12

Irush out of Gannon’s room, carrying his dirty laundry and grabbing Liam’s basket, which is neatly set outside his door.As I rummage through my pockets to slide Liam’s key back under his door, Gannon speaks, startling me.

“He gave it to you, Abbie.That means he doesn’t want it back,” he says.

I pause, staring at the key in my hand.Reluctantly, I nod and pocket it, but before I can move, Gannon holds his hand out.

“Here,” he says.

I open my palm, and he drops a key into it.“My room key,” he adds simply, grabbing the basket beside me.

I try to take it from him, not wanting to get in trouble with Clarice, but he shakes his head and starts walking.I follow him, quickening my pace as he turns toward the kitchens when I see Beta Damian also on the bottom floor talking to Clarice.

“Beta Damian, I’m sure she wouldn’t have gone in his room without permission—” Clarice’s voice cuts off as Gannon bumps into my back, coming up behind me.“Morning Abbie,” she says awkwardly so I know Damian was demanding to know why I was near their doors this morning.

“Gannon, dear,” she says warmly, smiling brightly at him.

“Hey, Ma,” he greets, stepping past me to peck her cheek before heading to the laundry.Clarice watches him go, then turns back to me with a raised eyebrow as Damian stalks off.

“Is everything alright?Damian said you woke Gannon this morning and?—”

“She’s allowed in mine and Liam’s rooms.She has the keys,” Gannon interrupts, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Clarice blinks at him, clearly surprised.

“I can move her to a different floor.I know how you and Liam like your privacy,” she offers cautiously.

“I wouldn’t have given her my key if I was worried about my privacy, Ma, she can come and go as she pleases, she also has Liam’s key,” Gannon replies, throwing me a small smile.

My cheeks heat as Clarice frowns, but she eventually nods, turning to the clipboard hanging on the wall.“Abbie said she has to go in town, I will take her,” Gannon says and Clarice’s lips tug slightly.

“Is that right, son?”She questions and my brows pinch in confusion wondering why she is staring at him like that.

“The king has asked me to go into town to collect some orders.While I grab the garments, you can pick up the supplies from the store with Abbie then,” she says, handing Gannon a list.

Gannon takes the papers, glancing over them before folding them.

“Or I could take Abbie by myself and grab everything for you,” he suggests.

“Gannon, I don’t expect you?—”

He pecks her cheek again, cutting her off.

“I’m taking her.We won’t be long.Come on, Abbie,” he says, grabbing my hand and ignoring Clarice’s protests.

“I don’t think I should… She?—”

“Abbie go, it’s good to see Gannon leave this place besides to go with Liam to slaught… never mind, dear, have fun,” she says quickly.I glance at Gannon who winks at me, his fingers lacing through mine.

“Oh and don’t forget the garments!The king needs them before tomorrow!”she calls after us.

“I know, Ma.I’ll be back soon,” Gannon assures her, leading me to the garage.

At the garage, Gannon retrieves his keys from a locker near the door and points to his car.I hesitate, chewing my lip as I walk over.When I reach for the handle, his hand covers mine, opening the door for me.

With a sigh, I climb in.Gannon strolls around to the driver’s side, hops in, starts the car, and cranks up the music.The drive to town is filled with loud, upbeat music that seems to match his mood this morning.I, however, feel slightly uneasy.Surely it’s not normal for him to spend so much time with a servant like me?

“So, what do you need to get in town besides the stuff for Clarice?”I ask as I unclip my seatbelt.But before I can move, Gannon is already at my door, opening it with that lightning-quick Lycan speed.