Page 42 of Fae Divided
It was James’ first shift with the Guard since returning to the island. He’d spent the past five days either in bed with Sarah, making up for lost time, or mending fences with his clanmates and pup. The Walker Pack had welcomed him home with open arms and few questions. Noah was barely speaking to him.
He intensified his grip on Sarah’s waist, seeking comfort. The heaviness of guilt pressed on his heart, its ever-present weight crushing his soul a little more every hour he remained estranged from his son. Noah hadn’t forgiven him for causing his mother’s suffering. James didn’t blame him; he hadn’t forgiven himself.
“None of that either,” Sarah said, feeling the negative emotion through the mating bond. “I love you. Noah loves you. He’ll come around once he understands you didn’t have a choice.”
“I could have told the prince to shove the assignment up his—”
“No, you couldn’t have.” Sarah’s hand had covered his mouth, cutting him off. “You exposed the presence of a rogue vampire House in our territory and disbanded a group of outlaw shifters led by a magically influenced Alpha. What you accomplished by confirming the existence of the Sídhe pureblood and his terrifying plans is vitally important to the future of the entire Fae Touched community,” she took a deep breath and added, “to our pup’s future.”
“But in the process, I shook Noah’s faith in his sire.”
“You sent the information that located Abby after the kidnapping. Samuel might have lost his Ca’anam forever without your help. It would have destroyed him, James.”
He rested his forehead on hers and sighed. “I know, but you—”
“Butnothing. I’m fine.” Sarah laced her fingers behind his nape, and repeated with unwavering certainty, “And Noah will eventually come around.”
“I just miss my only child.” The rich smell of his mate spiked, a gingery balsam scent along with a bite of nervousness tainting the familiar sugar and spice fragrance. He lifted his head and listened. Her pulse thundered. “What’s bothering you?”
“Nothing.” She caught her bottom lip with her top teeth.
“Then why are you suddenly about to jump out of your skin?”
“I’m not, but I—”
They were interrupted before she could finish her sentence.
“Sarah,” Samuel said without surprise; he would have sensed his sister’s presence in the complex long before he opened the door to the Guard’s spare office.
Noah walked in beside his uncle with his head bowed, the Alpha palming the young warrior’s nape as though the two had recently been in close conversation. Lieutenant Tucker followed a step behind and turned to lock the group inside the soundproofed room.
“I was just heading to the daycare if you need to talk privately with James,” she said, breaking their intimate embrace and eyeing the exit with sudden longing.
What had she been about to say that made her wish for escape?
James wasn’t ready to let her go. Or face the silent disdain he was sure to read in his pup’s eyes. He spun Sarah around and tucked her against his side, firmly cupping her hip to cement her in place.
“No, I’m glad you’re here,” Samuel said, ruffling his nephew’s hair affectionately upon releasing his hold. “You should hear this too.”
“She should hear wha—”
Noah almost bowled him over, his son’s arms clamping around his middle in a ferocious hug. He shoved his face beneath James’ chin and mumbled, “I’m sorry,” into his throat.
Crooking an arm around Noah’s neck, his gaze latched onto his Alpha’s. “You told him?”
Samuel nodded. “He knows everything now.”
James’ throat ached with gratitude. The Commander of the Guard didn’t have to reveal classified information to a subordinate soldier, even if Noah already knew more than he should about the Athair. The prince would not be happy with Samuel’s decision to override the order for secrecy. James didn’t give a damn.
“Forgive me.” Noah’s shoulders shook.
“There’s nothing to forgive. You had every right to be furious with me.”
“I should have trusted you more. Mom told me there had to be an explanation for your disappearance. That you wouldn’t really leave us behind.”
“Never,” he said vehemently, clutching him tightly and placing a swift kiss on the crown of his pup’s head.
Sarah didn’t say a word, but her happiness was evident. It broadcast through her scent and the bond between them that vibrated like a contented cat’s purr.
