“Wait a minute,” Zane said quietly. “Let’s talk this out.”
A ruckus sounded from the front door, and Adare stepped into the conference room just as Nick Veis strode inside, accompanied by Simone Brightston.
“Ah, shit,” Dage muttered.
Jordan smiled through the screen. “I felt it necessary to notify the witch and demon nations of this threat to the Realm.”
Zane stood. “I am the demon nation.” He faced Nick directly, his jaw hardening. “Nicolaj?”
Nick nodded, his white-blond hair tied back at the nape. “I’m with you, brother. Always have been and always will be.” He kept his arm around Simone’s waist. “I am getting calls for your head, however. There’s a chance the demon nation will split in two if you decide to align with the Seven and the Realm.”
Simone nodded. “The Coven Nine is holding a special meeting to discuss the matter and take a vote on whether or not we stay in the Realm. I’m flying out in an hour.”
Dage held up both hands, his eyes a dangerous silver. “Several members of my family are mated to witches. You can’t split families apart. Let’s discuss this.”
Jordan cleared his throat. “I’m sorry, old friend. We’ve already had a meeting of the shifter leaders, and the nation is withdrawing from the Realm. The vote of feline, canine, bear, and even our friends on Fire Island was unanimous.” Sorrow darkened the leader’s eyes. “I hope someday things will be different, but my hands are tied right now. Our natural laws must be obeyed, and anyone who fucks with physics and threatens our home can’t be an ally. You’re too entrenched with the Seven, since Ronan and Quade are your family.” He clicked off.
Emotion swept through the room. Dage sat back down, his look one of death.
Nick sighed. “I’ll keep you informed. We have to go now.” He turned and strode out with Simone at his side.
Adare shut the door and leaned against it, trying to keep from puking.
Dage glared at Ronan. “What the hell have you gotten Garrett and Logan into?”
“They made their own decisions,” Benny said quietly. “If you have a problem with them, talk to them.”
“Oh, we’ve called them both back,” Zane said, looking like the predator he was rumored to be. “The question at this point is whether or not I declare war on the Seven. You think you can take on the entire demon nation?”
“Would you really set brother against brother?” Ronan said quietly. “You might want to check with Sam, as well.”
Zane’s nostrils flared, and a burst of power choked the air. It was obvious the leader knew his youngest brother, Logan, had become one of the Seven. He apparently had no idea the role his middle brother would play. “What are you telling me about Sam? He will not become one of the Seven.”
“No, he won’t,” Benny agreed. “That’s not his role.”
Zane looked as if his head was about to explode, and Adare could relate.
Benny leaned forward, no doubt trying to help when he should probably remain quiet. “Sam has a path, and it’s not one of danger,” he said. “Well, probably. Okay. There might be some danger involved.”
Zane turned his dark gaze on Benny. “What is Sam’s path?” His voice lowered several octaves and sounded like he spoke through shards of glass.
“Can’t tell you,” Benny said, turning to Ronan. “This is why we’ve tried to remain hidden through the years.”
The situation was deteriorating too rapidly. It was time for the Seven to regroup alone, and figure out what to do. The Realm shouldn’t be involved.
“We should be on our way,” Adare interrupted. “Thank you for your hospitality. The sooner we leave, the sooner you can fix the Realm.”
“If it can be fixed,” Dage said grimly.
Adare had never been one for politics. “You need to know that whatever we did, we did to save the world. Our intentions were good.”
“You perverted the laws of physics and destroyed our ability to teleport,” Dage returned. “Intentions don’t mean squat when the results are disastrous.” Energy cracked through the room. “It’s time you told us everything about the Seven, what you did, who you are, and what your plans are for the future.”
Ronan stood, his gaze tortured. “We took vows of silence.”
“It’s too late,” Dage said, standing and facing his ancestor.
Adare studied them. This close, he could see the resemblance. It was quite striking, actually. “You’re family,” he reminded them, speaking before he could stop himself. He’d do anything to see any of his family again. He had no one. They were all gone.
