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his hands and his bowie knife beneath his pillow.
    He knew that Brendan Vincent would be doing the same in his room.
    But morning arrived without incident, and when he came downstairs, he discovered that Cody’s newfound sister was in the kitchen with their hostess, Martha, setting out utensils for their breakfast, something Martha Graybow prepared wonderfully. Apparently Cody thought it a good idea to introduce them, lest Megan’s presence in their rooms seem somehow untoward.
    He instantly wanted to protect the woman—stand between her and Megan Fox and make sure that the young half-breed vampire wasn’t about to pounce. Martha Graybow was a mature woman, but she had a beautiful, kind face, and Cody had a feeling that she wouldn’t be a widow long, once the war was over.
    If there were any men left.
    Martha had apparently loaned their surprise guest clothing; that morning, Megan Fox was wearing a demure cotton day dress that displayed the sleekness of her slender, shapely form to perfection. Actually, she’d worn men’s clothing well, too, but, this morning, she appeared as pure, sweet and innocent as a newborn angel. Her hair was quite gold, gold like her eyes.
    So much like Cody’s.
    And yet so different. So sultry, even when she was looking innocent. Somehow.
    You smell good. Good enough to eat.
    He found it hard to admit even to himself, but her fangs were equally stunning. He didn’t think he’d ever been able to say that before.
    â€œGood morning, Sheriff,” Martha said, her voice bright, her smile sincere.
    â€œI’m only a sheriff in Texas, ma’am,” he reminded her with a smile of his own. “Cole will do just fine, thank you.”
    â€œWell, then, Cole it is,” Martha said, flushing. “And I’m Martha to my friends. We’ll be dispensing with the ‘Mrs. Graybow,’ when you speak to me, young man, if you please.”
    â€œAs you wish, Martha,” Cole said.
    He was standing close enough to Megan to hear her mutter beneath her breath. “Charming. Oh, so, charming.”
    He ignored her. Ignored her—while keeping a wary eye on her. Last night, Cody had suddenly seemed to embrace the young woman. Of course, Cody was happy. He had just married a beautiful woman, and now he was finding that he had a sister. He’d been alone in the world for years, and now he had a family.
    Thing was, though it seemed Megan Fox was his sister, they had grown up far apart. She seemed like a loose cannon—an unknown quality in a world filled with many kinds of dangers.
    â€œIs there anything I can do to help?” he asked Martha.
    â€œEverything is all set to go.” She used a handwoven pot holder to lift the heavy coffeepot from the stove and began to pour the brew into the cups at the table. Cole noted that there were settings for six, and he frowned. Martha always joined them, on the days when her children were off to school, at least, but he didn’t know who the sixth setting was for. Then he heard a commotion out in the drive and hurried out the back door.
    Cody was already standing at the edge of the drive that led to the renovated old carriage house. A carriage had just arrived.
    â€œAlex!” Cody cried out with pleasure. He opened the carriage door and held out his arms. His wife leaped into them and Cody spun her around for a minute before drawing her to him in a warm embrace. They kissed, and Cody let her slide down to put her feet on the ground. He went to pay the driver, but the man tipped his hat.
    â€œTaken care of, sir!” the driver said, delivering Alex’s portmanteaus to the walk. “Where would you like these taken?”
    â€œWe’ll get them, my good fellow,” Cole said, stepping forward.
    â€œCole!”
    Alex smiled with delight and came to give him an enveloping hug, as well. He’d known Alex long before Cody had. Somehow, strangely, he’d forgotten that