“By the grace of the gods, no,” he answered. “The demons were seen in the outer fields not far from the dark wood but never ventured closer.”
“That’s good.” I fidgeted in place.
Had Oreo been with the horde? I hadn’t seen any signs of the Fenrir pup since the day he saved me. He had fought off the mercenary and then used some of his own mana to heal the worst of my wounds, literally bringing me back from the brink of death.
Wherever he was, I hoped he was safe. I owed him my life.
“Worry not,” Baden said. “The knights will do all in our power to keep you and everyone in the kingdom safe.” He withdrew two sweet buns from the basket and handed one to Duke. “These treats will help.”
“Aye.” Quincy helped himself to another cookie. “Food of the gods. I feel stronger already.”
“Our thorn prince must use a secret ingredient known only to him,” Duke said. “No other food compares to his.”
“Oh, stop.” I flicked my hand at them. “There’s no secret ingredient.”
“I disagree.” Callum smiled over at me. “You make everything with love. And that love tastes like pure magic.”
Butterflies swarmed my belly. Damn him and that dimple. Sir Swoonamon Roll was at it again.
Hudson rose from his seat and bowed his head to me. “Gratitude for the cookies.”
“You’re leaving?” I asked.
He nodded. “Nikolai and Erik are joining me near the king’s forest. Our orders are to patrol the perimeter.”
“Be careful,” I told him. A threat lurked around every corner. Demons. Dark mages slash mercenaries. More Herbert-type beetles scuttling around.
“I will.”
“Take this token of good luck.” I fished out another chocolate chip cookie for him. “Eating it will protect you.”
Quincy watched as Hudson ate it in one bite. “I want a protection cookie.”
“You’ve eaten five,” Duke huffed. “If you aren’t protected by now, I’m afraid there’s no saving you.”
I laughed. It felt good to be with the knights again. They were the big brothers I’d never had growing up. Part of my found family.
The air then stirred at my back, causing a tickle at my nape. A smile formed on my lips as a shadow loomed over me, blocking the sun. I turned and peered up at a face that still made my heart wobble, even after a year by his side.
“Afternoon, sweetheart.” Maddox brushed a hand over my hair. “Behaving yourself, I hope.”
“Always.” I stood from the log and wrapped my arms around him. The scent of leather armor and warm spice enveloped me, mixing with the smoke from the firepit. “About time you got here. I was beginning to think Captain Braun kidnapped you and was about to throw down the gauntlet and fight him to get you back.”
He barked out a surprised laugh and cupped the back of my head. “No one will ever keep me from you.”
“Only because you know I have muffins with me.”
“I already have the muffin I came for.” His arms tightened around my waist.
I melted against him. “Not fair. You and Cal can’t release the full force of your charm so close together. You have to coordinate and stagger it.”
Callum chuckled. “Seeing that flush in your cheeks is much more entertaining. As is the little swoony sigh.”
“I don’t swoon.”
Maddox then dipped me and grazed his lips across mine, ever so lightly licking the corner of my mouth. And yes, I emitted a little sound that was, undoubtedly, a freaking swoon. Damn him.
“Lovesick muffin,” Quincy said.
