“I know…but I can’t help worrying about what they’re going to face.”
“Remy and Mystia will make sure nothing happens to any of them.”
Leaning his head back against Steel’s chest, Jackson inhaled deeply, drawing strength from his mate’s scent. Each time any of his pack members were at risk, he questioned whether the gifts they received were worth it.
“They are,” Steel murmured in Jackson’s ear. “Don’t doubt it for a second.”
“It’s hard not to when…when…there is so much evil out there…evil that has grown unimpeded for so long. I have a hard time understanding why the High Council allowed our world to get into this mess. What the hell have they been doing? Not protecting our world that’s for sure, because their inaction has caused so many to fall under its spell…and, if Oracle’s correct, we’re the only ones standing in its way.
“You heard Mystia…those magic users on the council will do anything to keep power no matter who they end up hurting. Does that make sense to you? It doesn’t to me. There’s no possible justification for that, yet they are so consumed by greed that they’ll use their power to line their pockets at the expense of the lives of others.
“How can they sleep at night when they know the pain they’re inflicting on low-level magic users and their families. Last night, I dreamt the High Council demanded we give up Daniel because he had me as his birth parent and the pain and outrage I felt was real, babe…so real…and it was only a dream. What about the pain all those families who’ve actually lost their children feel? How do they survive?”
Steel replied, softly, “It’s not fair, but returning the low-level magic users to their families will allow the healing to start. It sometimes does seem like a hopeless task, but I know you…giving up is not in your DNA.”
Sighing, Jackson turned around and embraced his mate. “No, it’s not. And I guess that answers my question about why the Fates decided I was the one to lead the fight to make our world a better place. I just hope they didn’t make the wrong choice.”
Giving Jackson a gentle kiss on his forehead, Steel murmured, “Trust me, they didn’t. C’mon, time to go to the war room.”
Raising his eyebrows, Jackson smirked. “I didn’t know we had a war room.”
Shrugging sheepishly, Steel replied, “It’s actually my office but Dylon called it that when he set it up. It’s filled with all this high-tech shit, so we’ll be able to watch Remy, Carson and Brady at the Council meeting.”
“Sounds like Glenn and Dylon are getting along better.”
“Maybe…at the very least, I think they’re trying to. I know Glenn was involved in selecting the cameras that’ll be used by Remy and Carson.”
“What about Brady?” asked Jackson.
“He refused to wear one at first, but once Glenn showed him another which would replace one of his shirt buttons, he agreed.”
“Why is it important for Brady to wear one if Carson and Remy are? Wouldn’t their cameras pick up when Brady talked?” asked Jackson.
“I think Dylon wanted it in case Brady got separated from the others. He’s the only one unable to fight back and while magic can’t affect him, he could be taken as a hostage.” Seeing the sudden concern in his mate’s face, Steel murmured. “Hey, take it easy…you know Dylon’s plans always consider the worst-case scenarios.”
Jackson did know that, easing his worry a bit, but he also knew how quickly things could go sideways. Forcing a smile, he said, “C’mon, show me this war room.”
~/~/~/~/~
Within seconds of Brady’s feet hitting the ground, the familiar dizziness hit him. Dropping to his knees, he closed his eyes, fighting to stay conscious.
Joining him quickly, Mystia knelt down beside him, slowly rubbing his back. “Would you like another cup of ginger tea?”
Before Brady could answer, Remy’s group appeared. Quickly assessing the situation, Remy strode over to Brady, joining Mystia on the ground. “How long has this been going on?”
Looking over Brady’s head, Mystia’s eyes met Remy’s. “Ever since he lost his magic, only now it’s gotten worse.”
Nodding in understanding, Remy closed his eyes, placed his hand on Brady and, drawing on his magic, used his power as Ruler of the Mystic Realm.
Brady’s dizziness and nausea disappeared, giving him instantaneous relief from the crippling effects of his translocation sickness. Blinking several times, it took him another minute before he realized what had just happened. Turning to Remy, he dipped his head, murmuring, “Thank you, Your Highness.”
“The name’s Remy,” the Ruler chided, before adding, “You won’t be bothered by it anymore, but please tell me if you are. Promise?”
“I promise,” Brady replied, knowing it was one he would definitely keep.
“Good,” Remy said before rising. Looking around, he spied Glenn, Sawyer and Alex standing off to one side, observing the groups. Walking over to greet them, Remy smiled to himself at the pout on Alex’s face, knowing what was causing it. “Ready to go?”
Glenn glanced over at Hunter before shifting his gaze back to Remy. “Yeah, but I made one change to the plan.”
