“Normal? But you said I’d have your ring. Isn’t it the same thing? I’d be trading one prison for another?” I said the words even though I didn’t quite view my relationship with Levi that way anymore.

“It won’t be a prison, it will be a palace.” He inched toward me again. His closeness felt stifling.

“You can’t break the bond I have with Levi. This ring isn’t coming off.” I touched my ruby ring. It had become such a constant part of me. I wondered if it was like wearing a wedding ring, or if it was something more because you could never take it off.

“I’d tell you I hope you figure out what you are on your own, but I’m kind of looking forward to telling you myself—when I finally take you to bed again.” He put his hand back on my hip. “God, I want you right now.”

“Please just let Jess go.”

“Not a chance, Allie. Go have fun with your friends. You won’t be seeing too much more of them—I can promise you that. Oh, and tell anyone I was here, and we will hurt her.”

“What?”

“Right now we’re treating her well, but that can change at any time.”

“Why can’t I tell?”

“This visit needs to stay our little secret.” Without warning, he disappeared into the crowd, and I was left even more worried and confused about what to do than before.

I walked back toward the bathrooms. Hailey was waiting outside with the guys next to her. She ran over and hugged me. There was panic all over her face. “Where the hell were you?”

“I’m sorry, I went looking for you.”

Levi moved in front of Hailey. “Next time, wait.”

“I will.” I looked down, not wanting to meet his eyes. I didn’t want to lie to him, but I was afraid Toby would somehow find out if I didn’t.

“It’s almost midnight. Let’s get some more champagne.” He led me back toward our table. I didn’t complain. I couldn’t stop thinking about Toby’s words and his confidence that I’d get back with him. What was he talking about when he asked whether I knew what I was? I needed more information, and the one person I knew wouldn’t give it to me was currently holding my hand.

Chapter Three

Despite the insanity of the night, I did get my New Year’s kiss. Levi made sure to make it memorable. He stopped to grab my coat, a detail I would have forgotten, before leading me outside a few minutes before midnight.

“This is going to be our best year yet.” He leaned in, planting a tiny kiss on my lips. “The best.”

The fireworks started as he kissed me again. By the time I stepped back, breathless, the show was in full force. “I didn’t know New Orleans did fireworks on New Year’s.” I had to talk loudly over the explosive noise.

He grinned. “They don’t.”

“You mean—this is you?” I pointed at the incredible show above us. The colors were fantastic, and I felt like a kid again waiting for each set.

“I wanted it to be memorable.” He took my hand.

I glanced around, surprised I didn’t hear any cheering or anything. “Wait, why isn’t anyone else out here?”

“They were instructed to keep everyone else inside until 12:05.”

As if on cue, people started flooding out.

I laughed. “Right on time.”

“Exactly. Want to go home?” I wasn’t surprised when he asked me. The kiss let me know there was much more to come. I needed him. The only thing that was going to calm me down was a night with Levi. It might even save me from the killer headache I could feel forming. I’d been getting them every few days since leaving for Vermont, and Levi had a knack for getting rid of them just by being near me.

“Yes. Definitely, yes. We just need to call Hailey.”

“I already told everyone we were leaving.”

“How’d you know I’d want to?”

He started to button my coat. I hadn’t bothered with it when we came out. “Great minds think alike.”

***

“I’ve been waiting for this all night.” Levi unzipped my dress, letting it fall onto the floor of his room.

“You aren’t the only one.” I unbuttoned his shirt and pulled his white t-shirt over his head. I ran my hands down his chest, still marveling at how muscular he was.

“Happy New Year to me.” He unclasped my bra and pulled down my panties at the same time. His eyes devoured my naked body, and I unbuttoned his pants, tugging off his boxers. He stepped out of his pants and shorts before taking a seat on his bed. He pulled me onto his lap, and I wrapped my arms around his neck.

I was glad no one else was home. It was impossible to be quiet with Levi. It was made even harder when I felt his firm wings under my hands. Usually he warned me when he was going to transform, but he surprised me. I opened my eyes to see his eyes completely black. He moved faster, and I dug my nails into his back.

He brought me over the edge and joined me moments later. I leaned forward into his chest. He kissed the top of my head. “How did I make it my whole life without you?”

“Hard to believe, huh?”

“You know it.”

We got under his sheets, and I hoped the feeling of physical completeness would be enough to get me to sleep. At least my headache was gone.

***

Two hours later, I was still wide awake and incredibly thirsty. I needed a glass of water. I slipped out of Levi’s arms and legs. It was no easy feat. He had me all tangled up. If I opened my suitcase I’d wake Levi, so I grabbed my underwear and Levi’s dress shirt. I’d heard everyone come in, but the only one staying in the living room was Hailey, and she was probably sound asleep.

I eased the door open quietly and closed it as silently as I could. Hailey left a lamp on, but the apartment was eerily quiet. I poured myself a glass of water from the pitcher in the fridge.

“Allie?” Hailey called sleepily.

“Yeah. Sorry if I woke you up.”

“It’s not a problem.” She sat up. “But, uh, nice outfit.”

I laughed and took a seat on the couch next to her, using her blanket to cover my legs. “I didn’t want to wake Levi opening my suitcase.”

“You know you could probably unpack. I’m sure Levi would be thrilled to give you some drawer space.”

“I’m not moving in with him. I like living with you.”

“You don’t have to totally move in…”