“Other than Vaughn, Gabriel, and Autumn, I don’t really know anyone. There were two wolves with Vaughn when I materialized at the bar, but they didn’t seem to be overly fond of me.”
“That was before Vaughn claimed you. You’re one of them now. I’ll contact Connor and ask who can be spared to sit with you. It would be better if Vaughn was at the house when I warded it.”
“I don’t want to be alone,” Tulip said. “Get anyone you think would protect me, if the need arose. Even if I’m not worth saving, my child is.”
Eric tipped her chin up. “You’re worth saving, Tulip. Never doubt that.”
She nodded.
“Let me make some calls. Make yourself at home.”
Eric pulled his phone from his pocket and stepped into another room. Tulip wasn’t certain she could work the remote, but she tried and managed to at least turn on the TV. She didn’t dare try to change the channel or start a movie, but at least the house wasn’t so silent. She tried to follow the show that was on, and managed to keep her thoughts from straying to Vaughn too often. Was he worried about her? Would Eric call him and tell him what was happening?
There a shift in the air and she knew she was alone. Her heart raced in her chest as she stood and paced the living room, not going anywhere near the windows or doors. She started to feel panic well inside of her just as a popping sound filled her ears and the sorcerer appeared once more, with a wolf she’d never met.
“Tulip, this is Deacon. He’s one of Vaughn’s closest friends, and he’s promised to guard you with his life. The fridge and pantry are stocked; I have cable and a bookshelf full of movies. I’ll try not to be gone too long, but it may take the rest of the day to properly ward the other house. And, if at any time, I don’t feel it’s sufficient, I’ll bring Vaughn here instead of taking you there.”
“Thank you,” Tulip said.
“Whatever happens, I’m going to do what I can to keep you safe. I’m not supposed to choose sides, but in this instance, I think the fae are wrong. If it comes down to it, I’ll call the council and ask them to intervene on your behalf.”
Tulip sank back onto the sofa as Eric vanished from sight. Deacon looked around the room before checking the windows and doors. When he was finished, he stopped in front of her. The beast inside of him was lurking in his eyes, changing their color to a brilliant gold. He knelt at her feet and took her hands in his, assessing her, but for what, she didn’t know. She didn’t think he’d harm her. The sorcerer wouldn’t have left him here if that were the case.
“So, you’re Vaughn’s destined mate,” Deacon said. “I never would have imagined he’d pair off with a fae. There’s a rather persistent shifter in our pack who has her sights on Vaughn. I always figured they’d end up together.”
“I think she broke in when Vaughn took me to his place. He wasn’t pleased.”
Deacon smiled. “I thought he was playing hard to get, but maybe he really can’t stand her. If that’s the case, she may have to move along. I know Gabriel would never ask Vaughn to leave. He’s helped the pack too many times.”
“You don’t hate me because of what I am?” Tulip asked.
“No. Vaughn wouldn’t have claimed you if you were evil. I’ve only seen the dark fae who came after Autumn, but you don’t look like them. Why is that?”
“Vaughn thinks my father was light fae. I never met him.”
Deacon nodded. “I can see that. If he’s light fae, maybe he’s still alive and will come to your aid. If you’re half-light and half dark, then maybe it will blur the lines enough the light fae won’t outright try to kill you.”
Well, wasn’t that a cheery thought. Tulip could only hope the sorcerer would be able to make them see reason. She didn’t want to be looking over her shoulder for the rest of her life. And what of her future children? If the light fae wanted to kill her, would they want to kill her baby too, and any others she might have?
She hoped Eric would come back with some answers, because she didn’t want to live in fear for the rest of her life. However long that might be.
