“He lives off of sacrifices. It’s why we always fought to the death,” Wade said dully.
Leon shoved himself to his feet. “That’s it. I’m breaking out the tequila. If we’re going to talk about hell gods, I need something stronger than water.”
While Leon went to rummage around the wet bar for his drink of choice, Emma claimed his seat and tucked her feet beneath her on the cushion. She looked tired, and Jono knew she probably needed to get some rest after the meeting.
“They sold werecreatures to the vampires, Jono,” Emma said.
“I know,” he said.
“So what are we going to do about it? And don’t tell me not to get involved. I’m being forced to pay retribution to the Manhattan Night Court to pay for the damages at the club last night because Estelle refuses to dip into the tithes. I’d rather Tremaine gets what is coming to him before I have to make a payment.”
Patrick looked at Jono, raising an eyebrow. “Guess I’m paying that asshole another visit.”
“I think you mean we,” Jono told him.
“One of us needs to keep an eye on Wade. I volunteer you.”
“You’re off your bloody head if you think I’m letting you go into the Manhattan Night Court alone, Pat.”
“I’m a mage, remember?”
“You’re a disaster waiting to happen. You need me.”
Jono didn’t voice why. He knew Patrick would pick up on what he wasn’t saying. They hadn’t talked much about the soulbond and what it meant in regards to Patrick’s magic, but maybe they needed to have that conversation. This situation was exactly why Patrick needed Jono by his side to access the full strength of his magic again through Jono’s soul.
“I’ll take Lucien.”
Jono couldn’t help the growl that came out of his throat. “The fuck you will.”
“I’ll go,” Sage interjected. “I’m…”
She trailed off and Jono turned to look at her. “You’re what?”
Sage glanced at Patrick. “I was going to say I’d be your beta if Jono is the only alpha. Unless both you and Patrick are taking up alpha roles, in which case you won’t need a beta?”
“Not a werecreature,” Patrick pointed out.
“I’m not god pack.”
“Do you want to be?” Jono asked her. “I know I didn’t really give you a choice in the ring.”
He would never keep Sage if she didn’t want to stay. If she wanted him to remove his claim to her, he would. But the way she lifted her chin and glared at him told Jono that wasn’t going to happen.
“No. My home ishere, through you now. I’m not giving that up. I know god packs are far more prominent in the public eye, and I can learn to live with that level of scrutiny. Besides, working with my firm and representing Marek hasn’t exactly enabled me to keep my private life completely private, even with the artifact I wear.”
“Great. Then it’s settled. I’ll take Sage and you watch Wade,” Patrick said.
Jono glared at him. “No.”
“Yes. I can get a warrant based off of Wade’s testimony that will get me through the front door. I’ll take Sage as backup and reach out to Lucien, see if he can’t spare a bloodsucker or two.”
“You’ll take Lucien but you won’t take me? That’s a load of bollocks.”
Patrick sighed in frustration. “I promised Lucien I would help him take over the Manhattan Night Court. I can’t keep him out of the loop about this.”
“He’d as soon stab you in the back as help you.”
“I realize that but I’mgoing, Jono. I have to. Tremaine has hostages and I can’t leave them there.”
