Page 16 of Kian

He was not Nova’s father. He was her guard.

And if he let himself forget it for a moment, the Invicta could break him by calling him back into battle and sending another guard to take his place.

But…

But there was truth to her words, as if she had read his heart. She knew the true feelings he had for the whelp, feelings he did his best to contain.

In the long nights before Kinsley arrived, Kian had allowed himself to watch the whelp sleep and wonder at the softness of her cheeks and the movement of her eyes behind those delicate lids. She was so tiny, yet shedreamed. And her skin was the palest green, in unconscious imitation of his. Certainly, it was only because he fed her and watched over her, but the tiny female had formed a bond of sorts with him in return. The thought of it made him so proud, a feeling he wasn’t used to, and didn’t know how to fully process.

He glanced up and saw that the little one was currently storming at her mother.

He closed his eyes, wondering what he should do.

But he already knew what hewoulddo. Whether it was a good idea or not, he would go to the woman who could be, but wouldn’t be his mate, and the whelp who could not be his daughter, and help them.

He started over, but Kinsley was already halfway to him.

“She’s despondent,” she said worriedly. “I fed her and burped her, but I don’t know what to do next.”

“It’s been a long day,” he said. “I’ll take her. You go relax for a moment.”

“Relax?” she echoed, looking almost offended.

One of the Grummish women chuckled and Kian scowled.

“Whatever women do when they arrive somewhere,” he corrected himself.

“You mean find the outhouse, Invicta?” the Grummish woman asked loudly.

“Sure,” he sighed.

There was a sweet sound like bells jingling and he realized it was Kinsley giggling.

“Okay,” she said. “Thanks.”

She handed over the whelp, who stopped crying instantly as soon as Kian held her close.

A hurt expression flashed across Kinsley’s face and then was gone.

Idiot. This is why you don’t bond with the whelp you’re guarding. She should be bonding with her mother.

But much as his mind might scold him, his heart was full with Nova back in his arms, even temporarily. Her insignificant weight felt good against his chest, as if taking over the taxing duty of watching over her was a relief to him.

“I’m heading out to take care of the dogs,” Bill, the older hand told Kinsley. “I can point you in the direction of the outhouse on my way.”

Jealousy flared in Kian’s heart.

“Great,” Kinsley said. “Hey, can you show me where the dogs are kept, too? And maybe I can swing over and help out a little? I’d like to learn how to take care of our team.”

“Yeah,” Bill said approvingly. “That’s a great idea. You ready?”

“You don’t mind watching her?” she asked, turning to Kian.

“No,” he said. “We’re fine.”

He could feel himself frowning and felt angry about it. He wouldn’t want her to think he resented holding the whelp. He just didn’t like her going off with that smiling Bill, who was just a little too handsome for Kian’s liking.

You aren’t here to babysit while another man smiles at your mate,the dragon roared.Take what is yours. Give her what she needs.

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