Her Guardians - A Paranormal Reverse Harem Romance(17)

Darrin nodded. “Right. This visit probably won’t put an end to things .”

“That’s what she said ?”

“That’s what I think.” Darrin swallowed as he looked into my eyes. “No matter what, I’m here to protect you .”

I looked down at my lap. “She doesn’t think I can take care of myself .”

He leaned closer. “Your magic isn’t at full power… even when you’ve pulled. She can tell .”

“She can also hear everything you are talking about,” my mom grumbled. “Talk about something else or get some rest. And, if you plan to keep talking, please be quieter .”

We’d already been whispering. She’d obviously been trying to eavesdrop .

Darrin scooted even closer, and I could feel my heartbeat pounding through my veins. It was almost like a craving. I’d given in to Erik and pulled, but my body wanted more .

It hadn’t even been that long ago that Darrin watched Erik and me in the backseat of his car. My cheeks turned pink at the thought .

“Do I really need you to protect me when my mom’s around?” I said as softly as I could. “Not trying to be rude, just curious because she could take care of the both of us with her hands tied behind her back .”

“You can’t pull from your own mother .”

My breath felt as though it was stuck in my throat. I wasn’t going to pull from anyone .

“It’s not a big deal. That’s what we’re here for .”

“You’re here because my mom is paying you to be,” I said, not bothering to keep my voice low .

My mom looked at me out of the corner of her eye. “Of course, I pay him. He’s an important part of your team. He’s going to keep you safe, not just tonight but for the rest of your life .”

“What if I don’t want him to,” I said, shrugging slightly when he looked at me through his narrowed eyes .

“Ouch.” Darrin put his hand on his chest .

“It’s not that. It’s just weird having my mom pick, you know?” I bit the inside of my cheek… hard .

My mom covered her eyes again. “One day you’ll understand. One day you’ll even like it.” Her mouth curled up at the ends. “For now, it doesn’t matter what you want, they will do whatever it takes to keep you safe. I won’t let anything happen to my only child .”

Darrin smiled at me, but all I could do was stare at him until I forced myself to look out the window. He was incredibly attractive, in fact, so much, so it made me nervous .

I was pretty sure there was a hint of an accent, but I couldn’t place it. Australian if I had to guess. He was different than the other guys with his messy blonde hair and surfer boy look .

“I’m not doing this for the money,” Darrin said, touching my arm lightly .

He sounded sincere. He looked sincere. I nodded and rested my head back .

I didn’t want to talk about it anymore. It was frustrating because even though I was a grown woman, I didn’t get a say in anything .

I shifted my weight in an attempt to get as comfortable as I possibly could. If it was going to be a long drive, might as well try to get some rest. God knew I needed it. Darrin probably did too .





Chapter 10





Erik





G uarding the temple was one of my least favorite jobs. I was much better working in the office, taking care of Lorne’s businesses and other matters .

Walking around checking for demons and goblins was far less appealing. I hate catching those sneaky little bastards because then I had to deal with them .

Demons smelled like rotten fish and goblins had an odor more like a skunk. Most people driving down the road smelled it and assumed it was the scent of a skunk when more likely it was the stench of a dead goblin .

Lorne insisted I patrol with Polly so I could show her the ropes. Polly was a mind reader which was also another reason I hadn’t wanted to patrol tonight. I didn’t want this new girl digging around in my brain listening to all my thoughts about Lorne’s daughter .

Shit.

“You must be Erik?” the small blonde asked stretching out her hand. The girl was far more delicate than I had imagined. “I’m Polly .”

“Hello.” I gestured for her to follow me .

She looked up at me and sort of hopped. “Let me guess you were expecting someone a bit bigger .”

“I was,” I admitted .

“I get that a lot, but I’m a lot tougher than I look,” she said flashing me a bright smile .

“Good. It’s not hard. We just walk the perimeter, and if you see a demon or a goblin, you take out your handy dandy tool .”

“Sounds easy enough .”

“Have you ever fought one ?”

Polly shook her head, and I couldn’t help but smile. Watching the new folks kill their first was always the best. Hopefully, we’d run into one so she could enjoy the unpleasant fragrance, and I could watch her expression, and possibly the tossing of some cookies .

“You’ll love it,” I said grinning .

“Sounds like you enjoy it ?”

“Part of it,” I said as we continued moving around the large property. “What brought you to the temple ?”