I shook my head in despair. “Why did we leave him? We could’ve…”
“Lucas, those demons were almost too strong for me and my lion. I didn’t want to leave, but Dominic was right. Us being there would distract him if something happened to us.”
I knew Talon was right. We were a distraction, and I was no match for the demons that attacked.
“You’re right,” I murmured, curling into Talon’s side. He wrapped his arms around me, a silent promise of safety. I rested my head against his shoulder, fighting back a fresh wave of tears.
“I never told him,” I whispered into the quiet.
“Lucas?” Talon’s voice was gentle, questioning.
I pulled back slightly, meeting his eyes. “I love you. I never told Dominic, but I love you both. I’ve loved you for a while.” The words, once held back, now spilled forth, mingled with my tears.
“I love you too, Lucas. We never said it, but we’ll tell Dominic together. We’ll have that chance; I know it,” Talon replied, his voice soft yet firm with conviction.
A throat clearing caused me to look up. King Edward stood before us, his expression grim.
“They’re not going to help,” I said, bracing myself for the worst.
King Edward released a heavy sigh. “I’ve spoken with my contact at the local coven. The master there refuses to get involved. And I quote, ‘he wants nothing to do with lions or demons.’”
“What are we going to do? Is there anyone else we can call?” Talon’s voice was edged with desperation.
“There is one possibility,” the king replied. “My contact mentioned a witch who’s estranged from the coven’s master and might be willing to help us.”
“Did you reach out to him?” I asked.
King Edward nodded. “I did. I briefed him on our situation, and he seemed confident in his ability to assist. He said he’ll be here as soon as he can,” Edward informed us.
“Thank Fate,” I whispered, relief momentarily easing the tension in my shoulders.
“Couldn’t he be more specific with his timing?” Talon pressed, his tone laced with urgency.
“He assured me it would be within the hour. I pressed him—”
His explanation was abruptly cut off as my older brother Noah burst into the room, the rest of my family trailing behind him. Noah wrapped me in a bear hug, which I returned tightly, overwhelmed by the sudden appearance of my family.
As Noah released me, Olivia swept in for her own tight embrace. “What are you all doing here?” I managed, surprised and heartened by their presence. “Brian called,” Noah replied, pulling back from a hug he had just given Talon.
“We’re here to fight,” Olivia added fiercely. “We might be prey shifters, but we’re Bondars. Bondars stick together. We’ll kick some demon ass if we have to. No one touches our brother’s mate.”
Their words, filled with resolve and unity, bolstered my spirits. Even in the darkest moments, the bond of family brought a light of hope. But at the same time, I worried for them.
“These demons are strong,” I cautioned softly. “It could be dangerous.”
“It doesn’t matter, son. Dominic makes you happy, and he’s part of our family now. We fight for family,” my mother said with quiet strength.
“That’s right, son,” my father chimed in.
Nana stepped to my side, her gaze resolute. “Schatje, we’re not going anywhere.”
I opened my mouth to protest her joining the conflict, but my words were cut off as unexpected figures appeared. My jaw dropped. What the hell were they doing here? Talon and I didn’t need their bullshit.
Talon growled and stepped in front of me—intercepting his father, Tessa, Graham, and Mark. “What the fuck are you doing here?”
“We know you want nothing to do with us. But the pride’s been put on alert. We’re here to help and fight,” Tessa said, her tone lacking its usual edge.
“For the pride?” Talon scoffed, his expression twisting with disdain.
