Page 35 of Echoes and Oaths
Raven rolled her eyes. “A simple internet search. Look, I’m not here to complicate your lives. I’ll stay out of the way or help when I can. I don’t know anything about cows, except they’re huge, and they stink. But I can help around the farm if it doesn’t take me away from my main mission, which is protecting you.”
“She’s staying, Mom.” Eira’s voice left no room for argument. “There’s no point in fighting about it.”
Her mother’s lips pressed into a thin line. “She doesn’t take care of Teo. She doesn’t stay alone with him.”
Raven chuckled darkly. “Yeah, not really my thing either. I’ll leave the nappy changes and feeding to you and his mom.”
A sharp bark from outside sliced through the room. Eira glanced toward the window and immediately stiffened when she spotted her dog and the small puppy Raven had brought with her, both yapping wildly at the front gate. Dust curled in the air beyond them, stirred by the black SUV slowly creeping up the access road.
She didn’t need a closer look to recognize the vehicle.
“Mom,” she said quietly.
Her mother didn’t hesitate. She turned and disappeared down the hallway toward Teo’s room.
Eira’s heart raced as she peered out the window. Dust swirled around the SUV’s wheels as it slowed in front of the house, the midday heat shimmering off the black paint like liquid fire.
“It’s Ortega’s enforcers,” she muttered under her breath. Raven stepped up beside her, her expression unreadable. “What’s your name?” Eira asked quietly, keeping her gaze on the vehicle.
“Let’s stay with Raven,” she replied smoothly. “That’ll save us all some confusion.”
Together, they stepped onto the front porch asthe SUV’s engine rumbled low, the scent of motor oil and dust wafting toward them on the hot breeze. Eira took a steadying breath, bracing herself as the door opened and Simón climbed out.
Simón was a monster by anyone’s definition. He was tall, broad, and cold as a loaded gun, but he’d always treated Eira with something close to respect. If monsters could have favorites, she was his.
“The dog’s ready?” he asked, his voice gruff.
“Yes,” she replied, forcing her shoulders back. “Make sure you clean up the motor fluids wherever the dog sleeps. It was probably antifreeze.”
Simón grunted, his gaze flicking past her to Raven. His eyes narrowed slightly.
“And her?” he asked, switching to English. “Who are you?”
Raven cocked her head at him, feigning confusion, then glanced at Eira, speaking in Spanish. “What did he say?”
“He wants to know who you are,” Eira replied dryly in the same language.
Raven smiled sweetly at Simón, though nothing was soft in her eyes. “I’m her cousin.”
“From where?”
“Sweden. Do you know it?” Raven said in fluent Swedish, or at least Eira assumed it was Swedish. Itsounded European. Simón’s gaze sharpened, lingering, but he said nothing.
Eira looked at Simón and in Spanish said, “My father is from Sweden,” Eira added. “Everyone knows that I have family there.”
Simón narrowed his eyes. “Why would he send herhere?”
“Because I caused too much trouble at home,” Raven said in Spanish. “I’m being taught a lesson. Working with the cows and the chickens.”
The other men stepped out of the SUV now, moving like shadows, each falling into place with unsettling ease. Ortega’s enforcers came in many shapes. Simón was the professional, all-cool calculation. Marco, who slithered forward last, was the chaos.
His smile was oily and predatory, his gaze sliding over Raven in a way that made Eira’s stomach knot.
Simón shifted his stance to Eira. “Get the dog. We’ll wait here.” His order was barked, but Eira believed it was intended for Marco, not her.
Eira nodded, motioning for Raven to follow her into the small hospital. The moment the door shut behind them, she leaned in close, her voice low. “Stay away from Marco. He’s dangerous.”
Raven’s chuckle was soft, almost pleased. “Ialmost want him to try something. I saw him yesterday, and I heard what he said to you.” Her smile faded, her voice dropping to something harder. “But don’t worry, Eira. I won’t do anything that will endanger you. You need to believe that.”
