Page 21 of Dark Witch Resurrection

"Of course."

He swung her into his arms.

Behind them, Alfie snickered.

Peter turned to him. "Don't just stand there. Open the door for us."

"Yes, sir." Alfie reached over and pushed the door open.

"Welcome home, Marina," Peter said as he carried her inside.

Holding on to his neck, she looked around the beautiful living room. "Did you decorate it?"

Peter chuckled. "It wouldn't be so pretty if I had done it. Ingrid chose all the colors and finishes, and she also ordered the furniture and all the accessories." He kept going. "Alfie and I just brought over our clothes and shoes." He entered the bedroom and put her down on the bed. "Do you like?"

"It's all beautiful," Marina breathed. "And there is so much space. I could live in this bedroom."

Peter grinned, pulling her into his arms and kissing her forehead. "That can be arranged," he murmured, his voice low and filled with promise.

Desire stirred inside of her, but she pushed it aside. There would be plenty of time for that. Right now, she wanted to explore the wonders of her new house.

"Can I see the kitchen?"

"Sure." Peter offered her a hand up.

When they entered the living room, Alfie cleared his throat. "Should I start packing my bags?"

"Don't be ridiculous," Peter said. "This is your home. Nothing has changed."

Not looking convinced, Alfie turned to Marina. "Are you sure? I can find another Guardian to room with."

"Don't you dare." She smiled. "I would hate it if you left because of me. Besides, you'll regret it if you leave."

Alfie tilted his head. "Why is that?"

"You have yet to taste my cooking. Once you do, you will never consider leaving again."

"You are that good, eh?" He sounded skeptical.

"I am. And I will prove it to you."

17

JASMINE

Jasmine stepped out of the bathroom, her hair still damp from the shower, and changed into a comfortable pair of leggings and an oversized blouse that was still nice enough for an informal celebration. The pair of low-heeled mules would make the outfit a little more festive, but that was as far as she was willing to go in preparation for the party.

She was exhausted from the trip, her anxiety over the prince, and the drama of breaking up with Edgar.

Nevertheless, she was sufficiently energized to make a run to the clinic and check on the prince's progress. Bridget hadn't called, so there was no change, and he was still unconscious. However, Jasmine wanted to see if they had successfully taken him out of the stasis chamber and transferred him to the hospital bed.

Hopefully, the doctors hadn't broken anything or caused him additional damage in the process.

She couldn't shake the image of his emaciated body, the way his skin stretched taut over his bones—looking gray, dry, and brittle. She couldn't even imagine what he looked like when he wasn't starved and on the verge of death.

"I'm going to check on the prince," she told Gabi, the only one in the living room.

"Don't be long," Gabi said. "We have a party to prepare."