Page 78 of Guardians of the Assassins
“No, I’ll keep my word…as long as you guys do the same.” She leaned against him, taking comfort from his nearness. “We do this together. We’re a team. A family.”
He bent down, scooping her up, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, her legs around his waist, loving the display of emotions. He pressed a quick kiss on her lips, then walked toward the kitchen with her in his arms. “Let’s go eat.”
She chuckled and melted against his chest, brushing her fingers up and down the back of his neck. “You know I can walk.”
His breathing hitched at her touch, and he leaned down and nipped at her lips. “Why bother when I can carry you? Not only does it allow me to hold you in my arms, it’s a way to guarantee that you’ll arrive unharmed.”
As she sputtered, he spun them around and pushed through the door backwards, carrying her into the kitchen. The rest of the guys were waiting for them. Instead of being annoyed or possessive at the display of affection, they smiled and took their seats.
Despite it being past midnight, the guys had gone all out and created a delicious supper. They took turns putting food on her plate and feeding her.
They were freaking adorable.
It was also the first time that Caedmon joined them for an official meal. She was shocked that he fussed over her just as much, if not more, than even Ryder, if that were possible.Though maybe she shouldn’t be considering how much he’d been taking care of them all since the first day.
She expected awkwardness, but the men welcomed him like he was one of their own, and her heart warmed that they were so cordial.
Like they were always meant to be together.
A family.
With each passing minute, the men relaxed more until the fierce warriors vanished, replaced by men who were just her mates with nothing else to worry about other than having a nice evening together.
It gave her hope for the future.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
DRAVEN
Draven lurched upright in bed, his heart pounding wildly in his chest, feeling like he’d just been thrown off a cliff. He couldn’t seem to stop the free-falling sensation. Wide awake, he glanced around the room, uncertain what woke him. It was nearing four in the morning, and the house remained silent.
The rest of the men were gathered around Morgan, and he breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of her safe and protected. Then Caedmon and Ryder jolted awake as well, their eyes glowing with their beasts, growls rumbling from both of them.
The sight of teeth and fangs sent a shaft of ice down his spine.
His gut lurched when Morgan thrashed, a furrow appearing between her brows like she was having a nightmare.
The other two turned in unison, the feral looks in their eyes fading slightly as their beasts receded. His concern was mirrored in their eyes.
“What’s wrong?” He kept his voice low, but it was still enough to wake everyone else…but Morgan.
Atlas immediately leaned over her still sleeping form, brushing his hands along her face and neck. Magic bloomed inthe air, gentle as a breeze, then his face darkened. “Morgan. Sweetie. Time to wake up.”
“Whaaatz happen’n?” Her violet eyes fluttered open, her gaze unfocused, her words slurred.
Kincade leapt out of the bed, shoving his legs in a pair of pants before gathering his weapons, Ascher and Caedmon were just a step behind him. “We’re under attack.”
“Imma com’n.” Morgan struggled to sit, but Ryder pressed down on her shoulder.
“The house is safe.” His voice was more of a growl than words. “Let the guys scout it just to be sure. We need to figure out what’s wrong with you first. You’ll only be a distraction to them if you go now.”
“She’s been poisoned,” Atlas muttered, a savage expression replacing his concern as he gently pushed Morgan into Ryder’s arms, then slid out of bed, pulling out a small black bag from the closet. He rummaged inside, retrieving a small mortar and pestle, and an assortment of plants.
“How? We prepared her food. We ate and drank the same things, and we’re fine.” Draven curled his hands into fists to keep from lunging across the bed to get to Morgan. Fear seared his insides, and he struggled to contain the outright panic that threatened to consume him. He watched the others get ready for battle. As much as he wanted to defend their house, he didn’t have the heart to leave Morgan alone and vulnerable.
Caedmon grimaced, a grim expression on his face, and Draven noticed for the first time that the fae was pale and clammy. He didn’t let it slow him down though as he picked up his sword.
Draven narrowed his eyes, then glanced at Ryder.
