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“I recognized Daeanna’s magic on the mortal woman, but I didn’t recognize her,” Horano said.

Rihanna stepped in front of Bryce, a defensive motion Shaye recognized. “Did she have shorter brown hair and dark eyes?”

Horano nodded once. “A petite woman. She possessed an essence of Fae, and I wouldn’t be surprised to learn she’d been given enough potion to enhance her resilience to mortal ailments, but not enough to change her. She’s stuck in a potentially fatal limbo.”

“Kate,” Bryce bit out.

A surge of understanding hit Shaye as he caught Bryce’sturmoiled expression. The man lowered his head, teeth gritted, his free hand fisting and flexing.

From the bed behind him, Terrek released a muffled wail. Moira quickly calmed him with soft, soothing words and coos. Anxiety danced in the air, filled the room with the vile poison of impending danger, and there was little he could do to prevent it. Not when that danger stalked his home.

“Did this woman learn of Moira’s condition?”

“Brother, he was worried—”

“I need to know, Ri,” Shaye interrupted with a raised hand. “I know Bryce is no match for Daeanna’s magic. I don’t blame him, but I need to know.”

Bryce’s gaze dropped the moment Shaye looked at him. ’Twas answer enough.

His outward calm belied the storm brewing fresh within his mind. When he heard the shift of the mattress, followed by Moira’s bare feet padding across the area rug, he suppressed the urge to gather her up and hide her behind the curtains. Protect her from this latest development. His heart softened, ached, when he angled enough to see his beautiful Moira, Terrek cradled in her arms, her hair mussed and skin pale. But her blue-gray eyes flared with vibrant life no wounds, no trauma, no threat could douse.

Those eyes scanned the small gathering in their private chambers, a single brow lifting as she tipped her chin away from Terrek’s blindly swinging hand.

“What’s going on?” Moira asked.

“Ri, ask Killeny and Aspen to bring the kids in and Chase to me.”

Rihanna exchanged a concerned glance with Bryce before she disappeared. Horano crossed the small space to Moira, resting a hand on her shoulder as he forced a small grin for Terrek.

“And you? You’re supposed to be healing,” Moira scolded gently.

“As are you,chroi.”

Shaye motioned for Bryce to come closer, glad that the man didn’t take off after his sister. One less thing to be concerned about—a soul mate unwilling to take his safety seriously.

“Moira, you shouldn’t delay giving Chase the potion,” Shaye said. He raised his hand to silence her when she opened her mouth to protest. “Circumstances have changed, and drastically. In addition to the potion—for the sake of Chase’s safety—I’m going to put you, the kids, and Bryce into hiding until this is settled.”

Her eyes widened and her lips parted, aghast. “What? No! I’m not leaving you—”

“Moira, this is non-negotiable. If Daeanna attacked this eve, you’re in no condition to fight, escape, or protect our children. You’re still healing.” He touched the tender scar along her belly, under her shirt. “I beg you to understand. I nearly lost you and Terrek. I’m not willing to come that close again.”

“What about you?”

Shaye smiled, lifting his finger to her lips. “If I have you, I’ll always return.”

Rihanna manifested by his side, Chase perched on her hip. She lowered his beloved eldest son to his feet and ushered him with a gentle hand toward Moira, then stepped back to Bryce. Moira blinked away a sheen of tears from her eyes, forced a smile, and pulled Chase close.

Chase pouted. “Mommy, why can’t I play more? I was having fun.”

“Shaye wants us to see a neat hideaway.” She tapped his nose and winked. Her strength in the face of peril for the sakeof their children filled him with pride. “I think you’ll really, really like it.”

Determination hardening Bryce’s face, he said, “I won’t leave Rihanna. Not this time.”

“You will, otherwise you risk putting my sister through unbearable heartache again.” He noted the stab of guilt he felt reflected in Bryce’s eyes, but waved it aside. ’Twas in the best interest of all that they follow this plan. “You are not immortal. You are human. Even if you were to take what remains of Moira’s potion after she shares it with Chase, you’ll sleep for hours as your body adjusts and adapts to the Fae genetic makeup. You will be of no help during that time, and make my sister more vulnerable while she tried to protect you.” Shaye dipped his head and lowered his voice. “I am not an unreasonable man, Bryce, but I will become unreasonable should you resist orders designed to save your life.”

Rihanna rested a hand on Bryce’s arm. Her touch eased his frustration, the power of their bond visibly strong and almost tangible. Shaye ached at the idea of separating from Moira and their sons, but he’d sacrifice everything to have eternity by her side.

“’Tis okay, Bryce. Listen to my brother. He has only your best interest, our best interest, in his heart,” Rihanna murmured.