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“You need to eat.”
“I could go for a scone and a cup of tea right about now.”
Sterling leaves the side of the bed, shifts into his human form and dresses quickly.
“I will see what Kiernan has brought for you. But I suspect you may no longer find scones so…pleasing.”
I snort at the word. “Only you would call a scone pleasing. I think that is the moment I fell in love with you. I guess we will see.” I move to the window, looking down at the farm and at my sheep who are in a temporary pen. I sniff the air, the scent making my mouth water.
“What is that smell?”
Sterling wraps an arm around my waist, pressing his lips to my neck.
“Goat. But we don’t eat pets.”
My mouth falls open and I turn and look at him. “I would never!”
“I know.” He lets go, then slips on his shoes. As he nears the stairs, a thought pops into my head. Something I’d wondered about when Eugene mentioned sending monsters to frighten me.
“You weren’t the only one following me, were you?”
He shakes his head, lifting his arms to retie his bun.
“Nope. Lucien can apologise to you later for his part in all this. But fair warning, your friend is highly protective of the giant bird and won’t have anyone blaming him for anything.”
“I’m so mad at you!” Kiernan dives onto the bed and wraps his arms around my neck, squeezing me tightly. “What were you thinking?”
What was I thinking? That I couldn’t let Eugene win. That I’d be fast enough to get Sterling free and save us all. That maybe I would die trying.
“I’m sorry for scaring you,” I say, hugging my friend back.
He releases me and scoots to the bottom of the bed.
“You’re forgiven, but do not do that again. Ever.”
I hold up my hands. “Promise.”
“I’ve taken care of the bakery while you were out. The scones were passable, but Mrs L says my cake icing skills need work.”
My chest warms with affection and gratitude. “Thank you for that, Kee. What would I do without you? You’ve always been my rock. From the day you first barged into my life.”
Kiernan places a hand on my ankle. “You’re my rock, too. I love you, Cas.”
“I love you too, Kee.”
“What about the beach? Is everything down there okay?” I ask, worry pulling my brows together. “Eugene didn’t get to the sea lions, did he?”
Kiernan squeezes my leg. “No. Lucien says his shadow is no match for the sea lions and the only time Eugene forced him to send it to steal the sand, he failed. Then, with Sterling living here, it was too difficult for him to try again.”
“Does Lucien know where the sand came from? Or why it’s here?” I ask.
Kee shakes his head. “And I’ve not found anything about it in any books. But I’m going to keep looking. It’s a mystery I want to solve.” There’s an excited smile on his face.
“I don’t know why Pops never told me about all this. But I’m glad he protected the sea lions. I will, too.”
“I know you will. You stood up to an evil man to save them, Cas. No one doubts what you wouldn’t do to protect your legacy.”
“Not a skeptic anymore, am I?” I say with a wink.
