Killian kisses her once more—quickly this time, like he's afraid if he takes too long he won't be able to leave at all—and then he's grabbing his bag, throwing it over his shoulder, and heading for the door.
"Don't let Sean burn down the house," he calls over his shoulder.
"That was one time!"
The door slams shut behind him, and the house feels slightly emptier without Killian's massive presence filling it. But only slightly, because there's still three of us and our mate, and the bond that's humming with satisfaction.
"Dishes," Rowan says, already standing and collecting plates. "Micah, you're with me."
"Yeah, guess it's only fair since they cooked," I agree, pushing up from my chair.
"I can help," Regina offers, but Rowan waves her off.
"Absolutely not. You're still recovering from the ritual. Go relax. Read one of the grimoires in the study. Take a nap. Whatever you want."
"I feel fine."
"You feel fine because you're running on post-bonding endorphins," Rowan counters. "By this afternoon, you're going to crash hard. Trust me."
Regina looks like she wants to argue, but something in Rowan's expression must convince her, because she just sighs and settles back in her chair. "Fine. But I'm helping tomorrow."
"Deal. But you have to win chainsaws, nukes and lasers."
She rolls her eyes, but she's smiling.
Everything is right in the world.
And then the doorbell rings.
Rowan, Sean and I freeze, exchanging a glance.
We're not expecting anyone. Sadie would just walk in, and anyone else would have called first.
Which means?—
"Oh shit," I breathe. "It's Ms. Morgan."
"Who?" Regina asks, confused.
"The nymph," Sean chokes out. "She must have found out about the eggs."
"It's not about the eggs, dumbass," I mutter, walking out of the kitchen to answer the door. "Just keep quiet and don't volunteer information."
Sean makes a gesture like he's zipping his mouth and I roll my eyes. I take a second to glance around the living room, just to make sure nothing incriminating is left out, and open the door.
Sure enough, there she is. The Dean's right-hand nymph is standing on our doorstep, clipboard in hand, wearing an even more authoritative pantsuit than usual as she glares at me over her horn-rimmed glasses.
"Good morning," she says with a sharp smile. "Our office has been informed your pack has taken a Bonded. AnunauthorizedBonded."
Fuck.
Chapter 13
REGINA
The panic hitsme through the bond like a splash of ice water.
Micah's panic.
