Page 35 of Midnight Rules
Iven’s jaw ticked. They would have a conversation about Regan at some point. When they did, Marric would be up close and personal with the hurt he’d caused by keeping Regan a secret.
“We can’t keep all five, buddy. But you can keep one.”
Regan took the kitten back from him. “Why are those men here?”
“They’re protecting us.”
“With magic?”
“Yep.” Marric pulled Regan against him and pointed at Iven. “That one there is my mate. That means we like each other a lot.”
Regan might not know the details, but he knew a mate meant their life would change. Marric could see it in the way Regan eyed Iven as though he had the potential to be dangerous. “Is he nice?”
“Very nice. When he finishes, I’ll introduce you. But you should get kitty back to mama so she can feed her right now, okay?” The kitten’s eyes hadn’t opened yet, so she still needed her mama.
Regan nodded and ran back to the barn. He seemed to be of an age where he ran more than walked.
“Regan doesn’t understand your absence, Marric,” Kinnison said.
“I know. It won’t happen again.” Regan wasn’t the only one who didn’t understand his choices.
Kinnison sighed. “He’s as much your kid as any blood child.”
“Are you telling yourself that or me?”
Dad sighed. “Both of us, I guess.”
“The gods forbid if a witch were to take over as alpha of a wolf pack.” Marric rolled his eyes.
The sarcasm wasn’t lost on Dad. “The pack is prejudiced, Marric. More than you realize. There’s been an undercurrent of hostility recently.”
Marric’s gaze snapped to Dad’s. “What do you mean?”
Dad shook his head. “There was tension at the last meeting. You felt it too.”
Marric had felt it, but he dismissed it when no one addressed the cause.
“It’s been radio silence since.”
“No one from the pack has called or come by for anything?”
“Not one person except for those two the other night. Not since all the sickness started. I thought it was because they thought Emery was contagious, but if it’s a curse, maybe it’s connected.”
“Iven needs to know that.”
Kinnison nodded. “I agree.”
Chapter Seventeen
When the warding was complete, they gathered in the dining room. Regan sat on Marric’s lap. A fact that Iven had noticed. Iven smiled at Regan, even though his presence created some tension.
And Regan, not being shy, trusted anyone who Marric approved of, so he smiled back. “I’m Regan. Papa says you’re his mate.”
“That’s right. My name is Iven.”
“Are you going to be my dad?” Regan averted his gaze.
“Wow, that’s straight to the point.” Griffin chuckled and ruffled Regan’s hair, which irritated him.
