Enchantress And The Guardian

Feelings

Lochlan and Dev sat in silence for sometime as Lochlan thought about what the young man had just confessed to him about his feelings for his own daughter. On one hand, Lochlan knew that it made sense that their children should end up together. They both came from magical backgrounds, which was not the case for most Lord's households. But on the other hand, Lochlan knew that a large decision loomed over the young man's head a soon as he had his full powers as well as his WereTiger. Would Lochlan be able to send his daughter into a war, knowing full well that Dev would not let the WereTigers in India fend for themselves against the witches?

Lochlan knew Dev well enough to know that when the time came, Dev would choose to be the hero and do what was asked of him. However, selfishly, Lochlan would want to hold his daughter back from having to fight alongside Dev. Lochlan also knew his daughter. She would not let Dev go on his own. Lochlan leaned back in his chair and ran his hands down his face.

The action surprised Dev. Dev's brows pinched together as he watched Lord Blackwood. Dev had expected the man to get angry, but what he was witnessing was a man torn instead. Although Dev did not know from what.

"You are still only a young man," Lochlan began. Lochlan had no idea what kind of husband he had envisioned for Quinn, but it was not someone who was only a few years older than herself. She deserved someone who was going to offer her security and a home that she could run. Dev had neither. But if Lochlan was being honest with himself, he did want his daughter to find someone that she loved as he had done with her mother. It made one's life much more fulfilling.

Lord Blackwood's accent had returned to normal. The heavy Scottish accent that had been there before had once again receded. Dev made a mental note of that. He thought about what Lochlan had just said. It was true that he was only a young man and did not hold a title such as a Duke or Marquess yet. That would get passed down to him by his father. But Dev knew that he would one day be able to give Quinn the life that she deserved. He wanted to continue to grow up with Quinn as they had done when they were younger.

Dev said as much to Lord Blackwood. Lochlan let out a long sigh. "I understand what you are saying, but as her father I need to think of Quinn's future, not just what pleases everyone right now," Dev began to feel his heart sink. What could he do if Lord Blackwood rejected Dev's courtship of Quinn? "So, first things first, you will need to have your eighteenth birthday. You may feel differently once that has come to pass. If, however, you still have your heart set on marrying Quinn, we can discuss a possible courtship, but Quinn will also have to agree to it and it will be a long courtship. Do you agree to my terms?" Lord Blackwood had just agreed to Dev courting his daughter. Dev felt as though he was on a cloud high in the sky. He nodded and could not help the smile that spread across his face. It felt as though the edges of his mouth touched each ear. Dev would agree to whatever terms Lord Blackwood put in place as long as it meant that Quinn would be his in the end.

"Agreed," Dev said as he held his hand out to Lochlan. Lochlan chuckled as he shook the man's hand. "Also, let her come into society first before talking this through. She had enough on her plate at the moment," Lochlan said. He knew that Quinn was stressed over the idea of being introduced into society. She deserved to come out properly and to enjoy herself before being asked into marriage.

"Of course, Lord Blackwood," Dev thanked him once more before Lord Blackwood decided that they had done enough studying for one morning. Lochlan dismissed Dev and told him that he would see him the day after next. Lochlan had a meeting in the city that he needed to attend, so Dev's lessons would be put on hold until Lochlan returned.

Dev wished Lochlan farewell and began to make his way into the foyer. He looked around in hopes of seeing Quinn before leaving the manor. However, his hopes were dashed as he made his way to the front door and the butler pulled it open. Dev had no reason to linger and thanked the man before stepping out onto the main stairs that led down to the gravel.

Dev's horse had already been ushered out and waiting for Dev. Dev thanked the groom and pulled himself into a seated position on top of the stallion. Dev's eyes scanned his surroundings once more in hope of catching a glimpse of a beauty with red hair. Just as his spirits began to take a dip, a movement caught his eye.

Someone on top of a white horse not far passed the main gates of the manor. Dev covered his surprise and made his way down the gravel road. Careful not to alert anyone else to Quinn making an escape. He secretly hoped that her escape had something to do with wanting to see him, but Dev was still unsure if Quinn felt the same way as he did. Lochlan had said that Quinn also needed to agree to the courtship, but Dev was not to bring it up just yet.

That did not mean that Dev could not sneak a few minutes alone with Quinn. He could not help himself. He found that the more he voiced his feelings out loud, the more he cared for her. He was finally able to fully admit it to himself and all he wanted now was to be in her presence as much as possible.

Just as Dev was getting close to Quinn and her horse, Quinn kicked the animals' sides and took off at a neck breaking speed. Dev wasn't sure if Quinn actually knew that he had been following behind her, but Dev kicked his stallion into keeping pace as he worried about Quinn's safety.

The last time that Dev witnessed Quinn on a horse she had been scared and was unsure of herself. One needed to be completely sure of themselves to go this fast through the countryside. There were fallen trees and tools scattered that, if not seen by horse or rider, could be catastrophic for both.

"Quinny," Dev attempted to shout in order to gain her attention. However, his voice must have been carried away by the breeze. Quinn had not even bothered to look back.

Just as quickly as she had begun the race, Quinn suddenly came to a screeching halt. Dev had to steer his stallion out of the way in order not to crash into her. "What the hell, Quinny?!" Dev cursed. She was riding recklessly, and Dev had become frustrated.

"My apologies, I did not see you there, Dev, my lord," Quinn said breathlessly. She was unsure of herself. She would never admit to sitting at the door after delivering the food tray to her father and Dev.

Quinn had brought the tray, and she was not sure but something in the way that Dev had been looking at her had made her stare back. Quinn had looked over his features and, for not the first time, thought how handsome he looked. Her father had quickly cleared her from the room, but not before Quinn had heard her father's question to Dev.

When Quinn had heard Dev's answer, butterflies began to grow in her belly. Dev Walker had feelings for her.