Free Scar by Kassanna Page A

afternoon.”
    “Fine. But I’m not leaving without her. I don’t care who I have to go through.” Wallis ended the call, grabbed the box of bandages from the bag, and went to the bathroom.

    ***
    Rhys felt movement in the room, the slight stir of a breeze. He took a sniff, and careful not to wake Fre, gently moved her off his chest. Tilting his head, he listened to the faint sounds of the house. Grabbing his underwear, he slid them up his legs and silently moved through the room.
    He glanced over his shoulder to check on Fre before slipping his hand around the knob and easing out the room. Boris leaned on the wall before him, his feet crossed at the ankles.
    Rhys smiled. “I thought it was your mangy ass I smelled. When did you get in? You must have lost your mind while cavorting with the ambassador. You’re lucky I didn’t catch you in my room.” The big man shrugged. “I wanted to see the woman everybody is whispering about. I got here about an hour ago. And if you had caught me, Rhys, what would you have done? Hmm?”

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    “I’d have kicked your ass.”
    “You mean you would have tried.” Boris chuckled.
    Rhys barked in laughter before lowering his tone. “You know we could take this outside and settle this argument once and for all.”
    “I would but it seems you just found your mate. The right one this time and I’d hate to deliver you back to her battered and beaten. So tell me, little brother, what the hell is going on?”
    “I wish I knew, Boris. Someone tried to take Keen, and if it hadn’t been for Fre, they would have gotten away with it.” Rhys raked his fingers through his hair.
    “She smells good.”
    Rhys leaned against the doorjamb. “Yeah she does, oranges with a hint of vanilla.”
    “I only smell the oranges.” Boris nodded his head. “You always were a lucky ass. So what do you need me to do? Myka said Wallis was in Volkshire and went on about his pack rules. I leave town for a few months and everything goes to hell it seems.”
    “There you go with your over inflated sense of ego. It must be a species thing.” Rhys shook his head. “Anyway, Dad and Myka have been trying to keep an eye on Keen but he is wily. He’s already gotten away from us once today.”
    “What about the nanny…what’s her name?”
    “Lori? Lately she’s the worst at keeping track of him. Honestly, I believe we have a traitor in our midst but I haven’t had a moment to really look for him. I’m hoping you can do it for me.” Boris nodded. “I’ll find the enemy within. You better return to your bed before your mate notices you missing. I’ll bed down Keen’s room tonight.”
    Rhys snorted. “Keen would like that. Don’t tell Myka but I think you’re his favorite.”
    “Of course I am.” Boris pushed off the wall and started down the hall.
    “One day you’re going to meet the woman that will put you in your 57

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    place, Boris, and your ego will be a thing of the past,” Rhys called after him.
    Boris twirled a finger next to his head and tossed words over his shoulder. “No thanks. I’ve already witnessed the carnage the wrong woman can do to a person.” He disappeared around the bend.
    Rhys stared down the hallway and briefly thought about his wife.
    Regrets had never worked for him in the past. Now was not the time to worry about them. The door opened behind him and he straightened.
    Turning, he found Fre wrapped in a sheet in the doorway.
    “What are you doing up?” He slid an index finger beneath the material and tugged her close.
    Fre lifted her chin. “I heard voices, and you weren’t next to me.” He dipped his head to brush his lips to hers. “I guess I didn’t wear you out enough.”
    She sighed. “I guess not. Care to try again?” She reached out and snapped his boxer briefs.
    “Woman, you’re asking for trouble.”
    “If you say so.” Fre pulled away, leaving the sheet hanging from his finger.
    She crooked her digits as she