Page 34 of Midnight Rules
“I’d like to see that too.” Kinnison came off the porch and held out his hand.
Iven took it without hesitation.
“Thanks for helping my family.”
Iven nodded. “I’ve texted my boys. They should be here to help set the wards soon. They’ll be stronger that way.”
The wards would take a while. They always did.
Chapter Sixteen
Warding the property consisted of waiting, in uncomfortable silence, for Iven’s sons to get there. Once they did, Griffin, the oldest son, said, “Cool. I love warding stuff. We don’t do it often enough.” Then he turned to Iven with a grin. “Meeting the in-laws already? Now we can be one big happy family.”
Iven rolled his eyes and turned to Riley. “I’ll teach you what to do.”
Riley nodded.
Griffin, who wore a button-down shirt with his name underneath a logo that read Palmer’s Handyjobs and had a wrench and screwdriver crossing, focused on Marric’s dad. “I see you’re ready to include us with open arms. Before you do, you should know, I don’t give family discounts.” And then he pointed to the patch on his shirt. “Not even to you, big guy.”
Iven groaned. “Griffin.”
To Marric’s surprise, Kinnison chuckled. “Palmer’s Handyjobs, huh?”
“By Sheriff Palmer’s kid.” Griffin grinned. “My dad loves the name of my business. Don’t you, Dad?”
Iven shook his head, but he was fighting a grin. “Can we get this done? Marric and his family need the protection. So stop messing around, Griffin.”
“I’m not messing around. I’m making friends and advertising my business at the same time.” Griffin might have argued, but he fell in line next to Iven.
Once the magic was flowing, Marric stood with his dad and watched. It was fascinating to see. The magic seemed to come easily for the three of them. Even Riley, who started out with a sputter, seemed to find his footing.
“He’s going to teach me how to use my magic.” Marric whispered so he wouldn’t distract Iven and his sons. “Maybe I’ll be able to strengthen the wards myself.”
“He’s a nice guy. I’ll give him that.”
Marric rolled his eyes. “He would have helped us even without me being his mate. He’s more than just nice, Dad.”
“He can’t give you children, Marric.”
“I probably won’t live through this. Emery probably won’t either. But let’s focus on your stupid dynasty.” Marric saw red up to the point Regan ran out of the barn, holding something in his arms.
The second Regan saw him, he made a beeline straight for him.
Marric winced. He hadn’t mentioned Regan to Iven. He wasn’t sure what Iven would do but not trusting him would prove to be a mistake. He saw it the second Iven laid eyes on Regan and understanding dawned. Iven put it together while setting wards around the property, proving he could multitask better than most people.
Marric didn’t have to fake a smile for Regan.
Regan handed Marric a black and white kitten. “Mama kitty had babies.”
Regan leaned against Marric.
Marric put his arm around Regan and watched as Iven tried to ignore them, but failed. “Do you think Grandpa will let you keep one?”
“I told him he had to ask you,” Dad said.
“How many are there?”
“Five. I love them all, Papa.”
