Page 74 of Highballs & Hexes

“She’d no intention of punishing me in your place. She intended to see what type of man you were. If you’d defend or sacrifice me to her whims.”

Patrick shook his head in wonder, thanking his lucky stars he’d said the right thing at the right time. “Why did she offer me the position of consort, knowing I love Fi?”

“Another test. And a bet, to boot.”

“A feckin’ bet? The hell you say! Who was she bettin’ with?”

Ronan laughed. “Me. I said you wouldn’t be swayed, and she said you’d feel the need to make things right.”

“Ach! You lost to her, then.”

“No. I won. You weren’t swayed from Fi despite your sense of justice.”

An emerald light flared in the shadowed corner of the terrace farthest away from the doors, capturing their attention.

The Goddess had joined the party.

Anu approached with a rolling walk meant to make a man’s mouth water, but neither Patrick nor Ronan took note. They bowed their heads, prepared to take a knee when she stopped them.

“No need to be formal among friends,” she said with an indulgent smile. “I’ve come to pay the wager.” A sly expression curled her lips and caused the dimple on the left side of her face to flash. “Unless you’d like to double down, Ronan O'Connor?”

“Nah. The affection an O’Malley has for their mate is an unwavering thing, and a sure bet. I’ll not be so fortunate against you a second time, my Queen,” he replied, with all the charm of the Devil himself. The flirty smile he gave her caused pink to tint the Goddess’s cheeks.

“Sure, and I feel the need to warn ya, if Dubheasa catches you smiling at another that way, she’d cut off your bollocks,” Patrick said, shooting a glance at her and meeting her narrow-eyed gaze. “Ah, you’re too late! And just when I was beginning to develop affection for you. It was nice knowing ya, boyo.”

The others laughed, and a small smile, visible across the distance, curled his daughter’s mouth.

“What did you win?” Patrick asked Ronan.

“Your undying happiness.”

The Guardian’s and the Goddess’s matching expressions were a combination of indulgent and affectionate, with compassion thrown in for good measure.

“I don’t understand. Why?” he asked Ronan.

“Myweenloves ya, Paddy. So does Dove. My life is spent in service to them, with my ultimate goal to provide them everything their hearts desire.” Ronan gripped his shoulder and gave him a little shake. “You’re part of that. It’ll make Dove content to know you’re with someone who cares for ya.”

“I misjudged you something fierce, didn’t I?”

“You were worried for your family. That’s understandable and forgivable.”

Overwhelmed with the need to show him his gratitude but unable to voice it, Patrick embraced him. “Thank you, son.”

“You’re welcome, Da. I can call you that now, yeah?”

“Aye. I’d be proud to be your da, Ronan, me boy.”

As Fi observedPatrick bond with Ronan, she smiled. Her understanding was the two of them had been at odds since the former discovered the latter was Dubheasa’s chosen mate. And of course, with Patrick despising Loman as he had, it was natural the transference of that hatred would be visited upon the son.

“I owe you an apology, Fi.”

She spun to find Bridget, remorseful and apologetic. “You don’t.”

“Aye, I do. I was cruel to you when you tried to care for Da.”

Fi hugged her and was somewhat surprised when the other woman returned her embrace. Bridget was proud and exuded an air of aloofness despite her need to care for everyone. She didn’t have the warm, welcoming vibe of Carrick’s wife, Roisin.

“You were doing the best you could in a shite situation, Bridget. I’ll not fault you for it.” Fi smiled. “You’re about taking care of everyone but yourself, and your protective nature isn’t a bad thing, to be sure.”

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