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Chapter Sixteen

W arding the property consisted of waiting, in uncomfortable silence, for Iven’s sons to get there.

Once they did, Griffin, the oldest son, said, “Cool. I love warding stuff. We don’t do it often enough.

” Then he turned to Iven with a grin. “Meeting the in-laws already? Now we can be one big happy family.”

Iven rolled his eyes and turned to Riley. “I’ll teach you what to do.”

Riley nodded.

Griffin, who wore a button-down shirt with his name underneath a logo that read Palmer’s Handyjobs and had a wrench and screwdriver crossing, focused on Marric’s dad.

“I see you’re ready to include us with open arms. Before you do, you should know, I don’t give family discounts.

” And then he pointed to the patch on his shirt. “Not even to you, big guy.”

Iven groaned. “Griffin.”

To Marric’s surprise, Kinnison chuckled. “Palmer’s Handyjobs, huh?”

“By Sheriff Palmer’s kid.” Griffin grinned. “My dad loves the name of my business. Don’t you, Dad?”

Iven shook his head, but he was fighting a grin. “Can we get this done? Marric and his family need the protection. So stop messing around, Griffin.”

“I’m not messing around. I’m making friends and advertising my business at the same time.” Griffin might have argued, but he fell in line next to Iven.

Once the magic was flowing, Marric stood with his dad and watched. It was fascinating to see. The magic seemed to come easily for the three of them. Even Riley, who started out with a sputter, seemed to find his footing.

“He’s going to teach me how to use my magic.” Marric whispered so he wouldn’t distract Iven and his sons. “Maybe I’ll be able to strengthen the wards myself.”

“He’s a nice guy. I’ll give him that.”

Marric rolled his eyes. “He would have helped us even without me being his mate. He’s more than just nice, Dad.”

“He can’t give you children, Marric.”

“I probably won’t live through this. Emery probably won’t either. But let’s focus on your stupid dynasty.” Marric saw red up to the point Regan ran out of the barn, holding something in his arms.

The second Regan saw him, he made a beeline straight for him.

Marric winced. He hadn’t mentioned Regan to Iven.

He wasn’t sure what Iven would do but not trusting him would prove to be a mistake.

He saw it the second Iven laid eyes on Regan and understanding dawned.

Iven put it together while setting wards around the property, proving he could multitask better than most people.

Marric didn’t have to fake a smile for Regan.

Regan handed Marric a black and white kitten. “Mama kitty had babies.”

Regan leaned against Marric.

Marric put his arm around Regan and watched as Iven tried to ignore them, but failed. “Do you think Grandpa will let you keep one?”

“I told him he had to ask you,” Dad said.

“How many are there?”

“Five. I love them all, Papa.”

Iven’s jaw ticked. They would have a conversation about Regan at some point. When they did, Marric would be up close and personal with the hurt he’d caused by keeping Regan a secret.

“We can’t keep all five, buddy. But you can keep one.”

Regan took the kitten back from him. “Why are those men here?”

“They’re protecting us.”

“With magic?”

“Yep.” Marric pulled Regan against him and pointed at Iven. “That one there is my mate. That means we like each other a lot.”

Regan might not know the details, but he knew a mate meant their life would change. Marric could see it in the way Regan eyed Iven as though he had the potential to be dangerous. “Is he nice?”

“Very nice. When he finishes, I’ll introduce you. But you should get kitty back to mama so she can feed her right now, okay?” The kitten’s eyes hadn’t opened yet, so she still needed her mama.

Regan nodded and ran back to the barn. He seemed to be of an age where he ran more than walked.

“Regan doesn’t understand your absence, Marric,” Kinnison said.

“I know. It won’t happen again.” Regan wasn’t the only one who didn’t understand his choices.

Kinnison sighed. “He’s as much your kid as any blood child.”

“Are you telling yourself that or me?”

Dad sighed. “Both of us, I guess.”

“The gods forbid if a witch were to take over as alpha of a wolf pack.” Marric rolled his eyes.

The sarcasm wasn’t lost on Dad. “The pack is prejudiced, Marric. More than you realize. There’s been an undercurrent of hostility recently.”

Marric’s gaze snapped to Dad’s. “What do you mean?”

Dad shook his head. “There was tension at the last meeting. You felt it too.”

Marric had felt it, but he dismissed it when no one addressed the cause.

“It’s been radio silence since.”

“No one from the pack has called or come by for anything?”

“Not one person except for those two the other night. Not since all the sickness started. I thought it was because they thought Emery was contagious, but if it’s a curse, maybe it’s connected.”

“Iven needs to know that.”

Kinnison nodded. “I agree.”