Page 34 of Something Worth Keeping
“That’s being mated to you.”
Julian sipped his coffee, and some of the tension bled from his shoulders. “This is perfect.”
Before Cillian could respond, footsteps echoed from the main room. All three of his brothers arrived simultaneously. Of course. They would want to be intimidating.
“The prodigal son returns,” Rook’s voice carried through the archway, bright with curiosity. “With cargo!”
Cillian moved to stand between Julian and the doorway, shadows rising automatically. “He’s not cargo. He’s…”
“Your mate, yes, we got the memo.” Silas appeared first, clinical grey eyes immediately fixing on Julian. He wore his usual pristine white shirt, and his silver-rimmed glasses caught the light. “The beacon. Very interesting. I can see what you mean about the light of his soul.”
Rook bounded in next, a combination of feral energy and his ever-present grin. His amber-gold eyes gleamed, and his leather jacket creaked with more buckles than were strictly necessary. “Oh, you’re tiny. Cillian, you didn’t mention he was pocket-sized.”
“I’m five-foot-six, which is perfectly average for an adult male.” Julian’s correction was automatic. “Your assessment is based on comparisonto Cillian’s height rather than objective measurement.”
Rook’s grin widened. “I like him already.”
Thorn entered last, his massive frame filling the doorway. Six-foot-seven of ancient authority, shadows pooling at his feet like liquid obsidian. Silver streaked his dark hair at the temples. His granite-carved face gave away nothing.
“Julian Purdy,” Thorn said. Not a question.
“Thorn.” Julian met his gaze without flinching. “The one who wanted to kill me twelve hours ago.”
Cillian’s shadows exploded outward, teeth manifesting. “Julian…”
“It’s accurate, isn’t it?” Julian looked at Cillian. “You said he suggested eliminating me to end the threat. I’m simply acknowledging the information.”
Thorn’s expression shifted into something that might have been respect. “You’re not afraid.”
“Of you specifically, or of the fact that you considered murdering me for tactical efficiency?” Julian sipped his coffee. “Because the answer is no to both. You were operating with incomplete data. Cillian provided new information. You adjusted your strategy. That’s rational decision-making, not personal animosity.”
Silas moved closer, circling Julian like a specimen under glass. “Absolutely fascinating. Your heart rate barely elevated. Either you have exceptional control or genuinely don’t fear us.”
“I don’t fear you,” Julian said simply. “You’re Eldritch Guardians who eliminate corruption. I’m not corrupt. Therefore, I’m not a target. Basic syllogistic reasoning.”
“He’s using formal logic,” Silas murmured. “Cillian, where did you find him?”
“Giving body disposal advice in an alley.” Cillian hadn’t relaxed, but Julian seemed completely unbothered by being surrounded by monsters. “While I was consuming that Vane lieutenant.”
Rook laughed, sharp and delighted. “No wonder you’re obsessed.”
“I’m not obsessed,” Cillian said.
“You threatened to destroy the city if he died,” Thorn pointed out.
“That’s not obsession. That’s a proportionate response.”
Julian’s eyebrows rose. “You threatened to destroy the city?”
“Only if they hurt you.”
“That does seem excessive.” But Julian was smiling at him, so Cillian didn’t mind the correction.
“I deemed it appropriate at the time.”
Silas was still circling, studying Julian from every angle. “The mate bond manifested immediately upon contact?”
“He touched my shadows without fear,” Cillian said. “The bond was instantaneous.”
