a message from the Assassins Guild. He knew before he opened the digital communication what it would be.
Frustration ate at him as he read the orders for a new target. It didn’t help matters that there was a limited time to execute the assignment. If he was to do what needed to be done based on the briefing they’d included, he’d have to take the shuttle off-world no later than tonight.
Leaving Amelie in the midst of her problems didn’t sit well with Sulen so he found himself reaching out to the one person he hoped wouldn’t refuse him.
“I’m glad you called. I have information on your alleged bond mate,” Garik said in lieu of a greeting.
It didn’t matter what Garik had discovered. Amelie had told Sulen all he needed to know during their conversation the other evening. “I’m not contacting you about that, Garik. I need a favor.”
Garik’s sigh was full of annoyance. “Why is this not a surprise? What do you need?”
The quick acquiescence released some of his tension. “I have my next orders from the Guild and have to leave. There’s a situation here, though, and I’m not comfortable going without knowing there’s someone here to look out for Amelie.”
“Let me get this right, so I’m not misunderstanding. You want me to—what, watch over this bond mate who’s not a bond mate because you’re worried about her?”
Since it was the essence of his request, Sulen answered succinctly, “Yes.”
“And you’re no longer interested in vengeance and destroying the one who thought to trick you?”
He hadn’t been that bad. Then again, maybe he had. Meeting Amelie and Fleur had changed his whole outlook. “Very funny. Can you come here, Garik? I need to know or I’ll have to ask around and see if someone’s available.”
“It wouldn’t be right if I said no. You’re there because of my request after all.”
“Speaking of, Saedra will love Corvard and I think even you will think it safe enough for her and a family.”
“Hmm. I guess I’ll know for certain when I arrive. How soon do you need me?”
“Today?”
Imagining what Roan would do if he thought Amelie had no one to look out for her worried Sulen in a way he wasn’t used to. He didn’t have any previous long term encounters with other women to compare this situation. Worrying was far from something he was familiar with.
“I’ll be there.” Garik disconnected abruptly after agreeing.
Sulen rolled his eyes and tried to figure out how he’d explain his absence to Amelie. When he arrived at her house, he heard cries from inside and the clatter of items crashing to the floor. If Roan was inside, he’d die today for threatening Sulen’s family.
Entering Amelie’s security code was a simple matter. She hadn’t hidden it from him either time he’d been here, which was another security lapse he needed to discuss with her. She had to be more careful about her safety.
Weapon in hand, Sulen entered the house in a crouch and froze. Fleur was standing beside the counter separating the kitchen and living room area. There were empty containers on the floor around her bare feet and a large red spill spreading across the floor.
“Is that a laser?” she asked, stopping her crying mid-shriek.
Sulen holstered the weapon and stood. “Yes. Why are you crying?”
He wasn’t sure she’d answer since she seemed to be in the middle of a meltdown. Her sunny disposition won out and she answered, “I spilt my drink and knocked over allll the bowls for my snack.”
Amelie came down the hall like a flash, stopped, looked around and growled. She wore trim fitting black pants, a white shirt with the lettering similar to the signage at the gardening center and had a green apron clutched in her hands. “Fleur! What is this mess? You were supposed to wait for me. We’re late.”
Fleur’s wailing commenced again. Amelie muttered a curse under her breath. She spotted Sulen and cringed. “I’m sorry. I have to get Fleur to school and then to work. We overslept.”
Sulen strained to hear her over Fleur’s rising cries. He crossed the room, stepping carefully over the dishes and the liquid to pick Fleur up. “Stop.”
When she stopped and settled her head on his shoulder, Amelie sighed. “Quiet. Haven’t had that for more than five minutes this morning.”
She turned and marched down the hall back toward the bedrooms. Sulen followed, listening to Fleur snuffling in his ear. She scrubbed a balled fist against her wet cheeks and his heart cracked at her