My Brother's Keeper Read Free Page B

but it wasn't creepy."
    Kendrick ruffled her hair the way he always had when she was a child. She ducked from under his hand and narrowed her eyes at him. She hadn't liked it when she was a child, either, but it didn't stop him then, and it wouldn't stop him now. 
    Amelia was a born peacekeeper. Her empathy made her painfully aware of the feelings of those around her. She was happiest when those around her were happy, and she hated conflict and confrontation.
    "You know I hate that." She swatted at his hand.
    "Yes, I know," he admitted.
    "Then why do you keep doing it?" 
    "Why would I stop simply because I know it annoys you?" 
    "Gods, that sounds like a Meryn question," Colton groaned.
    Kendrick eyed the man. "Why did you make it sound as if being like Meryn was a problem?"
    "Yeah Colton, why is being like me a problem?" Meryn challenged before throwing a roll at him.
    He held up his hands in defense. "Sorry! I didn't mean to make it sound like an insult. Amelia acts like Meryn sometimes, but she doesn't really think like Meryn. Kendrick just processed the conversation like Meryn. I wasn't trying to be mean; I was just surprised."
    Amelia clapped her hands together and smiled at everyone. "I know, let's do introductions."
    "Amelia, I love you like a sister, but if you continue to act so damn chipper, I'll throat punch you," Meryn threatened.
    Amelia stuck her tongue out at Meryn. "As if you could reach my throat."
    "You're not that much taller than I am," Meryn protested loudly. Around the table, everyone laughed.
    "Little peacemaker," he said softly, and Amelia blushed. "No need for introductions for everyone," he continued in a normal tone of voice, looking around the table. He let his mind bring forward his information on the Alpha Unit. "Unit Commander Aiden McKenzie, bear shifter. Born to Elder Byron and Adelaide McKenzie. Two older brothers, Adam and Adair, and one younger brother, Benjamin. Best friend, Colton Albright, wolf shifter, third in command in the Alpha Unit. Born to Robert and Alice Albright, no siblings. Gavriel Ambrosios, vampire, second in command in the Alpha Unit, parents, unknown. Age, unknown. Finally, Darian Vi'Alina, fae warrior in the Alpha Unit, recently mated to my godsdaughter, Amelia. I have met Rheia and spoken to her. I saw Meryn briefly last night; she left an impression. The others I haven't been introduced to yet."
    Meryn's eyes were wide as she stared at him. In that instant, he knew she recognized herself in him. He winked at her, and her eyes widened even more, and her face broke out into an infectious grin. He would definitely have to keep an eye on this one.
    "You seem to know quite a bit about us," Aiden commented dryly before taking a huge bite of his pancakes.
    "Did you think I wouldn't? You serve with my brother; of course, I would investigate you all thoroughly." Kendrick looked down at his empty coffee cup then around the room for the coffee carafe. He was about to get up in search of one when he received the second surprise of his morning. A familiar Japanese man walked in through a set of double doors. He placed a plate of food in front of him seconds before setting down a cup of dark brown liquid next to it. Kendrick stared in wonder; the plate was a traditional Japanese breakfast. He hadn't had one like this in centuries.
    He stood, and ignoring custom, pulled the man into his arms. "Sei! What on earth are you doing here? When did you leave Japan?" He pounded his back before pulling away.
    Sei smiled and inclined his head. " Heika . After what happened to Keelan, I knew it wouldn't be long until you arrived. You were so intent on getting to your brother's side, you didn't even see me last night."
    Kendrick shook his head. Was Fate rewarding him for keeping Caiden away by putting the only other man in the world he trusted at his side? "I never thought I'd see you again. What happened? Why are you here?"
    Sei steered him back into his chair. "My old Master is gone, and I