Page 64 of Forever My Siren Luna

“Do you want me to take you back to Kent? I’m getting a bit tired, so I wouldn’t mind walking back with you.”

“But what about Westley?”

“We can all go,” I looked up and called for Westley, who was now telling Joe that he couldn’t be a pirate because he was just a kid. “You two go get your sticks so you can practice your sword fighting on the way back.”

“You're leaving already, lass?” Jack grinned lazily at me, tilting his head. “I haven’t seen much of you as of late. I was hoping we could catch up a bit.”

“I just need to get the boys back to the castle. Lunch is soon. Do you two want to join us?”

Jack smiled and he looked a bit relieved for whatever reason. “Sure. That would be great, Ela. Joe and I will meet you in the dining hall and hope we avoid that bloody commander with no neck and no sense of humor.”

He’s talking about Commander Claus. I heard this morning at the meeting that Commander Claus was the one organizing the escorts for the crew. I told him the pirates were all trustworthy and there wasn’t a need.

Lachlan agreed, so the escorts will probably come to a stop today, even though the guards stationed around the town will be doubled for the time being.

“I think you will be in the clear,” I laughed at Jack. “See you soon.”

Cedric and I walked back towards the castle together, Westley taking the lead again, back to the warrior’s training grounds.

“Ela, I have to ask you, that man, your pirate captain, did anything ever happen between the two of you?”

I could not keep the look of disgust off my face. “Like, as man and woman?” I quickly added, “Or man and man? I mean, do you mean romantically?”

Cedric smirked, nodding gently. He seemed amused by my disgust.

“Not at all. He is like a brother. I see him the same as you or Cherum.”

“Hmm,” Cedric rested his hand on my back and leaned in to whisper, “that man does not see you as a sister, princess. He looks at you with the eyes of a man in lust.”

“No way,” I grimaced.

“Just be careful, my friend. He all but tried to stake his claim over you to your husband once. If you really are trying to make things work with the Alpha, make sure you keep that in mind when your pirate captain is near.”

All through lunch, I watched Jack. Really watched him and tried to see what Cedric was seeing.

Cherum, Percy, Yasmin and Lachlan were there along with my two pirate friends. Jack and Joe sat across from Lachlan and me. Much to Lachlan’s annoyance.

I knew Lachlan didn’t like Jack, but Lachlan also didn’t like Cedric when Cedric first came. I didn't read too much into it before. Watching Jack now, I’m still trying to pick up what Cedric was talking about, but I can’t really see it. Lachlan has his arm wrapped around the back of my chair, acting a bit possessive now that he has my permission to, but Jack is still his smiling, friendly self.

When we got here, Cedric went off with Meldec and Westley to eat with Kent and Riley at another table. I keep wanting to slip over there to have him explain more about what was said between Jack and Lachlan on the docks days ago. I really want to know.

“Did your talk with Cedric go well?” Lachlan leaned in to ask softly, his breath tickling my ear.

“It did. Very well, I believe.”

“That’s good. I thought it did too, judging by the smiles of you both when you got back, but you are looking at him now as if you have some unfinished business with the man.”

I wrinkled my nose, wondering if I should just ask Lachlan what was said instead. Not here in front of the man in question, but I could ask him after lunch in a more private setting.

“I was just curious about some things,” I answered vaguely.

“What things would those be?” Lachlan brushed my hair over my shoulder, the corner of his mouth lifted in a very attractive half smile. He truly is a handsome man. Especially when I don’t want to strangle him for any reason. I almost feel like swooning from the look in his eyes as he stares down at me. I already forgot what he asked, I’m so lost in the buzzing energy between us.

“You two look awful chummy now,” Jack muttered behind a napkin as he wiped his mouth.

My face feels as if it’s on fire all of a sudden. I hurried to look away, down at my food. I didn’t mean to let myself get swept away by Lachlan.

“She is my wife,” Lachlan said dryly, splaying his hand on my back and making Val purr from his claiming statement and the sparks from his touch. “And my mate.”