“That still needs to be determined,” Garridan said.
“Stand down, Garridan,” Ramsey said and turned to the warlocks. “Thank you for your help.”
“I see you have something very important to protect. My people will help you. The witch is important in all of this.”
Someone tugged on his shirtsleeve. Garridan turned to Lucas. “They’re telling the truth,” Lucas whispered.
“Do you know why the vampires want me?”
The warlock shook his head. “At first, to heal, but now we don’t know. We may be able to find out though. We’ll be in contact.” All three warlocks just disappeared after that, as if they weren’t ever there to begin with. The air around them never even stirred.
“Well, that was kinda creepy,” Gavin said.
Lucas snorted out a laugh. “The leader walked like he had a spike up his ass.” He came around Bennett then, sobering. “I couldn’t getinto their heads. I tried and figured out enough to know they were truthful. First time that has ever happened to me.”
“Rory is here. He doesn’t want to come in,” Sage whispered to Garridan.
“I got this,” Lucas said and seemed to be concentrating. His eyes widened as he turned to Caerwyn, who had remained quiet so far.
“You’re his…oh wow.” Lucas chuckled.
“What?” Caerwyn asked and narrowed his eyes. “Why are you looking at me that way?”
“You’ll find out in about…three, two…”
And that was when Rory came through the door. “I don’t want a mate.” His eyes changed about a dozen times.
Caerwyn growled at him. “Fuck you. I don’t either.” Caerwyn took a step closer to Rory despite his words.
Rory held up his hand. “Get away from me, dragon.”
Garridan felt Sage come around him for the first time since he’d gotten there. Sage started across the room to Rory, but Garridan snaked an arm around his waist, pulling him against his chest. “No, baby. Let them figure it out themselves.”
Rory growled low in throat at Caerwyn and then turned to Ramsey. “Sage told me I’m needed. I need to go talk to another bear shifter?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll go just to get away from him.” Rory’s gaze shifted to Caerwyn. “You better be out of my town by the time I get back.”
Garridan felt someone tug on his sleeve and saw Lucas standing there. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”
Garridan nodded. He got Bennett’s attention and pointed to Sage. Bennett stepped in front of Sage, blocking him from view of the others.
Garridan led Lucas toward the back of the room where they would have more privacy.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t really think about the information I was giving him before I let him into your mind. I only gave him what I thought would make him empathetic to our cause, I promise.” Lucas wrung his hands together. “Please don’t hate me. I can’t lose someone else to this thing.”
“What thing are you talking about?” Garridan asked gruffly.
“The witch thing. My parents hate me because of it and if you started hating me too…well, I don’t know what I would do, but it would really suck. I’m starting to think of you like my parent, which is really weird considering we look about the same age. Anyway, I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”
“You were right to do it. It worked. I’m proud of you for taking the chance.”
Lucas’ smile was priceless. “Really?”
“Yes. And I already think of you as my son, so it’s not weird. You and Bennett.” Garridan placed a kiss on Lucas’ forehead. “I apologize for scolding you. Your instincts were correct. Keep following them even when I question your judgment, because even if you’re wrong, I’ll still love you, Lucas.”
Lucas hugged Garridan. “I love you, pops. You know, for someone who said a total of four words when you first got here, you really do know the right things to say.”
