Shadow of My Heart (Shadow-Walker Tribe Series) by Caryn Moya Block

you first? Soup? Juice?” Raven asked.
    “Oh,” Cara said a little disappointed. “Maybe some juice?”
    “Be back in just a minute.”
    Cara felt grateful that Raven wanted to care for her. But it would be nice if instead of being so gallant, he would just come back to bed. She wanted him to want her, even when she looked as bad as she did with no makeup and a stuffy nose.
    Raven came in with medicine and juice in one hand and a mug of egg-drop soup in the other. Egg-drop soup was one of Cara’s comfort foods. She always ordered some when she was sick. The fact that Raven knew and provided showed her what a caring man he really was. It brought tears to her already puffy eyes.
    He watched over her, getting more juice when she ran out and then clearing the dishes when she was done. Finally, he came back to bed and held her close, his hand caressing her hair. Cara rubbed her face on his silky shirt and then sighed. She didn’t want to move. She was warm and full and content. Her eyes started to drift shut again.
    Raven looked down at Cara’s relaxed features. From her easy breathing, he was assured that the medicine was working. It felt so right holding her while she slept. No one was barging in and demanding he take care of some kind of business. Quiet Thunder had said his mate would bring him peace. He was right. He could stay here with Cara in his arms forever.
    The insistent knocking on the door was the first indication Raven had that he had fallen asleep while holding Cara. The mental calling let him know that something was wrong.
    Raven, wake up. Come answer the door or I’m coming in .
    Quiet down, you’ll wake up Cara. I’m coming .

 
    Chapter Seven
     
    “Did I hear someone at the door?” Cara asked sleepily as Raven rolled her off his chest and slipped off the bed.
    “It’s my brother. I’ll get it,” Raven said, pulling the covers up over Cara and kissing her on the forehead. “Just rest, while I see what the problem is.”
    When Raven walked into the front room, he was surprised to see Derek waiting for him. He must have Shadow-walked through the door.
    “I’m sorry to bother you. I know this is a bad time. But Fred Black has been murdered. Joe wants you to come back to the office.”
    “Fred? The security guard?”
    “He’s the one. His only family is a sister in New York City. I think he was killed checking out Amanda’s apartment. Joe will fill you in when you get back.”
    “Raven?” Cara called, walking into the living room while tying the belt on her robe. She paused as soon as she saw Derek.
    “You remember my brother, Derek?” Raven said, running a hand through his hair. “He came to tell me one of our security people has been killed. I don’t want to leave you, tehila . But I have to go take care of this.”
    “Of course,” Cara answered with a shudder. “You should go.”
    “I’ll make it as quick as I can. If you’re feeling better, we can go to dinner. I made reservations for us at Toni’s on the pier at eight o’clock.”
    “That would be nice. Are you sure you will be back by then?” She sniffled. Her eyes watered, and she brushed her hand quickly across her eyes. Was she crying?
    “I’ll call you if I’m going to be delayed. Don’t look at me like that, Cara, or I won’t be able to leave you,” Raven said, crossing over to her side and taking her into his arms. He kissed the top of her head. “I’ll be back before you know it. Derek, stay with Cara. I don’t want her to be alone right now.”
    “That’s not necessary, Raven. I’m feeling much better,” Cara said.
    “He’ll feel better if you let me stay. Might as well deal with it. Besides we can get to know each other a little better. We are going to be family,” Derek said, winking and giving Cara one of his charismatic smiles.
    “It’s true, tehila . I’ll be much quicker if I am not concerned about you while I’m gone. I know Derek can be trying, but please let him stay with you,”