Page 75 of Lana Pecherczyk

“Just a simple gathering to share healing knowledge.” Talo returned with a drink. “Nothing that would break any kettle rules, Well-forbid. Speaking of which…” His voice rose. “River, my boy, why don’t you help me check the wards while your sisters handle the, ah, traditional welcome preparations?”

“But—” River fumbled as Talo pushed the drink against his chest.

“Don’t worry.” Talo winked at Blake. “Yours is waiting in River’s old nest.”

“My what?” River balked.

“Perfect!” Ravi clapped. “Girls, take your new sister. I’ll be there as soon as I’ve dealt with River’s injuries.”

“What injuries?” Sera smirked. “Blake kissed his boo-boos all better.”

“Actually.” River’s voice hardened, but he couldn’t hide the blush staining his cheeks. “Blake needs rest. We’re leaving for the Great Murder tomorrow.”

“Exactly why we need to prepare her properly.” Lark looped her arm through Blake’s. “Can’t have her showing up looking like a refugee from the Summer Court. You’re a crow now, Blake. You should dress like one.”

“The caravans are packed and ready,” Sera added, eyes sharp between River and Blake. “Nothing left to do but wait for first light.”

River growled, “We can’t afford delays.”

Ravi clicked her tongue, still fussing over him. “The departure beacon won’t light until dawn. We have time.”

“Time isn’t the issue, Ma. We need to prepare for?—”

“For what?” Talo’s eyes glinted. “You hunting something specific this year, son?”

Blake caught River’s shoulders bunching. He didn’t elaborate.

“Just trying to avoid the Domatri’s opening ceremony,” River said smoothly. “You know how they drag on.”

“All the more reason for an educational discussion tonight.” Lark brightened. “We need to build up our tolerance for tedious gatherings.”

River pointed at her. “You haven’t explained this Tommas business yet.”

“Oops!” Lark laughed, fluttering her wings and tugging Blake away. “No time. Talk later.”

“Wait!” River shoved himself between Lark and Blake, then grabbed his mate by the shoulders and looked into her eyes. When it was clear that his family still watched, he glared at them and snapped, “Would it kill you to give us a little privacy?”

Each stepped back. Once. And continued staring.

“For Crimson’s sake.” River shook his head and then met Blake’s eyes. “You’ve been through a lot. Are you sure you’re okay going with them?”

“I…” Blake glanced at his family. They quickly averted their gaze, pretending they weren’t watching but clearly invested in the outcome.

“Blake.” River’s voice dropped to an intimate rumble. “Crows can be a little … overwhelming. Just say the word, and I’ll take you out of here, okay?”

The sincerity in his eyes was unmistakable.

Jeff had never put her well-being first like this, especially not when it meant standing against his family. Her attendance at his family gatherings always outnumbered her own, and he’d abandon her the instant they arrived. That River would shield her now, when he hardly knew her, when his own family pressured him from all sides…

She didn’t feel so alone anymore.

“I’ll be fine,” she said, offering him a small smile. “They seem nice.” And perhaps, she thought, they might help her understand the man beneath the armor, her mate.

With a sigh, he let go and stepped back. Lark and Sera fluttered in.

“Good luck,” he groaned.

Blake’s last glimpse of River was his fist circling over his heart.