“I’ll steal it as many times as I need to.” Rowan pushed his fingers through my hair before stepping back into the shadows.
He vanished from sight just as Penny rounded the corner. Her bubbly personality was contagious. It was hard not to smile as she zoomed over, looped our arms together, and dragged me back into the medical ward.
“Please don’t frighten him away, Pen,” Callum told her. “He’s important to me.”
Penny huffed and tugged me closer. “He already adores me. Just look at his smile.”
As the afternoon drew on, one thing became clear. There was something special about Callum’s family. The love between them was unmistakable. Laughter, playful taunts, and more laughter.
I soon understood why he always felt so warm. His family felt the same way.
Briar brewed tea for everyone and sat with us for a while. Until a medical emergency pulled him away. A castle guard had tripped and thrown out a hand to catch himself—while in full armor. The impact sprang his wrist and broke his index finger.
I related to that guard on a spiritual level. He belonged in the clumsy squad with me and Quincy.
“The sun is setting.” Gerard stood from his chair. “I should return to the academy before I miss curfew.”
Shocked, I looked toward the window, noting the fading daylight. We had visited for hours. Time had flown by.
“It was lovely meeting you,” Ann said, grabbing my hand. “Take care of my boy.”
“Ma.” Callum groaned.
I smiled at him before turning back to her. “I will.”
Gerard nodded to me before taking his mom’s arm and leading her from the room. Christa followed behind them. Sasha ruffled my hair in an all-too-familiar way before leaving too. As his older sister, I was sure she’d done that to Callum many times while growing up.
“Will I see you again soon?” Penny asked me, eyes big and pleading. “Oh! How about this. Come with me on my next quest. My guild accepted a bounty for a cave exploration.”
“Absolutely not,” Callum told her. “Evan isn’t going anywhere near those caves. I fear what would become of him.”
My face fell.
“See what you did?” She flicked a hand at me. “You took his smile away. How dare you?”
I laughed. “Cal has a point. I’m sure I’d trip and fall into a deep chasm or something. Maybe impale myself on a stalagmite.”
Penny pouted.
“But you could come to the cottage,” I suggested. “I’ll make dinner, and you can tell us about the quest.”
She beamed before throwing her arms around me and squeezing tight. “Sounds perfect.”
Once she left, Callum’s palm slid against mine. “Apologies if you’re overwhelmed. My family can be… a lot.”
“Don’t be sorry.” I drew both legs up onto the cot and inched closer to him. “Your family’s amazing, Cal. Sasha is a total badass. Gerard was nice and really mature for his age. Christa didn’t say much, but I get the feeling she’s more of an introvert.”
“Aye.” Callum smiled down at our joined hands. “Christa is the eldest. After my father fell in the war against Haran, my mother took on extra work to make ends meet, and Christa became a sort of second mother for us. She’s watched over us ever since. As for Penny?” He blew out a breath. “She’s always been high spirited.”
“I like her.”
“Good. Because she’s latched on to you, and once that happens, you’re doomed.”
“Doomed isn’t the word I’d use,” I said with a laugh. “I think she may become my new partner in crime. Sorry.”
Penny and I just vibed, feeding off each other’s energy. Pretty sure the two of us together equaled trouble and would test the patience of the men in our lives. That vein in Maddox’s temple might really explode.
“I don’t mind sharing you.” Callum’s expression kickstarted my heart. His chocolate eyes darkened as his gaze fell to my mouth. “I’ve wanted this for so long, Ev. Wanted you. And I’m terrified.”
