“Yes, I know what’s happening. We should go inside,” she replied.
“Of course. Edward called Mike and his mate—”
“Mike met his mate?” I interrupted.
Brian looked back at me. “Yes, a guy named Jake. He’s a great guy. He has a couple of little brothers. They’ll all be coming. Talon was supposed to bring them.”
“Talon? He’s coming.”
Brian nodded and opened his mouth to speak, but Nana beat him. “Good, all mated couples should be here. It’s important, as it affects you all.”
Brian turned to Carl, who had been a silent observer. “Could you help Lucas with the kids?”
Carl, ever the dutiful butler, stepped forward. “Certainly, your highness. Right this way, young ones,” he said, ushering the children into the house with a practiced ease.
As they disappeared into the grand foyer, I lingered for a moment, taking in the familiar yet imposing facade of the pride house. Today, it wasn’t just a visit to my brother’s new home; it felt like stepping into a chapter that would define my heart.
Fate, help me out with Talon. Please let him talk to me, please.
Is He?
Talon
Myphonedinged.Mystomach tightened as I read the message. Tessa again. I didn’t want to deal with my sister, not now. I knew she really didn’t want to see me, and the feeling was mutual. It was our mother who always attempted to bring us back together. I pressed the screen dark and slid the phone back into my pocket. I tried to push away the familiar weight of family complications.
I stretched in the car seat, the aches from my latest assignment in Orlando still fresh. A week of being on high alert, guarding Mike, his mate Jake, and Jake’s little brothers, Sam and Abel.
Mike was a lion shifter like me and recently found his fated mate, Jake. Unfortunately for Jake, he had gained the attention of a demon—unwanted attention.
“T-that’s the lion’s den?” Jake’s stutter pulled me from my thoughts.
I followed his gaze out the window and nodded. The lion’s den was an awe-inspiring sight. Rising two stories high, the mansion was a testament to grandeur, its stone facade punctuated by large bay windows and gold-accented trim catching the sunlight. A manicured lawn adorned with marble statues led to the mansion’s entrance, with a majestic fountain at its heart.
“Whoa,” Sam said from the back seat.
“That place is big,” Abel chimed in.
I grinned and was about to reply, but Mike spoke up first. “It is big. I used to play hide and seek with my best friend Hayden here. The game used to go on for hours.”
“Can we play?” Sam and Abel asked excitedly.
Suppressing a laugh, I turned my attention back to the road. The pride house wasn’t just a mansion; it was a symbol. It was where our king and leader, Edward, lived. The urgency in Walter Doy’s voice, the Satchel Pride’s second-in-command, and Mike’s father, had been clear. We were summoned, and it wasn’t a casual invite.
“Way to give them ideas,” Jake whispered, and Mike barked a laugh. I couldn’t help but join in. Playing hide and seek sounded like fun, and I wouldn’t mind forgetting responsibilities.
“We’ll have to see. Right now, we’re here for something important. You two need to be on your best behavior,” Jake said, leveling a stare at his brothers.
“But Jake,” Sam whined while Abel crossed his arms and pouted.
“I said we’ll see. Promise me you’ll be good,” Jake replied as we pulled in front of the grand entrance.
“Fine.”
“Okay.” Abel and Sam replied reluctantly.
Jake leveled one last stare at the boys before nodding and sliding out of the car. I helped the boys with their seat belts and guided them out of the vehicle.
“Let’s see what’s going on,” Mike said, as he nudged Jake toward the massive wooden doors. I followed quickly behind with Sam and Abel.
