As always, the rest of the world disappeared when he locked me in his gaze.
“I can make them stop staring if you’d like.” Brace grinned down at me. He seemed relaxed, which was unexpected. “But I’m guessing you and the other half-Walkers will have to get used to it. You’re the novelty to keep us intrigued this century.”
“I better be the novelty to keep you intrigued for all centuries,” I added as we started our journey across the lime-green grass.
It was easy to ignore everyone by simply focusing on Brace’s hand wrapped warmly around mine, and the gleaming smile of my father as he waited for us to arrive.
“You’re not a novelty, Red.”
I had expected a return joke, not the seriously spoken statement. And I certainly didn’t expect him to grind to a halt, pull me into his arms and kiss me senseless. Literally. Time, space and every Walker around us disappeared. I gasped for breath as he stepped back.
“What the hell was that for?” My chest heaved as the blood rushed around my body.
“It’s been too long since I kissed you. It’s a crime to waste seconds not worshipping those luscious lips.”
I raised my brows and as my pulse slowed my brain functions kicked back in. “You were staking your claim and marking your territory.” My hands involuntarily flapped in front of me as I spoke. “You might as well have peed on me.”
“There you go with the peeing again.” He grinned. “And I have no need to mark my territory; everyone here can see the melding bond.”
We started moving again.
But it never hurts to remind them to keep their hands to themselves.
I slugged him, before grabbing his hand again. Noticing all the tall beautiful female Walkers, he might just have a point.
“Why are all the women surrounded by large groups of men?” I asked, noting the pattern.
“You probably observe there aren’t as many female Walkers as male. We outnumber you almost ten to one.” His voice softened. “So we protect every single one we have.” He paused for a moment, before continuing. “I had a sister.”
My heart stopped at the word ‘had’. I knew he’d lost someone before, but I hadn’t realized it was his sister. I tightened my grip on his hand.
“She was taken from us a hundred and fifty-two years ago.”
“How?” I said, swallowing back tears.
Walkers were practically impossible to kill.
“I don’t know,” he said simply. “One moment she was home, in her room, and there was a crash ... her screams echoed throughout ... heart-wrenching pleas.” His face was calm, but the pain I could see in his eyes had me aching to comfort him. “By the time we got to her room, she was gone. We searched for years. As far as I know, Mother is still searching.”
“When did you stop actively looking for her?” I sniffed.
“The day I found you.” He brushed my hair from my face, his finger tips leaving tingles as they dragged along my cheek. “You are the most important thing in my world. If you don’t exist, then neither do I. Caty is at all times on my mind. I’ll always search for her, but my attention is now and forever yours.”
Sigh.
Damn, my mate had a way with words.
Chapter 16
We’d been working day and night trying to get everything organized for the gathering. It was a week out from the start date and we girls were stealing a morning of relaxation. We were decked out in bikinis and enjoying the sunshine. The lake glimmered before us, shining in blue and green tones.
Fury and Talina were deep in conversation. The two of them actually got along really well. Surprisingly, since their personalities were fire and ice or more like fire and water. I rolled over onto my stomach, enjoying the warmth sinking into my bones. Apparently the cold season was just around the corner, but there was no evidence of it that day.
I was just drifting off when droplets of icy water rained across my warm skin.
“Argh, what the hell?” I spun over, ready to retaliate.
The words died in my mouth, along with the saliva I needed to moisten my lips. Brace stood over me, shirtless and soaking wet.
“Enough lying around, Red,” he said.
And before I could reply, he scooped me up and ran at lightning speed into the freezing lake. I screamed as the water washed over me.
“Put me down, asshat.”
He grinned, looking good enough to eat. “As you command, Red.”
He dumped me straight into the deeper water. I came up spluttering before launching myself at him. He caught me easily, his muscular arms closing around my body, preventing further movement. I glared at him. It was about all I could manage.
“You have to admit, the water’s refreshing.” He kissed me on the lips, loosening his grip.