This wasn’t that, but it was clear the king was worried about bringing a possible threat to his home with his wife there.
“I’d feel more comfortable if you allowed Indie to pop you and Mesmer into Devotion. You would be safe there.” His tone was gentle, but the strain beneath it was obvious.
Guilt tugged at me. We were bringing danger to their doorstep, and I felt terrible about it.
Clearing my throat, I stepped forward. “I think that’s a good idea.” I could clearly hear the extra heartbeat within Consort Mia. She was pregnant, and her husband had every right to be cautious right now. “Alanna could go with you, if you want. She’s never been through the ether before, so I don’t know how she’ll handle it, but I think she’ll be fine. And she’ll certainly be safe at Cupid U or Cupid Inc. with all those cupids around.”
Mia bit her lip, uncertainty flickering across her face as she looked at her husband. “Will you go with us? It’s not that I’m afraid for myself, but they might come after you, thinking you have Alanna.”
I nodded. Barrett would absolutely do that.
A gargoyle stepped forward. “I can call her, if you’d like.”
King Draven pinched the bridge of his nose, then sighed and nodded. “That might be best. Be sure to ask if I can come as well.”
The gargoyle gave a sharp nod and stepped back to make the call. I could hear it, most of us could, but I ignored it, turning instead to my mate.
Riggs went still for a second, his attention shifting inward.
His mouth twitched slightly before his focus returned to me.
“Someone on the Clan Link?”
He nodded. “I was telling Taco he could stop weeding now. If I didn’t, he’d be out there all night.”
I laughed. “You’re such a benevolent alpha.”
My smile faded, and we stood there in silence for a moment before I finally asked, “King Draven came out to the Lodge the other day. If I can be nosy… what was the reason? Unless it’s private,” I added quickly.
Riggs shifted, and I clocked it immediately, because Riggs didn’t do that. He was too controlled, too aware of every micro-movement he made. Whether that came from his personality or something more, I wasn’t sure.
“He’s my psychiatrist,” he said at last, and my mouth snapped shut. “My bear has been depressed. I have as well. I called him to the Lodge to see if I needed a prescription.”
Oh.
I didn’t know what to say to that. A sinking feeling settled in my chest, because I had a strong suspicion I was part of the reason he’d needed to see him. I nodded shakily and let the subject drop.
We stood in a brief, awkward silence while the others prepared to leave for Devotion.
Consort Mia approached us with a small smile. “Sorry,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Everyone is just a little protective of me right now.”
“No problem,” I said.
Riggs handed over the diaper bag. “Everything’s in here. You have our number in case of emergency, and we have yours. We’ll call when we’re done. It shouldn’t take more than a few hours.”
Mia nodded, though her brow furrowed. “Alpha Riggs,” she said gently, “I’m confused why this is necessary. I know you have capable enforcers guarding your Clan property. Why… all of this?”
Riggs glanced at me, then away. “Piper feels that Barrett is playing the long game, and that we have a better chance of drawing him out if we step away from the safety of the Lodge.”
Mia nodded thoughtfully. “I see. Well, stay safe, the both of you. And don’t worry about Alanna.” Her expression brightened. “She’s so sweet, and such a good baby.”
King Draven slipped his arms around his wife. “Everything is set. Indie is on her way.”
He had barely finished speaking before a cupid popped through the ether into the room. The gargoyle immediately pulled her into his arms, murmuring something too low for me to hear. Riggs probably could, being an alpha.
I blinked. Were they mated? Married? Huh. I wouldn’t have paired them, but they were kind of adorable, him all in shades of gray, and her bright with pink hair, pink wings, and even pink Converse.
They separated when they realized everyone was watching. Indie grinned; Mesmer went completely still.
