Flawless Evans, Gabrielle (ebook smartphone .txt) 📖

and Jericho stared at Lynk like he was speaking another language. Kieran, however, was grinning from ear to ear as he wrapped an arm around Lynk’s waist and bent to nuzzle the back of his neck. He did that a lot, but Lynk wasn’t going to complain since he loved it.

“I’ve been trying to tell them the same thing for months. You explained so much better than I could, though. Don’t ever be scared to defend the people you care about, baby. I got your back.” Well, in that case…

“And Kieran isn’t an asshole, either. He’s kind, warm, brave, and loyal. He’s also your alpha, and you should have more respect.” Lynk was trembling violently by the time he’d finished speaking, but Kieran said he should protect and defend the people he cared about.

He might not know much about his mate yet, but he already cared too much to let someone slander the man he knew Kieran to be.

“He’s also our brother,” Jericho said with a snort. “We’re just fucking around with him. Don’t you give your brothers shit? That’s Flawless 23

all it is. We’re only trying to make sure that his head doesn’t swell so big that he can’t fit through the doorway.”

“Okay, knock it off. Patrol duty starts in thirty minutes. You guys are going to have to go without me. Be sure to check on the new Moonlighters and see how they’re settling in. Also, ask the alpha, Xander, if there is anything he needs. Varik and Demos are headed to Snake River tonight along with Lynk…” He trailed off, a frown tugging at the corners of his lips.

“And you want to go with them,” Eli surmised. “Don’t worry about it, man. We’ve got shit covered here. You’ll be a wreck wondering about Lynk and no use around here anyway.”

“Thanks, pup.” Kieran clapped his brother on the shoulder. “I knew I could count on you guys.” Then he took Lynk’s hand and gave it a small tug. “Time to get you settled. Would you like a shower first?”

A hot shower sounded like heaven. “Please,” he practically moaned.

Everyone chuckled, and Kieran bent and kissed him on the forehead. “None of our clothes will fit, but I’ll see if I can find something that won’t completely swallow you.” He led Lynk through what he assumed was Kieran’s bedroom and pointed into the bathroom. “Everything you need is in there. I’ll leave some clothes on the bed and give you some privacy.”

After nodding his understanding, Lynk closed the bathroom door quietly but left it unlocked. Part of him hoped that Kieran would join him in the shower. That part was likely connected to his dick, which had been hard and throbbing since Kieran had first lifted him into his arms back at the mansion.

The bigger, rational part of his brain was demanding to know what the hell he was doing there in the first place. Nothing good could come from his pairing with Kieran.

Torren hadn’t remembered any of his previous lives with Aslan until after he’d claimed his mate. Lynk didn’t have that luxury. He 24 Gabrielle

Evans

remembered every minute of each of his three lives in vivid detail.

Though Kieran wouldn’t understand, the kindest thing he could do for his new mate was run in the opposite direction and never look back.

Even as he contemplated it, Kieran’s beautiful blue eyes invaded his mind, staring straight into him as though he could see his soul.

Sighing in defeat, and knowing he’d regret it later, Lynk shook his head and stepped into the shower.

* * * *

“You sure about this guy, Kieran?”

“Yes,” Kieran answered shortly as he dug through his dresser, searching for something Lynk could wear. He came up with a pair of sweats that at least had a drawstring and a faded blue T-shirt. Not great, but it would have to do.

“Look, I know he’s your mate and all, but he’s also a Braddock.” Parker was like a dog with a fucking bone. He wasn’t going to let this thing go until either Lynk proved himself or Kieran put him in his place.

Not wanting to drag Lynk into the middle of it when he already seemed so on edge, Kieran figured he was going to have to nip this one in the bud himself. Dropping the clothes on the bed, he spun Parker around by his shoulder and shoved him toward the door, not wanting Lynk to overhear their conversation. Besides, he only wanted to say it once.

Gathering everyone in the living room, he motioned for them all to sit while he stood in the center of the room and crossed his arms over his chest. “Lynk is my mate. I’ve already claimed him. He is not—and I repeat not—Torren, so whatever beef you have with his brother, you do not take it out on Lynk. If anyone has a problem with him being here, then spit it out now.”

“We don’t know anything about this guy. How do we know he didn’t bewitch you or something?”

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Kieran stared at Parker in disbelief. “What is your issue with witches? I really can’t believe you just fucking said that to me. If anything, he doesn’t want to be here. Hell, he decked me in the jaw after I claimed him. Does that sound like someone who would spell me into wanting him?”

Parker had the good sense to look ashamed of himself as he sucked his bottom lip between his teeth and averted his eyes. “No, I guess not.” Then his eyes lit up and a slow smile spread across his face. “He really punched you?”

“The little shit has a mean right hook.” Kieran rubbed at his jaw and laughed. “So, I would suggest not pissing him off.”

“He doesn’t seem like he’d have it in him,” Jericho commented. “I mean, he’s, well, he acts kind of shy and guarded. I thought he was going to vibrate right out of his skin when he was telling us all