King of Tides (The Immortal Iron Brothers #3)

Chapter 24

Taking Root

“ A re you hungry?” Ardan asks as he sits on the floor next to me as I run my fingers through his hair.

We’re in the library. I had some extra time this morning, so I ended up in here. Ardan came in a little while ago to sit with me.

“A little, but you don’t have to get up. I want you right here with me,” I reply.

“You said you like the food I cook better than the food I magic for you,” he chuckles.

I laugh. “You have a point. It’s not a crazy big difference, but just enough.”

“I’ll make something quick. This is the first time in days that I’m not being summoned for some bullshit with the others. I want to be by your side as much as you want me here,” he says and stands to kiss my forehead before turning to leave.

I pout and sulk as I turn my attention back to my e-reader. Ardan has grown on me. I feel like something is missing when he’s not around. Even when he’s in the necklace around my neck, I miss his physical presence beside me.

It’s been a month since I’ve been living here at the clubhouse. I know I’m living in this bubble that Ardan and I have created for ourselves. It’s been mornings of passion, me time in my library, then long talks as Ardan tests my magic at random—I have to keep on my toes around him.

Our routine has become so natural. In the afternoons, I spend my time getting to know the water folk who come and go. Since I don’t go by the gym as much anymore, Ardan has been sparring with me a bit most afternoons before I have to get ready to go to work.

Work has been interesting. Candido’s name has been coming up more. Although I haven’t been brought in on the conversations, much to my annoyance. I know the most about the Ricci family.

I could help them build a real case. I would have them dead to rights in no time, but I’m being kept out of the loop on purpose. It’s total bullshit if you ask me.

I knew the feds weren’t going to pull me in on their case, but I thought the PD task force they started would rope me in. I have my theories, but I’ve been holding my tongue for now. That’s going to end soon. I can feel it.

“Billy,” Ardan barks through the apartment.

I look up as he appears in the opening of the alcove. He looks panicked. Something I’m not used to seeing on his face.

I drop my e-reader and stand. His eyes are glowing, and I know he’s not looking at me. It’s more like he’s looking through me.

“What? What is it?” I breathe and rush to stand before him.

“Stay here. Don’t come out of this room until I tell you it’s safe. It’s Reilly. He’s losing control. You don’t need to be anywhere near him.”

“Go. If you can help him. Go.”

He nods and disappears.

I move back to the bench seat and sit. Blowing out a breath, I run a hand through my hair. Ardan has mentioned a few times that things have been a little strange around the clubhouse.

I can’t imagine what has made Reilly lose it. He’s always so calm and even-natured. Although I can see the frustration of not finding his mate, he has never seemed like the type to lose control.

My mind goes to Candido. If he hadn’t separated us, Reilly would know if Lee was his mate and he would have found her by now. Candido is the root of all evil if you ask me.

I can’t wait to take him down for all he’s done. I get this strange feeling in the pit of my stomach. I’ve been feeling it more and more for the last few weeks. It’s like something is taking root inside me.

“I guess my magic hates you too, Ricci,” I snort to myself.

Not able to get back into my book, I go to get my things ready for my shift. I have two investigations to close out. I have no doubt that wife killed her husband.

I got lucky with that cold case. My magic actually closed that one. I had one of those visions for the first time since the murder of that chef.

I’m still not sure what triggers them. I believe it has something to do with water. Jenkins knocked over the bottle of water on my desk as he was handing the cold case file over to me for Captain Gates.

“He has found his mate,” Ardan says from behind me as I strip from my clothes to jump in the shower.

I turn to find him looking at me with a heated gaze. I smile and walk to him to wrap my arms around him. He palms my ass and dips his head to take my lips. I don’t think I will ever get used to how my core floods from just his touch.

“Is it Lee?” I ask before I lose my train of thought.

“I don’t know. You remember how the fever felt. He took off with her so they could seal the bond. We will know when they come up for air.”

“Lucky girl,” I tease.

Ardan lifts me onto his waist. “She doesn’t have to be the only one. Let’s take advantage of this time we have.”

He takes my lips, then groans in frustration as he breaks the kiss he just started. I look into his face and know he’s been mind-linked. Patting his chest, I slide down his front to get to my feet.

“I’ll be waiting when you’re done.”

He cups the back of my neck and kisses my forehead then my lips. I’m curious when I feel him stiffen and he stops to search my eyes. I smile up at him.

He shakes his head. “I’ll be back as soon as I straighten things out.”

Ardan

I should be focused on what these mermaids are saying to me. Especially since I haven’t been able to reach Amadeus. It’s become my responsibility to watch over the merfolk.

However, I can’t stop thinking about the current I felt coming off Billy. It was strange. Nothing like the magic I’ve felt from her in the past.

I’ve been keeping her on her toes as far as using her magic goes, but I’ve still been cautious. I can’t help but feel like her powers are behind this wall that’s ready to break. However, every time I think about breaking the wall down, something stops me.

Yet, that feeling earlier … that was something else entirely.

“King Ardan, can you help us?” River asks.

“Did you all really need me for this? You are both nearly two hundred years old. Can you act your age and not the one in the mirror?”

River blinks at me a few times as if she’s shocked, while Brooks snorts and tries to cover it up. I’m done with this pettiness. I have no idea why everyone has been acting like children around here.

“Yes, My King. We will figure this out on our own,” Brooks says.

“Thank you,” I say and stand.

“Brother, before you go. Do you have a minute?” Brooks says, halting me.

I sigh but reclaim my seat. River glares daggers at Brooks before she storms out. I roll my eyes and shake my head.

“I’m sorry about that. It’s my fault. We were in a relationship when we applied to open the business. I should have known better?—”

I hold my hand up to cut him off. I don’t want to hear this shit again. I approved the business in both their names. They each will have to pay their dues for the business, not just Brooks, as River wants.

In fact, all the funds can come from Brooks as long as it’s the right amount, I don’t care. The loan provided is the same, so the terms are as well. I will not be decreasing the repayment because River doesn’t want to continue with the business.

“What is it you wanted to talk to me about?”

“Yes, sorry. It’s about the ice titan. We’ve been monitoring the location you gave us. I can’t help feeling like someone has been tipping him off.

“Not one sighting. Yet when it’s my shift to watch for him, I can scent him in the air. I thought I should report this to you as I don’t know who can be trusted,” Brooks says.

I tighten my fists on my desk as I think through his words. I had a team put together to monitor the location Billy said she saw Bardo enter. I already felt like the results were taking too long to be reported. Each shift has an ice being who should be able to take Bardo on sight, or they should call for me.

“Thank you. I will look into this.”

He nods and places a hand over his heart then bows. I haven’t had any reports of the twins transforming since sending them away. I wonder what Bardo is up to.

“I think it’s time to look in on Ricci,” I murmur to myself.