Page 60 of Guardian of Shadows
“Are there no queer fae? You only mentioned the female’s father.”
“Yes, there are same sex couples in Evyndral, but instead of one of the fathers performing the ceremony, the couple goes before the elders to keep from hurting someone’s feelings.”
“If you wish, we’ll ask Nekoma when we get home. Thank you for agreeing, Sweetheart. I’ll have Carleigh create your new IDs. Oh, what’s your middle name?”
Elle shrugged one shoulder. “I don’t have one. I’m just Elledan.”
“You’re not just anything. You are my amazing, smart, talented mate.” Elle’s ears turned that adorable shade of pink Anthony loved. “Would you like a middle name? Since Carleigh is creating your documents, now would be the time to add one.”
Elle didn’t hesitate to say, “Lorhana, to honor my mother.”
“It’s beautiful, like you.” Anthony lifted her hand and kissed the back of it.
While eating their raspberry cream tarts, a nearby voice caught Anthony’s attention. “I need more time. If that Hopkins bastard isn’t with them, someone else is guarding the house.”
Hopkins wasn’t that odd of a last name, but add it to the fact that this male was talking about a security guard, it got Anthony’s hackles up. He couldn’t see past the divider separating their table from the other guests.
“No. They’re having dinner together with him and his wife. I can’t get close enough to Alyssa to question her.”
Now Anthony knew for certain he was referring to Gannon. Anthony pulled out his phone and texted Gannon, alerting him to someone following them. If Anthony had to guess, it was the GIA agent who had moved to Atlanta when Alyssa did.
“Is something wrong?” Elle asked.
Anthony placed his phone in the pocket of his suit coat. “Yes, but I’ll explain later.”
Elle hesitated a few seconds, then said, “Okay.”
They were quiet as they finished dessert, the mood less romantic because of the text. Anthony paid the tab, and as he and Elle were walking out, he glanced at the tables nearest where they’d been seated, noting only one man sitting alone. Not wanting to call attention to them, Anthony waited until they were on the sidewalk to check for Gannon’s reply.
Hopkins: I had already received a text from Madsen, and I’ve asked Robbie to run interference when it’s time for us to leave. Stallings is getting more desperate if he’s following Alyssa to public places.
Anthony: Let me know if I can help in any way.
Hopkins: Thanks, bud. I’ve got it handled. Enjoy the rest of your evening with your mate.
Once they were in Anthony’s Corvette, he reminded Elle of how Connor and Alyssa met in South Carolina, and the GIA agent on the case transferred to Atlanta to follow Alyssa. “Agent Stallings was sitting a few tables away from us, and he admitted he’d followed them to Colden’s Key. I texted Gannon to let him know.”
“What exactly does he want from Alyssa?”
“Knowledge about what she found during the testing she did.”
Elle wrung her hands. “Can’t she give him something to appease him? Like false information?”
“What do you mean?”
“If she produces her findings, not the real ones, but something made up, wouldn’t he leave her alone?”
Anthony grabbed one of her hands and threaded their fingers. “He may, but he still knows there was something off with the female’s biology.”
“True, but at least he might stop following Alyssa.”
“I’ll call Con tomorrow and discuss it. Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Caring. For showing you’re more than just a pretty face.”
Elle’s appreciation for his words was strong through the bond. Anthony was still getting used to sensing his mate’s emotions, but he liked knowing without having to ask. It allowed him to understand his parents’ relationship better. He knew they could also mind-speak, but gauging emotions allowed them to meet each other’s needs more easily. It allowed him the same benefit with Elle.
