Page 61 of Serpent & Saviors

Fuck off. I know the rules. I’m not bringing her home…yet. What do we think about installing her and the boy in the cottage?

REAPER:

Sounds brilliant. We have some time before Christmas anyway. Better use it while you can.

The cashier waved me forward, and I slid my phone into my pocket as I approached the register. On impulse, I added a few things that were already within reach. There were some cute bookmarks, some highlighters, and flair pens.

After she bagged the items, I thanked her and walked out. As I climbed into the car, Victoria lifted sad eyes to mine. I got situated, and Marcus pulled out into traffic.

“You’ll have Declan in your arms soon. I promise. One more day, that’s it. Think you can do it?”

“Yes, Sir,” she whispered, laying her head against my shoulder and looping her arm in mine.

I loved that she felt comfortable enough to touch me. Kissing the top of her head, I sighed. We drove the two blocks that we could have easily walked, but sitting in the car had given her a minute to calm down. Before we got out, I dug in the bag.

“I picked this out for you.” I handed her the teal journal I’d seen.

On the cover were a pair of trainers and the words “Escape Plans” scrawled across the top. She burst out laughing, and the magical sound filled the car. She threw her arms around me and held on tight.

“It’s perfect.”

I pulled back from her. “Oh, and these were at the front of the store. I wasn’t sure which kind you might like. Dark, milk or white, so I got one of each.”

Her laughter once more turned to loud sobs. Marcus’ head whipped around so fast it must have hurt. I scratched my head while she cried into her hands. Marcus’ eyes met mine. I shrugged.

She pulled her hands away and snatched the milk chocolate bar from the bag and ripped it open. With tears running down her face, she took a bite. Her eyes closed as she savored it. I brushed her tears away and waited for her to speak.

“I haven’t had chocolate in six years. Six long years. I swear you must be a mind-reader. I was thinking about when I was young. I used to soothe my tough days with chocolate, and how it would be nice to have a piece right now. How did you know?” she asked, dumbfounded.

I relaxed back in the seat, relieved that I had made a judgment call and that it had paid off. If she loved chocolate that much, I would make sure she had a year’s supply.

“Most women I know love chocolate on some level. I honestly guessed,” I told her as she actively dug into the bag for one of the other pieces.

“Well, you guessed right,” she mumbled around another bite, causing both Marcus and me to smile. “I promise I don’t cry this much…regularly.”

“Crying is perfectly acceptable. We’re used to it, aren’t we, Marcus?”

“Not only are we used to it, but we’ve become experts in finding ways to handle it. Now that I know yours is chocolate, I’ll try to keep some on hand,” he answered, causing Victoria to blush.

“Angel, I need to go into that shop,” I said, pointing to the jewelry store. “You can stay in the car if you’d like. I won’t be but a minute. I’m picking up something.”

“Could I come in?” she asked shyly.

“Of course,” I answered.

Once more, Marcus and I made eye contact. He knew exactly what I was picking up.

Elysian Chains was in the heart of London’s upscale district, nestled between luxury boutiques and high-end galleries. I actually wanted to take Victoria a few blocks down to Noir & Sage, a spa and salon, when we were done here.

The sleek black facade and discreet signage masked what treasures it held. I wondered what Victoria was going to think when she stepped inside. I opened the door, and she walked in.

The interior gleamed with sophistication and opulence, and held a touch of avant-garde. The lighting was soft, and the exquisite pieces of jewelry in the glass display cases were like little masterpieces.

Meticulously crafted collars, cuffs, and intricate body chains were showcased. Victoria stopped dead in her tracks. She looked up with questions burning in her eyes. The owner, Lysander, embodied the essence of the store.

“Dr. Marcel, wait until you see the finished piece.” He was dressed impeccably in all black. His eyes held a hint of excitement.

When Alek approached me about possibly having a collaring ceremony with Kinsley and asked for my help in the design, I knew exactly where to go. The man behind the display case understood the delicate nature and had created separate pieces and the main one. All of them were discreet, and today the collar was ready to be picked up.