by Claire Marta
Gael arranged the plates on a small outside table assisted by Willow. Emmett used a dog biscuit to try to teach Prince to sit.
Zana nodded toward the main building. “Go speak to Tobias. We’ll watch over her.”
Leaving her in their capable hands, Cayden and Killian hurried back into the house. Raven was out visiting a client. Lukas and Zac were watching over her unseen. They wouldn’t be able to talk to her until she came home. Cayden knew in his heart she would not be happy about the news. So much had happened in a short space of time and she was struggling to cope with it all.
“Enter,” Tobias called when they knocked on his office door.
Filing in, they closed it behind them and approached his desk.
“We have a Fae problem,” Killian informed him. “One coaxed Willow to the powder magazine. He gave her a gift and talked to her. From the sounds of it, he’s the fated mate Theo warned us of.”
Their superior’s expression shifted from welcoming to worried. “They’ve been known to take children from time to time...”
Cayden nodded grimly. “Aye, that’s our concern as well. Wie her powers, she’ll be coveted. Is there anything we can do tae keep him out? Block his entry to the grounds here?”
“I’d have to consult the books and scrolls in my library,” their superior rumbled. “It might not guarantee a permanent solution.”
“She’s young and naive,” he pointed out, anxiety roughening his tone. “I doubt she understands the danger he could pose. She might see him as nothing more than a magical being come a-visiting.”
Tobias hummed in his throat. “Perhaps Emmett can read her some stories. Cautionary tales about the fairy folk. Theo in his wisdom can teach her to be warier of those who connect with her. Even at this young age, she needs to learn to be careful without tainting her childhood. Soon enough, she’ll know of the dangers and evils in the world. Until then, she should be allowed to enjoy the bliss of ignorance only a child can have. And what of Raven?” he asked them. “What progress have you made there?”
Killian shifted his feet awkwardly. “She’s mad with us at the moment. Won’t allow us near her.”
Cayden palmed the nape of his neck. “I fear this will only make matters worse. But I might hae a plan.”
They left Tobias after agreeing that he would inform the rest of their brothers of the Fae. With everyone aware, it would be easier to watch for signs and keep Willow safe.
“What’s this plan of yers?” Killian questioned as they fell into step in the corridor.
“We cook fer Raven tonight,” Cayden told him. “Something from home. From the heart. Ye can help wie that, both of ye being from the Emerald Isle.”
The Irishman’s expression became thoughtful. “Aye, if Gael doesn’t have all the ingredients, we’ll have to buy them but we can fix something she’ll enjoy.”
They hurried into the garden, intent on checking up on their small charge, bumping into Morgan and one of her mates on the way in.
Hand on the swell of her belly, she had her other arm hooked through Aiden’s.
“Those birds are still out there,” she complained, shuddering. “The scarecrows haven’t done anything to drive them off. Every time I step outside, it feels like they are watching me. It gives me the creeps. So much for getting some air while Casey is napping.”
Willow sat at the outdoor table, holding court, surrounded by Zana, Gael, and Emmett with Prince begging for food. As they drew closer, they heard her begin to hum.
“Frére Jacques...” She sang the words softly, sweetly.
Gael stiffened. His shoulders went rigid. “Do not sing that, s'il vous plaît.”
Pausing, she cocked her head, causing her blonde curls to bounce. “But it’s so pretty.”
“I don’t like it,” the Frenchman grated.
“You used to before the bad man hurt you.” Willow petted the puppy stroking its fluffy fur. “Who’s a good golden boy?”
Making a tortured sound in his throat, Gael vaulted from his seat and headed for the house. In his haste, he knocked the empty pitcher from the table. It shattered on impact, covering the flagstones and grass with sharp, broken shards.
Zana grabbed the child and puppy. “Careful.”
Emmett waved Killian and Cayden back. “I’ll call Elijah,” he said. “Let him know to add to Gael’s list of triggers. I’ll come back and clean this up. Why don’t you take Willow inside? We need to keep the dog away from here until it’s done.”
Zana walked twenty feet before setting Willow down, but he kept hold of Prince, carrying him to make certain that the puppy didn’t try to investigate. Once they were inside the Citadel, Killian took Prince and Cayden took Willow’s hand.
“There’s a special place here,” he told her. “A safe place for ye and the dog tae play. He can run around but he cannae get lost. Come on. We’ll show ye.”
They went down the long hallway to the back of the building and crossed to the annex. Through the wall of windows that faced the atrium, Willow could see the playground they’d started to make. There were only a few pieces of equipment, but Elijah had done the landscaping here before restoring the gardens outside.
“How pretty!” Willow cried, spotting the bed of pansies that Elijah had put in. “Face flowers!”
“Jaysus,” mumbled Killian. “‘Tis what the Fae folk love. Face flowers and bell-shaped flowers. No foxglove, though. Elijah chose only plants that are safe for children.”
“Hopefully, for animals, too. Things like chocolate and grapes can kill a dog.”
“Ooh, a slide!” she cried. “And a swing!”
Cayden knew she hadn’t spotted it yet, but there was a unicorn spring horse near the sandbox.
She found it quick enough once they reached the door and gained the inside. The first thing she did was run between the trees, stretch out her arms, and spin like a whirling dervish, her puppy at her heels. “The castle goes here!” she cried. “It has towers with flags and bridges and ladders and... and… and… there’s a dragon on the roof! A big one! Ooh! My playhouse can wait. We need the castle first. How soon can Malik and Iosefa and you build it, Killy?”
Killian met Cayden’s gaze and grinned. “That depends, love. Is it stone or wood?”
“Wood, silly! Not the dragon, though. It’s real. Ooh, a unicorn! Can I ride it?”
“Sure, love. I’ll help ye get on if ye need it.”
“Thank you, Killy!”
Once Willow got going, both men realized they had a golden opportunity to learn more about Raven from the person who knew her best.
“When ye grow up,” Cayden started, “and ye want tae cook yer mother’s favorite meal, what will she eat when she comes?”
“Corned beef and cabbage and potatoes!” Willow chortled. “With soda bread and lots of butter and lemon pie for dessert. Mummy l-o-v-e-s lemon pie. She has that instead of a birthday cake. Isn’t that silly?”
“She’ll want to listen to something while she enjoys yer cooking,” Killian remarked. “What kind of music does she like?”
“She likes the eighties channel on TV. She likes to dance. And she likes silly movies that make her cry. She says they’re happy tears. But mostly she reads. She reads a lot.”
“Like what?” Cayden asked.
“One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish,” Willow chirped.
Both men looked at each other and rolled their eyes.
Cayden tried again. “Does she hae grown-up books tha’ she reads? Something tha’ makes her smile?”
Preferably something that got her so hot and bothered, she needed to take extended bathroom breaks.
“She has a tablet,” Willow told them. “I have one, too, with books and games and I can paint!”
A raven flew into the courtyard and landed in a nearby tree. Seeing it drove the puppy crazy. He bristled and barked, warning it away, but the thing ignored him like it did the scarecrows.
When Prince kept at it, they suggested moving inside.
“I think we need tae get your puppy away from the wee feathered beastie. He doesnae like ravens, either,” Cayden observed, remembering how one made Willow fall.
Willow screwed her face and glared at the bird. “I like my mummy but she’s the only Raven I like.”
“We like her, too,” Killian confessed. “We like her very much.”
“Come on, Prince. Let’s go watch Brave! It has bears! The zoo has bears, too!”
They went to the guest suite, where Cayden helped Willow put on a DVD of her movie. Killian excused himself to see about cooking some Irish comfort food as a peace offering. Settling on the sofa, Cayden was surprised when Willow picked up a tablet, entered the password, and handed it to him.
“Here,” she said. “This is Mummy’s. Maybe you can find a book that makes you smile.”
Cayden did smile—though it was less from reading and more from learning things about Raven that he never would have guessed.
Chapter Twelve
Monday, May 11, 2020
Raven had been battling a sense of unease since Darcy had to cancel on her and Mrs. Myers couldn’t fill in. She’d agreed to leave Willow at the Citadel with Morgan, who’d planned to take her to the first-floor library to look at books. The psychology major thought it would be good for Emmett to hear her daughter’s opinion on his title selections and advise him on what to add.
She’d warned Morgan about Willow’s penchant for disappearing. The child could vanish quick as a wisp—get a thought in her head and follow wherever it went. There’s no telling where she’d end up, oblivious to the worry she’d caused.
Her clients lived an hour away, not ideal but she’d already started with them when the Richardsons bought a home and moved. First-time parents, Angelina and Drew were nervous and eager and committed to giving their child the best possible beginning. The new house had a garden tub, perfect for doing a water birth when the time came.
Raven got the grand tour of the property but did her in-home visit in the couple’s den. This close to term, she would see her again in two weeks. She had just added it to the calendar on her phone when a text message alert sounded. She managed to hide the sense of dread that gripped her until she was out the door and alone.
Pausing on the front porch, she swiped the screen and saw that she had three text messages. The first was an apology from Morgan, who had Zana watching Willow so she could take a nap.
The second was from her blackmailer.
This is your first set of instructions. Take photos of every vehicle they drive and their license plates. Forward them to this number. We’ll be in touch soon. Failure will put not only your daughter’s life in danger but also yours. Keep your mouth shut. We’ll know if you’ve warned them.
Raven’s stomach lurched with sickening dread. Hand shaking, she checked the third message. It was from Colin. Her ex-husband said he had the pedigree papers for the puppy and wanted to give them to her in person.
Clutching the phone tightly, she felt her mind whirl. He had to be behind the messages. She’d seen him at the courthouse. This all had to do with Ivan Michalov. Colin was using her to get dirt on the men at the Citadel. Something he and his Russian friend could use against them.
They had no idea what they were dealing with.
Jaysus.
It was a mess. Whatever happened, she couldn’t put Willow in danger.
Anger made her clench her jaw. If Colin wanted to meet, so be it. She was ready to give him a piece of her mind. How dare he do this to her! After their sham of a marriage, he still thought he could control her.
Raven stormed down the sidewalk toward her car, preparing for battle. She wasn’t about to sit timidly and let him get away with this. Gone were the days when she took his bullshit.
Tapping off a quick reply, she agreed to meet him at a coffee shop they both knew. It was public enough she wouldn’t have to worry—about Colin, anyway. She hoped that Willow was behaving for Zana. Of all the men at the Citadel, she trusted Tobias the most with her child. He’d chosen to reveal himself to save her. From a fall that high, he’d very likely saved her life. Whatever Willow was up to, she was safely behind the Citadel walls, protected by the more-than-men who lived within them and well away from Colin and his goons.
True to form, Colin had a table already picked in the back away from the crowd. He was seated alone with his men occupying the two closest tables, keeping an eye on things, and creating a buffer should anyone dare to intrude on their space. Her ex had the same black hair and blue eyes as Willow’s father but he was nothing like her first husband. Michael had been a gentle, fun-loving soul. Colin was quieter, a thinker, she’d believed. Too late, she realized that he was a plotter, studying, planning how to manipulate and work things to his advantage. He’d done that with her, preying on her weakness after Michael was murdered, pressuring her to marry him and convincing her to do it for Willow’s sake. She needed a father, he’d told her.
Something that Colin would never be, as self-centered as he was.
He’d changed for the worse since his brother died, proving the old adage that absolute power corrupts absolutely. Heir to his father’s kingdom, he was a mobster prince for a king of thieves and was still trying to take what he could from her. Control her. She was less concerned about getting the pedigree papers than warning Colin away. If he knew what was good for him, he’d leave them the hell alone.
He rose from his seat when he saw her, a smile of greeting on his lips. “Raven, you look as lovely as ever.”
She didn’t return his smile. “You said you had papers for the puppy,” she said tightly, not moving to take a seat. She didn’t plan to be here that long. Get the papers, give Colin a piece of her mind, and get the hell out before her blood pressure spiked.
He cocked his head and studied her face, looking for any weakness that he could use to his benefit. “I thought we could catch up first. You weren’t at the house when I called. I know you haven’t been staying there.”
Folding back into his chair, he gestured calmly at the empty one across the table, making his decision that this was going to happen clear.
Grinding her teeth, she bit back her objections and took the seat across from him, placing her purse in her lap and holding it to create a barrier between them. “Papers,” she said tightly. “You said you had pedigree papers for the puppy.”
“I do.” Signaling the waitress, he ordered them both a coffee, not asking how she wanted hers because he already knew. Done, he settled back. “I meant what I said, Rae. I want to know what’s going on with you and Willow. We may be divorced but I still have an interest in your lives.”
Hearing the nickname that she hated, Raven felt her skin crawl. “I told you before. I’ll say it again. We’re of no concern to you now. You have no part in our lives. We’re done. It’s over. I’ve moved on. So should you.”
“You might not be able to give me the heir I need but these last few months without you have been a wake-up call,” he confessed, his expression earnest. “I still love you. It’s only now I see how I let this chasm come between us. I never treated you the way that you deserved. We had some good times, Rae. We could have those again.”
“The first time was a mistake. I’m not going to marry you twice.”
Colin angled his head and swept his gaze from her head down, as far as a mortal man could see. “I’m not asking you to marry me,” he said bluntly. “But surely you remember what we were like together. We can still have that.”
Raven glared at him. “Your father expects ye to marry and give him an heir.”
“Oh, I’ll do that, too,” he promised. “But that has nothing to do with us. I can make certain that you and Willow lack for nothing if you agree to this.”
“To what, exactly?” she asked crisply. Jaysus, if he was looking for a mistress, he could keep on looking. She wanted no part of such an arrangement.
“This,” he said. “Us. You belong to me. You both do. Who helped you arrange
Michael’s funeral? Who stood by you at his grave? For over four years, I’ve been there for you, taking care of you, protecting you, keeping you safe. I’m the only father Willow has known. That has to count for something.”
Raven’s mouth dropped open at his audacity. The man was as blind to his faults as ever.
She’d heard enough.
“I remember all those late-night meetings when ye’d come home smelling of someone else’s perfume. Missed parties. Missed school plays. Missed birthdays. What the feck were you thinking, buying her a dog that size without talking to me first?”
He shrugged a careless shoulder. “Willow wanted a puppy for her birthday.”
“What kind of father sends one of his goons to the zoo to tempt her away with it? You couldn’t be bothered to do it yourself?”
Colin stiffened and held up a hand. “What did you say? About the zoo?”
“The zoo,” she repeated as if he didn’t know. “When a man tried to lure Willow away with the promise of a birthday puppy.”
Color rose in Colin’s face. The lines of it turned livid. “He wasn’t one of mine,” he ground out. Shoving a hand behind his head, he rubbed his neck and blew out harshly. “Feck. I had no idea. I’ll find out who was behind it and make them pay. Meanwhile, I’ll have my men start watching out for you both. Go wherever you go and make certain it doesn’t happen again. God knows what he wanted. When I think about what he’d have done to our little girl...”
Raven was rattled. If the man wasn’t Colin’s, why did Willow go with him? Surely her intuition would have warned her that something was amiss. The only explanation was that Willow was so desperate for a puppy, the promise of one blinded her to the truth of the situation. She’d been going on about getting one for months. Not finding one under the Christmas tree had nearly put her in tears.
“I don’t want your men anywhere near us,” she grated. “‘Twas bad enough, catching Sean lurking around.”
“He was just checking up on you. He tells me that you’re not spending nights at home. That you’re staying elsewhere.”
