Chosen One (Forever Evermore #6)(24)
Chapter Seven
Other than the quiet chew down that tragic night had afforded me courtesy of Elder Jacobs, then later, a much more held-in-check-rage one from Cain for the next three days, in which, he had rescheduled just as many meetings as Elder Jacobs had for them to rotate shifts, caring for me during King Hall hours. The Prodigies then taking over during the evenings while I recovered, it also afforded me a wonderful—not really—invite to King White’s house for a weekly dinner—by way of an actual old stationery letter in the mail—with the other Kings, Elders, and Prodigies. Honestly, I was surprised the Kings hadn’t paid me an actual personal visit sooner. In my opinion, the Kings had been either patiently waiting to see where our friendships were heading, which they found out when Fergus started offing MIA agents without giving a reason fast enough or had even more spies watching us than we knew about and were still searching into my background, trying to find something, anything, but nothing had come up, but whichever it was, I would find out in a few minutes.
Knocking on the door to the brick-fronted mansion, I smoothed down the simple black satin top and black flowing, casual skirt I had purchased, clutching my purse’s strap casually over my shoulder, and waited as a butler opened the door, showing me inside to a formal living room where everyone appeared to already be, except for King Samson and Nelson, both of whom hadn’t appeared to arrive yet.
I halted to a stop when an adorable little boy of about two ran at me, black hair flying about his tiny head, and he grabbed onto my skirt, yanking it a bit, just in case he hadn’t caught my attention. He stared up at me with big dark eyes, asking, “Wa’s you name?”
My brows lifted at the cutie, and I squatted even as I saw King Townsend, Elder Merrick, and Kincaid walking toward me, getting down on his level, holding out my hand to him, stating softly, “I’m Sadie.”
His slightly clammy tiny hand landed in mine, shaking it vigorously. “Sadie.” I nodded, and he grinned adorably, and then pointed at himself, stating proudly, “Dominic.”
I stared. Frozen for the barest moment, realizing this was Kincaid’s son. Queen Ruckler’s mate. The one who had passed away when he was only a Prodigy. My heart tore instantly, seeing such innocence in front of me, knowing he was going to die. A first for me in this time in the past.
And there was nothing I could do to stop it. I couldn’t alter time. Elder Farrar didn’t even have to tell me that before, the rule a must. I couldn’t warn anyone to save a life when the death was supposed to have happened. So, my voice was a little choked as I smiled a great big smile at this adorable child, and shook his tiny hand just as vigorously as he had mine, stating, “It’s truly a pleasure, Dominic.”
His grin turned shy, his appearance a bit bashful, peering up at his dad, now standing next to us. “Like her, Dad.” He pulled his hand out of mine, placing it on my cheek, still staring way up at his father with innocent eyes. “Pretty.”
My grin was a bit tearful at his precious son, realizing I probably resembled Queen Ruckler with my hair red as it was, and smaller features, seeing her mate had really been perfect for her even at a young age.
Kincaid made a choking noise, even as Elder Merrick and King Townsend chuckled softly, the King placing a hand down, helping me to stand graciously from my squat while Kincaid swooped down, lifting his son high into the air, making him squeal a bit in laughter, the sound sweet in the refined, hushed room of quiet talking, and he growled up at his son, his wolf entering his tone a bit, “Just wait, Dom,” more tickling in the air, earning more laughter, “one day you’ll meet a beautiful Shifter who will take your breath away.”
Dominic grinned at his dad as I saw a different side to Kincaid while he tucked his son in against his side on his hip, holding him in an unbreakable, safe embrace. Fergus came to stand next to me, tossing an arm over my shoulder, and placing a gentle kiss on the top of my head, a very brotherly-sisterly action after someone was hurt, but I watched Dominic place his head on his dad’s shoulder, his thumb tapping against his dad’s chest as he watched Fergus and I. His dark eyes narrowed a bit, and showing true courageousness, he jabbed a finger at Fergus’s face, stating sternly, “Be-have wi’s her.”
All five of us started chuckling at his protectiveness shining through, and Fi came by, squeezing my shoulder in hello before taking Dominic, murmuring, “Let’s go, little man, before you start telling Fergus how to brush his teeth next.”
Dominic’s forehead crinkled. “Brush teeth.” He stuck his tongue out in disgust. “Icky.”
“But, you still have to do it,” Fi murmured quietly, walking toward another room, a dark one, shutting the door quietly behind her.
Kincaid had the smallest contented smile on his face, staring at the closed door. “She’s going to try to get him to take a nap.” A slight shake of his head. “I doubt it’ll happen right now.”
King Townsend dipped his head toward me, asking, “Are you all right, Ms. Farrow?”
I nodded instantly, making my body relax inside Fergus’s hold. “Yes.”
Hopefully, that came out the truth, since I wasn’t even sure. And, of course, the King would notice my reaction to Dominic, keeping an eagle eye on the babe, even when the father had been distracted by…being a father.
“Kincaid,” I moved the focus off me, “he is absolutely precious.”