Page 33 of Midnight Rules
“Actually, we should lead with what matters. Dad can wait to be pissed.” Marric smirked.
“Marric.” Kinnison’s tone held a warning, but it was one Iven understood on a parental level. Exasperation and affection came through in equal measure.
Marric sighed again and rolled his eyes. He held Iven’s hand as he pulled him to the porch. “This is Iven Palmer. He’s the Fortune Falls sheriff and my Fated mate. Fated mate, dad. Fated. Mate.”
It was Kinnison’s turn to sigh, but he never lost his scowl. “Are you okay?”
Marric drew his eyebrows together. “Why wouldn’t I be? He’s my mate.”
Kinnison rolled his eyes. “You had a fever spell and never came home afterward.”
“Iven took care of me.” Marric wrapped an arm around Iven’s waist. “Did you get the herbs?”
Kinnison nodded and then met Iven’s gaze. “Your ex-wife administered them. That I trusted her should tell you something.”
All it told Iven was Kinnison was desperate to save his children and would push aside his feelings.
“I’d like to put stronger wards on the property and in the house. Afterward, we’ll fill you in on how the investigation is going.”
Kinnison nodded. “The herbs helped. Emery was out of bed earlier. It was the first time in days. That’s the only reason I’m allowing the wards.”
Iven raised his eyebrows. “If you hadn’t, I would have taken Marric to my house to keep him safe. I still might, depending on how strong the curse has become.”
Yeah, Iven wasn’t playing around with Marric’s safety, and he wouldn’t get in more of a pissing contest with Marric’s father, even though his distrust pissed Iven off.
“I’m right here. And I’m an adult. I can make my own decisions.” And with that Marric went into the house, pushing past Kinnison.
Kinnison shook his head and sighed. “I guess I might as well introduce myself. I’m Kinnison, Marric’s dad. I’m sure you’ve already figured that out.”
“I have.” Iven nodded toward the door Marric had disappeared behind. “Can I give you some advice from one dad to another?”
Kinnison raised his eyebrows. “You have children?”
“Two boys. My oldest is about Marric’s age, actually.” Iven understood if his and Marric’s age difference bothered Kinnison. It wouldn’t change how their relationship progressed, though.
Kinnison waved his hand. He didn’t seem bothered by Iven having a son the same age as Marric. It was a relief for Iven. “What’s the advice?”
“Let go. He’s right about not being a child. He’s a man who will decide for himself, despite what you want. Trust him.” Iven had to learn that lesson as well. “He’s a good person and under a lot of stress right now.”
Kinnison sighed again. This one was as dramatic as Marric’s had been. “You aren’t going anywhere, are you?”
“I intend to bond with Marric if he’ll have me, if that’s what you’re asking.” Iven wouldn’t back down from his intention under Kinnison’s disapproval. It was best if Kinnison understood that. “I’ll take care of him.”
Marric came out of the house, pushing past Kinnison and launched himself at Iven. Iven saw him coming, so he caught Marric with little effort.
Marric wrapped his legs around Iven’s waist and held on as if his life depended on it. He pressed his cheek against Iven’s. “I’ll have you.”
“I thought you had misgivings because of the curse.”
“I don’t want to break your heart if I die.”
“It’s too late to prevent that.” It had been since the moment Iven met him. Maybe even before that.
Kinnison swore.
Marric kissed him. “I feel the same.”
Marric nodded and released Iven, getting to his feet. “Can I watch you set the wards?”
