Free The Forlorn by Calle J. Brookes Page A

know.”
    “I can sense that. I have a cousin who is part Lupoiux. He can turn into any animal in any world. A bit difficult to play hide-and-seek with him as children. You are Skylar and Shiloh, correct?”
    “How do you know? Did our mom or sister send you out here? Do you know where Mara is?” The bolder of the two boys asked.
    “Your sister is well, and is inside with your mother. They are talking of things. Of the changes coming.”
    “We’re not going home, are we?” There was hope in the boy’s voice. Rion felt compassion for the children and what they had endured.
    “No. This is the safest place for our people. You will need to speak with your mother. Your sister waits inside. They are discussing the future.”
    The boys were obviously concerned and worried. Rion put a hand on each boy’s shoulder. Anger was there in him, anger at his father and grandfather for not doing their familial duty to the widow and her young. That was a grievance that would be Rion’s to address when the time was right. His father had left his Rajni to suffer unnecessarily. It was Rion’s right to get her the recompense her family deserved.
    The boys were overly cautious as they entered the suite given to them. The bolder spoke again, calling for his mother.
    Raejel was curled around Mara on the couch. Both women’s eyes were red and raw from their tears.
    Rion immediately felt a rush of helplessness. Crying women terrified him.
    Mara looked up at him. “My family can stay here?”
    “Of course. I will speak with my cousin. The younger Nalik is a much better leader than our grandfather. One reason why he has been destined for this city. He will ensure your family is welcomed appropriately. If she is of the Black House, she is his cousin of some sorts. Your family can join his without question. But since you are dhan of my own House, they will always have a place within my own House as well. So you have choices now. And I will support you whatever the decision.”
    “Thank you.” She looked at him with an expression filled with gratitude. It had him uncomfortable in the extreme. He didn’t want her gratitude.
    He wanted her love. Once again he reminded himself that would take time.

    Chapter Twenty-Seven
     
    Her mother wanted her to stay in the suite with her and the boys, but her mother didn’t say that. But Mara knew. It was in the sad expression in her mother’s eyes when Raejel suggested Rion take Mara’s belongings to whatever suite he occupied.
    Mara wasn’t sure she was ready for that. In fact, it was the exact opposite.
    In her world you didn’t just meet a man and move in with him in less than one full day.
    But apparently that was how it worked around here.
    Her belongings fit into a single tote and two duffle bags. He carried the tote.
    “I won’t sleep with you. I don’t know you.” She hadn’t slept with anyone before, she was so not ready to just jump in the bed with a strange man. No matter how intriguing she was starting to find him.
    “I am ok with that. I told you, Mara, we do not have to rush anything between us. You can occupy the suite next to mine until you feel more comfortable with me. Nora is on the opposite side. We will take some time, get to know one another first. Do you think that would work?”
    He was being so reasonable about all of it, wasn’t he? What was she supposed to think about it all? “I just need a lot of time to think. Figure out what I want to do. I’m sorry.”
    “Don’t be.” He stopped outside a door, then smiled at her. “I am just happy I found you. That’s what matters to me. I have waited for you for hundreds of years. I’m not going to do something to make you unhappy now that I’ve found you. And if that means you need a while to figure out how to make this work for us, then I am good with that. This will be your rooms. Mine is right here. There’s a door that connects the two inside. When you are ready, we can open that door permanently. I’ll give