Page 72 of Rafe

“She’s a delightful human. Goddess does have a sense of humor. Now are you going to introduce us?” Ilsbeth glared at Rafe. “I think I’ve earned the right to meet my son’s human.”

“No, ma’am. No, I’m not his human.” Skylar forced a smile and glanced up to Rafe whose focus rested on Ilsbeth, his glare equally formidable.

“Skylar’s mine. You will not harm her or her family.”

“Darling. Would I have come across the world just to harm a human? Surely you know I can do that from a distance.”

Rafe released a low growl.

Skylar’s heart raced as Ilsbeth addressed her. “This human is your human. She just doesn’t know it yet. And as such, I give you my word. I shall do no harm. Now please, if you want me to set the wards, I shall walk towards the water, preferably through the house, not the woods. Surely your parents will see us out there so it’s best to make introductions.”

“Yes, I suppose you’re right.” Jesus, what am I doing? Nervous energy whipped through Skylar, tightening like a vice. She settled her focus on Greyson and Sebastian. “Hey, you two. No fangs. Got it?”

She looked to Rafe, a corner of his mouth ticking upward. “Good rule. And be fast.”

“And where’s that demon?” Skylar asked. “He’d better not show up here again. My parents just got off a month-long vacation and it’s a private party. I cannot have any of what happened in Las Vegas happen here. No trouble.”

“In and out. Got me?” Rafe pointed at them. “After you’re done, Greyson’s gonna come get me and we’ll leave.”

“After we’re done here, Bash is staying behind to keep an eye out,” Greyson said. “Skylar comes with us.”

“No.” Both Rafe and Skylar protested.

“From a distance, of course,” Sebastian explained.

“Darling. Sebastian is hardly the one to be afraid of.” Ilsbeth glanced at Greyson. “We are all in a precarious situation, aren’t we now? You’ve attracted the attention of a very dangerous creature who is likely to come finish off her prey.” The witch set a hand onto her hip. “I expect my son will take his human with him. If they get you here, they’ll take your parents.”

Skylar’s mind raced. Who is this woman? What is happening to my life? Literally a month ago she was drinking a café au lait and selling books while working the occasional acting gig. It was a calm, somewhat predictable, happy life. Weeks later, she was trying to put her trust in a witch that she’d just met who was explaining that an ancient vampire was going to watch over her parents.

“I…I don’t want anything to happen to them. Sebastian lied about who he was.” Skylar glared at him.

“You clearly are a virgin to paranormal ways.” Ilsbeth glanced at Rafe and raised an eyebrow.

Skylar froze as the witch leaned in towards her and sniffed. Startled, she jumped back towards Rafe putting distance between them. What the hell?

“Perhaps I misspoke. It seems you have been educating yourself on my son.” Ilsbeth wore a closed smile.

Skylar stared at the witch and took a deep breath. “I don’t want my parents hurt. They don’t go to blood bars or to pack houses. They’re humans. Retired. Lovely people. I realize it’s by my own doing I’m in this situation, but I cannot agree to allowing a vampire to stay here. I need your word he won’t hurt them.”

“You have my word,” Ilsbeth told her, her tone serious. “Believe me, my word, my promise, that’s not something I grant lightly. Your parents will see no harm. As long as you agree to stay under Rafe and Greyson’s protection, leave this place, you’ll be far away from them. Don’t worry about the vampire. Sebastian owes me a favor. As does Viktor who has promised to back him up should he need assistance. I cannot promise you will be entirely safe, but we will certainly try.”

Skylar released a breath, her mind resigning, adjusting to her new reality. “I’ve got to keep my parents safe. But I’m trusting all of you.”

“Are you ready?” Rafe asked.

“Let me do the introductions,” Skylar whispered as she reached for the door. “Keep it short. Do not. I repeat do not tell them what is going on or I will never be allowed to leave this house. Be inconspicuous.”

“Sure.” Greyson shrugged. “We can do that.”

Skylar couldn’t look at Rafe as she stepped inside. She simmered with anger for her own actions. She wasn’t the first woman on earth to fall for the wrong person. She steeled her nerves, remembering who she was. An actress. As she walked into the kitchen, she prepared for the greatest role of her life.

“Mom. Dad.” Her parents stood up from the table, her father wearing a distrustful smile. “No, please. Please sit down. These are friends. This, this handsome gentleman is Greyson. I met him in New Orleans. With Rafe.”

“I’m his cousin. Twice removed.” Greyson shot her mom a charming smile and her mom’s face lit up with delight.

“And this. Um, this is Sebastian.”

“I’m Greyson’s brother,” The vampire spoke with a slow confident cadence. “Lovely to meet you both.”