Page 36 of Midnight Rules
Marric hadn’t seen Regan as anything less than happy and sunny from the moment he recovered physically from his traumatic past. Regan was just happy to be out of a prison cell. While that was sad in a lot of ways, he’d always been easy to be around.
Regan moved away from Griffin’s touch. “I don’t like that.”
Griffin nodded. “I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”
Regan focused on Iven. “You’re a warlock.”
“That’s right.”
Marric was just a little relieved at the quick subject change.
“Papa has magic.”
“He’s very special.” Iven smiled at Marric.
One smile later and Marric realized something about himself. He didn’t like disappointing Iven. That Iven had been upset and possibly still was, despite his smile, made Marric’s chest ache.
Regan hung his head. “You won’t like my magic.”
Iven reached for Regan’s hand and held it. “I like all magic.”
Regan met Iven’s gaze again, but Marric could feel his little body tensing.
Iven smiled and leaned in. “You’re special, just like your papa.”
“I am?”
“Yep. And I like that you and your papa found each other.” Iven met his gaze. “That makes both of you even more special.”
Regan finally relaxed. “Can I stay? Please, papa.”
Marric nodded.
Emery came in. She had a fresh pair of pajamas and looked a little less flushed. She sat next to Dad and snuggled into his side. Dad lifted her onto his lap. He hadn’t done that since she was really young.
Marric smiled at Emery and then at Dad. As much grief as he gave his dad for the stupid dynasty thing, their dad was a good father. A great one, if he were being honest.
Regan, coming into their lives, had given them a cohesive purpose. Iven was right. Regan was special, which meant he needed their protection.
The curse gave them clarity. The threat of death hung over them and with it was an acute sense of what they stood to lose. It made their differences less important.
Kinnison returned the smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. Maybe he mourned the loss of his hope for an heir, but he heldthat future in his arms. Emery was just as much a viable option to take over as Marric. Probably better, truth be told. Kinnison needed to give up on the idea.
Kinnison sighed and nodded as if to say he understood. “Let’s get this done, Sheriff.”
Iven stood behind Marric’s chair. His hand was on his shoulder. “Right. So, the wards were necessary, especially those we placed inside the house, because in finding out more about the curse, we’ve learned that it needs to be maintained.”
“What do you mean by that?” Dad asked.
“It means the curse will die out over time all on its own.”
Riley’s eyes got round, and he slid closer to Griffin when Kinnison growled.
Kinnison’s eyes shifted into his wolves. “But it’s not dying out. It’s been getting worse. Until your ex-wife gave us those herbs.”
Iven nodded. “Someone is feeding it.”
Kinnison grew claws. He had a lot of power during normal times, but when he was angry, it moved around the room like a living, breathing entity.
