Page 9 of My Pleasure

“Nicol, I want you to meet someone,” she said, speaking softly.

The small girl lifted her face from Kiera’s abdomen. “He watches us all the time,” she whispered back.

Kiera knelt down until she was eye level with her sister. “He was sent by the Goddess to watch over you.”

Her sister’s eyes widened and her hands went to her mouth. “We didn’t know.”

Hunter knelt beside her. “It was a special mission,” he said, winking at her.

Nicol’s eyes lit up as she smiled. “We try not to make trouble.”

Hunter sighed. “That’s too bad, I love kids that make trouble.”

“Really?” her sister asked, clearly confused.

Hunter looked surprised. “Of course. Everyone knows that when kids are getting into trouble, they’re having fun.”

Kiera stared at him. “Don’t tell her that.”

Hunter turned and gave her an innocent look. “What?”

Nicol giggled quietly.

“Kiera, we’re ready,” Keran said, running back breathless. In his arms, he carried two backpacks.

She frowned. “That can’t be everything?”

Keran looked down at the bags. “Everything that matters,” he said.

Hunter stood. “Good lad.”

Keran started to edge around Kiera, when Nicol placed a hand on his arm. “Kiera said the Goddess sent him to protect us.”

Keran stared up at Hunter. “He’s huge!”

Hunter flexed his bicep. “Of course.”

Keran looked back down at his feet nervously. “Will you protect Kiera too?”

“Hmmm.” Hunter said, looking up at the ceiling like he was thinking something over.

When Keran raised his head, Hunter was tapping his chin. “Since the Goddess gave her to me as a mate, I will be protecting all three of you.”

When Hunter confirmed that Kiera was his mate, it was as if the relief of it overwhelmed Keran, and the boy sagged forward on himself.

Hunter picked him up and held him on one arm. “You rest now, I’ll watch over them,” he promised softly, looking at Kiera and Nicol.

Keran gave a shuddering sigh, lay his head down on Hunter’s shoulder, and closed his eyes.

Hunter turned to her, anger in his eyes. “Let us go,” he said, in a gentle voice that didn’t match the simmering rage in his expression.

Hunter placed all three backpacks on her rolling case and pulled it while carrying Keran.

Kiera held Nicol close as they walked out the only home her siblings could remember.

*****

Hunter was fuming. The boy in his arms had been on guard this entire time, only relaxing when he realized Hunter would keep them safe. No child should have to do such a thing.