“True,” Rowan said. “But even if I didn’t have that luxury, I’d still be here. I cannot imagine a day without Destroy in my life. We bicker like children, but it’s our love language. I adore the male and wouldn’t be anywhere else for any reason. The people here are kind, caring, neighborly. If you need something, they’ll give it if they’ve got it the moment they see you in need. It’s like the world was before modernism swept across it. We care about each other. We’re safe here. And if something occurs that interrupts that safety, we all stand together until it’s gone and we’re safe again. It’s a wonderful place to raise children. If anyone gets sick, Lily and Carrik both can heal, as can some of the others.
“Brannaugh can, too, can’t he?” Felicity asked.
“I’m not fully sure of the extent, but I know he saved Rune when he was injured. And Rune is still around, though I think Brannaugh did something with the Fey magics to save him.”
“That wolf looks like he did when Aubreigne first found him,” Felicity said.
“True. But as far as sickness, Aubreigne and myself are familiar with tonics and natural medicines and aids for injuries. I love it here. It’s a peaceful place to live. There’s very little stress of any kind.”
“Thank you for being so honest with me. I appreciate it,” Angelle said.
Chapter 17
Somewhere in the back of the house a door opened, then, slammed closed.
“I know you didn’t just slam my door,” Rowan called out.
“Sorry,” a deep velvety voice called back. Heavy footsteps moved toward them until finally they saw the owner of the voice. He was tall, with long, dark hair as thick and wavy as Rowan’s. His eyes were golden but his skin had a dark-grey hue, like Destroy’s. He was tall and muscular like his father, and a very attractive male. “Oh, I didn’t know you had company. Sorry.”
“It’s fine,” Rowan said. “Ladies, this is my son, Marauder. Marauder, this is Mrs. Avaleigh, and her daughter, Angelle.”
“I am charmed, ladies,” he said, quickly moving toward them. He took the time to briefly hug Felicity, then Carolena. “Hello, Mrs. Carolena,” he said as he kissed her cheek. Then he took Avaleigh’s hand in his and kissed it, “Welcome, Mrs. Avaleigh.” He released Avaleigh’s hand, and reached for Angelle's. He held it reverently in his hands as he slowly brushed his thumb across the top of her hand, before bowing dramatically over her hand and remaining there a moment longer than necessary, looking into her eyes before he finally kissed it and allowed his lips to linger. “What a divine pleasure, Ms. Angelle,” he said, wrapping her name in a French flair.
“Before you even start, Angelle is Boon’s mate.”
“Oh, come on!” Marauder cried dramatically, dropping Angelle’s hand and turning his face toward the ceiling. “Is anyone ever going to come here that’s not already taken?! It’s not like I can just go out and find somebody!”
“Marauder. You know exactly who your mate is. You’re just dragging your feet.”
“She doesn’t want me!”
“Yes, she does. She’s just away at school at the moment!”
“Bliss told me that I had to earn her respect while she’s gone. How do I do that when she’s so far away I can’t even speak to her until she returns?” Marauder demanded.
Rowan rolled her eyes. “What do you want? Why are you in here?”
“I’m starving.”
“You’re always starving.”
“Can I please have some food? And I’m out of the wood glue I favor. Did you happen to store any away the last time I got some?”
“Yes, I did. I set aside two bottles of it because I knew you’d run out before you ordered any more. Check in the back of my pantry. And make yourself a plate and either sit quietly, or take it with you.”
“You know I’m not a little child anymore, right?” Marauder asked.
“Yes. But do you know it?” Rowan asked.
Marauder grinned like a mischievous little boy rather than the man he is. “On occasion,” he admitted. He dug around in the pantry for a few moments, then loaded up his plate before he turned and headed in the direction he came from. He paused before he left the room and looked back at them. “It has been a pleasure, Angelle,” he said, once again throwing the French pronunciation around her name. “If Boon blows this with you, I’m only a short walk away. And I am a delight.”
“That is not how you earn Bliss’s respect,” Rowan said.
Marauder winked at Angelle, then quickly left the room.
“That boy is going to die alone if he doesn’t stop flirting with everyone other than his mate,” Rowan said.
“Either that or Murder will end him,” Felicity said.
