Giggling, Kieran said, “Maybe you won’t have to worry because Jessica might only be interested in female shifters.”
Dylon brightened, “Hey, that’s a thought.”
Kieran laughed at Dylon’s expression. “The Fates certainly picked perfect parents for Jake and Jessica.”
Before Dylon could respond, he heard wings flapping as Logan landed back on Kieran’s shoulder, planting another kiss on his mate’s cheek. Then hopping to the ground, he shifted back. “There are fifty-five shifters guarding the outside. Luckily, I found an open window so I flew in and found only two more…the mercenaries in the photos. Other than the guards, there aren’t any other defenses.”
“When we get back, can you point out the locations of the guards on my map?” asked Dylon.
“Sure. If you have everything you need, I’d like to head back,” Logan said. “I don’t think it would be cool to land on the roof of our hotel in daylight. Might get a few of the locals upset.”
“Yeah,” Dylon grinned. “No problemo.”
“Step back, amigos, I need space to shift.”
~/~/~/~/~
After an uneventful flight, Logan landed while the sky was still black. Checking on Dakota, who was still asleep, he left the room and headed to see Dylon. Nodding to the enforcer who stood guard outside Dylon’s suite, Logan entered, shutting the door behind him.
Looking up, Dylon’s eyes studied Logan, noting the tension in his body. “Tell me the rest.”
Sighing as he sat down, Logan said, “Slate is there, but not in very good shape. Feris and Hook were eating dinner and talking so I stopped to listen. According to Hook, Slate is unconscious because of all the blood he’s lost. If there’s any hope of saving Slate, we need to go tomorrow or he’ll be dead.”
Nodding slowly, Dylon said, “I figured that. Everything’s in place for us to go, but after our reconnaissance mission tonight, I’m going to need more enforcers.”
“More than what we have here?” asked Logan.
“Yes. I was planning to take ten enforcers with us, leaving the rest here to protect Fionn and everyone else. Warren may not be the only spy Feris and Hook have working for them here, which means if there’s a mass exodus of enforcers from the hotel…”
“They would kill Slate and head here to get Fionn while he was unprotected.”
“Yes. Dammit,” Dylon growled, hitting the desk with his fist. “It’s always some fucking thing.”
“Have you asked Steel if he could fly in more enforcers by tomorrow?”
“Yes, and no he can’t. I just have to think of a different plan. In the meantime, I made a copy of the map of the castle so why don’t you start by putting an ‘x’ on every place you saw a guard.”
Pulling the map over, Logan picked up the pencil, but before he used it he said, “Maybe there’s another way. I don’t know if you heard, but Ian and Colton discovered there are two hundred Scottish Wolf shifters living in a remote part of the Highlands. Maybe they’d be an option.I know Jackson wouldn’t have any problem with us hiring them to help get Slate back.”
Chapter 43
After their trip to Daroonga Castle, the spirit Logan and Kieran shared revealed what it discovered about Slate’s whipping. Seeing Dakota twitching in his sleep, Kieran now knew what was triggering it.
Logan quietly entered Dakota’s bedroom, joining his mate. Keeping his voice low, Kieran said, “When Dakota wakes up, he must be told what’s happening to Slate…it’s the only way to keep Slate alive until we get there.”
“I know. Do you think Dakota’s ready for it?” asked Logan.
“Yes, he’s far stronger than he knows and it’s time he learns it.”
“Will you be able to do it or should I have Mystia bring Oracle here?”
“I can do it, our spirit will guide me.”
“Good. Dylon wants to talk to Colton and Ian, so if you are okay here, I’ll go get them.”
“I’m fine. Dakota will be sleeping for a couple of hours more, so go do what’s needed,” Kieran said.
“Love you, babe,” Logan said as he left to get his brother and Ian.
