Chapter 9

Edric really needed to stock his private kitchen, he thought as he waited for the coffee to brew. He came down to what he thought would be an empty kitchen. It was early enough, but to his dismay, first one, then all three of his brothers entered the room. Callius spoke first.

“So, are you going to share your news with us, brother?”

“Yes, tell us about her, Edric,” Sander joined in.

Edric was private by nature. Ever since Theodosia, he’d not taken a lover for the entire night, choosing to satisfy his physical needs in fast, impersonal places. But this was different. He gritted his teeth. He had no wish to talk about his mate. The bond was too new. He felt his control might slip.

“So, your Witch, bespelled you then, has she?” It was Nikolai’s words that broke his resolve. He turned and lifted his younger brother clear off the floor by the collar of his shirt.

“Easy, Ed, he meant nothing by it,” Callius was always the voice of reason when the brothers quibbled.