Page 37 of My Pleasure

“We have to go shopping, I wanna buy stuff for Kiera,” Keran said, waving the bracelet around.

Aleksandra looked at him. “You wanted that for your sister?”

He nodded. “She would take whatever jobs she could, even if they hurt, just to take care of us. Sometimes she would come home to visit, and I could see she was limping or having a hard time standing. I wanna take care of her now.”

Kiera couldn’t stop the low cry as she fell to her knees to pull him into her arms. “I’d do anything for you and Nicol, you’re both my whole world.”

Seconds later, Nicol barreled into them. “Dad too!”

Kiera wiped at her eyes, then pulled Nicol close. “Yes, Dad too. Our family means everything to me. If I had known…”

Keran shook his head. “He would have hurt you too.”

“Oh baby!” Kiera could stand the idea that her tiny brother had been protecting both her and Nicol the whole time. “From now on, you let me protect you.”

Keran shook his head. “No way.”

A low growling sound had all three of them turning.

“Dad looks so cool right now,” Keran said, staring.

Kiera stood on shaky legs. “Hunter?”

He held out a hand that was tipped in black claws. “Give me a second,” he said, through clenched teeth.

Brennus walked over and stood next to Hunter. “They are safe. They will never know pain again. They are loved,” he said, in soothing tones. “The one responsible will die. Your unit brothers, myself included will see this done.”

“I know I should be kinda scared, but all I can think of is how safe I feel,” Kiera said, watching as her mate struggled to stay human.

Hunter looked up. “Really?” he asked, his voice sounding more normal.

“Witches don’t have animal forms. I can’t imagine fearing anything with you at my side.” She squinted. “Did you get taller?”

Hunter breathed out slowly and shrunk back down to his normal height. When he opened his eyes, he was back to his usual self. “My apologies. I didn’t mean to lose control.”

Brennus shook his head. “Perfectly understandable.”

“Dad is the coolest Dad ever,” Nicol whispered. She walked up to him and held up her arms.

Hunter glanced down at his hands to make sure they were safe, then picked her up. Turning, he looked at Keran. “I protect you and your sisters now. Never put yourself in harm's way again.”

Keran looked the other way. “I won’t go looking for it, but if you’re ever not around, I’ll still protect them.”

Hunter shook his head. “Then I’ll have to make sure, I’m always there.”

“Keran, have you ever thought about being a unit warrior?” Brennus asked.

Kiera scowled at the older fae. “He’s a baby! He won’t be doing warrior things until he’s grown.”

Keran stood straighter. “I want to be a unit warrior like my dad and protect people.”

Brennus nodded approvingly. “Hunter, let’s start him on cadet drills.”

Kiera turned to Keran. “Baby, are you sure?”

“I want to be like Dad when I grow up. I may not have magic, but I can fight.”

“Why do you think you don’t have magic?” she asked.