“You’re no fun. Stabbing is my specialty.”
“Eating buttery biscuits is too. No one does it better.”
His raspy laugh came from the shadows to my left. Still no sight of him though.
“It’s weird hearing your voice but not seeing you.”
“Being seen is against our code.”
“Our code?” I grinned. “Said like a true brother of the Order. Draven would be proud. He might even shed a tear.”
“Head home, little treasure,” Rowan responded, a smile clear in his tone. “I’m sure the pup is pouting at the door.”
“Be nice to my Lake.” I tossed a playful glare to where I thought he was standing. “When will you be home?”
“Late. My night is only beginning. I’m about to meet Draven and Reign in the courtyard. Should be there now but wanted to see you first.”
Warm flutters danced along my heartstrings. “Do you have a mission tonight?”
“Of sorts.”
“I take it you can’t give me any details?”
“It’s spy business.” His voice followed me down the corridor, as though he were walking right beside me. “And muffins aren’t spies.”
“You’ve been hanging out with Maddox too much.”
He chuckled again. “Speaking of the captain, he’s waiting for you on the castle steps. Give him a punch in the ribs for me.”
“You’re so mean.” I sighed. “Now go meet Draven. Don’t want to give him another reason to hate me.”
“He doesn’t hate you.” The shadows stretched toward me, and I felt the faintest brush along my cheek. “He’s just untrusting and suspicious of everyone. Comes with the job.”
“He and Reign should come over for dinner sometime. Off duty, of course, so they can eat and relax. They’re your brothers now, which makes them part of the family.”
“That heart of yours is too kind, little treasure.” There was another soft brush along my cheek, like a whisper of fingertips. “I’ll see you in the morning. Don’t miss me too much.”
The darkness then retreated back to the wall, taking the scent of black cardamon with it. I lifted a hand to my cheek and smiled. Rowan was such a charmer when he wanted to be. Heart all fluttery, I continued down the corridor.
Reaching the entry hall, two guards nodded to me, and one stepped forward to open the door.
Maddox stood on the castle steps, staring out across the grounds. Like a sentinel keeping watch. At my approach, he turned and gathered me in his arms without a word. But I felt the things he didn’t say. It was a language we both spoke; the relief of holding each other, of knowing the other was safe.
“Let’s go home,” he said before guiding me down the steps and toward his horse.
Little did I know that something had been set into motion that evening. Something that would send me charging head first into one of my fateful paths.
Chapter Twelve
Is This What They Call a Doom Flag?
False spring; that time when the cold clutches of winter receded, allowing for unseasonably warm air and days of sunshine. Give it a week or so, and winter would throw on some boxing gloves and knock spring on its ass, sending us back into chilly temps.
But for now? I enjoyed the bright sunshine and birds chirping in the trees. Just because something was temporary didn’t make it any less beautiful.
“The café was busy today.” Lake held me from behind as we stood in the kitchen, staring out the window over the sink. “People love your pecan sweet buns.”
“The apple pie was popular too.” I tilted my head back against his. “Probably because of your apples. You grew them with love.”
