Nate's Fated Mate(27)

Unable to look at her now giggling and nearly hysterical sister, Sheena walked to the bathroom. At least this trip wasn't turning out to be a total loss, she and Bri were finally getting to act like a normal family.

Well, normal for MacNamaras that is.



"Admiral, I'm terribly sorry about interrupting your … "

"Save it for our discussion tomorrow," Nate ordered, striding ahead of his captain to the docking bay. "They offered you the Guardian access code. What more did you need from them?"

"But we … "

"We what? Never get visitors? No, we typically don't, but that's changed a lot these last few months, now hasn't it?"

He was halfway to the shuttle when the pilot opened the door, but all he noticed was Sheena's four droids turning their heads toward those debarking. It was uncanny how sophisticated they were …  and how more freaking smart his former wife had become over the last century. Programming wasn't even Sheena's real job. It was just her damn hobby.

Keeping his back to his men, Nate rubbed his forehead and then lowered his hand to rub his chest as well. Tonight was the first time in his entire life that he remembered regret owning him. Watching Sheena leave, especially knowing she so upset and mad at him, had nearly reduced him to not being able to function.

His narrowed-eyed gaze roamed backwards until he spied his ship's captain staying a healthy distance away from him.

"Captain Cock-Blocker does fit him perfectly," Nate said under his breath, convinced now that his mother was right. Sheena was definitely a MacNamara, no matter who had supplied the DNA that made her.

By the time his gaze returned to the shuttle, he was stunned to see the official keepers of Dargoona Castle walk down the debarking ramp. They were his age and Sheena's age and had served the MacNamaras all their life.

"Carleton? What are you and Elsa doing here?" Nate asked in surprise, walking briskly to the older man. They were actually close in age. The ageless miracle of Sheena's serum hit him once more. Carleton's head nodded in reply to his greeting. Elsa's shy smile warmed him.



       
         
       
        

"Hello, Nathaniel. Two days ago Provost Tiberius came to visit. She had not been expecting the droids Sheena left to guard us. We put what was left of them in the armory for safe-keeping. I know sometimes Sheena's efforts are …  experimental."

Nate's mouth twisted in a half smile. "Good call. Sheena will not be pleased Mother broke her toys. I don't look forward to dealing with the inevitable explosion."

"Yes. The droids did the job they were programmed to do," Carleton replied, looking around. "However, once the droids were gone, Provost Tiberius insisted we accompany the kilt makers here until she could determine our safety. She personally left a battalion of guards at the castle. I think she was concerned about the reasons Sheena had felt the need to leave droids."

"Whatever the reasons, I'm glad you're here. I only wished the Provost had warned me so I could have greeted you properly," Nate said, actually meaning it. "Let's put you two in quarters next to Angus and Erin. Sheena and Bri are already installed on one side. Having all of you there together will allow me to assign you the same guards."

"Whatever you think is best. You'll have to pardon our shock. Elsa and I aren't used to flying more than just to the next island over for supplies …  and most times we take the water shuttle."

"You may see a few aliens while you're here." Nate saw Elsa's eyes widen. He put a hand on her arm. "It's alright. They're not going to try and hurt you, but seeing them can jolt a person at first. Just try not to stare too long. Some consider that a challenge. Most are decent beings."

Elsa nodded and stepped closer to Carleton who put an arm around her. "I'm sure we'll be fine," Carleton said for them both.

It was then that Nate heard a group of men arguing at the top of the shuttle ramp. His chin lifted. "Who are they?"

Carleton didn't even turn. "They're the kilt makers. Your Director John sent them with us. He wanted to make sure Angus got exactly what he wanted."

"Kilt makers?" Nate repeated, staring at the two men now descending the ramp. What in hell was he supposed to do with them here? Had John lost his mind?

"Half the shuttle is full of their kilt making supplies," Carleton told him. "They're going to need a work area as well as a sleeping room. Fortunately, they're life partners. If needed, we can share a suite with them."