Free The Keepers: Declan by Rae Rivers

at old friends standing further down the sidewalk. He should have gone over to greet them. They’d all be combing the Bennett vineyards soon to assist with the annual harvest, but his mood was beyond idle chit chat.
    He stood in the doorway, willing away the gloom that always came over him whenever he walked into the restaurant.
    Sarah’s restaurant.
    Raw brick walls, a wooden bar, and low lighting. It was modern, but warm and comforting. Although still unfinished, the old pub had been converted into a dining experience his sister would’ve been proud of.
    Her dream – gone in a flash of violence.
    The memory reared its head before Declan could stop it and he slammed the door so hard that the hinges groaned in protest.
    “Whoa, look what the cat dragged in,” Ethan said, walking into the room. He unloaded a box of alcohol onto the bar counter, his easy smile fading as he took in his brother’s harsh frown. Without saying a word, he reached under the counter and produced a bottle of bourbon.
    Declan discarded his gloves and jacket on a nearby table. The drink was needed, the warm liquid offering the comfort he sought. He held out the glass for a refill.
    Ethan’s narrowed eyes scrutinized Declan as he judged his brother’s mood. His own short dark hair arranged to perfection, freshly shaven, and dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, Ethan looked a far cry from Declan’s ragged appearance.
    Not that Declan cared. He glanced around the room and gave a nod of approval. “You’ve made progress.”
    “No thanks to you.”
    “Hey, I told you that this was your baby. Besides, I’ve had my hands full.”
    “With bourbon and women apparently.”
    Declan held the glass to his lips, pausing, and flashed his brother a smirk. “Careful, brother, you’re starting to sound like Archer.”
    “He’s worried, Declan.”
    “He should back off. I’m not about to lose the plot again.”
    Once had been enough; he’d almost drowned himself in alcohol and grief.
    Sienna walked through the swinging door, a slender vision of red hair and pale skin, carrying a box of wine.
    His witch.
    The woman he was duty bound to defend and did so without resentment or regret. A devotion few others could understand. But they fought the same war, carried the same weight that came with their responsibilities, and shared the same grief over the ones they’d lost.
    She was his best friend, his ally, and one of the few people who could maintain a stand-off with him. They’d often butted heads, but she was like a sister to him and he adored her.
    “Declan!” she gasped, her pensive expression shifting to pure delight. “You’re back!”
    He went to her, removing the box from her arms and setting it on the floor. When he turned around, she pounced, throwing her arms around him.
    He kissed her head, breathing in her familiar smell that always reminded him of home. “Hey, witchy.”
    She pulled back to flash him a smile but it was quick to vanish when she took in his messy appearance. “You look  … ”
    “Gorgeous? Handsome?”
    “Tired.”
    His teasing smile faded and he gave a quick nod. “It’s been a crap few days. Is Archer here?”
    “He’s at Lora’s store,” she replied. “She needed help shifting a few boxes.”
    Lora’s clothing boutique was situated across the street. She was an old friend of Rose’s and a witch, but had given up magic many years ago when her daughter had fled town. Even though Lora had refused the protection of a Keeper, they were equally protective of her. “Is she okay?”
    “Lora’s fine. You just missed Tara. You should call her.”
    “The harvest?”
    “She has everything under control but I don’t think she’s itching to speak to you about work.”
    Declan frowned, not up for a chat about his relationship with Tara. Their attractive estate manager had a great smile and an even better personality. She’d been a fitting distraction but that’s all it had been. “Don’t tell her you saw