Claimed

Chapter 30

Emma smiled, hurrying along with her wrapped present. Dark stone walls made up the hallway and smooth rock lined her path in the underground haven. She’d piled her hair high on her head and the strapless dress she wore narrowed to a flared waist. Where in the world had Dage found an Xbox from deep within the earth’s surface?

Kane and Conn flanked her on each side, and she fought the urge to roll her eyes. “You’re aware the threat has passed, right boys? Milner is gone.”

Conn shrugged. “The king said to guard you, so we guard you.” He shortened his stride so she could keep up.

Kane nodded. “Not that we don’t like spending time with you, of course.” His sly smile reminded her he owed her a couple of good kicks.

She laughed. “You’d rather be in the lab, Kane, and you know it.” Of course, so would she. “Speaking of which, when do I get to see the new lab?” Dage hadn’t revealed the location to anyone. It was supposed to be ready in a week or so.

“When we move,” Kane said, shifting his present from one arm to the other. He eyed the gift in her hands. “What did you guys get Janie?”

Emma shrugged. “An Xbox. What did you get her?”

Kane puffed out his chest. “A fifty-piece lab set complete with specimens, a microscope, and test tubes.”

Conn snorted. “She’s only five, nimrod.”

Emma smiled. “I’m sure she’ll love the lab set, Kane. What’s in that pretty pink bag, Conn?”

Conn cleared his throat and stretched his neck. “I don’t know much about little girls.”

How sweet. Goodness, what had he purchased? “All you need to know is they love presents from people who love them.” Emma lifted up on her toes to peek into the bag.

Conn yanked it away and to the side. “Okay. Geez. I bought her the newest Bond spy equipment set. It has listening devises, fake handcuffs, walkie-talkies, and even magic paper and disappearing ink.” He slowed his pace even further. “Do you think she’ll like it?”

Listening devices? “Yes. I think she’ll love a spy set, Conn.” Now they all had to be careful what they said with big ears listening. Not that the little protégée didn’t already envision all of their futures.

The vampire smiled and relief filled his dangerous eyes. “Good. I want her to remember me while I’m gone.”

Emma should find a secured line to call and warn Moira. The women needed to stick together in this new world, without a doubt.

Love? Where the hell are you? Dage’s voice echoed throughout her head.

She rolled her eyes and pushed open the door to the cozy living room strewn with balloons and streamers. “Wow.”

Lily took the gifts. “We had so much fun decorating. Katie and I have been taping streamers for hours.” She hustled away to place the gifts on the table.

Emma pursed her lips. Lily’s gaiety hadn’t quite masked the dark circles under her eyes. The loss of a fellow prophet was probably difficult for her, even if Milner had been a crazy jackass. Emma rubbed her healed neck.

Janie gave a happy squeal and dashed across the room to hug her aunt. “Hi Auntie Emma.” She grabbed Emma’s hand, sighing over the sparkling ring. “So he finally gave you his mama’s ring, huh?”

“Hi sweet Janie.” Emma leaned down to embrace the pretty girl. “I take it you knew I’d be wearing this?”

“Of course.” She smiled, the gap in her teeth belying her intellectual age. “I dreamed about the sparkles years ago.”

Emma rose up to take a good look. “That is a beautiful dress, Janie.”

The little girl flounced twice, letting the bright pink ruffles fluff around her legs. Matching butterfly clips held back the rioting curls. “Thanks. Mama and I picked it out on the computer last week.” She pointed a toe. “Do you like my big girl shoes?”

Emma nodded seriously, fighting a grin at the green sandals with bright white flowers. “Lovely. Why green?”

Janie hopped once. “They match Zane’s eyes. He can’t be here today, so I thought I’d wear his color on my feet.”

Emma took a deep breath, figuring she’d worry about Janie’s dream friend another day. She gave the child another kiss and made a beeline for her mate across the room.

He stood next to the hearth, a long necked beer bottle dangling between two fingers. His mouth on hers sent tendrils of need through her flesh. Waves of masculine pleasure wafted over her when he turned her around. “That’s a pretty marking on your shoulder.”

Man, she loved being inside his skin and feeling what he felt. She smiled and pivoted to focus on those silver eyes. “Thank you. The mark came with a vampire.”

“I like that you’re showing it off.”

She bit her lip, fighting a laugh. “Well, so far I’m the only Kayrs mate who can show the marking without being arrested for indecent exposure.”

Dage grinned. “I do think ahead, unlike my impetuous brothers.”

“Well. You are the king.” A dark edge still licked at the king’s emotions from the snapping of control when he’d thought she’d died, an edge she’d need to smooth. In time. She glanced over to where Talen stood with an arm wrapped securely around Cara. “What do you think Milner meant about the prophesy? About the child?”

Dage shrugged, running his fingers down Emma’s arm to clasp her hand. “I think Milner had gone crazy. We’re tracing his movements for the past hundred years to determine where he went off track, but it’ll take a while.”

“Did he actually work with the Kurjans?”

“Yes. We’ve found e-mails embedded in his computer.” Dage sighed. “It’s unthinkable really.”

Emma fought against the fear of another attack. “Do you think he told them about the headquarters underground? I mean, could they be coming for us here?”

Dage tightened his grip. “It doesn’t look like he got the chance. But we’re still moving tomorrow.” He lowered his head to press a gentle kiss on her ear. “To a place with a fantastic lab for my scientist.”

Warmth slid through her from his whispering breath, and she cleared her throat when he rose back up to his full impressive height. “Speaking of which, so far the tests on Cara’s blood are encouraging.” She’d need to conduct more tests later. Emma surveyed the room. “Where’s Caleb?”

“He left to escort Prophet Guiles home before heading to train his troops somewhere in the Midwest.” Dage placed his beer on the mantle. “Caleb’s determined to ignore the prophesy marking as long as possible.”

“Do you think he’ll succeed?”

“No. Fate wins every time. Our only choice is to claim it.” The king dropped his head again to run his heated mouth along her bare shoulder.

Emma shivered, her gaze wandering around the room. The shifters laughed over by the pool table while Kane and Jase jockeyed for position next to Janie on the sofa. Conn handed Lily a glass of what looked like punch by a table sporting a huge cake decorated with horses.

“What are you looking at, love?” Dage whispered into her ear.

Warmth slid through her heart. “Family.”

He chuckled. “We’ll stay until Janie opens her presents. Then I have plans for my mouth and your body.”

Emma settled back into his hard chest. Now that was a plan she could certainly embrace.