Over the time spent with his brother, he’d taken to sensing Talon’s moods. They hadn’t officially bonded, but we knew the twin soul connection was a mystical bond all on its own.
Which was about all the fuck we knew. It was a real pain in the ass how little of his heritage was out in the world, but at the same time, it might be what keeps him safe.
Knowledge was power, and we wanted no one to have the power to control the strongest beasts in our world. It was bad enough that Fletcher had figured out a way to garner loyalty from Talon.
“She looks happy down there with him,” I said, having no doubt we were both staring at the same footage. He might be patrolling, but whenever he shifted out of his beast form, his focus was on Emme. The guilt he carried over Fletcher making it past our defenses was a weight I would take from him—if he’d let me.
“Her happiness comes second to her safety,” Slade shot back, his dragon rumbling just below the surface. “Also, the car just picked up Kel, Fin, and Kenzo from the airport. They’ll be there in ten.”
My wolf let loose a howl, and I was pleased to have them back in Golden Claw. I detested my pack being scattered around the country. “That’s excellent news. We’ll see you before dawn, then. I want all of my pack to spend at least some time under this roof together.”
He grunted, the line went dead, and I chuckled at his reminder that no one ordered him around. Still, he hadn’t argued, which meant he’d make it home.
Shutting down my computer, I scanned through the security footage on my phone this time, relieved to find everything in order around our property. Ever since I’d found out my father was involved, I’d been fighting a deep-seated unease. Especially with that sneaky piece of shit missing in action, along with my mother and Sorenson. None of which sat well with me.
Once Fletcher regrouped and moved on to the next phase of his plan, he would slam the full force of his power and magic in our direction. I couldn’t let my focus slip for even a second.
The guard house alerted me to Kellan and Finley’s car arriving, and I waited in the foyer. Emme would be up as soon as she felt them, and then I’d get to steal her away for a night with Kellan. The annoying pup had been pining hard, begging me for photos of our mate, sending me crying emojis for days. He’d be all in for my plans.
Finley was welcome too, but from what I knew, they weren’t quite there yet. Not to mention it was Kenzo’s birthday, and he’d flown back last-minute with the boys so they could head out on the town for a few hours.
As the car pulled to a stop out the front, Emme burst into the entrance hall. “I’m so freaking excited,” she said, jumping up and down. “I missed them so much.”
The way her hair flew around her face had me desperate to thread my fingers through the soft strands. Hating any distance between us, I wrapped her in my arms, tucking hersmaller frame against my side. “They missed you too, baby,” I murmured, my wolf rising as I stared at her.
The icy blue of her eyes warmed, and the overhead lights illuminated the spattering of freckles across her cute button nose. Her smile, though, did me the fuck in.
When she’d first arrived in our world, her smiles had been forced, and I’d seen the way they were tinged with sadness. Now she showed real happiness, which wasevery damn thing.
She rested her head against my chest, and I pressed my lips to the top of her head, breathing her in. My wolf grumbled at the thought of her in danger ever again, and we were in agreement. My parents, Sorenson, Chelsea, Blaine, and any other fuck who’d ever hurt her was going to die. It didn’t matter if I’d known them my entire life or they gave birth to me.
They’d touched my mate, and for that they were the enemy.
And enemies were eliminated.
Kellan exploded through the door first, and slammed into us with so much force, that if I hadn’t been standing at Emme’s back, she’d have gone flying. Not that he would have let her hit the floor—unless he wanted his ass beat. As it was, Emme’s laughter as he hauled me and her off the ground was the only reason he didn’t get knocked out anyway.
“Gentle with her, asshole,” I warned, and he threw his head back to chuckle. His lack of fear was as annoying as it was refreshing.
“She likes it a little rough. As you’re well aware, Daddy Alpha.”
The goddess really owed me for taking this pup off her hands. “You’re about to get it a little rough, and trust me, there’s no pleasure for you.”
Kellan didn’t even answer, too busy burying his hands in Emme’s hair, kissing her like she was the very air he needed tosurvive. Her scent burst to life around us, and I wasn’t the only one groaning and adjusting my fucking dick.
Finley remained awkwardly hovering in the entrance, and I noted the look of longing on his face. “Soon, brother,” I mouthed, and he nodded, rubbing a hand over his beard.
By the time Kellan and Emme broke apart, Finley had schooled his expression to one of amusement, keeping his pain locked inside. I was proud of my brother though, as he’d finally taken the steps needed to rise to his full potential.
When Kellan eased away a fraction, we could see how dazed and flushed Emme was. Her lips were swollen and pink, and when she sighed contentedly, I swear all of us wagged our fucking tails like good boys. Kellan was wearing off on us, but as long as it made Emme happy, I wasn’t going to complain.Much.
When Emme approached Finley, he froze on the spot, as if any movement would spook her and she’d run away. He did manage to offer a tentative smile, which she took as encouragement. She popped up on her toes and wrapped her arms around his neck.
A gush of air escaped him, and his arms slammed around her back so tight that Emme let out a little squeak. Through the bond I could feel that it was mostly shock not pain. In fact, it was clear she loved his bear hugs as she clung to him. Her body relaxed.
“I’m so happy you’re both back,” she murmured against his shoulder. “Weallmissed you.”
Finley lifted her off the ground, swishing her side to side in a gentle motion. “We played like crap because we’d rather be here with you. Hockey isn’t worth the pain of these road trips.”
