AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Each brother raised their hand in a salute, then downed their shot of whiskey. And one by one, they smashed the cut crystal into the fireplace. Roane and Gavin went over to Rhia and proceeded to share some of Keir’s more embarrassing moments. They had her hugging her sides before long, but Keir didn’t mind. Much. Their time was soon coming, and payback would be sweet.
Quinn lowered his voice and said, “I’m not sure what Dante was thinking. Do you?”
Keir snorted. “He wasn’t. It was an act of desperation. And a wounded animal becomes more reckless the longer it’s in pain. We’ll need to do a better job of protecting our females, no matter what. I won't be underestimating him again.”
His brother thought about Keir’s comment, then nodded. “Sounds about right. I think he wasn’t expecting the strength we’ve gained or how clever our mates are. I’m just sorry Rhia had to endure seeing you shift back in sub-zero temperatures. That had to be embarrassing, brother.”
Keir chose to ignore the last part of his Quinn’s comment. Now fully mated, he could handle whatever trash talk Quinn or the rest of his brothers threw his way. Contentment and having his mate in his bed had mellowed him and his wolf. But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t fight to the death to protect his family, or the pup Rhia carried.
He hadn’t told her yet. She had no idea he had sensed the pregnancy. He wanted to see the joy on her face when she discovered the life she now carried.
“So, what are we going to do about Trace’s disappearing act? Or Mac’s for that matter. He hasn’t checked in the last couple of days, and I’ll be damned if I go to Athena for help.”
Keir thought about telling Quinn that their mother’s help wasn’t always a bad thing. Especially in his case. But Quinn and Athena had a more complicated relationship than the rest of them. Probably had to do with him being the oldest, even if it was by a few minutes.
“You worry too much, Quinn. Trace and Mac are grown men. You gotta let go of your control issues, and trust they know what they’re doing.”
Roane and Gavin rejoined them while Britt and Rhia left the room. Keir tracked his mate, as did Quinn.
“Jesus, is this what all our gatherings are going to be like from now on? You two puffing out your chests, and drooling every time your mates walk by you?” Roane complained, a hint of jealousy laced his tone.
Keir slapped Roane on the arm. “I’m going to remind you of this conversation when it’s your mate crossing your path with that ‘look’ in her eyes. And as much as I enjoy trading insults with you both, duty calls.”
Quinn laughed and said, “What he said. Don’t worry, your turns are coming. But I think Mac and Trace may have a head start.”
“Shit, now I have to get the image of those two enjoying themselves with their mates out of my head.” Gavin groused.
“Yeah, we need to get out of here and find a distraction. Any ideas?” Roane comically plugged his ears, grinning.
“I want what they’re having, even if that means risking our mother’s meddling. You in?” Gavin pushed his brother toward the hallway that led them to their wing of the castle.
“Hell yeah. Where do you think we should look first?” Roane asked.
“Anywhere Tiegh isn’t. Let’s go pack our gear and meet up in the garage in twenty.”
“Gavin wait. What about Mac and Trace?”
“Are you kidding? They already have a head start on us. And if they haven’t already found their mates, I have a feeling they will soon.”
