Read Davies, Corinne - Claiming Destiny [Midnighter Seductions 1] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) for Free Online Page B

ashamed of both of you,” IxChel announced as soon as she stepped into Rock and Jag’s room. She marched over to the large table where they both were sitting and glanced down at what they were working on before leveling a dark look at them both. A map of the area spread out in front of them as they tried to decide which areas needed the most resources. “You terrified that poor woman and then brought her here without any warning or permission.”
    “She’s awake?” Rock felt a weight lift from his chest. He and Jag exchanged relieved smiles. They’d both spent the last four hours staring at charts and plans and not reading anything.
    “You would know that if you’d been by her side waiting for her to awaken, as you should’ve been. She should’ve been welcomed with a Cha’an , a celebration, but you keep her hidden like a worthless toy. Your first contact with her was in fear and violence? You both were taught better than that!”
    Rock heard the disappointment in the healer’s voice. No one knew he and Jag had sat by the woman’s bedside all night last night watching over her in case they needed to run for the healer again. No one could understand the heavy guilt that lay on their consciences because they’d frightened her so much. They were both exhausted today and not in the best of moods.
    “This is the way it has to be for a while, IxChel. Rock and I discussed it.” Jag’s tone rang with annoyance at their actions being questioned. Rock felt the same way. They were the future Rulers of Lu’um and had to maintain the safety of all their people, not only one woman. “We’re pleased we found our Atan , but we can’t claim her yet, not with the instability of our borders. Raiders are finding holes in our patrols and we need to keep our people safe.”
    “That is the way of the warriors,” IxChel countered. “She is blessed with two men so one is always there for her.”
    “We both are needed and neither of us have the time to spare to court her. When the time is right we’ll make it up to her,” Rock replied.
    “Your father would be ashamed of your behavior.”
    Rock felt as though he’d been slapped but pushed those feelings down deep inside him. The reason they were facing the level of threats they were today was because his father never took security seriously. His focus had been on his wife, Rock’s mother, but that focus was what had cost them both their lives. The first time their world had been raided, his father and mother were killed before the forces could be rallied and the crack in their defense shield corrected.
    Rock’s uncle was the one who raised him and taught him to be a warrior. They poured over the ancient writings and legends, searching for a way to fix what had been undone. Both of Jag’s parents had been killed in that raid, too, creating a deeper bond between the two of them. “You’re here to see to the welfare of our Atan ,” he snapped at IxChel. Jag crossed his arms and moved next to Rock, both of them watching her pale under their combined glare. “If I want your council I will ask you for it.”
    “As you wish.” She nodded her head slightly, then turned and stormed from the room with her chin held high. Rock watched her leave, trying to ignoring the guilt that ate at him. The moment the words left his mouth he regretted them. He’d known IxChel his entire life and knew she was right. So far, they’d been unsuccessful at planning anything today. He hadn’t been able to drag his thoughts from the woman for more than a moment or two knowing that she was lying in their bed. Her hair was a mass of silky curls and he’d sat next to her and played with the tips that lay across his pillow. Jag had sat on the other side with his hand cupping hers, his thumb stroking the back of her hand.
    “Maybe we should go and see to her ourselves,” Jag commented, catching his attention. “I don’t want her to continue with her fear of us. The sooner she gets used to our