It was sparsely decorated, but still beautiful. The floors were hardwood, with elaborately carved moldings, and the walls were cream. There were a ton of windows letting in natural light, and a large stone fireplace on the far side of the wall. To her left were the stairs, with swirling designs on the rail, matching the baseboards. The rest was open concept, with a kitchen at the rear of the large space, though there was a door at the end of the stairs she suspected was a bathroom.
“Your house is so gorgeous,” she breathed, turning to find Karis watching her reaction intently.
“It means a lot that you like it. This will be your home soon.” Setting her suitcase down, he came closer and cupped her cheek. “I could take the head warrior’s home, if you’d rather live there. I’ve never wanted it, because it was too much space for one man. But we’ll hopefully be starting a family one day, so maybe you’d like it. It’s really nice, the best home available to a War Cat who’s not noble.”
“Yes to the family one day, but no, that’s not needed. From what I’ve seen of this one, it’s beautiful. And I don’t need something big. Besides, it looks like it has plenty of room for a family.”
“There are four spare bedrooms upstairs. They’re all empty. The only one I’ve ever used is the master.”
“See, that’s plenty. I didn’t realize the common warrior got something so nice, though.”
He grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “They don’t. This is actually the house reserved for the second ranked warrior. That was previously Vynn, but he lives in his family home.”
“So technically, you’re living in my house,” she said, wrapping her arms around his waist.
His eyes dipped to her lips. “That I am. Guess it’s a good thing we’re mates.”
Dipping his head, he kissed her deeply, tangling his tongue with hers and pulling her in close enough she could feel the erection he already had forming. Her blood was heating by the second, and she moaned as it reached boiling, shivers wracking her body as her need amped up to a painful degree.
Groaning, he pulled away. “We need to stop.”
She shook her head. “No, we really don’t. I’m fine. Shifter healing, remember? I’m one hundred percent fine, and more than ready for round two.”
“Later, then. Maybe. I don’t want to hurt you again.” She opened her mouth to protest and he put a finger to her lips. “I’m gonna go clean the mess up before it attracts wild animals. Explore to your heart’s content and get settled in here. I’ll be back shortly.”
Sighing, she watched him walk back out of the house. She was determined to get him to make love to her again tonight. Maybe she’d use Kelly’s tip and strip for him. That could definitely get interesting.
Groaning as her core tightened with need, she pushed all sexy thoughts from her mind. Later, she’d think about it later. Right now, she had some exploring and unpacking to do. She planned on putting her stamp all over this house, because if she had anything to say about it, she was never leaving.
Karis tossed the garbage bag of spaghetti in the trash can and went back to wipe the porch and door down. His fury was mounting with every action he performed, until it was boiling through his veins. Hooking his hands on his hips, he stared at the note still pinned to the door. The bastard who did this used a generic arrow, the same as he did when he shot at them the other day. Karis was sure it was the same person.
Each warrior had their own distinct design etched into their arrows. In the old days, it was so each kill could be attributed to the correct warrior. They rarely battled with arrows now, but they kept the tradition, since archery was still a large part of their culture. But this bastard was using untraceable arrows.
We will find who did this and rip their ball sack out through their mouth, his tiger said in an icy voice.
The motherfucker will pay, he agreed as he walked up to rip the arrow out of the door.
He wanted to shred and burn the note, but the handwriting could be a clue, so he folded it up and stuffed it in his pocket. Making short work of cleaning up the sauce, he fought to control his renewed fury. Someone had spied on a private moment between him and Arya.
They could have intruded on their first kiss. They could have managed to watch when they made love last night.
Not just death. That was too good for the fucker who was doing this. Torture first, death later.
Walking back to his house, he unlocked the door and stepped in. Arya was in the kitchen, cursing up a storm. Curious, he walked closer to find her standing in front of the fridge, hands on her hips.
“What’s wrong?”
Jumping, she whirled around with her hand on her chest. “You have to teach me how to walk so silently. I was just looking for something to cook, but you don’t have anything.”
Raising an eyebrow, he looked past her to the mostly full fridge. “I have plenty.”
Rolling her eyes, she huffed a breath. “Fine. You don’t have anything I know how to cook. I told you there are only a couple of dishes I know how to make.”
“If you want to learn, I can teach you some things. But I don’t have a problem with cooking for us.”
“You know how to cook?”
“Don’t sound so surprised. My mom taught me some things before she died, when my dad wasn’t around. The rest I learned through trial and error. But we can go get a pizza tonight, if you want.”
Her eyes lit up as she clasped her hands together. “Really? I love pizza. I’ve only had it a handful of times, but I really enjoy it.”
“Why so little?”
“My mom loves to cook, and she makes really good food,” she replied with a shrug. “So we rarely had it.”
“Well, we can have it as much as you want.”
A knock sounded on the front door, and he winked at her before turning to answer it, vaguely aware that she was following him. Opening it, he froze when he saw Mikhail on his doorstep.
“Karis. Have you seen Arya? She’s not home and I’m getting worried. I’m not sure she should be alone right now.”
Before he could answer, she spoke up behind him. “I’m here, Dad.”
Mikhail frowned, though he looked relieved, as well. Stepping back, Karis gestured. “Come on in.”
“You guys just hanging out, or something?” he asked, walking into the living room.
Arya kissed his cheek. “I’m staying here now.”
“What? Why?” her father asked, looking between the two of them.
Glancing at Arya, he hoped she could see his caution to not spill the beans that they were mated. She gave him the tiniest nod, and relief washed over him. He still hadn’t figured out how to break the news to Mikhail.
Pulling the note from his pocket, he handed it to him. “We found that pinned to her door with an arrow when we got back today.”
Opening it, Mikhail scanned the lines, his frown quickly turning into a scowl. “Someone has a death wish. What is the red stuff? Is that some kind of sauce?”
Arya nodded. “Spaghetti sauce. There was a whole pot full of noodles on the porch, too. I had Karis over for dinner the other night, and that’s what I made. I think they were spying and saw us eating. It’s the only thing that makes sense.”
Despite the worry in his eyes, Mikhail still found a grin as he looked at Karis. “And you didn’t get sick from her cooking? No food poisoning?”
“Hey,” she protested with a laugh. “I’m not that bad. Besides, you know I make good spaghetti.”
“It’s about the only thing you cook well. Don’t let her con you into thinking she can make anything else, either,” he told Karis. “She either burns the food or uses too much salt.”
She frowned at her dad, crossing her arms. “I do not.”
Smile fading, Mikhail looked back at the note. “I don’t like this at all. It makes it more than likely that the arrow was meant for her the other day. Maybe she should move back home.”
Arya scowled. “Absolutely not. Moving home would just be let
ting them think they won. Besides, I just got out. I want to enjoy my freedom.”
“You won’t be able to enjoy it at all if you’re dead,” Mikhail replied, glaring at her.
Putting his hands up, Karis took a step forward. “Hey. No arguing.” Looking at Mikhail, he said, “She’ll be safe here with me. I promise you that. You know I can protect her.”
Sighing, Mikhail ran his fingers through his graying black hair as he nodded. “I know. There’s no one I’d trust her with more than you. I really appreciate you looking out for her like this, Karis. It means a lot to me.”
Karis nodded, uncomfortable as a sliver of guilt pierced his chest. He was looking out for his mate. He’d help her even if she wasn’t, of course, but he never would have argued for her staying here. This was just as selfish as it was altruistic, if not more so.
“I just want to point out that I am capable of looking out for myself, in case you two forgot.”
Glancing over, his lips quirked as he saw her still standing with her arms crossed, an annoyed expression on her face. “We know you can. But it can’t hurt to have an extra pair of eyes on the situation, and more muscle helping to keep you safe.”
Mikhail nodded. “Agreed. I’ll get out of here. I went to Arya’s to tell her that her mother wants her to come to dinner tomorrow, but now I’m asking you both to come. It’s been a while since we had you over for dinner, Karis.”
Fuck. “Sure, thanks for the invite. We’ll be there.”
Mikhail clapped a hand to his shoulder, kissed his daughter’s cheek, and left. Shit. A whole damn dinner with Karis trying to not let on that Arya meant what she did to him. It would be hell. He really needed to figure out how to tell Mikhail they were mates, and soon.
“Are you okay?”
Glancing over, he found her looking at him with her brow furrowed and eyes intense, like she was trying to delve into his thoughts. Forcing a smile, he said, “You know we realize you can take care of yourself, right? We just want to make sure you stay safe.”
Exhaling, she uncrossed her arms and went to him, kissing his cheek. “I know. It just gets frustrating. Would anyone be insisting someone watched you twenty-four seven if someone was after you? No, they wouldn’t. But I can take care of myself just as well as you can.”
“It would be hard if they took you on in human form.” Holding up his hands when she started to argue, he leaned in and kissed her quickly. “Will you feel better if we go grab some pizza?”
She fought a smile as she stared at him but couldn’t hold it on. “Fine, I accept your form of bribery. Let’s go.”
Chapter Twelve
Taking a deep breath, Karis knocked on Arya’s parents’ door. She touched his arm briefly, getting his attention.
“It’ll be okay. I won’t say anything. But we don’t have to knock, you know.”
“I know you won’t. And I wouldn’t feel right, just going in.”
Before she could reply, Mikhail opened the door. “You guys didn’t have to knock! Just come on in.”
Giving him an I told you so look, Arya walked in, kissing her dad on the cheek. Karis followed as Mikhail clapped a hand to his shoulder. “Thanks for having us.”
“You’re always welcome, you know that. Arya, your mother’s in the kitchen.”
Smiling, she left to join her mom, and Mikhail gestured him to the living room. “Want a scotch?”
“Yeah, that’d be good. Thanks.”
Taking a seat, he watched him pour them each a drink. Shifters couldn’t get drunk unless they drank massive amounts of alcohol, but they could enjoy the taste. Right this second, though, he found himself wishing it could affect him. He could use something to relax him.
Handing him the glass, Mikhail sat on the couch across from him. “So how’s it going? She all settled in?”
Taking a sip and savoring the burn, he nodded. “Yeah, she’s all unpacked.”
“So you got her bed moved over? I meant to offer to help last night. I know you don’t have any furniture in your other bedrooms.”
It was an epic battle to keep his expression neutral, though he couldn’t help tensing a little. He picked his words with care, because Mikhail would know if he lied to him. “She has a bed to sleep on.”
There, that was the truth. He just didn’t have to say it was his bed Arya was sleeping on.
Just tell him already, his tiger said in disgust. I don’t understand why you haven’t.
I just need more time.
For what? A few days isn’t going to make a difference.
“That’s good. Have you started hand to hand combat yet?”
Focusing on the conversation, he ignored his tiger and nodded. “Kind of. I remembered what you said about her gift. And I noticed when she fought Shiloh that she was mimicking my moves. I figured she learned by focusing on me when I was training. So I had Jameson come over today, and we fought while she watched. Tomorrow, I’ll start with her physical training.”
Mikhail nodded in approval. “That was a smart idea. She picks up a lot that way, so don’t be surprised if she’s immediately skilled tomorrow.”
“I would never underestimate her that way.”
“Good man. I learned early on not to, and I’m glad you have, as well. Any idea yet about who’s going after her?”
“No, not yet. There are too many tribe members upset with the changes, and how she embraced them. Not to mention her place as a warrior. As much as I want this bastard to back off, we need him to make another move and hopefully slip up before we’ll have any suspects.”
“That makes sense. I want this person dealt with soon. I’m so proud of her for not backing down, but I hate that it’s put her in danger.”
“I feel the same way. I won’t rest easy until whoever this is has been caught.”
Mikhail studied him intently. “It seems to me that you two have gotten close again. I’m glad. I don’t know what happened a year ago, but I noticed the distance between you two. I’m happy you two have seemed to work through whatever it was.”
Frozen, Karis stared at him, mind racing and palms getting sweaty. Fuck, how did he answer that?
With the damn truth, dumbass.
There his tiger went with the dumbass shit again. Although, to be fair, he probably deserved it each time his cat thought it.
Thankfully, Mikhail didn’t seem to need a reply. “What about Vynn? I’d hate to think it was him, but he’s never made a secret of being a supporter of the old rules. I’m sure he’s not a fan of her new status.”
Frowning, he nodded. “I’m sure he’s not. He came to me the other night after she won archery champion. Said he didn’t think it was a good idea to take her to the head warrior challenge. But when I questioned his motives, he danced around it, telling me he wasn’t saying it just because she’s a woman. That he thought taking her would make the men upset. He was speaking the truth, but I’ve been keeping an eye on him. He knows something, or maybe it is him and he’s being wily about what he says.”
“Have you talked to Kian about any of this?” Mikhail asked, frowning.
“I haven’t had a chance. I’m planning on it before I train Arya tomorrow, but I don’t think there’s much he can do. You know Vynn only does what he wants. If he doesn’t want to tell Kian what’s really going on, he won’t. Especially if all of this really is him.”
Mikhail nodded, still frowning. “I think it’s worth a shot, though. Arya’s safety is too important.”
“I agree one hundred percent.”
Eyes narrowing, Mikhail studied him closely, and he fought the urge to squirm. Hell, he was thirty-five years old. The head warrior of the deadliest, best-trained warriors around. And there he sat, wanting to squirm like a five-year-old because his mate’s father was looking at him intently. Jesus, what a mess.
Luckily, he was saved by the dinner bell as Caroline walked in to tell them the food was ready. Standing, he greeted her with a kiss on the cheek and inhaled deeply, steeling himself f
or the rest of the night. He’d come too close to slipping up with his overprotectiveness, and it couldn’t happen again.
Arya absently cut into her pork chop, watching Karis contemplatively. She’d overheard some of his conversation with her dad when she went to the bathroom, and a thought popped into her head. One she couldn’t shake, because everything inside her was telling her it was right.
She was almost positive that what he’d kept hidden when he asked her not to tell anyone was that he didn’t want her parents to know yet. Or maybe it was more accurate that it scared him. She nearly snorted, because thinking the word scared in correlation with his name was crazy. This was the incredibly tough, strong, badass man who’d held onto head warrior for twelve years. Who would continue to be head warrior for another four.
But she’d bet money on being right about this. And based on what she knew of him, she could guess why. Karis looked up to her dad. She knew that even before he said as much the other day. They were friends, but it was more than that. Her dad was his mentor as Karis grew up. He was more of a dad to him than his own father had been.
And he wouldn’t want to disappoint him. Most likely, he thought her father would be upset over their age difference. Lord knew, it was a sore point for Karis. So it made sense that he’d think it would be one for her dad, as well.
She thought that was absolutely crazy. Her dad would be ecstatic. He’d be happy enough she found a true mate, but that it was Karis would put him over the moon. He loved him. Always had. And he’d know he would treat her well. He wouldn’t spare a thought to their age difference.
Now the question became how to get Karis to see that. Just telling him wasn’t going to work—of that she was absolutely certain. She wondered what he was planning to say when he told her parents, because he had to know they would figure it out soon enough. This wasn’t something they could hide for long, nor would she be okay with them doing so. Just hiding it for the two days they had was killing her.
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