Page 72 of My Haven
“That was bad!” Meryn said laughing.
Caiden tucked his phone away. “Kendrick needs to earn his keep every once in a while.”
“I forgot that you two were close. What was Keelan like as a kid?” she asked.
“Kee?” Caiden smiled, his expression softening. “Kee was as kind and as thoughtful as Kendrick was sarcastic and rude. He was constantly helping people and of course worshiped the ground Kendrick walked on.” His smiled faded. “I remember the day Kee told Kendrick that was going to Lycaonia to serve in Alpha despite many premonitions saying it was dangerous. It was the first time Kee had ever told him no.”
Meryn pat his arm. “He’s okay. We’ll figure out how to stuff him back in his body.”
Genevieve stared. “Huh?”
Meryn waved off the question. “Tell ya later.”
“Caiden Ironwood, what a surprise!” a voice boomed.
“Bingo,” Caiden whispered, then eyed Meryn.
The small woman shrunk on herself and leaned on Ryuu.
“Thad Broadleaf, it’s rare to see you outside of the council chambers. The weather proved to be too tempting for you?” Caiden asked, in a lazy cadence.
“It has been lovely today.” Thad eyed their small group. “May I beg for introductions?”
“Of course, old boy. The beautiful woman at my side, is my newly found mate, Genevieve Taylor. Nigel and Neil, I know you’ve heard of before. Pip Maverick is a Founding Family son from Noctem Falls, and last but certainly not least, Meryn McKenzie, mate to our commander, Aiden McKenzie, her squire Ryuu Sei and her guard Pierce Alamarez,” Caiden said, pointing to each person.
Thad gave a slight half bow to Genevieve, inclined his head at Pip, then turned his full attention to Meryn. “I have heard more of you, than your esteemed mate. You have been very busy since coming to our world.”
Meryn nodded shyly, staying quiet.
Thad’s eyes went first to the ring on her hand, then to her bracelet. “Interesting pieces. Did you acquire them in Éire Danu?”
Meryn nodded. “Kinda.”
He looked her up and down. “Caiden, am I mistaken, or does she have a bit of empathy and premonition?”
“You would be right. As she wasn’t raised in Storm Keep, she has been getting instruction from Kendrick Ashwood and Thane Ashleigh.”
Thad’s eyebrows rose. “Why those two?”
“She met Kendrick first, when he went to Lycaonia to ascertain Keelan’s condition. She later met Thane as he is herathair,” Caiden explained.
“Athair?” Thad asked quickly.
“Yes, her father was Eamon Vi’Eirlea, and a close friend of Thane’s.”
“How interesting,” Thad murmured, then broke into a broad smile. “Where are my manners? Lady Genevieve, Lady Meryn, would the two of you like a tour of Stormhart castle? My fellow council members are there, and I know they would love to meet you.”
Genevieve, looked up at Caiden who was all smiles, and nodded slowly. “That sounds fun.”
Thad turned to Meryn.
“Could I get some tea, maybe some of those little sandwiches? The Water Temple head said my sugar was low,” she said, looking wan.
“Of course, my dear! Come right this way, I will take you directly to our sitting rooms. There you can rest, and our squires will bring you only the best,” he said, placing a hand over his heart then opening up his other arm in welcome. “Make yourselves at home.”
Genevieve tried to give her best haughty, head nod and followed the dazzlingly polite man.
Please don’t let me screw anything up, she prayed.
