Page 68 of My Solemn Vow

“I promise you, Kerrianne. Guys like me and Sean, we know the risks of this life, and it’s an honor to get to protect you. If dyin’ is what it takes to get the job done, then God says it’s our time to go. We don’t argue with God about it.” Declan mostly faces Kerrianne, and he levels with her.

Treats our pup with respect.My wolf approves with a firm nod. He settles inside me, retreating with the lack of threats.

“Okay.” Kerrianne’s voice is small, and after a few seconds, she asks, “Do you like going on field trips?”

“Field trips, approved, can be fun. Do you ride on the bus, or do we drive separately?” Declan cocks his head with the question that’s security-minded but benign enough that she doesn’t notice.

“I ride on the bus.” Kerrianne eyes him suspiciously. “Do you listen to music or podcasts?”

“Music. Got too many voices in my own head to be hearing other people blabber,” Declan answers, letting Kerrianne take charge of the interview now.

“Are you gonna yell at me?” Kerrianne glares.

“It’s not my job to parent you. I won’t yell. If I raise my voice, it’s to shout, and it’ll be because you’re not being safe. But once you are safe, then it’s up to your da how things get handled.” Declan is firm about it. “I won’t lie or keep anything from either of ya where your safety is concerned. It’s not my job to do anything but make sure you’re safe.”

Antonella’s movement of her hand, low on the couch, is out of sight for Declan and Kerrianne, but I take a quick glance, and she’s holding her thumb up in approval. First with a firearm and now with a member of the security team, Antonella is quickly proving that she’s capable and competent for this life.

I don’t know if I should be excited or even more wary about her presence because of it. If Antonella really is only the truce caller or someone who is fed up with the violence, what does that mean for our life together?

A year where we don’t get shot at.My wolf thinks about a life with her again. Taking a walk down the pier with Kerrianne between us.

32

ANTONELLA

ANYTHING BUT ROY!

Sleeping in Valor’s bed, eating breakfast with him and Kerrianne, and leaving for school have almost become normal. It’s so weird. Now that everything changed, I don’t know what to do with myself. So much so that I took a deeper inventory of the pantry and lamented that I need more hobbies now that I don’t have my master’s program to throw myself into, friends to grab brunch with, or a cousin to annoy.

Kerrianne comes running down the stairs, and the whoosh of the front door opening has me on edge. I step around the wall in the kitchen to witness Kerrianne squeal in delight as she practically tackles an imposing dark-haired man.

I stop, stock still. I recognize him. I know who he is, and it makes sense for him to be here. But how many times will it take for me to come face-to-face with the Cavanaghs before I’m not afraid for my life?

“Dad!” Kerrianne shouts. “Dad!”

Valor comes in from outside where he was working and, I think, spying on me. He stands behind me, resting his hands on my shoulders with a soft squeeze. “Little raptor, how did you catch Royal?”

“I can explain,” Royal starts, and he spins Kerrianne around as he walks toward us.

Valor steps back, retreating toward the kitchen, and I follow, going back to where I was making some quiche for breakfast.

“Hey, Antonella, nice to meet you. I’m Royal. You can call me anything but Roy.” Royal, Valor’s younger brother, doesn’t offer his hand to shake, but he does give me a warm smile.

“Well, Anything But Roy, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” I wrinkle my nose at Kerrianne, and she starts laughing, clutching her stomach.

“Charmed, I’m sure.” Royal shakes his head, and his cheeks turn pink.

He purses his lips, and it’s clear that I’ve broken some of what could have been discomfort between us.

“Have you had breakfast?” I offer him a plate.

“He ate,” Valor grumbles, and I put the plate back. “Royal, why are you here?”

“I told him about show-and-tell, and he said he’d come right over.” Kerrianne looks up at Valor and shuffles herself between the two titans.

“Show-and-tell?” Valor looks to me.

“As in show-and-tell happening in January after the holiday break?” I try to decode where Kerrianne is coming up with these things.