Page 20 of Flight Risk

Tav’s eyes burned with passion, and a slow rumble echoed from his chest. “Always. I will always defend you. I’ll always fight for you, no matter what. You are the most important person to me.”

“I feel the same. I was so alone before you, Tav.”

I rested my cheek against his chest and let him hold me. Perhaps he was right, and it was time that I fully embraced this new life I found myself in—especially if these instincts to make my own space were part of the nesting instinct. Denying that wouldn’t be good for my children, the ones I likely carried.

“Maybe I need to go shopping. Our house needs more pillows.”

“Pillows?”

I bit my lip. My face heated, and it wasn’t because of the warmth Tav gave off. “Sometimes I like to nap in my wolf form, and I like having pillows.”

Tav let out a boom of laughter, throwing his head back. “I love that. Of course we can get more pillows and fluffy blankets too.”

“Ooh. I love fluffy blankets.” I hugged him tighter, raising my chin to look into his eyes. “You are an amazing mate, Tav. I have a feeling you will spoil me if I let you.”

“Of course I will.”

“I think you’ll have to talk to your dad before he comes over for dinner tomorrow,” I murmured.

Tav chuckled. “My phone is already vibrating in my pocket. I’m sure it’s him, having heard about what I did.”

“I’m sorry. You’ll get in trouble.”

“I won’t,” he said with a grin.

Chapter 12

Tavian

“Doesn’t Kier work for you, Dad?” Eryndor asked.

My younger brother had invited himself along to our dinner. Now it was a sort of meet-and-greet for the whole family with my mate at our home. Kier had taken the day off, so I was riding home with my father and brother. After our talk the day before, Kier had been feeling restless and wanted to get a few things done around the house. I didn’t quite know what that meant, but I assured him that he could let me know if he needed anythingand that he had free rein to do whatever he wished. He could purchase a whole warehouse full of pillows if he wanted to.

I didn’t wish to hover. Based on the silence I received most of the day, I assumed he got whatever he needed done.

“He works for the clan,” my father, Malric, said. “Some of his duties include more personal assistant responsibilities as it relates to my schedule. However, for the most part, he’s a receptionist for the whole clan.”

“So you’re not really meeting him for the first time today?” my brother asked.

Dad shook his head. “No, I’ve known Kier for quite a while. I’m the one who hired him. Though he keeps his private life private, I’m excited to get to know him better.”

I was happy for the two of them to learn more about each other as well, though nervous didn’t even begin to describe how I felt. Kier had a lot of hang-ups about being a part of the clan, and my father was the head of that clan. Having Eryndor here might keep things running smoothly. Or it will be a hectic mess, only time would tell.

“Thorne mentioned that there was some trouble with Gerald the other day,” Dad said.

Just that asshat’s name had my dragon on edge. My jaw clenched. “I took care of it,” I said.

My father’s eyes narrowed, and he folded his arms over his chest. Though he was well over five hundred, by human standards he looked to be in his early forties. Gray peppered his hair and filled his beard when he let it grow in. Like most shifters he kept in shape. “If members of the clan are not treating all members with respect, I have a right to know.”

“I understand that,” I replied. “Kier didn’t want to make a big deal out of it. I’ve spoken with Gerald. He assures me it won’t happen again. I plan to speak with his entire family to ensure they all get the message that prejudice will not be tolerated.”

“Has this sort of thing happened before? Why didn’t Kier tell us?” The concern my father expressed was genuine.

“Like you said, he has always kept to himself. Up until he and I were mated, he didn’t consider himself part of the clan,” I explained.

My father’s brow furrowed. “That’s nonsense. He’s just as much a member of my clan as you two are.”

I smiled. “I’m glad to hear that, Father. He’s coming to that understanding as well, but it is taking time.”

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