“What happens if your captain decides not to let him join?” I asked, holding the stirring spoon in a firmer grip.
“That’s no business of yours, boy,” Draven told me.
“Um. It is actually. You plan to take my boyfriend away to some undisclosed location. Least you can do is guarantee his safe return.”
Rowan turned to me, eyes softening. “Like they could best me. Bone Crusher, remember?”
I tried for a smile, but it felt too shaky.
“Make your decision, shadow mage,” Draven said. “Captain Remy is waiting.”
Lake’s nostrils flared as he stared down the spy.
“I’ll go.” Rowan glanced at Lake, then at me.
My knees nearly buckled. Would the spies kill someone who failed the initiation? Someone who learned too much?
“Ro,” I rasped.
“Don’t worry, little treasure. I’ll be home before you know it.” Rowan walked back up the steps and pulled me against his chest. A peppery scent lingered in his hair. “Save one of those sweet potato buns for me. Don’t let Captain Glutton eat them all.”
“I’m slowly converting you to liking sweets,” I said, heart thrashing.
“This one is more like bread, so it’s an exception.” His lips ghosted over mine before making contact. A kiss that wasn’t nearly long enough, but we had an audience. “You and the pup go back inside. It’s cold.”
He then pulled away and joined the spies in the yard. As they walked toward the trees, I leaned against the porch railing and watched them.
“Be careful,” I whispered.
Rowan looked back at the porch, somehow hearing me. Or maybe, he’d been thinking of me too and needed one final glance before sinking into the shadows.
“He’ll be fine.” Lake’s arms came around me. In the evening air, his forest scent surged forward, mixed with the hint of peaches. “The shadows will protect him.”
“Y-Yeah.”
“Evan?” came Maddox’s deep voice from inside the cottage.
Lake’s wolf ears perked up.
“Where are you, love?” Briar asked.
“Our men are home.” I slid my hand into Lake’s. “Let’s go see them.”
And I tried my best not to worry about the one who wasn’t with us.
***
“Come to bed.” Maddox kissed my nape. “Staring out this window won’t bring your thief home any sooner.”
We had eaten dinner and played a few hands of cards before coming upstairs. The cards were a nice distraction, even if I’d lost every game. I had the worst poker face ever, much to Maddox’s amusement. Briar had played a game with us before tackling work he’d brought home. He was still downstairs reading through documents.
“When do you think he’ll be home?” Wind pushed against the cottage, causing creaks in the walls. My eyes watered. “He doesn’t like the cold.”
“Sweetheart?” Maddox turned me to face him. Firelight kissed his naked skin, dancing over the hard lines of muscle and scars. “Please come to bed.”
His voice was unexpectedly gentle. Pleading, even. I nodded and walked with him back toward the bed.
Lake lay on top of the blanket, half asleep. As I crawled under the sheets, he stirred and settled into his favorite sleeping spot: head on my belly and body curved around my legs. I lowered a hand to his silky hair. He nudged my hand and emitted a sleepy sigh.
