Protector by Joanne Wadsworth Page B

don’t have this aging disability your people have, but you still have many among your population who appear far younger than their years. We must seek your unknown father’s whereabouts. This is where I’m sure we’ll find your lost Peacian heritage.”
    “And what of Dralion? You don’t know where he’s from.” Because I knew information they did not, information I had shoved aside since waking from the warrior’s attack. The man had been a warrior–he had arrogantly stated so.
    “It’s doubtful your father comes from there. We allow our fellow Peacians to travel here if they wish, but in Dralion, circumstances are different. Donaldo Wincrest locks his people down as Carlisio does not.”
    “How does he do that?” Belle hadn’t covered this.
    “Dralion has an energy field which shields their country. It’s an energy dome we cannot penetrate, yet a dome which has an entry and exit point where only their most highly skilled and trained warriors can come and go from. We cannot breach this point since we do not know where it is or what its physical attributes are for teleporting.”
    I tried to sift through his mind to understand his reasoning and his obvious hatred of all things Dralion, but the block he had put in place was immoveable. My mind still rested within his, yet I heard nothing.
    He gave a little shake of his head. “I can guard my mind. All of us can.”
    My own thoughts cut back in time as I considered the man who had accosted me. He’d said he was a warrior. He’d said the Peacio protectors were his–no, our–natural enemy. Then he’d demanded I stay away from them.
    I cringed, recalling the warrior’s last words. “We’ll have to pick this up another time. Carlisio’s been warned.”
    Davio was wrong. It wasn’t doubtful. Dralion warriors came here, and I now knew it.
    Only my mother was coming, and I was out of time to explain.
    I pressed a hand to Davio’s chest and pushed him away. “You have to go. Please. I have to help my mother bring in the groceries, and you need to take your people with you. She’ll have a heart attack if she sees so many dressed the way you all are.”
    His expression darkened, his gaze rising over my head to connect with Belle’s as she came off the couch and joined us. “Belle, you and Silvie will stay and not leave my mate’s side. Contact me on our direct link if you need me to return. I will not be long.”
    She voiced a quick yes.
    Then he turned to me. “I’ll be fifteen minutes. I have plenty of Earth clothing since I enjoy the fabrics and styles your people wear. I will return to the castle to collect a bag.” He bent forward and lightly kissed my forehead. “Do not find trouble. That is an order.”
    “Hold on.” I grabbed his arm, knowing he could leave in the blink of an eye. “You’re definitely coming back, right?”
    His lips lifted. “I will ensure your safety first before I return to my duties. I have Zac and Viv to aid me, and Belle will now remain for as long as she’s required.” He glanced at Zac and Viv. “You both need to do a little shopping to blend in with the locals. We’ll regroup at Belle’s residence across the street in an hour since Carlisio has not disposed of it. That is where we will reside until the existing threat to my mate is removed.”
    Belle took my arm, pulling me clear of the others. “Davio, I take it Faith is to come with us. There are six bedrooms.”
    I frowned. What was Belle implying?
    “She stays with us.” He took a quick look at Silvie. “You, too, if you wish. I’ve seen how much you care for your friend. You are welcome.”
    I gasped. “Just a second. You can’t think to completely reorganize my life. I have a perfectly secure home right here, thank you.”
    “No.” Davio’s tone was adamant. “In this decision, you have no choice. When it comes to your safety–my orders take precedence. You will pack a bag and stay at Belle’s where the rest of us will be close enough to