“Fine.” She huffed and scooted backward. Then, she smiled at me. “Did my brother finally confess to you? He swore to mehe wouldn’t, said that you belonged to Captain Maddox, but I told him to get his head out of his ass. Seeing you now? I’m impressed he lasted as long as he did. Quite the self-restraint.”
“We knights are taught discipline,” a male voice said. “Putting our own desires aside for the greater good.”
I tore my gaze from Penny and to the others in the room. An older woman sat in a chair on the other side of the cot, her sandy colored hair pulled back in a low bun with several wavy strands falling forward. Two women stood behind her, one with dark blonde hair and the other matching Penny’s.
As for the guy? He resembled Callum so much I had to blink a few times. My sleep-muddled brain cleared, and realization crept in.
“You’re Cal’s family,” I sleepily croaked.
“My name is Annabelle, but please call me Ann,” the older woman said. “I’m Callum’s mother.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Evan.” I sat up a little and was immediately tugged back down by the still-sleeping cinnamon roll. “Thank you for all the clothes. They helped a lot.”
Ann smiled. “You’re very welcome, dear. I’m glad they could be of use. Gerard outgrew them so quickly. Sprouted up like a weed, he did.”
“A weed, Mother?” The guy softly laughed. He had the same dimple as Callum, though his appeared in both cheeks instead of just one. “An honor to finally meet you, Evan. My brother speaks highly of you and your café. I’ve been meaning to visit sooner, but training has kept me busy.”
He was Callum’syoungerbrother, but his huge muscles and broad shoulders could’ve fooled me. They looked like twins instead.
“There’s no way you’re only fifteen,” I said, letting my internal thoughts run free.
“Sixteen, as of one month ago.” Gerard smiled. “I’ll graduate the academy next autumn and become a full-fledged knight.”
“That’s great. Callum’s told me how proud he is of you.” Callum had also let slip once how he wished Gerard would take a different path. One that wouldn’t force him to charge into battle and fight demons.
“I’m Sasha,” the other brunette said. Her hair was cut short, falling an inch past her ears, and she wore a sleeveless shirt that was tucked into black pants. Burn scars scattered across both forearms. Soot tarnished her clothes. “Forgive my appearance. I rushed over straight from the forge when Ma told me about Callum.”
“The forge?” I asked.
“I work as a blacksmith. Specialty is forging weapons. Daggers and swords mostly. If you ever need one, feel free to stop by the shop.”
“Disregard her offer,” the blonde told me. “Callum said you are quite clumsy. Weapons would be unwise.”
I snorted.
“That’s Christa,” Gerard said. “Ignore her. She can be quite the bog witch.”
“I’ll show you bog witch.” Christa put him in a headlock and ruffled his hair. “You may be taller than me now, yet I’m still your older sister.”
Callum grumbled and slowly opened his eyes. He squinted. “Ma?”
The two siblings stopped rough housing and flipped around to him. Penny bounded forward, landing beside me on the cot.
“Oh, my sweet boy.” Ann rushed from her chair and took his hand. “How are you feeling? Penny, tell the physician he’s awake.”
“Why must I do it?” Penny frowned. “Sasha is closer to the door.”
“Because you’re younger.” Sasha crossed her arms. “Respect your elders.”
“I’ll tell Briar,” I said, lifting the blanket off me. Like before, Callum’s arm tightened around me, as if on reflex. His hold then loosened as he offered me a small smile. I bent down and kissed his cheek before standing.
Penny plopped beside him, taking my spot. “I’ll keep you warm until your pretty boy returns.”
He sneered. “I don’t wantyou.”
“You have me anyway.” With an impish grin, she nestled against his shoulder. “How the gods must favor you. A precious sister and a pretty little prince.”
“A prince?” Callum asked.
