Page 47 of Beneath the Earth (Seven Wardens 3)

“Would you like us to come with you?” she asked the selkie, but he shook his head, his expression grim.

“No, I’m going to settle this myself. I’ll show you were the others stay, and then I’ll confront Cara.”

Amber and Izban seemed happy to stay on their little bench, so Macey simply gave them a wave and followed Rónán through the village.

They stopped in front of one of the largest huts.

“The guest house,” Rónán explained. “We don’t get many visitors, but selkies are known for their hospitality, so we couldn’t get rid of it. I’m glad we didn’t.”

Selkies known for their hospitality? Macey had a hard time not to laugh. If he knew all the stuff she’d been told about selkies…. Well, being friendly to visitors wasn’t one of them.

“Macey!”

Cam came running out of the house and hugged her tight before she could even move.

“Hi, Cam,” she laughed and returned the hug. “Everything okay with you?”

In response, he pressed her even tighter, running his hands over her back as if to make sure that she was real.

She stopped laughing, realising that something strange was going on.

“What’s happened?” she asked softly, stroking his cheek in reassurance.

“Nightmare,” he muttered. “I saw the Orca eat you, and there was nothing I could do about it. Seeing you being torn apart… I just want to chain you to myself and never let you out of my sight.”

“I’m not sure I’m into bondage,” she replied light-heartedly in an attempt to cheer him up. “But if you want to try it one day… I bet we can find handcuffs somewhere.”

He laughed, but didn’t let go of her.

“I’m here,” she whispered, now serious. “I’m alive. You won’t get rid of me that easily.”

Before she could say any more, his lips met hers in a desperate kiss, as if he still had to convince himself that she was real.

“I’ll go find Cara,” Rónán laughed. “Maybe go inside, people are staring.”

Macey nodded, eager to escape from the situation. Lucky for her, Cam responded instantly and pulled her inside the hut.

Seventeen

“See, I told you she was okay,” Jared said the moment they arrived inside. While his words seemed to be relieved, he did rush towards Macey and pull her to him, smothering her face with soft kisses.

“I didn’t see you disagreeing when I said I’d go find her,” Cam pointed out, still sounding a little off.

It was odd. She didn’t think she’d ever witnessed him so flustered about anything. Not even when the Staran had been so sick. Maybe Self-Doubt was back again? Or was this something different even? If he was doubting her safety, then maybe the unease wasn’t to do with what was within him, but what he thought of Rónán.

She didn’t say a word. She didn’t want to face the possibility that one of her men mistrusted another. That would only sow more discourse and not make for a happy relationship.

“Where’s Rónán?” Flint asked, as if knowing what she was thinking.

“He’s gone to go deal with another selkie,” Macey answered quickly, jealousy spiking within her as she recalled Cara.

“Want me to go keep an eye on them?” Jared asked.

She thought about it for a moment. While she barely knew Rónán, she did trust him and knew he wouldn’t intentionally betray her. But then, she didn’t trust Cara in the slightest. The woman was a grasper to say the least and if she’d steal another selkie’s skin, then what else would she do?

“Yes,” she whispered. “But just to make sure Rónán’s okay. I don’t think he’d be able to hurt another selkie if he tried, but I don’t know what she’s capable of.”

“Got it.” Jared gave her a mock salute and she smiled despite herself. She loved the incubus so much.

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