Tommy stepped forward taking her in his embrace. “You’re not in this alone you know. Just because you’re a Guardian doesn’t mean you’re by yourself when it comes to defending this town.”
“I know.”
“I don’t like it, Livi. I don’t like you in danger when there are others to help,” he whispered.
Livi sighed as she wrapped her arms around him, a calm settling over her with his nearness. “I know, Tommy,” she sighed, burrowing her nose into his neck. “I don’t like it either, but it has to be done. And at least I’m home now and within sight of everyone.”
“There’s always that.” Going to lay his cheek on her head, he stopped when the doors started opening.
Livi stepped away. The loss of his nearness made her feel like crying as they both stepped back into the Elder Council Chamber once again. Her father’s scowl said it all.
“Well dear, we heard your argument with Tommy,” Elder Noela said. “He has a very valid point in keeping you safe. You are a Guardian. Have you truly been within their midst for six months?”
Livi bowed her head. “Yes.”
“And Other Kin are within their circles without them knowing?”
“Yes.”
“Are you sure you want to do this?”
Livi lifted her gaze to the council members. “I meant what I said. I haven’t been out there twiddling my thumbs. I’ve been learning how to better defend Alston against anything that might come up. I’ve made friends and I’ve trained well. I know what I’m doing and I’m asking for the chance to finish this out. Let me do what I have to, let me be the Guardian I am, the Guardian I’ve trained to be.” Her gut twisted as they looked at each other, mentally syncing to discuss what would be happening. Her nostrils flared sensing Tommy stepping closer to her and stopped when the council met her gaze. Livi blew out a breath slowly as Elder Noela informed her that she would continue to stay close to this Hunter on Alston and inform the Security Forces daily of her findings. She was also to keep a mental line open to any member within hearing in case she needed help.
“I accept your stipulations and I will follow them. Also know that Triton is a call away to help, but with Pele getting ready to deliver their first child, he’s decided to stay close to Hawaii.” Bowing, she turned and left the chamber with Tommy and Peter close behind.
“I don’t like it,” Tommy said.
“Oh, I know that,” Livi replied as she unzipped her ceremonial robes, heading to the women’s side of the chamber.
“Christ, Livi.”
“What?” she asked turning, zipper stopping at her navel.
“Can’t you even wear underclothes?” he asked as Peter chuckled.
Livi smiled. “No, I hate them.”
“Must be the Fae in you.”
Livi snorted. “Hell no, it’s the Lyken.” Turning back around she let the robe drop, catching it with one hand as she entered the women’s door, knowing she gave him a good view of her backside.
“She’s going to be the death of me,” Tommy groaned to her soft laughter.
* * * *
Livi smiled as Barrett turned, her gaze lifting from his ass.
“You are going to get me in trouble.”
“How so?”
“I can’t even pick up dirt in the dust pan without you making goo-goo eyes at me.”
Livi chuckled. “Goo-goo eyes, huh?”
“Yes, and I’m pretty sure your buddy Tommy wouldn’t like it either.”
Livi frowned. “He is not my buddy.”
“No, but he wants to be more.” Barrett smiled as he dumped the dirt into the trashcan. “It’s not hard to see, Livi. The guy has a thing for you.”
Lips pouted out, she smiled when his gaze went to them. “Who cares? He’s a jerk.”
“And a deputy.”
Livi sighed. “Just because he’s a cop doesn’t give him the right to tell me who I can or cannot see.”
“So, you’d like to see me?” He grinned as he leaned on the counter.
Her brow lifted as she leaned on the counter as well, bringing her mouth inches from his. “Don’t know, I’ve only known you for a few days and you leave tomorrow night with the bus,” she whispered, meeting his gaze.
When he leaned forward to kiss her, she let her eyes glow red, and breath heat up as she leaned into him, letting him feel and see what she wanted him to. She knew he had Dragon charms to alert him to anyone with Dragon blood around, so she made sure Mari stayed away from him. But she wanted him to think she had Dragon blood, and was surprised when he leaned in further to kiss her. From her time with the Dragon Hunters in Greenland, she learned that they couldn’t stand the sight of anyone with Dragon blood, but they would do what was necessary to bring in a tainted Dragon blood for study. Livi jumped back quickly when the screen door squeaked as it opened to see her mom standing there. “Hey Mom, what’s up?”