“Because he’s my mate!”
“Sinclair is your mate?” The tone of Shade’s voice changed just enough to release the clench on my heart. “Does he know that?”
“He does.”
“And you haven’t claimed him, why?”
A million different reasons.
“It’s a long story.”
“I think I can find the time.”
My sigh was heavy, just not as heavy as the weight on my chest. “I should be there in about three hours. I’d rather discuss it in person than over the phone.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
Why did that not relieve me?
“Just don’t…say anything to anyone before we have a chance to talk.” Especially Sinclair. “He’s still Sinclair, Shade. He’s gotten every damn one of us out of hot water more than once, including your mate. Try to remember that when you get pissed because you didn’t know he was a hyena shifter.”
“You know their history, Stone.”
Hyenas were hated by just about every shifter species out there. They had a reputation for betraying everyone, including each other. They were the thugs of the shifter world, the dregs of their society.
“I do, but that doesn’t change the fact that Sinclair has never once done anything to any of us. He’s had our back through thick and thin. His DNA—something he had no control over—doesn’t change that.”
I prayed Shade’s sigh meant the man had heard my words and would heed them.
“Just hurry up,” Shade finally said. “We’ll talk when you get here.”
I tossed my cell phone onto the seat next to me and stepped on the gas. If I was lucky, I would miss any cops checking for speeders, because I planned to break every speed law in the state.
* * * *
Two hours later, I pulled into council headquarters with an hour to spare and three speeding tickets. I parked right in front of the large mansion and jumped out. If they didn’t like me leaving my car there, they could tow the damn thing. Some things were more important than a hunk of metal.
I hurried up the steps, skidding to a stop when the door opened before I reached it.
“Master Stone.”
“Conrad.”
“Master Shade is expecting you. He is in Master Sinclair’s office.”
“Thank you. How is Sinclair?”
“I believe he is sleeping at the moment, sir. Shall I wake him?”
“No, no.” I shook my head. If he was as sick as Shade said, he needed his rest. “If he’s sleeping, let him sleep. I’ll check in on him later.”
“Very good, sir.”
I stepped past the butler and started down the hallway. I tried not to run, but I knew my pace was swift. I needed to talk to Shade and then I wanted to see Sinclair. When I reached Sinclair’s office, I knocked and then pushed the door open.
My heart sank when I saw Shade sitting there with Bob, Stryker, and Samson.
Hell, even the damn cat was there.
