Evan tensed under me. “And if the Clarksons decide to arrive before then?”
For some reason, Finn glared at Calan. “Well, we have a bevy of demons who are happy to fly up here and assist at a moment’s notice, butsomeonehas vetoed that idea.”
“No demons,” Calan said flatly. “That’s my line and I won’t cross it.”
“Are ye saying yer willing to risk my ma—” Evan cut himself off suddenly, clearing his throat. “—Reid, just because of some weird prejudice you have?”
My heart was thundering in my chest. I knew what Evan had been about to say. A month ago, the thought of being his mate would’ve terrified me into a panic attack.
Now though, my heart was racing for a very different reason.
“It’s not a prejudice.” Calan scowled at the ceiling. “We can protect our own, that’s all I’m saying. If we have demons and fuck knows who else running in to save our arses every time, how does that make us look in the community? Weak. That’s how.”
“While I think Calan is talking out of his arse about why he doesn’t want demons here,” Logan said, “he does have a point. Danny coming here is one thing, but anyone else? It sends a message that we’re vulnerable.”
When Evan spoke, he couldn’t hide the anger. It was vibrating through his words. “I can’t believe yer willing to risk Reid’s safety, the clan’s safety, because of how it affects our image.”
Finn dropped his feet to the floor, turning to face us fully. “Evan, no one is suggesting anything that will put Reid or the clan at risk. Our warriors outnumber the Clarksons’ four to one. We’re better trained, stronger, faster, and have the home field advantage. I know it might seem counterproductive, but Logan and Calan are right. We have to consider the clan’s standing in the community to safeguard our future.”
Finn’s eyes shone with sympathy. “I understand your concern, Evan, believe me. Chester will be onsite for the foreseeable future too. It’s hard, when you love someone, to do anything that might even remotely put them in danger. But I swear on my immortality that I won’t let any harm come to Reid.”
Okay, now it was my turn. “How about none of you put your immortality at risk?”
Three pairs of eyes burned into me. Seated the way I was on Evan’s lap, I couldn’t see his face, but I knew I had his full attention.
Logan narrowed his eyes. “I think ye need to explain what ye mean by that. Because my brain works a little too fast sometimes, and I don’t like the conclusion it’s arrived at.”
“Neither do I,” Evan growled. “Because if yer about to suggest something fucking idiotic like running away, or going with them just to protect us, then we’re about to have our first big fight.”
I winced. Fuck. That was precisely what I’d been about to suggest. “Technically, our first big fight was that day in the Thistle Do Nicely when you didn’t recognise me.”
My attempt to derail the conversation failed. I let out a squeak as Evan stood, lifting me into the air in one smooth motion. “Excuse me, everyone. Reid and I need tohave a little chat. If there are any developments, give me a shout.”
“Will do.” Finn raised a hand, making Evan pause. “Reid, I know Evan’s about to make this abundantly clear, but youarepart of our clan now. We will defend you and keep you safe because we care about you, it’s the right thing to do, and we’re stubborn, protective fuckers.”
“Basically, you’ve got no hopes of winning this argument.” Logan winked at me as he tossed his dagger again. “If ye run away, I’ll be tracking ye down right alongside Evan and dragging you back where ye belong.”
“Seconded,” Calan said.
Finn smirked. “Thirded.”
“Thanks, lads,” Evan said, taking us to the doorway. “Appreciate it.”
“Good luck, Reid,” Logan sang out as we stepped into the hall.
Apprehension grew under my skin. “Evan, I didn’t mean?—”
“Don’t.” He cut me off harshly. “Not in here. Too many listening ears.”
Evan didn’t say a single word to me as he carried me out of the house and deep into the woods. We came to a tiny cabin on the edge of the loch. It wasn’t locked, and Evan opened it with a flick of his wrist.
The inside was basic but clean. It was just big enough for a single bed, a chest of drawers, and a table. “What is this place?”
“Fishing hut,” Evan said, his tone clipped as he put me on my feet. “We crash here sometimes when we can’t be bothered to go back. Or when we have a muppet of a boyfriend we want to yell at in peace.”
My heart fluttered. “Ye think of me as yer boyfriend?”
“Christ, Reid.” Evan rubbed his hands over his face in frustration. “Of course I fucking do. I told ye I loved ye earlier. Is that not kind of a sign that I’m fully in this?”
