“Where the hell have you been? We were so worried about you. Mom and Dad are going nuts because they couldn’t get through to you, and the hurricane hit Crystal Cove directly. Wait,” the older version of Lucas said, holding Lucas at arm’s length. “What the hell are you wearing? How the hell did you get here? The roads are still closed.”
He scanned the room, and Talon raised his hand as if to say hello while I stepped closer to Talon.
“Brian,” another voice said from the doorway. This wasn’t a normal voice. It held power and authority. An older gentleman stepped into the room, and I stiffened. By the way he carried himself, this was the King of the pride.
He wrapped his arm around the look-alike I assumed was Brian. “I believe he had something to do with your brother’s arrival.” He nodded his head toward me.
The room quickly filled with more lions; the second was there, as well as Jeremy and Leon. I smirked as Mike and Jake entered the room. Mike’s eyes widened, and I heard his low growl as he pulled Jake close to his side.
The older man released Brian and stepped forward. “My name is Edward Satchel, and I am King of the Satchel Pride. I believe you’re the demon my second warned away,” King Edward said coldly.
I inclined my head and stepped forward. “Yes, Dominic Billings.”
“You also threatened me,” Mike growled.
I rolled my eyes. “I was bored and just wanted to have a bit of fun. I wasn’t really going to harm you or do anything to Jake.”
“All the same, you threatened one of my pride members and disobeyed my second,” Kind Edward said.
“What the hell are you doing with my brother, anyway?” Brian asked angrily.
“Brian, he’s my mate,” Lucas said, stepping in front of me.
Lucas’s brother’s eyes widened, and he held an expression of utter disbelief. “What the hell do you mean? He’s your mate? Talon’s your damn mate. Everyone knows it—the pride—our family, everyone! How can you say an ‘other’ is your mate? He’s a damn demon, for fuck’s sake.”
Lucas scowled at his brother. “So what if he’s a demon? Who are you to question fate? I’d expect you to be more understanding after the bigots tried to separate you and Edward for being predator and prey. Fuck, you were even ready to cut off our family for him. Not to mention you told Talon to stay away from me, too. What the fuck?”
“I didn’t want you to get hurt!” Brian defended.
“It caused more pain than you know,” Lucas retorted. I saw the fire blazing in my duša’s eyes, and I had to admit his defense of Talon and I was a huge turn-on.
“Now, wait just a second. Your brother was looking—”
“Yeah, and meddling caused a huge misunderstanding,” Lucas interrupted the king.
“Edward, Lucas is right. I should have stayed out of their business.” Brian sighed and stepped close to Lucas. “I’m sorry for interfering. I just hoped… Are you surehe’syour mate?” he asked, emphasizing the word he.
Lucas smiled and looked back at Talon and me before staring back at Brian. “I’m sure. Dominic’s my mate, just like Talon is also my mate. They both are.”
Brian’s eyes widened before shouting, “What!”
Lucas chuckled and grabbed his brother by the arm before guiding him to the couch. “I’ve got so much to tell you.”
I watched as Lucas and Brian walked away, the former talking animatedly while the latter listened with a mixture of shock and curiosity. The murmurs of their conversation faded into the background noise of the pride house, leaving me with my own tumultuous thoughts.
My reverie was interrupted by King Edward's authoritative voice. “I suppose you can stay,” he began, his gaze piercing as he turned back to face me. “But make no mistake, we'll be watching you closely to ensure you behave.”
The king’s stern warning hung in the air, a clear reminder of the delicate peace I needed to maintain here. Before I could respond, his attention shifted to Talon, who had remained unusually quiet throughout the exchange.
“And you,” the king continued, his tone shifting slightly, “there’s another matter you’ve kept quiet about. We'll discuss it later. But first, we have to talk about your family.”
"My family?" Talon’s voice cracked slightly, confusion and concern etching his features.
The king’s expression was unreadable, his eyes reflecting a seriousness that hinted at unpleasant news. Whatever he had to say, I sensed it wouldn’t be good.
Fate, what are you going to throw at us now? Give us a break, won’t you?
Mark...
