Page 76 of Touched

Taking a step back, I turn, bolting toward the front door. I need a weapon. I need something to protect myself… protect Aeris from… whatever…whoever… this guy is. Grinding my teeth, I mash out, “What do you want?”

The fairy straightens to his full height and tucks his wings away. He’s carrying a small bag across his body. Slinging the strap over his head, he sets it on the ground beside his booted feet. “So, youcansee me?”

Uh, what?

“Of course I can see you.” I reply, flabbergasted.

“Then, I’m in the right place. You must be Callum.” He retorts dryly.

I swallow. Hard.

How does this guy know my name? Who the hell is he?

Is he here for Aeris? To bring her back?

“Who’s asking?” I firmly reply, angling my chin and narrowing my eyes at him. My fists clench at my sides.

The fairy doesn’t answer me. Instead, he seems to be taking in his surroundings. He eyes the cabin and the massive greenery surrounding it. It’s as if he’s never seen it before. “Who. Is. Asking?” I spit out again, much less calm this time.

“Cyrus?”

At the sound of her hopeful tone, my head whips toward the door of the cabin.

My Kindred.

She knows him obviously. But who is he?

Why is he here?

Aeris stands on the threshold, her eyes just as wide as the other fairy. She eyes him from head to toe, then, she runs toward him. Her bare feet padding silently across the grass before she launches herself at him, throwing her arms around him. His arms close around her back and he lifts her from the ground.

What the fuck?

Who the hell is this too handsome man? This fairy?

Before I can grab her and yank her back to me, she pushes herself away from him. Though, she’s still gripping his shoulders. She laughs as she excitedly says, “What are you doing here? How did you find me?”

“Aeris, you know this… man?” I bluntly ask.

She turns toward me. “Of course. Callum, this is my brother, Cyrus.” Turning back to herbrother, she embraces him in another quick hug.

Her brother. This absurdly attractive dude is her brother?

Her brow arches at me and she giggles. I realize she heard me as she asks him, “What are you doing here?” she asks.

Yes, what the hell are you doing here?

I take a step closer to them, my instincts barking inside my head. The need to protect her, die for her, even from this man she calls her brother, shouts at me from my very core. “I think the more important question is,howdid you get here?”

This place is supposed to be protected. Hidden from the outside world.

No one, not even another Fae, is supposed to be able to find us.

How the hell did he get through the wards?

Cyrus eyes me. “I bartered a favor token with a troll. And then I followed your scent here, Aeris.” He focused on my face, “We have a unique bond.” He retorts. “Because we are siblings.”

Aeris crosses her arms over her chest, her eyes narrowing on her brother. “I’m glad you’re here, Cy. Butwhyare you here?”

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