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Chapter Twenty-Four
B rooke held Malik’s hand as he entered a large gaming room. There was a giant big-screen television playing a family-friendly movie. A sectional that looked custom made because of its enormity was in the center of the room. Striker was on it, along with Edee and Bethany .
Edee was asleep on the large sofa with Bethany tucked against her, while Striker sat with his feet propped on a huge ottoman. The other men were gone, replaced by Armand and Auberi, who were sitting at a bar along the far side of the room .
Brooke went to get Bethany to put her to bed, but Striker shook his head. “Let the wee one sleep. She’s nae hurting anything where she is. I’ll sit with them both and watch over ’em until morning .”
Auberi lifted a drink. “We explained we would, since we’re nocturnal and all, but the stubborn Highlander who looks like he spent the night in a French whorehouse thinks vampires aren’t sufficient bodyguards .”
Armand laughed and eased off a stool. He was dressed as he always was, as if he’d just come from an important board meeting of some Fortune 500 company. His long black hair was down tonight. He stopped just shy of hugging her and sniffed the air .
“You’ve mated,” he said, a smile tugging at his lips. “ Good .”
“You’re not mad?” she asked, afraid he’d be upset because he’d always seemed supportive of the relationship she had with Gram .
“You’ve mated yourself to a powerful, honorable man I consider a friend. I could ask for nothing more,” he said, drawing her into his arms .
“Have you seen Gram?” she asked, worried for her friend .
Armand nodded, his gaze flickering to Auberi .
Auberi neared her. “We have him in a medically induced coma to speed his healing process. His burns were severe. In addition, he took a great deal of shrapnel, as well as suffered numerous broken bones. From what we’ve been able to piece together, he basically took the entire force of the exploding back end of the house. It was Bethany who told us as much. She said her Uncle Gram knew there was going to be a big boom and he turned with her, taking her to the floor and covering her with his body .”
Brooke teared up. “Will he be okay? Will he heal fully ?”
“With time, yes,” said Auberi. “For now, he rests. Though, I’m sure he will like hearing your voice. I, like some others, believe he can indeed hear you if you were to talk to him .”
She looked towards Bethany’s sleeping frame. “I want to see him, but I’m terrified to take my eyes off her. I’m afraid The Corporation will come for her again .”
Auberi chuckled. “They would never dream of setting foot upon this property. For one, it has state-of-the-art security. For two, the alpha within is thousands of years old. He can and will kill them with ease. They know as much .”
Brooke’s jaw dropped. “He’s how old ?”
Malik groaned. “Uh, about that .”
She stared at him and then sucked in a big breath. “Tut is right. Great, my husband is basically a reanimated mummy .”
Auberi laughed and then went to Malik, drawing him into a hug. “Congratulations, old friend. May your union be blessed with many more children and a life of love. Now, take her to PSI so she can see her ex-boy toy. Try not to eat anyone while she’s doing it .”
Malik shoved him lightly. “You’ll stay to watch over the girls ?”
“Of course, until this Elm is dealt with, we’ll keep extra security on your home and your loved ones.” Auberi turned to Brooke and shocked her by hugging her tight. He put his lips to her ear. “He has never given his heart to another. Take care of it. And please don’t make us cancel poker nights .”
She laughed and squeezed him gently. “I’ll take care of it, and I’d never dream of canceling poker night. But you should know, tea parties are apparently a thing here and no one is spared. If you’re invited in, don’t eat the cookies and do your own makeup .”
He stiffened. “ Noted .”