“Then what’s wrong?” I asked, voice cracking. “If it’s because of the other men, I won’t—”
“It’s not the men, sweetheart.” His expression crumpled, revealing the emotion he’d tried to hide from me. “I don’t admit this easily… but I’m afraid. When you told me of your father, I knew the danger you faced, yet I didn’t fully grasp the true severity of that danger until you spoke of your death. Several possible deaths, you said.”
“Not that many,” I backtracked. Maybe I should’ve keptsomedetails to myself. “I’m sure most of them are because of my clumsy little legs. So don’t worry. I’m sure everything will be okay.”
Maddox cradled my face in his big hands. “I’d rather die a thousand deaths than have you suffer even a moment of pain. If it will take seven of us to keep you from any of those dark futures, then I say those men can’t come here soon enough.”
Tears stung my eyes. “Even if one of them may be someone you know?”
“Oh shit.” Rowan whistled under his breath. “Wish I had a bag of those almonds. This is gonna be a good show.”
“Explain,” Maddox said, still cupping my face. His touch was gentle despite the sudden wariness in his eyes.
“You know how each of you have a unique scent to me?” I traced the line of his collar bone. “It’s a sign that we belong together. That we’re soulmates.”
“I’m aware.”
“Well.” My sternum squeezed. “Recently… I’ve noticed another scent. When I’m around Callum.”
Maddox’s eyes widened, if only a little.
“Callum is a wonderful man,” Briar said. “Loyal and kind. And I must say, I’ve thought of him as part of our family for a while now.”
Lake nodded. “Callum’s always been good to me. He’s also skilled in battle. Very few can best him with a sword.”
“Don’t really see the appeal of rabbits unless they’re boiling in a pot with some veggies.” Rowan ran his fingers through his hair, gathering it to one side. “But you put your life in jeopardy with every step you take, so having a skilled swordsman by your side has benefits.”
“You’re so mean to me.” I tried to smile but found it too hard. Because one person still hadn’t said a word. I turned back to Maddox.
“Callum’s not only my second in command,” he said. “For so many years, I’ve considered him my closest friend.”
“The only friend you have,” Rowan said with a snort. Lake whacked him with his tail. “Ow. Dammit, pup.”
My attention stayed on Maddox. “How do you feel about possibly sharing me with that close friend?”
Finally, emotion surfaced in his expression. Something soft. “As the physician said, Callum is family. That’s the only answer you need.”
More tears prickled behind my eyes.
“Don’t cry. I’m not upset, sweetheart.” Maddox caressed my cheek. “Every time another man touches your heart, you worry you’ll lose me. Can you not see how deeply I’m in love with you?”
“Yeah, but—”
“Must I remind you of what I said before? If there’s one thing I know in this life, it’s that you love me deeply. Just as I love you. You can kiss every man in this kingdom, but I’ll still know that I’m the one who can make you do this…”
He grabbed the back of my hair and slammed his mouth to mine.
I emitted an involuntary whimper and clung on to his neck, head spinning. He kissed me so deep my knees wobbled and then he smiled against my lips, all too aware of that fact.
“Still so selfish, Captain,” Briar said. “Keeping him all to yourself.”
Maddox drew back. “You are more than welcome to try to take him from me, physician.”
“I’ll take him from both of you,” Rowan chimed in. “And it sounds like I’ll have three more fools to eventually fight. Good thing I love a challenge.”
“Back to bed with you.” Maddox scooped me up in his familiar way and carried me to the bed—to the other three men waiting for me there. He tossed me down and settled in beside me.
As his leather and spice scent surrounded me, more tears burned in my eyes. Rowan spooned me, and Lake lay on my lap. My heart was filled to the brim and threatened to spill over. With relief. With love.
