Page 101 of The Ranger
“Maida?” Pa said just as evenly as before. “Go to your room.”
She was expecting him to snap at her again, but he didn’t. She looked at Markhel and her heart broke. “I have to go now.”
He got to his feet and looked unsteady. “I understand, little one. In fact, it is best you not be here.”
“And why is that?”
He reached out, ran a finger down her cheek, then gave her a sad look. “I will explain later. For now, do as your father says.”
She looked at everyone in the room. There was a mix of confusion, anger, and surprise on their faces. And somehow, she knew it was all because of her.
20
Markhel tensed. This was it. Whatever happened in the next few moments could make or break everything accomplished with the bond so far.
His eyes flicked around the room as he watched Maida’s family with wary eyes.
“Harrison,” Belle said. “Let us explain…”
Sadie shook her head. “You’ve done enough explaining. This is hard enough to believe and now Honoria and I are going to have to listen to everything again while you try to convince Harrison and Major that this is all meant to be, and how if Maida doesn’t marry that brute the world will come to an end.”
“I never said that,” Belle shot back.
“Oh yes, I almost forgot. That’s what Mr. Mosgofian mentioned!”
“Regarding Dallan and Shona,” Belle was quick to correct.
Colin exhaled and took Belle by the hand. “My, my, things really did go awry. I take it you tried to tell them?”
Belle nodded. “I made a mistake; I should have waited for you to help me explain, but then something happened with Maida this morning and…”
“What happened?” Major asked.
Honoria took him by the arm. “She… well, it’s hard to explain.”
“Someone start,” he ordered and looked Markhel in the eyes. “How long have you been here?”
“Minutes, I assure you.” He sat. There was no use wasting his energy. He was unsteady enough as it is.
Melvale blew out a breath and approached him. “Perhaps we should show them?”
The back door opened, and the Bergs entered the kitchen. “Oh, more company I see.” Vale’s eyes gravitated to Melvale and Kitty. “The more the merrier.”
Makama was right behind him, followed by the Lord Councilor, whose eyes grew wide at the sight of them. “Melvale, what are you and…”
“Priscilla,” Kitty filled in before he could say her name.
“Right. Um, what are you two doing here?”
“Damage control, from the looks of things,” Melvale said.
Lany stepped into the room, took in the murderous look on Major’s face, and nodded. “Okay then. Control away.” He stepped off to one side and eyed the steaks on the stove.
Sadie caught him looking and moved the two huge frying pans off to the other side of the cookstove.
“Very well, I shall,” Melvale said. He stepped before Major, Honoria, Harrison and Sadie, who had gravitated into their own little group. “Everything Belle told you earlier is true, at least when it comes to our race. Our hearts, and what happens when two hearts find each other.” He looked at Sadie and Honoria. “Belle did what she could to tell you, but perhaps showing you is better.”
“I don’t know about that,” Sadie said.