Read Online rogue shifter 06 - torn apart by gayle parness - Free Book Online Page B

teach you. Try not to be afraid of me."
    Charlie lifted his chin and narrowed his eyes in anger. "I'm not scareda you. My mommy is strong and I'm getting stronger."
    Kennet smiled at me and then back at my son. "Yes, she is very strong and smart and brave and you're just like her, I see. Charles, you are the nephew of the Queen of Faerie. You have royal blood and will be a powerful fae warrior one day."
    A carved wooden box appeared in Kennet's hands, making Charlie's eyes widen in surprise. Kennet passed it quickly to Charlie before either of us could stop him. "Happy Birthday, son." He touched my son's face and then disappeared. The party woke up, most of our guests not even realizing that anything had happened.
    Garrett flashed beside me and hugged us both. " I felt the change but could do nothing. Are you alright, my love?"
    "Yes. I need to take Charlie..." He nodded, understanding immediately my need to speak to our son privately. I took our son's hand and dissolved into the lines, reappearing in the deserted kitchen where I knew he'd feel more comfortable. Garrett sent to me saying that I should let him know if we needed him and I promised that I would.
    Charlie put the present down on the kitchen table then took a few steps backward. He'd been shaken by Kennet's appearance so I sat and lifted him into my lap, feeling the need to ease his mind.
    My baby was trembling, so I hugged him, stoking his back to reassure and comfort him. I kept my voice soft, even though I was enraged by what Kennet had done. "What Kennet said was true. We will be seeing him twice a year." Charlie's eyes widened. "You'll never be alone when we're with him. I'll be there and so will Samson and Sinlae. You'll always be safe."
    "Why did he come today?"
    "Kennet just wants to get to know you."
    "We have to?"
    "I—I made a blood agreement with him when you were born."
    He clung to me more tightly, looking down at the ground and not into my eyes. "Do you love him, too?" He sounded frightened and sad and it broke my heart. I lifted his chin and made him look at me, willing him to believe that I was telling the truth.
    "Never. Kennet and I aren't even friends. I've never loved any males the way I love Daddy and you." His sudden smile was bright and full of joy, managing to dismiss his worry with the speed typical of a young child. We both relaxed in the chair as he looked at the ornately carved wooden box. "Kennet wants you to like him, so I'm sure whatever he's given you is something safe. Go ahead and open it."
    It was a blade, very much like Liam's, carved with fancy fae runes. I told Charlie not to touch it and then sent to Liam to come and have a look. He showed up with his father, Garrett and Aislin.
    I sent Charlie back to the party with Aislin and then turned toward Liam who'd been examining the gift closely. "It looks like it was made by the same Arcane weapons master as mine. It's enchanted."
    "Why would he give Charlie a blade like this? Something so rare and powerful?"
    Caelen answered without hesitation. "Protection. He fears for the boy's safety."
    "He actually gives a shit?" I instantly covered my mouth. "Sorry."
    Lord Caelen smiled at my embarrassed expression. "From what I witnessed tonight, I believe he does, although it could simply be his legacy he's interested in protecting." He looked closely at the dagger. "This weapon is rare and priceless."
    Liam held up the blade for me to see. "It's dormant now, but when he comes into his powers the blade will awaken. Put it someplace safe and speak to no one about it."
    "Would you take it and keep it for Charlie?" He nodded, looking at me curiously. I felt uneasy keeping something like that in the house. With all the pedestrian traffic, so many of them children, it would worry me.
    I sent to Garrett, "Isaiah comes tomorrow. It's better not to tempt him with such a powerful artifact."
    His sapphire eyes met mine with the usual annoyed glint whenever Isaiah's name was mentioned. This time I