When Theo was totally naked, Smokey turned him around before releasing him from his arms. Taking several steps back, Smokey’s eyes focused on Theo’s body, taking in every inch of it. Then, when he was finally sated—though he knew he’d never fully be—he raised his eyes and they locked with Theo’s, reflecting back Shining Star’s love for Smokey. Stunned, he shifted his gaze to Eagle Feather and found the same love radiating from Norm. It was more than he ever expected in his lifetime and, for a moment, he wondered if he was dead. Needing to know for sure, he placed his hand over his heart and felt its steady beat, confirming, at least, that he was still alive. A silent sigh passed through his lips just before his bear roared.
Knowing he could no longer wait, he ripped off his t-shirt, but before he could continue to strip, his mates’ hands were devouring him, running over his muscles as they pulled off the rest of his clothes. Then, just as quickly, they stepped back, leaving him naked with a deep yearning inside of him. At that moment he knew their touch was absolutely necessary every day and he’d do anything to get it.
Theo’s bear wouldn’t wait any longer even though Theo wasn’t finished drooling over Smokey. Acquiescing to him, Theo let the shift come over him, feeling his bear emerge. Within a second, he heard Norm follow, letting his bear appear, bringing with him the safety and security Theo had needed ever since waking up in Arald’s prison.
Staring down at the two Ghost bears, Smokey inhaled sharply at them, admiring their unique white fur, realizing their cub’s fur would be the same color. Then it hit him—Oracle was right; and he knew exactly what danger his mates were facing. Making a mental note to call Ghost soon, he urged forth his bear, letting him take over.
~/~/~/~/~
Groaning, Kahn turned over in his bed, wondering what had awakened him. After rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he glanced at the clock on his nightstand, cursing at the early hour. The last thing he needed was a sleepless night: he needed to be in top form for an important meeting in the morning, and if his friend was correct, the dream he had ever since his teen years would finally come true. But he couldn’t afford to think about that now.Sleep…that’s what…what the hell?
There was no mistaking the sound rumbling through his condo. Hesitating for a moment, Kahn considered ignoring the person at his door before deciding against it when he heard his name being called. Sighing, he threw off the covers and climbed out of bed, grabbing the paint-covered pants he’d worn yesterday. Jerking them on, he headed downstairs to answer the door, trying to control his panic. A middle-of-the-night visitor never brought good news.
Hurrying to unlock the front door, Kahn swore at the ancient deadbolt which had decided to be even more difficult than usual. Frustrated, he finally broke it as he pulled open the heavy, steel-clad door. He froze for a moment at the sight of his mother and weeping sisters standing before him, shivering in the cold. Regaining his composure, he ushered them into his condo, making sure no one had followed them, before shutting the door. Kahn then checked them over for injuries, but thankfully found none. At least his father hadn’t raised a hand to them.
“I’m sorry, Kahn,” his mother said softly. “I didn’t know where else to go.”
“Mama, stop it,” Kahn murmured, guiding his family into the sitting room. “I’d be angry if you’d gone anywhere else.” Once his mother and sisters were settled, he sat down next to his mother. “What happened? And where’s father?”
“I don’t know,” his mother whispered. “He disappeared and left Rudy in charge.”
“Disappeared? Like he’s hiding somewhere on the pack lands?”
Shaking her head, his mother wiped away a few tears that had escaped. “No…he’s gone…took a pack car and left. Rudy doesn’t know where he is. I’ve been calling and calling him but your father never picks up.”
“Have you left him any messages?”
“Of course, but he doesn’t answer them either,” his mother murmured.
Kahn sensed his mother knew more but it was obvious she wasn’t going to say anything else tonight. Glancing at his sisters, he found two pairs of eyes full of fear staring back at him. All his protective instincts surged forward and he silently cursed his father for causing his sisters’ fear. Rising, he murmured, “C’mon, let’s go to bed. Sleep will make everything look better in the morning.” After leading his sisters to their bedroom and making sure they had everything they needed, Kahn hugged them both before leaving, quietly closing the door behind him. Then turning to his mother, he asked softly, “Do you want to talk now or in the morning?”
“In the morning, please.”
Searching her face, Kahn could see exhaustion and fear. His mother was trying to hide something from him and his sisters. Nodding briefly, he led her to his other spare bedroom, giving her a reassuring hug before closing the door.
Finally, after making sure every door was secure, Kahn headed up the stairs to his bedroom. He would have to call a locksmith in the morning to install a new deadbolt but that was the least of his worries now. Shutting his bedroom door, he leaned against it, knowing his days of quiet had come to an end. Wherever his father was—and whatever he was mixed up in—bode badly for his sisters and mother.
Kahn walked over to his closet, stripping as he went. His preferred manner of sleeping was out of the question now. Grabbing some sleep pants, he slipped them on, before getting into bed. Tucking his hands behind his head, he stared up at the ceiling, recalling the last time he saw his father—sitting at the café across the street from his studio.
When their eyes met, Kahn’s heart leapt into his throat at the thought his father had sought him out to apologize—for what, he didn’t know. But just the thought that he would was enough for the moment. That was until reality reared its ugly head. Josiah never apologized, especially not to his wife or children. It was one of his father’s hard and fast rules and Kahn despised it, never obeying it.
Sighing, he turned onto his side, tucking an arm under his pillow. Whatever shitstorm was coming, he would survive it and would damn well make sure his mother and sisters did also.
Chapter 34
Sitting in Zohar’s chair, Remy watched the members of the Witches’ Council appear one by one in the chambers, noting their reactions when they saw the four opaque light spheres. He inwardly chuckled when most of them backed away from them, fear reflected on their faces. Their reactions told Remy they understood their significance. Then there were a few magic users—who upon materializing and seeing them—immediately tried to leave, but found their magic blocked by Remy’s spell. He concluded they were ardent supporters of Zohar and most likely would oppose him.
Now cloaked once again, Dylon moved among the council members, listening to their muted conversation. So far, he’d discovered no one who could be considered a threat to Remy and Carson, but that wasn’t much comfort since the stench of lies permeated the room.
Assigned guard duty along with his mate, Sawyer leaned back against the wall next to the door. He wasn’t sure why it was necessary since Remy’s spell prevented any magic user from leaving, but he wasn’t going to question Dylon’s order. Scanning this surreal scene, he likened his other cloaked team members to a school of sharks, lurking beneath the water’s surface. He wondered if any of the magic users sensed the danger.
In response to Remy’s order, Brady checked off each Council member’s name as they appeared and, when all were accounted for, he climbed the steps to the dais and handed the list to Remy. Bending down next to the Ruler’s ear, he whispered, “All present…I circled the names who expressed anger when they realized their magic was ineffective.”
Thanking him, Remy took the list, memorizing the names before passing it to Carson. “What about the viewing portal? Is the rest of the magic world standing by?”
“They are, Your Majesty,” Brady murmured. “The link is active and you can begin when you’re ready.”
Thanking Brady, Remy banged the gavel several times. After the room fell silent, he began. “I’m Remy Marchant, the new Ruler of the Mystic Realm, and this is my mate, Carson Blackwood, the Mystic Guardian. As you know, my accession to this position also means the previous Ruler is deceased.”
