“So, Sienna Rossi?” Grandad looks at me, and I nod in confirmation, looking ahead.
“Yeah.”
“I didn’t see that coming, but I’m all for it. The Rossis have taken my daughters. It’s only fair that my grandson takes one of theirs.”
Dad chuckles. “That’s one way of looking at it.”
Grandad nods. “She’s Rafael’s granddaughter. If he were alive, he’d have been happy. What does she say if she finds her mate? Have you two discussed that? I know you sound confident in your emotions.”
I smile. “I’m pretty confident in her feelings, too.”
And wearemates.
I look at the sky that peeks through the treetops. A few stars are visible, but it’s mostly cloudy. It’s kinda peaceful out tonight…
We walk around the tree line before circling back towards the house. “You’re the Deimos King now, make us proud,” Grandad says, patting my shoulder.
I give him a small smile. “I’ll try to.”
“Now hurry along. I think someone’s waiting for you,” Grandad says. Both Dad and I turn, but I can’t sense anyone.
Grandad chuckles. “I’m sure I saw her by that tree near thehouse. She knows how to hide well.”
“Well then, goodnight to the both of you,” I say before I walk towards the tree, picking up her undeniable scent. Dark cherries laced with temptation. Sweet, yet dangerous.
I lean against the rough bark of the tree she’s hiding behind. One foot lifted, heel pressed just so. My eyes peer around the trunk, and there she is.
Long, dark red curls spill down her shoulders like fire made of silk. Her pouty lips part just a little, and those huge red eyes flick up to meet mine before darting away again. She’s blushing.
I smirk. “Miss me?”
She tries to hide the smile tugging at her lips, but fails adorably. Her eyes drop, lashes fluttering, and she gives the smallest nod.
God, she’s dangerous when she’s shy.
“Tired?” I whisper softly, playing with a strand of her hair. She shakes her head.
“I heard shouting…”
I nod. “Yeah, welcome to the Westwood home.”
She smiles. “So, you told them?”
“Yup, so we don’t need to hide anymore,” I say, pulling her close. The worry I feel about what’s going on with her returns, but I want to show her something. “Come on.”
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see.” I take her hand, lacing my fingers with hers, and lead her into the woods.
Don’t be out too late,Dad says through the mind-link.
We won’t,I promise, before I look at the woman beside me,trying to think about what is troubling her. I might need to talk to Heaven, if there’s a way to look into her mind, to get some answers…
She’s looking around, taking in everything as we reach the lake, and I lead her over to the edges.
“Oh, you’re so lucky to have a lake in your pack!” she says. “I remember when one of your birthday parties was held here, not sure if it’s the same spot…”
I smile faintly. “It wasn’t, but yeah, we have had a party or two down here,” I reply, sitting down on the rough stones and guiding her into my lap, not wanting the stone to scratch her bare legs.
