Page 71 of Rafe

Patty gestured to the food on the table, which hadn’t been touched. “Please. Eat.”

Skylar’s stomach growled as she reached for a cracker and sliced off a slab of brie. Breakfast of champions.

“Did you say you’re going on a trip? Where’re ya headed, if you don’t mind me askin’?” Neil loaded his plate with grapes and salami.

“I was planning on riding my motorcycle across country. Maybe doing a little camping in Yellowstone before I head up to Canada. Banff.”

“Sounds like an amazing trip. You much of an outdoorsman?”

Skylar stopped chewing as she heard the question and looked up at Rafe.

“You could say I spend a lot of time outdoors. It’s where I’m most at peace. Running with my pa⁠—”

“Paths. Running on paths.” Skylar interrupted, finishing his sentence. “He’s a big runner.”

Ding. Dong. Skylar’s eyes widened as the sound of the doorbell rang throughout the house.

“Are you expecting someone?” her mom asked.

Skylar’s heart raced as she glanced at Rafe.

“No, no. We aren’t expecting any packages, are we?”

“No.” Neil shook his head and reached for the crackers.

“I’ll get it.” Skylar jumped to her feet and ran to the door.

“Slow down, honey. They’ll wait,” she heard her mom say.

Skylar reached for the doorknob, but Rafe’s strong fingers covered hers.

“Let me open it,” he offered.

As Skylar spun around her chest brushed his body, igniting her desire, leaving her skin tingling with awareness. The scent of him washed over her and she relaxed her palm onto his chest. She looked up into his eyes for a second, her heart crushed.

“Hey.” His hand cupped her cheek and she closed her eyes.

“It’s going to be all right, sweetheart. If this goes sideways, get your mom and dad to the car. I’ll hold them off,” he told her, his voice both strong and calm.

She nodded and stepped behind him.

As he opened the door, she caught sight of Greyson and Sebastian. But it was the striking woman standing next to him who caught her attention. With long ice blonde hair, the petite woman wore a tailored white linen pantsuit. Wearing dark Chanel sunglasses, she feigned a smile.

“What are you guys doing?” Rafe asked under his breath and attempted to close the door. “You’ve got to get out of here. I’m not kidding. Get out.”

Greyson blocked it with his hand. “Bad news, wolf. We can’t risk leaving Skylar without setting wards. Sebastian is a cunt but he’s not wrong. We don’t know if she’s being followed. Her parents are a lesser risk but human, nonetheless. Ilsbeth will set a protection spell so they’re invisible to the paranormal.”

“Are you kidding me?” Rafe exclaimed. “No, no she cannot come in here.”

“Everything okay, Sky?” Her father asked.

“Yeah, yeah Dad. Just someone looking for their rental,” Skylar lied.

“You guys have got to get out of here. I’m serious. Do whatever you’ve got to do outside and go. Except for Greyson. Just wait in the driveway. I’ll be out within the hour.”

“Rafe. Darling. No hug for mommy?” Ilsbeth asked.

Skylar’s eyes widened in shock. The High Priestess. Why is she at my house? “I’m really sorry and I very much appreciate your, um, protection but you see my parents are here and I don’t think this is a good idea.”