Free Protector by Joanne Wadsworth

conveniently forgotten to tell me?”
    I retaliated, “Hey, what else did you expect me to do Mr. Prince I’m-never-returning Davio? Last time I saw you, you were adamantly giving me up. Call me crazy,” I blustered on. “But the first thought in my fuzzy head after being struck down by a massive man throwing about an equally colossal baton, was not to blurt out all my rising problems. I happened to need you at that point in time.”
    Anger surged through me, nothing halting my driven spiel. “As I still seem to do now for some mind-boggling reason.” Go figure.
    Now, after all that lecturing, he simply cocked one arrogant brow. “As I need you.” Then he was there, returning to pull me against him. “Just so you’re clear, nothing between us changes. To that end, I’ll have Zac and Viv join you at school for further protection. Belle will also be resuming classes as if she’d never left. This warrior who is coming will not take what is mine. Not all is yet known, and until it is, I will do my duty as your mate to protect.”
    Belle slid the living room’s glass ranch-slider open and entered. Silvie was right behind her with one large suitcase in hand. Spying us, they both halted.
    I glared at Davio. “Look, for starters, I’m not your duty. I’m strong in my own right and my forethought is developing. Secondly, I’m certainly not used to hearing men spout such words as you’re mine, and duty and protection. You see in my country, a girl is not helpless, she’s–”
    Silvie let out the mother of all sighs. “Oh, puh-lease. Can’t we just leave the two of you alone for half an hour without any more arguing?”
    I fixed a narrowed glare at her. “No, not after a warrior told me that Peacio’s protectors were my enemy.”
    Silvie spluttered and gaped, her face turning white. “I-I beg your pardon? When did this happen?”
    Belle stared at me as if I’d grown horns. “Yes, when?”
    “It makes no difference when,” Davio snarled. “As my mate, her needs fall to me, and her most necessary one of protection still stands–Dralion warrior included.”
    “Well, now don’t I feel all special,” I grumped, trying to pull myself free of him. “One needful mate instead of one wanted one. Boy,” I rallied. “You sure have a ton to learn about Earth relationships and women in particular I might add.”
    I pushed away from him and bent to pick up my bag, only he inserted himself, nimbly taking it from my fingers and shooting me a look. “Allow me. This will be going to the twin bedroom you and Silvie will be sharing. For your information, relationships work this way on Magio. After a man gives his promise of protection, it does not falter. Ever.”
    I scowled at him. “You are such a pest.”
    His chest expanded as he inhaled. “It is not necessary for you to state the obvious, just as this is not a conversation of which the outcome will change.” Then he dumbfounded me by reaching and placing the gentlest palm to my cheek. “Not after you already touch a part of me where your presence is needed. No one will take that away from me, neither you by your harsh words or by your declaration there is an enemy warrior loose. You will therefore accept my aid and give me what no other can.”
    I gulped and found myself strangely melting at his sincere words. It seemed I secretly liked a “take charge” man. I cleared my throat and found my voice. “Well, when you put it that way...”
    “I do. So you will settle yourself in Belle’s spare bedroom with Silvie, where you will rest. Fast-healing or not, you still took a very hard blow to the head.” He twirled me around, retrieving Silvie’s bag from her before directing us both down a wide hallway. Davio selected the third white painted door on the right and strode inside. There were two twin beds with burgundy covers and a pretty, white painted intricate iron high-table in between them. It was a large room with lemon painted walls and square-cut windows