Page 60 of Act of Passion

Brooke’s shoulders slumped. “I’m tired and I need a shower. I can’t handle all of this rightnow.”

Gram caught her wrist. “Brooke, you need to tell Malik everything that happened to you. He needs to know what you require after tapping in to your gifts. He can’t help you if he doesn’t knoweverything.”

She lurched back. “I don’t want his help! You can help me. You’ve always helpedbefore.”

Gram’s jaw jutted out. “The only reason I was able to help at all is because of the Fae blood I carry. And let’s be honest. He could help you in less time. Nature gave you to him for a reason, and the verra fact yer upright after going head to head with someone as powerful as Elm is because Malik was close to you. I love you enough to know when I have to stepback.”

Brooke hugged herself. “You don’t want me either? Okay. That’sfine.”

“Woman, I’ve asked you to marry me at least ten times. I want you, and I cannae stand Malik. But that does nae change the fact he’s yer mate. I may nae like him but it does nae take away the fact yer his wife. You cannae honestly think I want to have you and Bethany taken from me. And trust me, Malik willnae want me around you or hisdaughter.”

“Malik doesn’t get a say in my life,” she said, still hugging herself. “He lost that right when he told me he regretted being with me. When he threw me out of hislife.”

Malik squared his shoulders. “I was trying to tell you that I regretted biting you and that I was losing control. I honestly thought you were human, and I was horrified at my lack of control. I was shifting. I didn’t want yougone. I wanted to protect you fromme.”

Boomer stepped in. “Malik, why don’t you go in with Brooke and stay close to her so she can get some sleep. Gram and I can talk with Corbin and the others when they get here. We’ll plan our next move then.” He touched Brooke lightly. “I know your first reaction is to push him away. You’re hurt and angry with him. You’ve had a lot thrown at you tonight. But, Brooke, whether or not youeverreturn the claim, Malik will forever love you. He’ll forever worry about you, and trust me when I say, you’re it for him. I’m guessing he’s spent the last five years lying to us to keep us from realizing he’s not really been with another woman sinceyou.”

“Yes,” said Malik, putting up his hand, staring at Brooke. “I’ll go in with you and I’ll keep my distance. I’ll just be here in case Elm and the others come. You don’t have to even look atme.”

Gram surprised Malik. “Let him do what he was born to do. Let him be yer mate. Let him love you and the weeone.”

“I didn’t know,” she said softly. “I’m sorry. I hate that this is hurtingyou.”

“Aye, I know, lass,” he returned. “I love you enough to let you go. I’ll figure out something to tell the wee one as to why I willnae be in her lifeanymore.”

Malik went up to Gram and extended his hand. Gram looked at him for a moment before taking it. Malik drew the Scot into a manly embrace. When he stepped back, he nodded. “Thank you for everything you’ve done. And while I don’t like you, I’m forever in your debt. You did what I should have. You protected my family. You loved them and kept them safe. I’ll get used to you being around. It’s not fair to Bethany to rip you from her life—and I saw Brooke in ass-kicking mode. If you think I’m crossing her, you’rewrong.”

“Smart guy.” Boomerlaughed.

Brooke lowered her head and continued to hugherself.

Gram locked gazes with Malik. “Since she’s nae going to tell you, you need to know that using her Fae gifts comes at a great price to her. Usually it’s instantaneous. It drains her to the point she collapses. I do nae know how she’s managed to stay upright this long, but I do know that it will hit her hard soon. The only way to assist her is by handling her as you would a succubus who needs to feed. Her line of Fae is rumored to be the cousins to the succubi lines.” Gram gave him a knowing look. “Because yer her mate, it may nae work the same way. You might be able to feed that need by simply being nearher.”

Boomer let out a low whistle. “You’re telling us that you’ve had to shag her every time she’s gotten drained over the last fewyears?”

Tensing, Malik exhaled slowly through his mouth, doing all he had in order to drive the images of Gram taking Brooke from his head. It was hard. Veryhard.

Gram snorted. “Was nae a hardship by anymeans.”

Brooke shoved him, but laughedsoftly.

He grinned. “Lass, it would be a lie if I said anything else. Now, go in with yer mate and let him watch over you. I’ll be down here with Boomer. I’ll be fine. I give you myword.”

Chapter Eighteen

Malik saton a folding chair next to Striker in the upstairs hallway of the safe house. Striker was leaned back, his feet propped up on the wall, with his hands in his lap as he lay there with his eyesclosed.

Malik knew the man wasn’t asleep. “Striker, go to one of the extra rooms and get some sleep. I’ve gotthis.”

Striker kept his eyes closed. “I made the wee one a promise. I’ll be here when she wakes. You should go check on yer mate. I’ll let none harm yer daughter,Tut.”

Malik put his elbows on his knees and leaned forward, focusing on the floor. “I’m having a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that I have adaughter.”

“Aye, I suspect that is a lot to absorb. ’Tis also making me wonder if a woman from my past is goin’ to show up with a lovechild.”

Grinning, Malik kept looking down. “Turns out your fears may bewarranted.”

“Yer nae upset about Bethany or learning you have a true mate,” said Striker, keeping his head back and his eyes closed still. “Yer pissed at yerself for nae being there for them both all thistime.”

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