Free rogue shifter 06 - torn apart by gayle parness

frowned right back at him. We'd been arguing over Isaiah taking me to the DR for about five years now, and nothing had been resolved, at least in his mind. He hated it and insisted that he be allowed to re-negotiate the deal, probably offering himself up in some way. I hated it too, but I also knew that I had to accept it. I'd made a bargain and if I didn't live up to it, then I'd be gone a whole lot longer than the 360 total days I'd estimated I'd be spending at his house or cave or compound or whatever.
    He'd promised me that he'd keep me safe when I was on his turf, and I believed him because I had no choice. Garrett wasn't as trusting.
    Liam's mouth had flattened in annoyance.  "Perhaps you two will tell me and my father what's going on, because I get the feeling it's something we should know." It was impossible to hide things from Liam.
    "Tomorrow. Tonight I want to enjoy the rest of Charlie's party." I must have looked fairly pathetic, because he didn't ask about it again that night.
     
    CHAPTER FIVE
    The After-Birthday Sleepover and Breakfast had been a huge success, just like the rest of the events connected with my still-sleepy son's party. Liam had taken orders from the kids and made whatever they wanted: Jay, pancakes and bacon, Charlie, waffles and bacon, Grady, waffles and ham, Sammy, scrambled eggs with cheese and bacon and Linn, who'd surprised everyone by asking to stay overnight had requested fruit salad, yogurt and muffins. The boys turned their noses up at the idea of eating fruit, but then decided that they liked the muffin idea, so Liam made a variety that was consumed by all present, including myself and Farrell, who'd arrived to relieve Aislin and Noriene.
    Aedus and Philly had stayed in the large bedroom upstairs, coming down just as the children were finishing up. I offered them food, so they sat with Liam and me, indulging in a variety of leftover breakfast items. Aedus laughed at the apron Liam wore that was decorated with the words, I Cook with Magic. It had been a Christmas gift from me several years ago, a small gesture to indicate how happy I was that I didn't have to do the cooking.
    Liam looked around the room at the happy kids clearing their plates off of the table and putting them in the sink. "At least I still have a useful skill. Fae warriors are not much in demand in Crescent City these days." The kids finished up and went out to play, followed by one of Sinlae's demi-fey males and Farrell.
    Aedus replied, frowning, "I noticed that you, Kellie and Grady didn't eat at our table. Did Father order you to return home again?"
    "I managed to avoid him most of the evening." He nodded at Philladre smiling. "Thank you for your quick maneuver near the blow-up castle, by the way."
    She shook her head. "Please. He knows exactly where you are every minute of every day. It's not just you he wishes to speak with. He's very fond of Kellaine and Grady. We all are."
    Liam made a face. "My mother has requested that we spend several nights at home with her when we come for Linn's naming day ceremony."
    Aedus scowled at his brother. "You'll grant our father and my mother a day."
    Liam narrowed his eyes at Aedus, annoyed with the tone of his voice."Yes, of course. I miss Lady Silvus."
    Philladre tried to patch the rift between the two brothers. "They miss you, Liam. And it's not just you anymore. Lady Jorrenn and Lord Alanae also miss their daughter. You show them great disrespect by not allowing them to get to know Grady or spend any length of time with Kellaine."
    "Kellie can go to them whenever she pleases. I'm sure they get reports from Farrell." Farrell was Kellie's brother.
    "We'll be there for the party too." I added, hoping that would make Liam feel a little better about the visit.
    Liam was grateful for my interruption. "Grady and Charlie have become good friends, despite the difference in their ages. Charlie has a charismatic nature."
    Aedus smiled at me. "He's growing into a strong young fae. Our