Page 17

Chapter Fifteen

I ven knew the second they pulled into the farmyard, and he saw Kinnison Ransome standing on the front porch with his arms folded in front of his chest and a scowl on his face.

He was in for a battle where his mating was concerned.

What he didn’t know was why, not that it mattered much.

Iven didn’t have any intentions of letting Marric go.

If Marric rejected him, then he’d walk away, but that was the only thing that would make him leave.

Marric sighed. “So now would be a good time to tell you how serious my dad is about the whole alpha heir thing.”

The way Marric said it implied he thought it was about as ridiculous as it sounded.

“I guess that makes me the inappropriate peasant boy in love with the prince.” Iven hadn’t ever thought he would have to defend his mating, but it seemed he was about to take on the alpha of Timeston’s wolf shifter pack.

Marric chuckled. “You’re too old to be a boy, peasant.”

Iven grinned. “If anything, you’re the boy in this relationship.”

Marric’s cheeks turned pink. “True.”

Iven gripped Marric’s nape. Their gazes met. “You want to bond eventually, right?”

Marric nodded before Iven even finished the sentence. “We’ve already talked about it, so you know I do. It’s just the curse that’s a problem.”

“I’ll fight for you in every way.”

“You have been since the moment we met. We barely know each other.”

Iven put his hand on Marric’s chest, over his heart. “I know you, mate. I’ve waited a long time for you.”

Marric tried to scoot closer, but the seatbelt held him in place.

He undid it and moved across the seat until he straddled Iven’s lap.

He thought for sure Marric intended to give his father something to look at by kissing Iven’s silly, but he learned otherwise when Marric wrapped his arms around Iven and hugged him.

Iven held him close.

When Marric sniffled, Iven’s heart sank. He pulled a tissue out of the center console and handed it to Marric.

Marric mumbled something Iven didn’t catch, so he asked him to repeat himself. “You’re perfect.”

“I’m far from it.” Several people would disagree with Marric, including Marric’s father, if his expression was any indication.

“No, you are. You’re even willing to go against my dad. No one does that. Not anyone in our pack. And I won’t be able to find a cure without your help.”

Kinnison Ransome listened to every word they said. His wolf hearing made it possible, even though their voices were low, and they were still in the car several feet away from where he stood on the front porch.

What he said next was as much for Kinnison’s benefit as it was Marric’s. “I’ll protect you with my life.”

It was a lofty promise, and one he wasn’t sure he could keep.

They were gathering puzzle pieces, but it seemed like someone had broken each piece into smaller bits.

They might be a little closer to who conjured the curse, but they didn’t know how, or if, finding them would end the curse.

If it didn’t and Iven couldn’t find the spell to stop it, then Marric might not make it.

Each tick of the clock made Iven panic if he focused on it too close, so he tried to forget about the fact each second counted. But Kinnison was a physical reminder. It was as if he held the clock in his hand.

It didn’t help that Kinnison was a powerful wolf. Iven could feel his power even from feet away. While Iven wasn’t a wolf, he was still intimidating. He fought against the feeling, but he couldn’t help but have doubts about his ability to maintain the fight once he got out of the car.

Iven took a deep breath in and then met Marric’s gaze again. “We should get out and face him.”

Marric grinned and shook his head. “You make it sound as though he’s a firing squad. My dad might look tough, and he has his faults, but he won’t hurt you because you’re important to me.”

“Even though he clearly doesn’t approve of our mating?”

“Even though.” Marric glanced out the window and glared at his father.

Kinnison Ransome appeared as dangerous as his reputation suggested. If a Viking and a biker had a baby, they would have produced Kinnison Ransome.

Iven hadn’t been scared of anyone before meeting Kinnison. But it was less about fear for his safety and more about wanting Kinnison to approve of his mating and knowing he obviously wouldn’t. He felt like a teenage boy meeting his date’s father for the first time.

“Marric.” Kinnison’s deep voice penetrated through the glass and metal of the car, invading the little cocoon they made for themselves.

Marric’s sigh was so dramatic even Iven shook his head, but he also smiled. He couldn’t help but find Marric’s reaction cute.

Marric wrinkled his nose as if something smelled bad. “I hung up on him the last time we spoke. He’s mad about that too.”

Iven raised his eyebrows. “Why’d you do that?”

“Because he started in with the dynasty shit.” So not only were they about to face Kinnison’s disapproval, but Marric also had to reckon with his behavior from earlier.

“Let’s get this done so we can get to the conversation that matters.” Iven opened the door before gripping Marric’s waist and helping him exit the vehicle.

“Actually, we should lead with what matters. Dad can wait to be pissed.” Marric smirked.

“Marric.” Kinnison’s tone held a warning, but it was one Iven understood on a parental level. Exasperation and affection came through in equal measure.

Marric sighed again and rolled his eyes. He held Iven’s hand as he pulled him to the porch. “This is Iven Palmer. He’s the Fortune Falls sheriff and my Fated mate. Fated mate, dad. Fated. Mate.”

It was Kinnison’s turn to sigh, but he never lost his scowl. “Are you okay?”

Marric drew his eyebrows together. “Why wouldn’t I be? He’s my mate.”

Kinnison rolled his eyes. “You had a fever spell and never came home afterward.”

“Iven took care of me.” Marric wrapped an arm around Iven’s waist. “Did you get the herbs?”

Kinnison nodded and then met Iven’s gaze. “Your ex-wife administered them. That I trusted her should tell you something.”

All it told Iven was Kinnison was desperate to save his children and would push aside his feelings.

“I’d like to put stronger wards on the property and in the house. Afterward, we’ll fill you in on how the investigation is going.”

Kinnison nodded. “The herbs helped. Emery was out of bed earlier. It was the first time in days. That’s the only reason I’m allowing the wards.”

Iven raised his eyebrows. “If you hadn’t, I would have taken Marric to my house to keep him safe. I still might, depending on how strong the curse has become.”

Yeah, Iven wasn’t playing around with Marric’s safety, and he wouldn’t get in more of a pissing contest with Marric’s father, even though his distrust pissed Iven off.

“I’m right here. And I’m an adult. I can make my own decisions.” And with that Marric went into the house, pushing past Kinnison.

Kinnison shook his head and sighed. “I guess I might as well introduce myself. I’m Kinnison, Marric’s dad. I’m sure you’ve already figured that out.”

“I have.” Iven nodded toward the door Marric had disappeared behind. “Can I give you some advice from one dad to another?”

Kinnison raised his eyebrows. “You have children?”

“Two boys. My oldest is about Marric’s age, actually.” Iven understood if his and Marric’s age difference bothered Kinnison. It wouldn’t change how their relationship progressed, though.

Kinnison waved his hand. He didn’t seem bothered by Iven having a son the same age as Marric. It was a relief for Iven. “What’s the advice?”

“Let go. He’s right about not being a child. He’s a man who will decide for himself, despite what you want. Trust him.” Iven had to learn that lesson as well. “He’s a good person and under a lot of stress right now.”

Kinnison sighed again. This one was as dramatic as Marric’s had been. “You aren’t going anywhere, are you?”

“I intend to bond with Marric if he’ll have me, if that’s what you’re asking.” Iven wouldn’t back down from his intention under Kinnison’s disapproval. It was best if Kinnison understood that. “I’ll take care of him.”

Marric came out of the house, pushing past Kinnison and launched himself at Iven. Iven saw him coming, so he caught Marric with little effort.

Marric wrapped his legs around Iven’s waist and held on as if his life depended on it. He pressed his cheek against Iven’s. “I’ll have you.”

“I thought you had misgivings because of the curse.”

“I don’t want to break your heart if I die.”

“It’s too late to prevent that.” It had been since the moment Iven met him. Maybe even before that.

Kinnison swore.

Marric kissed him. “I feel the same.”

Marric nodded and released Iven, getting to his feet. “Can I watch you set the wards?”

“I’d like to see that too.” Kinnison came off the porch and held out his hand.

Iven took it without hesitation.

“Thanks for helping my family.”

Iven nodded. “I’ve texted my boys. They should be here to help set the wards soon. They’ll be stronger that way.”

The wards would take a while. They always did.