I did feel happy. So much so that I was afraid at any given moment it would be taken away, or I’d wake up and this would all have been some wild dream.
After lunch I’d been led into a massive room they called Banner’s study, but it looked like a whole-ass library I’d seen in the city. Three out of the four walls were floor-to-ceiling built-in shelving filled with leather-bound books. The bookworm in me wanted to explore the titles and say forget about anything else.
Caelan had stayed right by my side the entire time, and although I knew it was partly because he wanted to show his support because he could clearly see I was out of my element, I knew the stronger part was because he didn’t want to leave my side for selfish reasons. And I couldn’t lie and say I didn’t enjoy the possessiveness that came from him, or the fact that he seemed to always want to be touching me.
A hand on my hip. Fingers brushing my hair over my shoulder. Hell, even his gaze was constantly on me like a tangible touch.
Banner had spoken about Alasdair, an older shifter who was the keeper of Scottish Lycan records. I'd been assured by the king that if my roots were part of their world, Alasdair would be able to find the information.
To say I was excited to learn this, to have that hope, was an understatement, but I also didn’t want to get my hopes up. Maybe my father was a Lycan but not Scottish. And if that was the case, there wouldn’t be those records, and I’d be right back to square-one.
But the first step was seeing if Alasdair had found anything out, and we’d know that in less than twenty-four hours.
After lunch we sat around the table, and I listened to Caelan getting caught up on the “family drama,” the brothers had called it, regarding Ainslee and her mate, Luca. I didn't miss how many times Caelan glanced at me, or how he’d touch his fingers along the back of my hand, as if the connection between us always had to be there.
“So she called, she’s fine and safe, and she’ll contact us when she’s ready,” Luna said, and I didn’t miss the way she cut a lethal stare at Banner, as if silently telling her man to keep his trap shut. Okay, so once again it was very clear men of this world were over-the-top in… everything.
“We should have stayed out of it,” Caelan spoke up, and I watched as everyone snapped their focus on him.
Eyes widened, mouths parted, and it was abundantly clear they were shocked in this very clear change of heart coming from Caelan.
“Pretty sure hell just froze over,” Lennox muttered.
“Mam, check tae see if pigs are flying outside,” Tavish whispered in amusement.
“Boys, leave it alone.” Luna smiled in a motherly fashion at Caelan. “I’m glad you found your mate, sweetheart. And I’m glad you’re seeing things from another side.” She narrowed her eyes at the other men in the room. “Maybe these three will eventually have that revelation too.”
Caelan shifted on his seat as if nervous and cleared his throat. He gave me another reassuring squeeze—maybe one just for himself—then brought our joined hands up to his mouth to kiss my knuckles. “I now understand how we should have minded our own business.” His words were low and soft as he stared at me. “Luca wouldn’t hurt Ainslee no matter what.” He stared right into my eyes, and I felt myself grow soft. “He would have protected her with his life. Of that I’m sure.”
He placed a finger under my chin, tilted my head back, and kissed me softly. Right in front of his family. I felt my face heat, and when he broke the kiss, I ducked my head, my long, dark hair hiding my face as I felt embarrassed over the PDA.
There was more throat clearing from everyone, and then—fortunately—the sound of chairs scraping along the wooden floor sounded in the room.
I looked up to see everyone but Caelan and me standing. Luna smiled at me, this knowing expression on her face as she slipped her arm through her mate’s.
“I’m sure you want to get acquainted with the house and get settled. We’ll leave you guys to it.” She leveled me with a look, but it wasn’t harsh or ugly. It was gentle. “Darragh, this is your home as much as it is ours. Please know that.”
My throat tightened at her kindness.
“If Alasdair contacts me before tomorrow, I’ll make sure ye know right away.” Banner spoke clearly in that deep, baritone voice and gave me a reassuring nod.
I stood. “Thank you. Both of you.” I looked at all four of them. “All of you. Thank you so much.” I was rambling, emotion clogging my throat, but aside from Evelyn, no one had genuinely given a shit about me or helped me so intently. My entire life, I’d relied on myself, having no one but my best friend in my corner, yet here I was, getting as much help as I needed from people who’d literally just met me a few hours ago.