“Yes. Trust is difficult for me. Yet, I trust Callum.” Lake stared at the blue sky beyond the window. “I know he will keep you safe and treasure you like you deserve.”
“You deserve that too.” A tight lump formed in my throat. “To be treasured. And happy.”
Lake’s purple eyes moved to me, and he slid his arms around my waist. “You’re my mate, Evan. My soul knows yours. Your breath fills my lungs, breathing life into me too. Our hearts beat to a rhythm only known to us. I’m attuned to your every exhale and each thrum of your heart. I felt your love before you evenspoke the words for the first time. Never doubt my happiness. Because right now with you in my arms? There’s no one in this world who’s happier and more loved than I.”
It was the reassurance I needed. Despite having been through this several times now, the guilt over bringing another man into our lives had been eating at me. But his words alleviated that guilt.
“I love you.” I burrowed against his chest. “My wolf.”
“My human.” He nuzzled my hair. “Because of you, I have a family I cherish. Maddox. Briar. Even Rowan. And soon, Callum.”
“Stop. You’re gonna make me cry.”
He chuckled. “I’ll help you finish breakfast.”
Once the food was ready, I made Lake a plate, along with a cup of tea, and carried it to the table. He kissed me on the cheek and thanked me. Smiling, I made Rowan a plate, then headed down the hall and up the stairs, my heart much lighter than it’d been earlier.
I cracked open the door to Rowan’s room and slipped inside. He lay face down in bed, his red hair a splash of color against the white pillow case.
“Hey, you.” I set the tray on the nightstand and crawled onto the mattress, kissing his bare shoulder. I loved the smell of his skin in the morning. Spicy and warm.
“Mm.” He kept his eyes closed. “What’s that smell?”
“Your celebration breakfast.”
“Celebration?”
“For you being sworn into the Secret Order. Eggs with peppers and bacon.” I kissed his bicep. “Coffee. Even ruined it with a dash of rum just how you like it.” That earned me an amused snort. “And Lake made you two buttery biscuits.”
“Fine. You win. I’ll get up.” Rowan turned his face toward me, a smirk on his lips. “Draven was right. You use your skills in the kitchen to your advantage.”
“It’s a gift. You have your shadows. I have an oven.” I poked his cheek. “Speaking of Draven, when are you meeting him?”
“This afternoon.” He rolled to his back, tugging me against his chest. “My first official day of work.”
“I’m so proud of you.”
“Because I’m more respectable now? Using my dark magic for good?”
“No. I’ve always liked your magic.” I traced his bottom lip. “I’m just happy other people are seeing how amazing you are now too.”
“Gods, you’re too good for me.” His golden irises burned with his affection. “You know I’d do anything for you, right? Set the entire realm ablaze. Kill anyone who hurt you.”
“I don’t want that. I don’t want you to set the world on fire or kill anyone, Ro. I just want you to be here. With me. With all of us.”
Rowan rested his forehead on mine. “Every prince needs a sworn guard, right? I can be that for you. A shadow that will never leave your side.”
My belly flopped. “My dad was a prince. I’m just a clumsy bookworm with an addiction to coffee, sweets, and bad boys with soft hearts.”
“Is that how you see me?” he asked. “A soft hearted bad boy?”
“Maybe.”
“Well, then, this bad boy can kill your enemies and still be soft with you at the same time. It’s called balance.”
“It’s called murder.” I sighed. “Don’t make me confiscate your daggers.”
“Take them if you insist.” Rowan pulled back, flashing that snaggle tooth I freaking adored. “I don’t need a weapon to slay your enemies. The Bone Crusher, remember?”
