It took me a beat to even remember who Tyson and Julien were, since Kellan had only mentioned them a few times in passing.His brothers. Along with the witch, who would hopefully have some answers.
“Of course,” I said, jumping to my feet and backing up a few steps. “Has Jewels figured out a counterspell yet?”
I hated the lines of stress on Hunter’s face as he shook his head. “Not yet. She needs to do a few more tests and take a sliver of his essence to confer with others in her coven.”
When he stepped into the room, I was moving toward him before I thought about it. Hunter represented comfort andprotection, and my body needed a dose of his particular brand of care.
There was strain in my legs and back from hours of sitting in a chair, and I hoped my healing would kick in soon. Hunter didn’t show any sign that he noticed my stiff gait, his focus on the tray of food on the dresser. “While they’re here,” he said, “you’re going to eat a proper dinner.”
He leaned down, and I shivered at the sensation of his breath brushing over my lips. “My wolf is losing his shit, little omega. You will let me take care of you, or I will force the issue.”
Damn him. Hunter probably read romance novels as well, but his were definitely of the dark, obsessive variety.
“Let’s hear what Jewels has to say first,” I replied, desperate for even a flake of hope that Kellan would wake up. “Not to mention that this is my first time meeting his brothers. Do you think they’re going to hate me for what happened to Kel?”
Hunter’s eyes flashed gold and he rumbled, a deep, spine-chilling sound that sent goosebumps over my skin. “Not if they value their lives.” He wrapped his hands around my biceps and dragged me closer. “Don’t ever say that again. This is not your fault.”
I could promise not to say it, but that didn’t mean I believed it. When I remained silent, he huffed out his annoyance, but for a change, didn’t push like a bull at a gate. “Come on, let’s hear what the witch has to say so I can get you fed.”
He pulled me back into his body as he called out, “Enter.” Ah, the arrogance of an entitled alpha who had to fear nothing and no one.
My gaze fell to the bed, and the rise and fall of Kellan’s broad chest. Well, even alphas weren’t immune from death. It was just harder to kill them.
Jewels wandered through first, bringing with her that tinge of rotten eggs. Magic left its mark, even when it wasn’t dark.I’d heard that dark magic smelled like decaying corpses and was easy to recognize. Hopefully I never experienced the difference.
The witch was followed by two large shifters, and I immediately knew which was Julien with his alpha energy, and which was Tyson, who was clearly a strong beta. Both looked like Kellan, just with a different variation of blond hair and blue eyes.
Jewels made her way to the bed, while the Jackson brothers approached Hunter and me. Julien, who looked a few years older than Kellan, had dirty-blond hair and eyes in hues of midnight blue. “Emmeline,” he said softly, his gaze running over me, and I wished I didn’t look such a wreck for this meeting. “I’m honored to finally meet you.” I stiffened as he reached out to hug me.
Hunter rumbled his annoyance. “Family or not, if you touch her, I will rip your fucking arms off.”
Julien shot Hunter a grin, unperturbed, though he did back away. His smile reminded me of our easygoing Kellan, which hurt my heart like a shot straight through it.
“I’m happily mated, Alpha Hunter,” Julien reminded him. “You know that. I’d just like to meet the shifter who changed my brother’s existence. I owe her everything for the happiness she’s brought Kellan.”
Hunter grunted. “No problem with that. Just show your gratitude from a distance.”
Julien held both hands up in surrender. “Fair enough.” He winked at me, and I shot him a warm smile, relieved he didn’t appear to hate me on sight.
“I’m so happy to meet you,” I said, including Tyson, who had dark blond hair and a greener tinge to his blue eyes. “Both of you. Kellan is an extraordinary shifter, and I know that must have come from having a wonderful family.”
“Wait until Mom and Dad meet you,” Tyson said with a chuckle, rubbing a hand over his handsome face. “They’re goingto drive you crazy with all the hugs and love. Their baby finally finding his romantic match is their dream.”
He sobered and slowly turned toward the bed, where Jewels was running her hands above Kellan’s chest, her eyes closed and lips moving.
“Are they going to fly out here to Golden Claw?” I asked, knowing they remained in Thorny Gardens with the rest of their quintet.
Julien’s expression sobered. “We haven’t told them yet. I didn’t want them to worry before we knew for sure what we were facing here. But best believe, the second they hear, they’ll be on the next plane.”
“I’ll send the jet,” Hunter offered, more easygoing now that no one was trying to touch me. “Just tell me when you need it there.”
Julien clapped him on the shoulder. “Thank you. We’ll go sit with Rocket now.”
Rocket.There was a story there, and I wanted Kellan awake so he could tell me it.
The brothers wandered over to their brother and stood on the opposite side of the bed to the witch. While it wasn’t hard to tell the three Jackson boys apart, their familial connection was also obvious. My heart ached, and I silently prayed for Kellan to open his eyes.
Hunter remained at my side, supporting me with his hold, while we waited for Jewels to finish up her magical assessment. “It has progressed a little,” she said as she straightened. “Nothing to be concerned about. But we must decide on a plan and solution within a few weeks, or it’ll be too late to reverse the effects.”
