FOREVER KNIGHTS: #7 King of Assassins
DERAGAN - A Race for Meralee Carter

Rosewynn Manor, Outside M (Living at Rosewynn for two years)

DERAGAN

Deragan’s eyes narrowed on the shadow materializing from the woods.

Hands lifting to display he was no threat the intruder stepped into the light.

“Lucien.” Deragan blew out a breath. “Where have you been?”

Eyes wide his voice hit a high note. “Have you met the woman you’ve tasked me with protecting?”

Miss Meralee Carter.

Yes, I’ve seen the hissing viper.

“She seemed quite charming.”

“Charming?” Lucien choked. Eying Deragan in horror before deflating. “Ah. You’re jesting. For a moment I considered whether you’d forgotten what the word meant.”

“She is beautiful.” Deragan pointed out.

“Gorgeous.” Lucien corrected. “So is a Warcat…Right before it takes your face off.”

The giant tan felines that lurked in the Warwood. Known for having a natural hate for humanity.

“She’s prickly?”

“Razor sharp.” Lucien clarified.

He’s intrigued.

Deragan eyed him a moment. “Where is she now?”

“Likely putting another rat in my bed.” Lucien winced. “She’s taken captivity well.”

Where’d she find a rat?

Did she really do that? After only a moments consideration he realized Lucien was likely serious.

“A rat?” Deragan was appalled. Blue eyes huge. “Where is she now?”

Lucien shuffled side to side. “My rental. Likely trying to gnaw through the ropes by now.”

Ropes? Oh, no.

She is a Lady, afterall... Kind of.

“She’s tied up in your house?” Deragan’s voice was chiding. “Lucien!”

“Have you met her?” Lucien reiterated. “She’s nearly bloodthirsty! After your Worthington boy tried to run her over, I saw no alternative to keep her safe.”

Not a good plan. But she doesn’t give us much choice. Deragan gave a grudging tilt of his head.

“I assure you, she holds her own.” Lucien lifted a bladed hand to emphasize the words. “In addition to the rat, she soaked my bedding in frozen water.”

Sweet thing. Deragan winced.

“She must like you.”

“More than most.” Lucien said off-handedly. “The question now is what do I do with the little warcat?”

“You don’t want to keep her in your rental?”

“Good God!” Lucien yelped. “She’s bound to tear it and me apart trying to get out.” He was perturbed by the mere idea.

“Take her to your island.”

Not many places to go there. She can wear herself out.

“My island?” Lucien was appalled. “Captain!”

“Yes, your island. And no, I’m not jesting. Round up whatever Forever Knights may go and have them find her. Set her free, let her wear herself down, and let them corner her. Whoever does has my blessing to wed the girl.”

“Blessing? For what?” There was that shrill note again. “Who’d want her? An hour on the island and they’ll be running from her!”

All but one, perhaps. Deragan fought a smile. My Second in Command.

“A beautiful spirited woman should challenge at least some of my more competitive Forever Knights. And what of the honor of wedding my mate’s companion?”

“Wed? You want one of us to wed the little warcat?” Lucien choked lifting defensive fists before his chest and retreating a step from Deragan as though he’d swung at him. “Why? Are you angry with us?”

No. Deragan was awash with amusement. You’ll be fine.

I hope.

“Good luck.” Deragan commented slapping Lucien on the back, voice mild.

Lucien stared at him too astounded to say anything.

Struggling not to smile he heard Lucien mutter. “If you weren’t our Captain and alpha, I swear…”

“You swear what?” Deragan’s voice cut like a knife. As his chin hitched in challenged, lips peeling back.

Lucien instantly lowered his head in deference. “I’m merely grumbling.” He backtracked. “I meant no disrespect. I’m uncertain my island is big enough for her.”

“You’ll do what I commanded.”

“You know I will.” Lucien acknowledged. Tone changing as he realized he’d inadvertently crossed the line.

He knows better.

I don’t tolerate defiance.

Once Lucien was out of range, Deragan laughed outright.

Good luck men. Better luck trying to beat Lucien Sabias to her first.

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