have those feelings for him.
    The fact that Quintus was powerful enough to shatter glass just by being angry was terrifying, but I was much too tired to worry about that tonight. One epiphany a night was all I had the energy for.
    My bed had never felt so cozy. I snuggled into my down duvet and by the time I settle d in, sleep was already pulling me under. I hadn’t been asleep very long when a loud bang knocked me back to the conscious world. It happened again and this time the wall bordering the hallway shuddered under the impact of something very heavy.
    Knowing it wasn’t a good idea, but doing it anyway , I opened my door to see Lucius flying through the air with Quintus running close behind. I ran after them both. When I caught up, Quintus had Lucius raised in the air with a hand around his throat and was smashing his head against the wall. Lucius wasn’t