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  “So, you ask her to lift the curse?” Steve hedged. Kira sensed and heard the anxiety coloring his words, despite him clearly trying to hide the emotion. Steve was deeply in love with her sister, Mira. The curse could possibly affect Steve, but then witchcraft, curses, and such weren’t supposed to work on vampires. “Not that I care, but I know Mira is worried about it.”

  The curse her cousin had placed was: any male who fell in love with a Grail woman would die in an untimely manner. It had already happened to Mira. Even though Mira hadn’t loved Drew’s father, he had loved her and died because of it. Her sister still carried a lot of guilt, and Kira knew she worried about the fate of Steve. Actually, so did she; Steve had grown on her.

  “I did.” Kira nodded and couldn’t help but grin.

  “Until this is over you need to stay—”

  “I’m fine,” Kira interrupted Sloan.

  “Don’t interrupt me,” Sloan warned, his eyes narrowing. “Until this is over, you need to stay here with your sister. Unfortunately, we cannot fight magic, but you can. And together, you are stronger, am I right?”

  “Yes,” Mira answered for Kira. “You’re right, and I’ve tried to tell her this over and over again.”

  “But if we’re caught together, then he wins,” Kira argued, shaking her head. “It was a bad idea before you all got involved and it’s a bad idea now.”

  “We need you, Kira.” Mira walked closer to Kira and handed her Drew. “Since having Drew, and me being changed, my magic’s all wonky. We need you here with us or at least close by. It’s not about us anymore, sister.”

  Kira looked down into her niece’s beautiful round eyes, seeing a twinkle reflected there. Mira was right. It wasn’t about them, not any longer, and she had mentioned that her magic wasn’t quite right since Steve had changed her. Kira still couldn’t believe her sister was a damn vampire. Actually, after the initial shock and realizing what the alternative would have been, it was pretty cool. Steve had saved her sister’s life by changing her. Kira could never repay him for that. Now it was all about this precious being in her arms. Tears clogged her throat as more burned the back of her eyes.

  “We are stronger together,” Kira agreed, then smiled down at Drew. “And I have missed her.”

  Kira finally raised her gaze, her eyes finding Ronan, who stared at her without emotion, then to Sloan. “If for one minute I feel that us being together is putting them in more danger, I’m out.” Kira glanced back at Drew. “Until then, I guess I get to spoil this one even more than she already is.”

  “Not that you had a choice, but good.” Sloan stood from his desk and took Becky’s hand. “Ronan, make sure she has all your contact information. If for any reason you need to leave the compound, you contact Ronan.”

  “Ah, wait a minute.” Kira frowned, handing Drew back to Mira as she started to follow Sloan who was heading out the door. “I said I would stay. I didn’t say I needed a keeper.”

  “I don’t think that’s what Sloan meant,” Steve added with a frown.

  Kira put her hand on her hip looking from Sloan to Steve. “Then what did he mean?”

  “Yeah, Steve, what did I mean?” Sloan’s already narrowed eyes now looked like two black slashes.

  Steve took a step back. “Ah, I, ah….”

  “I will be making sure you are protected until Orjyll is no longer a threat to you.” Ronan stepped up, his cowboy hat shading his eyes from her. But when he did look up, whoa… the stare he gave her about knocked her back. He was a damn fine-looking man. She would continue to fight her attraction to him. Nothing good could or would come from it. “Which is what should have been happening all along. If something happens to you, then your sister and Drew will be more vulnerable.”

  “But you can’t fight magic so what good will that do?” The words came out of her mouth because honestly, she didn’t know what else to say.

  The corner of his lip curved up, but she wouldn’t really call it a grin. Whatever it was, it looked good on him. “With all due respect, ma’am.” His words rolled off his tongue, and she fought hard to fight the shudder of desire licking at her skin. “You have no idea what I’m capable of. Now give me your phone, so I can put my information in.”

  She glanced at his outstretched hand, a hand that was large and strong. She heard the door shut and knew Sloan had left. Glancing back at his hand, then up to him, she didn’t make a move to do as he asked.

  “Oh, for shit’s sake, Kira.” Mira huffed with a roll of her eyes. “Give him your phone and stop being so bullheaded before I zap you.”

  “Zap me and I’ll zap back,” Kira warned, then sighed as she reached into her bag, pulling out her phone and handing it to a now smiling cowboy.

  “Thank you.” Ronan’s deep voice washed over her, sending ripples of pleasure to places that hadn’t felt pleasure in such a long time.

  “You always this polite?” She snorted, figuring if she could be a little sarcastic, she would forget the sensations his voice provoked.

  “No.” His one-word answer surprised her, and she glanced at him to see if he was teasing. He wasn’t. His face was serious as he worked on her phone, then took his out and she figured put her own number in his contacts. He finished, then handed the phone back. “Don’t go anywhere without me. If I’m not available at the time, I will find someone who is.”

  “Yes, sir,” Kira replied, grabbing her phone. “Do I need to salute or something?”

  This time a full grin lit his face. “It’s not required but do as you please.”

  Kira watched as he left the room then focused on Mira and Steve who were staring at her. “What?”

  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you blush.” Mira chuckled as she rocked Drew, who was getting fussy, back and forth in her arms.

  “Mira, don’t push me,” Kira warned. She glanced at Steve who grinned like an idiot. “What are you grinning at?”

  “Just wondering when I’m going to see a girl fight.” Steve’s grin grew. “Do you guys use magic or just throw down?”

  Mira stepped in front of Steve just as Kira was about ready to show Steve a little magic. “Don’t you dare.”

  “What?” Kira shrugged.

  “Here, Steve, take Drew so I can show Kira where she’s staying.” Mira kissed Drew on the forehead before handing her off. Then she kissed Steve with a smile and a few whispered words between them.

  Kira tried her hardest not to feel jealous, but it was there, right in the pit of her stomach. Her heart clinched at the need for something she desperately wanted but knew she couldn’t have. After seeing what her sister went through when Drew’s real father was killed, Kira just couldn’t see a future with any man. Not even the cowboy Warrior who invaded her dreams every night.

  Chapter 3

  Ronan chuckled as he left Sloan’s office. He knew it was eating Kira alive knowing she was going to be under his watchful eye. She was an independent woman, and he found that very attractive. In no way did he want to subdue that quality, but he wanted her safe, and with her here, that was the only way they could keep her that way, and he was definitely the man for the job.

  While he was also putting his number in her phone, he set up a hidden tracking app. If she left the compound without informing him, he would know. Sneaky? Yes. Needed? Absolutely. Ronan didn’t expect her to play by the rules, so neither would he. Glancing at his watch, he left the compound and headed toward the warehouse.

  It was a short walk, so he left his truck, but tossed his cowboy hat inside and locked the door. On the way there, he kept his senses open to danger. It was his life, how he operated. Things in the world were different than years ago. There were too many people, more evilness that wanted to be on top of the food chain now. As more and more paranormals stepped out into the spotlight, the more dangerous the world became.

  His phone rang halfway there. Glancing at it, he saw Sloan’s number and wondered if it really was Sloan.

  “Steve?” Ronan answered with a hu
ge grin.

  “Fuck you.” Sloan’s voice boomed into his ear. “Get your flat horse-riding ass over to the warehouse, now.”

  “Already on my way.” Ronan wasn’t surprised when Sloan hung up on him. Hell, these damn Warriors were rubbing off on him. He was never the funny guy, more serious and to the point, but that shit he just pulled with Sloan was funny.

  Ronan picked up his pace as he opened the tracking app on his phone. Well, she was still at the compound… for now. He shoved his phone in his back pocket as he made his way across the parking lot and into the warehouse.

  He spotted Sloan watching the new recruits that included Tessa, Pam, and Nicole. His eyes shot to Jared, who was busy working on ground fighting with a group, while Damon put others through a grueling heavy-bag workout. He did his best to stay out of the drama between the mates, but it did seem like Jared was a little more tolerant of Tessa training to be a Warrior. That could all change once she went out on her first mission. Ronan just hoped he wouldn’t be a part of that mission.

  “Did you need me?” He approached Sloan who briefly glanced his way.

  “You think she’s going to stick around?” Sloan asked, and Ronan knew exactly who he was talking about.

  “If not, I’ll find her and bring her back,” Ronan replied without hesitation, leaving out the part about his tracking app.

  “I have a bad feeling about all this.” Sloan sighed with a shake of his head. “Vampires I can deal with. Humans I can deal with. Hell, even shifters I can deal with, but witches and warlocks are a whole different breed.”

  “What are you saying?” Ronan didn’t like hearing the big and badass Sloan talking this way, as if he doubted their ability to take care of the situation. Yeah, he didn’t like it at all.

  Sloan turned toward him, his face void of expression. “I’m saying that this could easily go bad. Not only can we lose three people who are relying on us to protect them, but I could also lose two of my Warriors in the process.”

  “Two Warriors?” Okay, maybe the guys were right, and Sloan was finally checking out because he was not making any sense.

  “Steve,” Sloan answered, then cocked his eyebrow, “and you.”

  “Not sure I’m following, boss.” Ronan actually glanced over to see where the closest Warrior was just in case he needed help with Sloan who was acting really strange.

  “If anything happens to Mira or Drew, I know without a doubt Steve will be of no use to the VC anymore,” Sloan said, without blinking an eye. “And if something happens to Kira, then you will be on a revenge vendetta that no one will be able to stop.”

  Ronan opened his mouth to speak, actually to deny Sloan’s words, but Sloan stopped him.

  “Son, I’ve seen all my Warriors find their mates, myself included.” Sloan’s voice deepened. “Why do you think I put you in charge of Kira?”

  That closed his mouth real quick. Sure, he thought a lot about Kira, but his mate…? He stood staring at Sloan for a long moment, each man silent as the noise in the background surrounded them. It was at that moment he knew Sloan was right. If something happened to Kira, nothing would stop him from finding whoever dared hurt her. It was more than an attraction to the witch. She, in such a short time, had become very important to him, and it had nothing to do with her beauty. It went much deeper than that.

  “So you guys gonna kiss or what?” Sid walked by with a snicker.

  Without even looking, Sloan picked up a kicking target off the table and threw it, breaking Ronan’s thoughts.

  “Fuck, that hurt,” Sid grumbled, rubbing the back of his head as he walked onto the mat.

  Ronan’s eyes shifted back to Sloan. “You picked the right man for the job,” Ronan vowed, his hands clenching into fists at the thought of anyone hurting her. “Nothing or no one will hurt Kira.”

  “That’s what I wanted to hear,” Sloan finally said after what seemed like hours of him staring at Ronan as if searching into his soul. “And just to make sure of that, I’ve contacted someone who knows a little more about this witchcraft shit. He should be here tonight, so make sure you’re around the compound. I know you asked for a day off tomorrow, that’s fine. But I want you at the compound later.”

  “Yes, sir.” Ronan nodded, knowing that wouldn’t be a problem.

  “Why in the hell can’t the other Warriors be as respectful as you?” Sloan finally became more of himself again. “Those fuckers don’t know what respect is.”

  “Hire more cowboys.” Ronan grinned, then glanced over the workout area. “But I do know that every one of those men out there would lay their life down for you.”

  Sloan just gave a tired nod as he also looked over the Warriors that were at the warehouse training new recruits. “And then they’d never let me live it down.”

  “True.” Ronan chuckled, proud that he was a part of this group. They were fucked up in so many ways, but they were damn good at what they did and were loyal to a fault.

  “Things are changing,” Sloan said absently as he stared out over the recruits.

  Ronan remained quiet, knowing Sloan was a man of few words.

  “We can hardly keep up. The more Warriors I recruit, the more shit comes to our door.” Sloan finally glanced his way. “We’re losing the war. And I have a feeling in my gut that this warlock bastard is going to be our greatest threat yet.”

  Ronan also had this feeling. Magic was a different beast. It wasn’t that he truly believed, but he had seen a lot in this world that couldn’t be explained. Hell, he could even add himself to the unexplained. Before he was turned, paranormal beings were not even heard of, at least in his circles, but here he was hundreds of years later, fangs and all.

  Knowing Sloan for only a short time, Ronan knew for a fact this was not his usual… mood. “Don’t make me get Jared or Sid over here to give you a pep talk.”

  “Do, and I will kill you,” Sloan growled, then ran his hand down his face in a frustrated gesture. “Don’t mate.”

  Ronan had been kidding about Jared and Sid, but Sloan’s glare indicated quite clearly he wasn’t in a joking mood. And he wasn’t for sure he heard his last statement correctly. Did he just tell him not to mate? “What?”

  They once again stood staring at each other until Sloan’s phone began ringing, but he didn’t answer it. “If you mate, find a vampire to mate with.” Sloan finally glanced down at his phone then back up. “Less worry than mating with a human.” And with that, he walked off.

  Ronan watched him leave as he answered his phone. The shooting at the compound must have really messed with Sloan. With Becky being human, he understood that. Even though they were vampires, changing someone who was close to death didn’t always work.

  “What in the hell were you guys talking about?” Jared walked up, his eyes on Sloan’s disappearing form as he headed out of the warehouse.

  Ronan shook his head as he looked at Jared. “Nothing.” He wasn’t going to repeat what Sloan had said. If Sloan wanted others to know, he would tell them.

  Jared glared at him for a few more seconds before flipping his arms up. “Are you just going to stand there staring at everyone or are you going to help us?” Jared dropped his hands with a frown, then leaned closer to Ronan and whispered, “We have some real dipshits out here who couldn’t fight their way out of a paper bag.”

  With a snort, Ronan walked away from Jared and crossed the mats to the locker room. Changing from his jeans, shirt, and boots into sweats and a muscle shirt, he headed back onto the mats barefoot. He glanced around to see where he was needed most, and his eyes fell on Tessa, who was trying to unsuccessfully round kick a heavy bag.

  He hesitated for only a second. He had to be careful where the mates were concerned, not wanting to overstep himself, but Jared was making no attempt to help her. He just stood across the room watching her struggle. Ronan had thought they had things worked out, but obviously not. He guessed he was still being an asshole about Tessa wanting to join the ranks.

  Knowing
he was probably going to pay the price for helping her, Ronan headed toward Tessa anyway. This was his job at the moment, to help recruits, and Jared’s mate was a recruit. He stopped at the heavy bag, putting both hands on it to stop its swinging.

  “You need to pivot your anchor leg,” he told Tessa, who stopped and sighed, swiping the hair out of her eyes.

  “I thought being a vampire, everything would come easily to me.” She gave him a half grin. “Guess that’s not true, or is it just me?”

  “Even vampires have to work at things. We can bounce back from near death, but round kicks take practice.” Ronan smiled, thinking that Jared was a dumbass for not helping his beautiful mate be the best Warrior she could be. He watched as she positioned herself and tried again.

  “Like that?” She quickly looked at him for approval after the kick.

  “Here.” He moved her out of the way, then demonstrated slowly. “Use your body to torque, so the foot on the ground moves and your toes are pointed the opposite way of the target as you kick with the other leg.”

  He demonstrated slowly twice before hitting the bag with only 30 percent of his power.

  “Wow.” Tessa smiled then positioned herself back in front of the bag. “I was totally doing it wrong.”

  Ronan knew he could help her better by grasping her waist and moving her through the motion, but Jared was already giving him the death stare. If he touched her, the recruits would see a live demonstration within seconds. He noticed Tessa glancing Jared’s way and her excitement dimmed, which pissed him off.

  “Look at your target, Tessa.” She’d lost her focus. “Never take your eyes off your target.”

  She slowly looked away from Jared to the bag and concentrated. With a deep breath, Tessa performed the perfect round kick. The bag swung wildly as she stood there wide-eyed before a huge smile lit her face. “I did it!” she whispered, then jumped and before Ronan could stop it, she gave him a hug. “Thank you!”