Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 29381 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 147(@200wpm)___ 118(@250wpm)___ 98(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 29381 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 147(@200wpm)___ 118(@250wpm)___ 98(@300wpm)
Despite the magical sleep Raiden forced on me, exhaustion weighs on my bones. Worse, as the sun rose, he left me.
How like him.
After dressing and fixing my hair, I wander from room to room in the big house until I encounter a cozy library—and find another wizard inside.
“Hello, Tabitha.” A mirror image of Raiden rises, except his hair is dark as night.
This must be Raiden’s twin.
“Ronan, correct?”
He nods, approaching me slowly. “I’m sorry we haven’t met before.”
That’s hardly Ronan’s fault. Raiden avoided incorporating me into his life at every possible turn. That hurt, and I largely blame myself. I saw his behavior; I felt his distance. And still…I couldn’t refuse him.
I’m shocked he hasn’t dropped me in Sean Blackbourne’s lap and washed his hands of me, particularly after I demanded he do exactly that.
Why is he suddenly reluctant to let me go?
When Ronan sticks out his hand, I approach cautiously. His eyes reveal only concern. His signature proclaims him mated. Nervously, I shake his hand.
He smiles. “It’s good to finally meet you.”
“Lovely to meet you,” I say automatically. But it’s true. I knew Raiden had a twin, but not how identical they are. In fact, I know very little about Raiden’s life beyond his bedroom skills.
“I’m sorry we’re meeting under such terrible circumstances, rather than one more auspicious, like the coming youngling.” He nods toward my rounding belly.
“Indeed.” I appreciate his sentiment…but if Mathias didn’t find what he sought when he killed my family and ransacked my home, he’s unlikely to give up. “Forgive me, but could you tell me where to find Raiden?”
Ronan pauses. Because he’s deciding what lie to tell me? “He had an errand and asked me to keep you company.”
More like Raiden left to avoid emotional intimacy, as usual. Or perhaps he’s doing something he’s determined is “for my own good” without first consulting me. Both possibilities chafe. “Is any male in your family capable of open and honest discourse?”
He laughs, his smile self-effacing. “That’s a work in progress. My mate has tried to teach me…”
“You shouldn’t disappoint her, then. Let’s try this again. Where is Raiden?”
Ronan sighs. “My brother said you’re beautiful, but he neglected to mention that you’re a cunning little thing.”
I cut him a killing glare. “Don’t flatter me. I’m a woman who lost her entire family barely twelve hours ago. I’m aware that as his encinta I have no claim on him, and he may very well be with another woman. I understand your reluctance to admit that to me, but—“
“He’s not. Nothing of the sort. Raiden would kill me for telling you this.” He sighs. “But he’s searching for clues, trying to find the secret tree your father mentioned, as well as arranging your family’s burial details. He didn’t want to trouble you.”
I freeze. Does he think me weak or incapable? “They are my responsibility. I’ll care for them.”
“We both feel that taxing yourself after such tragic loss might be too much for you and the youngling.” He sends me a probing stare. “And Raiden suspected you would balk.”
So he did whatever the bloody hell he wanted anyway.
He’s worried about the coming child, and he pities me. All I’ve ever wanted was for that wizard to love me. But I fear I’m asking for too much. “I’m pregnant, not hysterical.”
Ronan’s expression wobbles, as if he’s swallowing a smile. “He will come to you for decisions regarding clothing, location, time, and such. He merely wanted to spare you the preparation of the bodies.”
A physically arduous, emotionally trying task—one usually reserved for family. Perhaps I should be grateful Raiden is trying to protect me. Instead, I only feel more guilt. My father couldn’t save my mother, my brothers, or himself. But he saved me to safeguard something I can’t find, and I’m not even useful enough to help bury them properly.
I swallow back useless tears, feeling defeated and hollow—a far cry from the witch who once laughed and sang and had optimism flowing through her veins.
But such foolish hopes landed me alone and pregnant. I have to stop wishing for a ridiculous fairy-tale ending and face reality.
“Why is your brother so secretive? So closed off?”
Ronan peers at me with amused disbelief. “I’d sooner wrestle a pit of angry cobras without my wand than answer that.”
Brilliant. “I should have known you’d take his side.”
He shrugs. “Any good brother keeps his twin’s secrets. Though if he’s half as much like me as I believe, there will come a point—likely soon—he won’t be able to keep anything from you.”
That doesn’t sound like Raiden at all. “What point would that be, when I’m threatening his life or his manhood?”
Ronan chokes back laughter, then shakes his head and cups my shoulder gently. “When he stops denying what’s in his heart.”
Chapter
Five
Raiden
* * *
I enter my house with a curse on my lips. I found nothing—not a single goddamn clue that will help me protect Tabby or figure out whatever this secret tree might be. Now what the devil should I do?