“The danger is too great,” Maddox said, jaw tight. “The more people who know, the higher the chance someone could target him because of it.”
“Hear that, rabbit?” Rowan cut his eyes at Callum. “Don’t go running that mouth about what you’ve learned or I really will skin you.”
Callum returned his glare. “You keep threatening me with your blade, snake. One of these days, I’ll make you put those words to the test. See if your skills match your ego.”
“Is that supposed to scare me?” A challenge gleamed in Rowan’s eyes. “You may be a decent swordsman, but my experience comes from years of living on the streets and being forced to do anything to survive. I’ll fillet you and then pick my teeth with your bones.”
“You’d cheat,” Lake told him. “As always.”
“For cryin’ out loud, pup, will you ever let that go?”
“No.” A huff. “Cheater.”
The tension in the air lifted as I laughed. No matter how snarky or combative Rowan behaved, Lake countered it with ease. Even better, Rowan let him. The two of them were complete opposites but had become besties. Nothing could convince me otherwise.
A light pressure landed on top of my head, bringing a familiar warmth. Callum softly ruffled my hair and stared at me with a touch of awe. “So, you really are a little lord.”
My heart thrummed. “Every lord needs his noble knight.”
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be than by your side.” He dropped his forehead to mine. “My shield and sword are yours to command. As is my body.”
Heat fanned low in my belly.
“His body? If the rabbit removes his clothes, I’ll have no choice but to pluck out my own eyes.”
“Be nice,” I told Rowan, loving the answering grin he gave me. He was such a butt sometimes.
“With that matter dealt with, let’s move on.” Briar seemed to breathe a little easier. “Along with Evan learning of his father, Lupin shared something else with him.”
“Muffin Lord and the Seven Alphas,” Lake said with a sharp nod.
I snorted. Choked, really. Those words spoken in his sexily gruff voice, paired with his thoughtful expression, damn near sent me rolling.
“Uh…” Callum frowned. “Come again?”
Rowan dove right in, finding great amusement in revealing that I had a harem despite my grumbles and insistence that I didn’t. A harem indicated that one person rose above the others, and I considered all of us as equals. But technically, that’s exactly what it was. Damn him.
“Ev will have seven men?” Callum asked after the explanation. “And we’ll play an important role in regard to his fate?”
“Y-Yeah.” Breathing deep, I focused on the burning logs in front of me. “Lupin said I’d need all of you in the battles to come. Not sure if he meant literal battles, like marching off to war, or if they’re personal ones. Maybe a mix of both. What I do know? Many of my possible futures end badly.”
Maddox tensed, causing the material of his shirt to fight for its life as he crossed his arms over his broad chest.
“I wonder what role I play in your fate,” Callum softly said, taking hold of my hand. “Whatever it may be, I hope it spares you from any pain.”
I swallowed the tightness in my throat. Even the smallest decision could alter my course and send me down a differentpath. Having them in my life meant they’d travel that path with me. In many ways, their fate rested in my hands too.
Lake came over and hugged me from behind. “Put your worries at ease. We won’t allow any harm to come to you. Or to each other.”
“Speak for yourself, pup.” Rowan stepped over to the bookcase and plucked a hardback from the shelf, flipping through it. “My loyalty is to Evan. The rest of you can fend for yourselves.”
He couldn’t fool me. I knew if it came down to it, he’d protect every person in that room.
“I’m curious who the other two men are,” Briar said with a pensive set to his brow. “We’re all so different. A physician, a shadow mage with dark magic, a demi-wolf, and two knights. Yet, even Maddox and Callum differ.”
“Both equally grate on my nerves,” Rowan mumbled.
Briar shook his head. “Callum is a great swordsman and Maddox is a strategic leader. Different skillsets.”
