Page 83 of Siren’s Secret

Irishen hummed. “Where do those two stand, anyway? Are we cockblocking the idiots or taking the high road?”

Jarred wanted to snarl but bit it back. “I want to say cock block, but…”

“But she needs them. With the amount of power she’s holding, she—”

“No,” Wave mumbled in her sleep, her forehead wrinkling. She turned and buried her face in Irishen’s chest as her breathing calmed again.

“Let’s just see how it goes,” Jarred whispered. He moved to cuddle her back and accidentally bumped his head against Irishen’s arm. The male moved it under his head and allowed Jarred closer. The soft chill emanating from him was soothing, and Jarred’s eyes turned heavy. His Claimed might have a point about ice.

He wasn’t sure, but the last words he heard before drifting off were precious pet.

In the morning, Jarred waited until everyone had eaten before bringing up the attack again. He knew his Claimed well enough that she was as bad tempered as he was when she was hungry.

“So, what should we do about Elena and Kelsey?”

“I don’t think there’s much we can do,” Wave grumbled and rubbed her stomach.

“And you’re not… worried?”

She gnawed at her lower lip and looked from Irishen to him and back. “Well, yeah… but…”

“But what, mate?”

“I don’t want to leave.”

Jarred braced for her to rip his head off. “I was thinking more along the lines of moving you to Powerhouse mansion. We should let the rest of them know what’s going on.”

“No!” Wave’s denial was quick and fierce.

Jarred held up his hand. “Not about your siren, but about their abduction plans. Someone is targeting you, love. I’d feel much better if everyone was keeping an eye on you.”

“He’s right, mate.” Irishen’s quiet voice surprised Jarred. For some reason, he had fully expected him to protest too.

“I’m not—”

“You staying with Ginny, Diana, and Chrissy might endanger them.” Jarred was playing dirty, he knew that, but it was also the truth.

“Low blow,” Irishen muttered but didn’t argue. He reached out and took Wave’s shaking hands in his. “Look, mate. I would love nothing more than to have you here at all times, but this apartment, while warded, is not as secure as the Powerhouse mansion.”

“Ginny—”

“Is excellent in warding against simple things. She’s not a battle mage, though,” Irishen said. “Your dorm is vulnerable on so many fronts.”

“I’m not going to move,” Wave huffed.

“Just think about it,” Jarred said. He knew the seed was there and his Claimed cared a lot about her friends. “Talk to them.” Then he sighed. “And if you decide to stay, I’ll get Sim, Ilijas, Yash, and Marc to ward the place the best we can.” He just didn’t have it in him to force the issue more.

Wave blinked and took a moment before she spoke. “You would do that?”

“Yeah,” Jarred replied.

“And I’m not saying you are not welcome here, mate. Only that I’d sleep better knowing that the place is more protected. Something to think about. Now we need to get moving or you’ll be late for class. Who do you have first?”

“Dr. Johanson.” Wave smiled. “I really like her class.”

“And I need to gather my research papers from Professor Kilkenny,” Jarred said and then fell silent. “Oh shit.”

“What?” Wave asked.