Chapter 6
I had to admit, I’d had a wonderful time getting to know the other Sentinels and their mates.
I was in awe when Cerys explained how she came to realize she was a Precious One and how her courtship with Abraxas unfolded.
He’d admitted he allowed his far-fetched dream that he might meet a wolf shifter who was destined to be his mate, almost cost him.
Brax worried that if he claimed Cerys and then he met his shifter mate, he’d be hurting one of them and himself.
He’d been torn, but totally in love with Cerys.
After a year, he broke down and went after her.
Brax made his claim before he knew she could give him children.
He claimed he got both things he was desperate for—someone he loved and who loved him, and a future that included children.
I thought they were such a perfect match.
As for Fennick and Akiva, their first meeting was way different, though no less intense.
She shared her background, which was heartbreaking.
I wanted to hunt down her father, Lazarus, and kill him myself.
A monster was the only one who would do what he did by breeding those women, selling their babies, and, when the women were no longer useful, selling them.
I was fascinated by Akiva’s ability to connect and communicate with babies.
And the fact that she was a half-witch fascinated me, too. I’d never met one.
Dinner was a lively affair. I helped Granddad finish making it.
When it was over, we settled down to talk more.
I made sure I was seated where Keir couldn’t sit beside me.
I kept feeling his eyes on me, but I pretended I didn’t.
It was ten o’clock when I noted that Cerys appeared tired.
Her eyes were drooping. Her mate noticed the same.
“We’ve had a wonderful time. You’ve been amazing, putting up with us all day and night.
We’d like to invite everyone to dinner tomorrow night.
It’ll take the work off all of you and allow us to see aspects of Phoenix without being obvious about it.
We have some other meetings tomorrow. Would you all be okay if we arranged for dinner at six? ” Brax asked.
My family and I glanced at each other, then murmured our consent. That was when Granddad brought up my work. I hoped to get off to bed without discussing it. I knew it was a fantasy to believe I would.
“Fiona, did you speak to your work? Will you be off tomorrow and the weekend?”
“I spoke to my supervisor and made it clear that I needed the days. I’ll be there. Dinner out sounds wonderful,” I assured them.
The next several minutes were spent getting themselves together and saying goodbye to one another.
I saw Gunnar and Keir with their heads together, whispering.
I had no clue what about. I was relieved that tonight was Gunnar’s night to stay.
Even with the added security measures, the two of them insisted that one stay here.
After the first two nights, Granddad insisted they shouldn’t stay awake. He had a cot brought into Gal’s room for whoever was here to crash on. Both men protested it as unnecessary, but our granddad was immovable as a mountain when he wanted to be. Finally, they gave in.
I said my goodbyes, then excused myself to put the glasses we had just finished using into the dishwasher. I heard the door open and close, and the chatter died away.
Footsteps came into the kitchen. I was so far in my head, thinking about what would happen at work if I didn’t show up, that I spoke automatically. “I’m heading to bed now, Gal. See you in the morning.”
Heat hit my back, and arms came around to trap me between a body and the sink.
I gasped and whipped my head to the side to glance behind me, even though I knew who it was.
Looking up, I met the intense eyes of Keir.
The green was shining brighter than usual.
There was no sign of my brother or granddad.
Keir’s scent and raw masculinity swamped me.
I swore my knees weakened. I gripped the edge of the sink tighter.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“I’m trapping you so you won’t run off before we talk.
You’ve been avoiding me since you got home, Fiona.
Why? What happened at work? Why did you have Sanchez bring you home?
What was he yelling about when he dropped you off?
We’re gonna talk tonight.” The command in his tone made me bristle at his dominance, yet melt into it, too.
“Keir, I’m tired. I want to go to bed,” I told him as I dried my hands.
Suddenly, I was swept up into his arms. A shriek escaped before I cut it off. I expected my family to run into the room, demanding to know what was wrong. They didn’t. Where were they? Where was Gunnar? Was he outside patrolling?
“Put me down!” I ordered.
The infuriating man ignored me. Instead, he marched out of the kitchen and down the hall to my bedroom. The door was open, so he waltzed right in. He pushed the door shut with his heel. Then, holding me with one arm, he locked it. My heart raced.
I wasn’t afraid of him from the standpoint that I was scared he’d beat or rape me.
I was scared that he’d somehow break my fragile hold on my restraint and I’d say or do something that would reveal how I felt.
I’d be mortified. And it would no doubt embarrass him, too. I wanted to avoid that humiliation.
I wiggled. A slap to my ass made me freeze and stare at him wide-eyed.
He winked, then took the last few steps to my bed, where he placed me gently on it.
As he removed his arms, I went to roll off the bed to the opposite side.
Keir was too fast for me. He sat and brought his arms down on either side of my hips.
His stare was growing more intense. I automatically placed my palms on his chest. The heat seeping through the thin material felt like it was almost burning my palms, which was ridiculous.
“Move. You need to leave,” I demanded, but to my ears it sounded weak.