Can't Fix Cupid

His ankles are crossed, and he has his hands resting behind his head where he lies. He looks like a rocker cupid god, with his AC/DC shirt and tattered jeans. “There you are, luv,” he says. “I’ve got news.”

I look around, but all that’s in here are the sinks and the couch. I hurry to the door that leads to the toilets, but thankfully, we’re alone.

I flip the lock on the entryway door and turn back to Sev. “What news?”

“I’m getting major cupidity flares from you. I’d say just a few more pushes of power, and I’ll be able to bring you back.”

Turmoil and dread wrestle in my stomach like longtime opponents. “Oh.”

An awkward pause stretches between us.

“Wow. Gotta say, that wasn’t the reaction I expected.”

I bite my lip nervously. “What if I were to...hold off on using more powers?” I ask quietly.

Sev sits up and leans forward to look at me, balancing his forearms on his thighs. When his eyes take in my dress and the flush of my cheeks, his brow shoots up. “Fooking pile of satyr shite. Did you go off and fall in love?”

“It just sort of happened,” I say lamely.

Sev blows out a breath and runs his hand through his hair. “Triple X, you’re not meant to be here,” he says seriously.

Tears fill my eyes. “I know. But I couldn’t help it. I’ve always felt drawn to him.”

Sev blows out a puff of air between his lips and flexes his wings behind him. “I don’t know what to tell you, luv. A couple more acts of cupidity, and you’ll be too cupid for this world. I’ll have to bring you back. It’ll be out of my hands, get it?”

“My power is still malfunctioning sometimes…” I offer, though I know it’s working more effectively than it ever has before.

“Well, they’re obviously working enough, or I wouldn’t be here. You’re almost ready, and I suspect you can feel it too.”

As if spurred by his words, my back prickles with awareness as my loose feathers rub against the fabric of my dress. “I know,” I say in a small voice. And I do. I’ve known this all along. That’s why this is so hard.

Watching the expression on my face, Sev shakes his head again. “Oh, luv. You’ve right done it this time, haven’t you?” He slaps his knees before standing up. “Right then,” he says. “I can try to stall you, but as soon as your cupidity flares to completion, I got no choice. I’ve got to take you.”

“I understand.”

“But be careful. Because if you quit using your powers altogether, there’s still a danger that the Veil could pop you into nothing.”

I nod in understanding. “Okay,” I say, taking a shuddered breath. “Thanks, Sev.”

“Don’t thank me, Triple X. I’ll do what I can, but there’s no promises.”

“I know, but I still appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”

Sev stuffs his hands in his pockets. “Don’t go all weepy on me. Enjoy this livin’ and lovin’ shite while you can, get it?”

He disappears in a puff of pink smoke.

“Got it,” I whisper to the empty room.

I take a moment to compose myself before using the bathroom and washing my hands.

Determination fills me. Sev just essentially gave me a hall pass to skip class. He’s letting me stall, and I don’t intend to waste any of the fleeting time I have.

By the time I make it back to the rooftop, there’s an entire rolling tray set beside our table, filled with a dozen desserts. Warren is leaning against the balcony, his back to the railing and his hand in his pockets. His eyes lock onto me the moment I step into view, and the curl on his lips immediately warms my heart.

All I’ve ever wanted to be was a cupid.

But that now wars with the desire of wanting to stay with the man in front of me.