“Th-thank you for saving me again.”
“It’s something of a family tradition, I believe.” Warwick pulled her back into his arms. Cupping her head, he pressed her face into his shoulder. “It means you’re my Raven.”
The others arrived, and he had to release her so they could hug their sister. But when they were done, he pulled her close again.
“Is Eloise Lavigne alive, Warwick? If she is, we must help her?”
“Why must we help her? She kidnapped you, and I can never forgive her for that.”
“I know, but her father died and now her brother and—”
“We will deal with it.” He cut her off. “For now, we need to get you and Maddie warm.”
“I-I want to know,” she said with her usual determination to the cause when a perfect stranger was in any kind of distress. Even one who likely brought her here to die.
“She is alive,” Nicholas said. “We will carry her out. Her brother too.”
“And now you know, we can go.” Warwick took her hand and started walking. Before them, Harry did the same with Maddie.
Once they all reached the cemetery gates and their horses, Mr. Brown managed to find a hackney and took Eloise Lavigne and the body of her brother plus Mr. Breel to the authorities with the help of Ash and Gus.
Warwick lifted Samantha onto his horse and climbed on behind.
“Do we need to have a talk, Warwick?” James asked.
“Very likely, but I probably should speak with your sister first.”
This made everyone laugh except Eden who said it was about time they woke up and realized what everyone else had known for some time.
“Yes, thank you, sister. I’ll take it from here,” Warwick told her.
“Are you sure you are not hurt, Samantha?”
She was burrowed into his coat, her cheek on his chest.
“I am well, Warwick, I promise.”
She was shivering. Likely due to the dampness of her clothes.
“Take Samantha to my house,” Dev said. “We are unsure if they have managed to get rid of all the guests yet or not from the Raven townhouse.”
Warwick dismountedoutside Dev’s house and helped Samantha down.
“Let me go, Warwick.” She pushed against his chest.
“I don’t think I can. I nearly lost you tonight.”
She tilted her head back, and he looked down at the face that was so familiar to him, and yet now seemed so different. His love for her had changed that.
“Come,” Dev said. “We need to get her warm, Warwick. Harry has taken Maddie home to their house. Tomorrow is soon enough to see everyone, although I’m sure the duke and duchess will join us as soon as they have checked their household is guest free.”
The twins were awaiting them inside and whisked Samantha away before he could stop them.
“Change now, brother. Your room is still as you left it, and some of your clothes are there,” Dev told him.
When he had washed and pulled on some clothes, Warwick went to Dev’s office. James was there with his feet on the desk, drinking brandy. Cam was doing the same.
“Drink this, little brother.” Dev handed him a glass filled with amber liquid. Warwick took a large mouthful and enjoyed the way it burned down his throat.
