The Amber Shift

Eleven

Killian

"Wake up, sleepyheads," I say as I turn around in my seat and flick Elijah in the forehead before gently tapping Noelle on the shoulder. "We're here."

Elijah wakes immediately with an annoyed grunt and stretches his arms over his head. "Thanks, Killian. I really appreciate the kind wake-up call."

"No problem, boss," I say as I look down at Noelle, who is stirring awake like Sleeping Beauty—softly and sweetly with fluttering eyelids and all.

And damn, is she beautiful. I've tried to keep my eyes off her both because of her age and out of respect for Corbin, since he did ask us to guard her and not ogle her, but fuck, I can't hold back much longer. This girl is fucking breathtaking. That blonde hair that would look so good wrapped around my hand as I show her exactly how she makes me feel and fuck fuck fuck! I shake my head and turn away as I grab my bag out of the overhead compartment.

I spend the first hour of the car ride trying to keep my eyes off her and failing until finally I just close my eyes and doze off.

Maurice, who is pulling double duty as both driver and chef for the week, pulls the rented black Tahoe to a stop in front of Corbin's cabin, and we all jump out, eager to get inside and out of the car.

We round the back of the SUV and help Maurice and Greta with their bags first, and when they make their way to the cabin, the rest of us grab our luggage, including Noelle, but Remi puts his hand on her shoulder.

"I got it, baby," he purrs.

She leans into him and loops her arm through his, and a pang of jealousy zaps through me. Asher has gotten to touch her and is just days away from getting his claws in her too. And I'm over here with Elijah missing out. Not that he cares. He's got willpower out of the ass and an ironclad resolve to do his job and do it well, but me? I have no shame and I can't stop staring at her.

I don't even think she's noticed me since Remi has been monopolizing her time, but as I watch her with him trailing behind them as we make our way to the cabin, I realize it doesn't matter. He has her wrapped around his handsome little finger.

And why shouldn't he? They're closest in age, they seem to have some things in common...and we've taught him how to treat a woman in times like this.

When Noelle finally looks up and really sees the cabin, she gasps. "This is Corbin's 'mountain vacation cabin'? This is a damn mansion!"

Remi laughs and slips his arm around her waist, and Asher sends an annoyed glance in their direction before I say, "Your uncle likes to do everything way over the top. Haven't you noticed that by now?"

She glances back at me and grins. "Yeah, apparently so."

Remi pushes the door open, and she practically squeals in delight. "Oh my God! This is gorgeous!"

And as I look around, I realize it is. I never really thought about it before; going to Corbin's different homes multiple times a year was just par for the course, but I understand where seeing it for the first time would be impressive.

The log cabin is three stories tall, with balconies overlooking the foyer. There are chandeliers made of deer antlers filled with flickering candles, a giant fireplace in the living room, and a huge bearskin rug on the floor in front of it—a bear that Elijah and I definitely killed in a hunt. But she doesn't need to know that tidbit.

She spins in place, taking it all in. "Can someone show me to my room? I want to change clothes and wash my face."

"I can!" Asher and Remi both say at the same time, but right then, Elijah comes through the door and interrupts.