Heart of a rogue

Chapter 32 -

They didn't set out the next day, or the day after that. Leo informed me that he had attempted to locate Agatha's house but had come up empty-handed, not even finding a trace. He mentioned that he needed to gather certain items that could help track her down, but obtaining them would take a few days. I wanted to help him, I didn't want to be here actually.  The items were rare and difficult to come by, so it required some time. He even asked Erzulie to aid him in finding them. 

Time was a luxury we didn't have. The curse was spreading rapidly. People were growing hungrier by the day, and everyone was dipping into their reserves. Reserves meant for winter. Even if they managed to lift the curse, it would take years for the animal populations to recover enough to sustain everyone again  and for the reserves to fill. 

In the meantime, I visited Sam, shared everything with him, and asked for his advice. Not only was his insight valuable, but our conversation also provided a much-needed distraction from the mounting pressure. Sam loved the drama, especially the whole Leo thing en my feelings. But I wasn't quite sure myself.

Declan, Leo, the curse—it was all swirling in my head, and I felt like I was going to drown under the weight of it all. I hated feeling this confused, this... uncertain. Sam was my only real escape, someone who could make me forget, even for a little while, about the chaos that seemed to follow me everywhere and the chaos inside my head.

"You always bring the drama, don't you, Luce?" Sam's voice cut through the silence, playful and teasing as ever. He was sprawled out in the chair by the window, a lazy grin on his face. I had just finished telling him everything—about Declan's rage, Leo's reappearance and of course fucking him in a magical pond, and the complicated mess of my feelings—and instead of looking shocked or even remotely concerned, he just looked entertained.

I shot him a glare, but it didn't have any bite behind it. "You're not helping, Sam. This isn't funny. I'm... I'm confused."

He snorted, clearly holding back laughter. "Luce, you have to admit, it's kinda hilarious. I mean, your life is basically one giant supernatural soap opera. Betrayals, love triangles, wolves, curses, spirit realms... You can't make this stuff up."

I flopped down next to him on the couch, letting out a long, exasperated sigh. "I didn't ask for any of this, you know."

Sam leaned forward, that mischievous sparkle still in his eyes. "Maybe not, but you're definitely in it. And let's be real—you're kinda enjoying it. Especially the whole Leo thing."

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. "I don't know what I'm feeling anymore. Somewhere deep down, I still have feelings for Declan. I mean, he's my mate! But after everything that's happened... I can't see myself with him anymore. He doesn't even feel like... home, you know?"

Sam's smirk softened, just a little. "Yeah, I get it. But let's be honest here—if you didn't feel something for Leo, you wouldn't be in this mess, would you?"

I hesitated, biting my lip. "I don't know. I just... Leo's different. He gets me, in a way that Declan never did. He always know how to push my buttons, he always did. He ignites something in me. He just wants me to be me. It feels good, it feels like home with him. There, in that world. But that doesn't make it right, does it?"

Sam snorted again, louder this time, and I looked up, confused. His grin was downright wicked. "Of course it doesn't. But it felt right enough for you to take his cock!"

I blinked, caught off guard, and then—against my will—I started laughing. It wasn't just a small giggle either. I laughed so hard that tears pricked at my eyes, and I had to clutch my stomach from how much it hurt. "You're disgusting! And awful!" I managed to choke out between fits of laughter, swatting him on the arm.