Fen had lived several lifetimes. He had watched people he loved more than anything grow old and die or never even see middle age. Fen didn’t know Kyrie that well. For some unexplainable reason, he couldn’t focus on anything other than Kyrie’s health right now. Maybe it was the mystery of it. Not only was Kyrie immortal, but he was also young and seemingly healthy. It made no sense for Kyrie to be in this position.
Kyrie’s eyes suddenly blinked open. His gaze landed on Fen as if he knew exactly where he sat and that he would be there. They held each other’s stare. The exchange felt strangely pivotal, as if some silent and important message passed between them. Fen didn’t know what happened, but he knew he didn’t want this to stop. A delicious scent tickled his nose. It was a hell of a time for his hormones to spike. What in the hell was actually wrong with him when it came to Kyrie?
“You’re awake. That’s awesome.” Frost looked relieved as hell as he breezed inside the room. He focused on Fen. “I’m sorry. I have to ask you to step away for a bit while I speak with my patient.”
Fen got it. Frost had already broken patient privacy once, and Kyrie had been furious. He wouldn’t risk that twice. Frost needed to look as professional as possible now.
Fen dipped his chin, acknowledging the request. He focused on Kyrie. “I’ll be around if you need me.”
A sweet smile passed over Kyrie’s lips. “Okay.”
Fen left, closing the door behind him. His heightened hearing caught the first few words.
“I’m thrilled to see you awake. As much as I hate to press the issue, it’s gone beyond critical to know your parentage. The only way—”
Gemini appeared in the mouth of the hallway. “Hey. I thought I heard someone moving around. Come join me outside. It’s a nice night and I have beer.”
Fen wasn’t blind, nor was he dumb. Gemini had Frost’s back on the privacy issue. Fen pasted on a smile and headed Gemini’s way. “Sounds great.” He let Gemini lead him outside. As they stepped out, he was greeted by more people than expected. Leif and Audor were there. Since both men were Frost’s guards, he had known they were likely there somewhere. He hadn’t realized Audor’s husband, and the town’s pack leader, Waylon, was also there, along with Frost’s best friend and her husband, Jacen and Deidra. The fairies were another staple in Frost’s home. The only genuine surprise was Stone. Stone had guarded the Scottish vampire king at Fen’s side for years and had been assigned to join Fen in America. He was always all smiles and naughty behavior. The guy was impossible to hate.
Fen nodded at everyone as he headed for the empty seat at Stone’s side. “Hey. Where have you been hiding?”
A bright smile lit Stone’s face. “You know me, getting to know the town.” AKA, trying out as many beds as possible.
Fen shook his head. “Someone will find a way to kill you someday.”
Stone winked. “Not when you’re good.”
He wanted to be irritated with Stone’s flippancy, but there was just something about the guy. Before Fen could think of a way to respond, Stone took control of the conversation.
“How’s your boy?”
Fen opened his mouth to say Kyrie wasn’t his. The thought was gone as quickly as it formed. “Honestly. I don’t know. Frost is in with him now. Hopefully, he’ll figure this out.”
Stone nodded along. “Frost was sent here for a purpose, just as we were. Kyrie will pull through.”
Frost stepped outside and headed Fen’s way.
Fen went on alert.
Thankfully, Frost didn’t make him ask. He motioned toward the house. “Kyrie wants to go home. You should be the one to take him.”
Fen tried to decipher Frost’s tone without luck. There was something there. Frost seemed worried and distracted.
Still, Fen stood. “Of course.”
Before Fen made it two steps. Frost touched his arm, stopping him.
His eyes seemed slightly desperate. “Will you stay with him? I always have Gemini’s protection. You should focus on this. I’m certain Celeste would understand.”
Since Frost seemed to have a direct line to their goddess, he dipped his chin. “Nae harm will come to him.”
Frost’s shoulders visibly relaxed. “Thank you.”
Fen didn’t bother saying Frost didn’t need to thank him. They both already knew. For whatever reason, Kyrie was his responsibility, and Fen never shirked his duties. Fen headed for Kyrie’s room. The same amazing scent overwhelmed him as soon as he reached the mouth of the hallway. Fen didn’t know how he knew it was Kyrie, but he did. He smelled like the sea and freedom. Tropical flowers and a fruity drink on the beach. Coconuts. Fen’s mouth watered. His stomach clenched with hunger. He froze. It had been a while since he’d fed. He should do that before going home with Kyrie. The last thing he wantedwas to be in a position of Kyrie smelling like the perfect meal while he starved.
Bring me my wolf.
Fen shook his head. The hallucinations were back. For fuck’s sake. Maybe they really were fueled by the strange hunger he had suffered since his abduction. He would let Kyrie know he needed a moment to feed before they left.