Page 77 of Shifting Winds
He studied me like prey. “I don’t give a shit what the other Lords think. And, evidenced by you tossing one of them around like a baby rattle, neither do you.”
My heart pounded against my ribs. I was a little out of breath and a little sweaty and I had no idea what to say. Sensing my distress, Caelan went in for the kill. “There’s more room here and much more land. Bonded to me, you’d be untouchable.”
“I have several acres, and I’m bonded to my land.” Sighing, I walked over and sat at the edge of the bed. Caelan lay his head in my lap and closed his eyes. I sent my fingers through his hair, dragging my nails gently against his scalp.
He hummed and smiled. “And you could do that every day.”
“I’m not ready,” I whispered.
His eyes opened. “Okay.”
I blinked. “Okay?”
He nodded. “Okay. We’ll wait.”
My eyes narrowed. “Why are you suddenly agreeable?”
He laughed. “I was kicked out of my woman’s house the other day because I was…and I quote, ‘being an insufferable jackass.’”
I’d put that one in a text for him later because I was still mad at him. “Maybe I should call you a jackass more often,” I mused.
“Or you could just move in with me.”
“There you are.”
Caelan’s eyes glinted. “Fine. I can wait.”
“How long? Because I won’t be ready in five minutes. Not even ten.”
He let out a dramatic sigh. “You’re breaking my heart.”
I bent to kiss him just as a loud explosion rocked the Keep, sending me sprawling to the floor.
Strong hands gripped me, helping me to a standing position. “Stay here.”
A moment later, he was gone.
Chapter
Twenty-Four
My mother stood at the edge of Caelan’s property, a ball of light floating in her hand. She worea gown of pale gossamer silk, her dark hair streaming away from her face.
“I told you to stay inside,” Caelan snarled.
“Do I need to remind you how bossy you are?” I murmured as I stepped up to stand by his side.
“Evangeline,” my mother said. “Still lying down with the dogs, I see.”
Oh. So this was how my evening was going to go. Awesome. “And you’re still a massive bitch, I see.”
Caelan’s lips twitched.
Mom’s nostrils flared. “Congratulations, Caelan. You’ve finally landed a worthy mongrel.”
“Ooh. Ouch, Mom.” I clasped my hand to my chest like she’d shot me.
“I’d argue,” Caelan interjected coolly, “that no one has successfully landed Evie yet.”
