Page 69 of Final Shift
I nodded. Soren scratched his chin, a thoughtful look on his face. “You’ve given me a lot to think about tonight.”
“How do you feel about the Great Plains?” I blurted, surprising both of us.
“Around Montana?” A pale band of gold glowed around his iris.
“Ethan’s territory bumps up against Donovan’s old lands, but yes. Part of Montana, North and South Dakota, a little bit of Wyoming, and Colorado.”
“Wild lands.” Soren’s voice went a couple octaves higher.
“Definitely.”
He grunted. “Your kindness is showing again, Evie Quinn.”
“I haven’t made any promises. I’m not even sure it’s doable.” I slid a look his way. “But if it is, would you be interested?”
A slow smile broke over Soren’s handsome face. “This is unheard of, but if it’s possible, and there is someone willing totake my place, I would welcome a change into the wild lands. They may not be where I was born, but those places have mountains and trees and cool streams.” He closed his eyes for a moment. “I do not know how you work such magic on us Lords, Evie, but I welcome the change you bring into our immortal lives.”
I reached over and patted his arms. “No promises,” I said again, “but I will see what can be done. We’re immortal, Soren, but we are also living, breathing people who need beauty, hope, and challenge in our lives. How long have you been unhappy?”
He put his hand over mine and held it there for a moment. His palms were rough and calloused, and his hands were several degrees warmer than normal. Typical shifter heat. “I didn’t realize I was so unhappy until you barreled into Caelan’s life with the force of a 747.”
I winced.
“Do not feel shame. You and Moira were the best things that could have happened to us. Some might disagree, but you mated with one of us and changed all of us.” He smiled. “And I expect Moira will continue to do so in your stead when you fully settle into your role as Lady.”
Soren winked. “And queen.”
I grimaced at the reminder. “Speaking of, Dad will be here soon. I’ll refresh the magic and get out of your hair.”
“Call me if the fae become too much, and I will fight at your side.”
Warmth bloomed in my chest. “You have your own troubles.” I hadn’t seen any sign of the fae here, but Rowan said they were close, and I believed him.
“They’re outside of the main Keep house. I plan to head there as soon as you finish.”
At my flash of alarm, he chuckled. “I keep more mages than the others. We will be fine.”
Soren removed his hand and stood. “Polish off the rest of that board. I will leave you to your communing or whatever it is you do.” He bowed at the waist and touched his hand to his heart.
“Thank you, Evie. Your assistance will be remembered.”
I raised my wine glass to the Lord. “Thanks for the food.”
“You are welcome.” With a wink more reminiscent of the old Soren, he stepped inside his house and shut the door.
“Huh,” I whispered. Tonight was shaping up to be one weird night.
After I refreshed the spell, Dad showed up, but instead of going home, I asked him to take me to where the fae were. A terrible suspicion was beginning to build inside me.
Mom and Dad believed the fae wanted their lands back. Maybe that was true. It probably was. The dispute between the Lords and the fae had been building for years now, but it had only escalated recently.
And I suspected I might be the reason why.
Dad got that crinkle in his brow—the one that said he’d do as I asked but wasn’t happy about it. “What are you up to?”
“Got a hunch.”
From the odd look he gave me, Dad had no idea what a hunch was. I gave him what I hoped was an innocent smile. “I promise I’ll only be a minute.”
