Darci shot to her feet and hurried over, smoothing her crimson sweater over her gray jeans-style skirt, a wide grin taking form. She’d been waiting anxiously for her family to arrive. Declan had insisted on driving over, so Blaéz had given them directions to the castle.
“Grace!” She kissed her cheek. “I’m so happy you’re finally here.”
Grace gave her a one-arm hug, her expression one of relief. “I’m really glad Blaéz found you and that you’re okay.”
“Me, too. I just want to put it all behind me. Come.” Darci ushered her over to the living room and introduced her sister-in-law to her friends. “Grace, that’s Elytani, Shae, and her mom, Jenna. You guys, this is Grace Callahan, my sister-in-law.”
Once the greetings were over, Darci held out her arms. “Let me hold Lia, please.”
With the baby settled in her arms, a flood of happiness surged through Darci at having her precious niece in her arms. She pressed a soft kiss to her satiny-smooth cheek. In her mind’s eye, she could already picture her own child with Blaéz. She didn’t care what sex. If it were a boy, he’d have the same night-dark hair and deep blue eyes as his father. A girl? Yep, exactly like Blaéz. At the beautiful thought, her heart melted.
“Where are Dec and Daniel?” she asked while the girls gathered near her and peered at the baby.
“With Blaéz. He’s introducing them to the others.” Grace’s wide-eyed stare took in everything around her. “Dars, this place is wonderful. You do live in a real fairytale castle.”
“My thoughts exactly,” Echo and Shae said in unison and started smiling.
“Let me,” Kira begged Darci. “I love babies. What’s her name?
“Liana Hope,” she said softly, handing the baby over. “I’ll be right back. I want to say hello to my brother and nephew.”
Even though she’d called Declan and explained what had happened, leaving out what Finnén had done to her, she knew he’d want to see her—see for himself that she was okay.
Darci ran downstairs and headed for the kitchen, which seemed to be the normal meet-and-greet place for the males of the household. Masculine voices drifted to her as she pushed the door open and walked into the kitchen fragrant with the aroma of coffee and baked things. Her mind took in the three males there, but just one made her heart pound that much faster.
“Dars!” Daniel leaped to his feet and hauled her into a quick hug. “Thank God, you’re okay. Dad said they caught the idiot who grabbed you?”
Darci nodded since Declan hadn’t told him the truth. “Yes, they did.”
“Good. Man, awesome pile of bricks you got here.”
“It’s a castle.” She rolled her eyes. Grateful he’d accepted her safe return and his curious teenage mind had already bounced onto other things.
“Whoa—” Daniel’s dropped jaw nearly smacked his chest as Echo’s pet prowled into the kitchen. “Is that a cat or a miniature mountain lion?”
The large, overweight feline, the color of chimney soot, was quite a sight with its shaggy fur and ginger ruff. The cat wound its pudgy body between her nephew’s legs before wandering off.
“That’s Bob. We belong to him,” Darci said with a smile.
As Daniel followed the cat to the open French doors, she turned to her brother.
His green eyes were bright with emotion. He rose and pulled her into a tight hug. “I’m so relieved you’re unharmed.”
“I’m fine, really”—she kept her voice low—“Blaéz came. He saved me.”
Over her brother’s shoulder, she met her mate’s intense stare. He leaned against the counter, his powerful arms folded over his wide chest, appearing relaxed…approachable. But she knew what a lie that was. Beneath the handsome face and cool blue eyes, lurked an utterly deadly warrior, who probably didn’t even need his lethal abilities. She’d seen it.
“He’ll always keep me safe,” she whispered.We’ll keep each other safe.
Her brother sighed and let her go. “I suppose he will.”
As she stepped back, Blaéz sauntered to her side. “You’re done with the females?”
“No. It’s the bridal shower now.”
At his quizzical expression, Declan explained with a wry smile. “It’s something women do, have a party of sorts—with gifts for the bride. Men usually drink themselves under the table at their last day of freedom.”
Darci sputtered with laughter. “I can’t believe you said that.”
