FOREVER KNIGHTS: #13 Salvaging Souls

Rosewynn Manor, Outside Meadowbrook, Grier Country

DERAGAN

Bast’s visit tonight was a surprise.

What’s he after. Deragan could see he had a purpose. It’s obvious in his movements. And how hard he’s trying not to look at me.

Bast attempted small talk a long while before Deragan cut him off.

“You know well I’m always happy for a visit, when you’re not meddling in my affairs, however I’ve a sense you want something tonight.”

“Acharius.”

What about him?

“You want him, he’s all yours.” Deragan gave a lopsided smile.

The horrified expression on Bast’s face as understanding dawned. “The devil he is!”

“What do you want Bast?” Deragan chuckled.

“To plead his case.”

Deragan took his seat. Tilting his head back against the mantle and looking down his nose at Bast. Crossing his arms over his thick chest. He’s on dangerous ground. I already weighed in on this.

“Are you questioning my directive?”

To leave the girl alone.

Bast flinched. “Not to argue. To inform.”

Deragan relaxed some. Adjusting his position to lean forward. “What?”

“The forest girl Acharius saved all those years ago has slaughtered Margaret and Agatha?”

“Those women he raised?” Deragan was aghast. “How’d that happen.”

“He was staring away from Meredith as you’d instructed.”

Deragan’s eyes narrowed.

“He has no one else.” Bast whispered. Giving the Captain a pleading look.

Deragan’s chin lifted and he gave Bast a thoughtful look.

He strode from the Dining Hall and into the parlor where a curved des was nestled in one corner. Rummaging through the drawers until he found his old inkwell. He stirred it until it moistened. Pulling a bit of parchment from another drawer he scribbled a note. Blowing on it until it dried.

Returning to the Dining Room he found Bast waiting where he’d left him.

Obedient in his defiance. Deragan grunted to himself.

Tightly rolling the scrap he handed it to Bast. “Take that to him.”

“Can I look at it?” Bast’s brows lifted.

“No.”

Bast’s jaw gaped. “That’ll kill me.”

“I know.”

That’s why I insist on it.

“Sometimes, you’re truly a dreadful alpha.” Bast stood and pushed the chair back to the table.

Deragan gave one cold laugh as he watched him. “Join us. For dinner.”

Bast gave him a look. Chewing his cheek.

“I insist. She’ll be disappointed if you do not. You know how I feel about her disappointment.”

I don’t tolerate it.

Bast lowered his head in ascent.

A few hours later found Deragan bringing Nora a trencher at the expansive Dining Room table.

She took it.

But now she’s just pushing it around on her plate. He noted. Sighing.

At least she came down today.

Sebastian was entertaining her brothers. Allowing Deragan to give her profile a long study.

What’s wrong with her tonight. He knew everything in her world was changing and it was a lot to take in.

But she shouldn’t be blaming herself for Worthington’s actions. He’s just one of Radix’s pawns.

Glancing to the other side of him, Deragan saw Beth had a fist tucked into her cheek as she leaned an elbow on the table. Staring at Bast adoringly.

Even the little ones…Deragan shook his head mirthfully.

Finally glancing over, Nora jerked slightly to find Deragan sitting next to her. Chin on his fist as he watched her. She evaded his look.

He was saddened she was blaming him. This isn’t all my fault.

I am trying to help.

Her gaze fell absentmindedly, and she was staring at where his fitted beige tunic ’v’ed at his chest.

Tuning into her thoughts, he saw the image of his scarred back flashing through her mind’s eye. Her subconscious remembers where they came from.

I got them refusing to give her up. She knows that. Or a part of her does.

She abruptly pushed back her chair and fled to her chamber.

Bast looked down the table at Deragan who sat back in his chair, disheartened. A flash of sympathy crossing his face.

I don’t need your pity.

“Derrick.” Nick called. Distracting Deragan from watching out the window.

“Yes?”

“I’ve been meaning to talk to you.” Nick scooted the bench sideways to be level with Deragan sitting in the corner.

Wanting to talk man to man. Deragan knew the look.

We’re going to talk about Nora.

That’s fine. I welcome it.

“It’s about Nora.” Nick explained.

“I’d guessed that.” Deragan looked back out the window.

Nick was studying his profile. “What are your intentions toward her?”

“What would you like them to be?”

“Honorable.” Nick straightened. “I see the interest in you. You make yourself available to her every moment. Are you trying to woo her because she’s pretty or because you’ll wed her?”

“My intentions are honorable.” Deragan leveled him an honest look. “I want her.”

“As your wife?”

“Of course! She’d deserve nothing less.”

Nick was intent a moment. Before rising. “As it should be.”

“Nick?” Deragan’s voice stopped him near the table.

“Yes?”

“I will help you defend this family. They’re important to me to.”

“I never doubted that.” He said dismissively.

Just what my reasons were. A fair concern. Deragan was unworried.