But the grin he gave me, the one that stretched across his face and lit up his expression, seemed to actually take years off the worn-down facade he had, told me no… this was good. Things were good.
And for the first time in my life, I knew without a doubt things weren’t as bad as I’d always felt.
I had Evelyn as a lifelong sister. She had her own obstacle she’d soon be facing, but I’d be by her side unconditionally.
I looked at Conor, knowing I wanted to get to know my father, and I now had that chance.
I felt Caelan slide his hand over mine and give it a squeeze to let me know he was always with me.
And then there were these Lycan strangers around me who would have fought the unknown to keep me safe.
I knew I wasn’t alone anymore.
I had a family.
34
Darragh
We’d been back at the estate for hours now and had even swung by the B and B to get my things, which made me feel a little better. Although I’d gotten weird vibes from Christo upon our initial meeting, he was all business and professional when I checked out. Although I did feel this strange tension between Caelan and him, like they were somehow eyeing each other up. I chalked it up to men being men and didn’t think much of it after that, and Caelan seemed to follow the same path.
Besides, I had a lot of other things on my mind then a pissing contest between guys.
I had my clothes, albeit only the few I’d brought, but it made me feel more… grounded. Caelan was also working on getting the rest of my things from back home—as in America—so I’d have everything I wanted or needed.
But as I closed my eyes and wrapped my arm tighter around his waist, I knew all that other stuff was just materialistic. All I needed was love and family, and I had that in abundance now.
I opened my eyes and glanced across the room at the massive oak dresser. Sitting atop was the talisman, one that was eerie as much as it was beautiful to me. He’d told me everything about it, what it truly meant, what he’d “paid” to get it. It was terrifying; I couldn’t lie.
And although I could worry and wonder and continuously ask questions about this blood promise, the fact remained that I couldn’t change the outcome. I couldn’t change what the next day held, let alone what would happen in the future. So I was focusing on the here and now. It was all I could do. So that’s what I did.
I let the scent of Caelan wash through me, that spicy, dark aroma that instantly had my body awakening with carnal desire. I let the sound of his even breathing further soothe me, focused on the way his fingertips trailed over my arm. Up and down, as if he always had to touch a part of me.
We’d eaten a wonderful dinner with his family and even learned that things with Luca and Ainslee had worked themselves out. I’d seen the instant relief on Caelan’s face at hearing that. The few times he’d spoken with me about it, I knew he felt immense guilt over keeping Luca and Ainslee from each other. But now that things were seeming to work out, I was anxious to meet his sister and her mate.
I was excited to get more people added to my growing family.
God, I’d grown up having no one but Evelyn, yet here I was with more people coming into my life and actually caring about me than I could have ever imagined.
After a bubble bath, courtesy of Caelan insisting I take one—with him—I was now snuggled against his big—and very naked—warm body. A thick blanket was over us. My skin was warm, my body relaxed, and my mind more at ease than it had been in a long time.
Caelan had started a fire in the huge hearth across from the bed, because even if this time of year was warm, being in the Highlands, and especially in these massive older mansions, there was always a chill in the air.
I’d gotten to talk to Evelyn—finally—and she assured me she could handle herself after I told her Cian was headed to her. I didn’t try and explain that these men—Lycans—were literally a whole other breed. The whole Linked Mate business was their entire life.
She mentioned something about leaving the state to clear her head, but I knew she was terrified despite the tough-girl act she put on. But trying to reason with Evelyn was like trying to move a brick wall. She was just too damn stubborn, and even though she knew I always had her back, she was so used to having to take care of herself and never having others’ help. Not even mine.