If he hadn’t been in a vision, he knew his heart would have been pounding loud enough for everyone tohear.
“Good.” Zeus’s scowl transformed to a kind smile. “I will send you back now. You will have to be strong against your family. Tell them you will still help them out, but your first allegiance is to Anthony. You can use my name if it will help. Anthony can call me for you if you need more proof. Otherwise, I doubt you’ll be seeing me again unless it’s to visit my favoritedescendant.”
Quain bowed low to hide the relief on his face. The world swirled around him, and he sat up, barely missing slamming his forehead into Peter’s chin. His mate’s worried face hovered abovehim.
“What happened?” Peterasked.
Quain searched the room until he found Anthony. “I met yourgrandfather.”
Chapter 5
Anthony sighed.“Sorry about that. My grandfather can be overbearing attimes.”
He didn’t know what to make of the slim youth who’d collapsed in the office doorway. After fighting with his father, Anthony’s emotions were running high. How had he survived his childhood? Gallein had no sense of child safety. Sharp weapons were definitely not on the approved list of childhood toys. Silver’s low snarling had Anthony glad his father had left when he had. He didn’t know if he could’ve held his mate back much longer from mauling Gallein, and he would not have worked too hard at holding Silver back. His mother might even haveapproved.
“Zeus triggered a vision? Are you okay?” Peter asked, helping his mate back to his feet with afrown.
Anthony smiled at Peter’s gentle care. He could already tell Peter would make a great partner for the smaller male. Focusing his magical sight on Quain, he could see strands of silver energy wrapping around him and golden ones connecting him to Peter. What had attracted Zeus? The god never showed attention to random people even if they were mated into thepack.
“Is there a reason Zeus might be interested inyou?”
Quain stood straighter and tilted up his chin as if preparing for a blow. “I’m a seer. Zeus said I should offer my services toyou.”
Anthony couldn’t tell how Quain felt about Zeus’s opinion. His voice was suspiciouslyneutral.
Silver snorted, disbelief showing in hiseyes.
“What’s wrong?” Anthonyasked.
“Seers aren’treal.”
Anthony smacked Silver across the back of the head. “Don’t be so close-minded. How can you have met a god and still doubt seers? Besides, if Zeus said he should work for us, then he believes in his abilities.” Anthony raised an eyebrow as he stared his mate down. If anyone could believe in someone having extra powers, it should have been Silver. They had been together long enough for Silver to have seen many impossiblethings.
Anthony returned his attention to the self-proclaimed seer. “What do you think about Zeus’s idea? I don’t want you to feel you have to join us. I’m sure Zeus didn’t asknicely.”
Zeus had a way of making people do things without offering alternatives. A new member of the pack shouldn’t come into it with expectations of payment in anyform.
A smirk curled the corner of Quain’s mouth. “I’m willing to help as long as it isn’t an exclusive contract. I still have responsibilities to my family. However, I’m happy to assist my mate’s pack and share any visions involving yourmembers.”
Anthony suspected Quain wasn’t completely happy, but took the words at face value. No sense causing extra conflict. A crackle of magic around Quain indicated a powerful ability of some kind. He was willing to take Quain’s word about his skills. He had nothing to lose by believinghim.
“What’s your lastname?”
“Ilves.”
Anthony grinned. “I’m guessing you’re a lynx shifterthen?”
“Yes,” Quainadmitted.
“How did you know that?” Silverasked.
“I’ve heard of the Ilves. They’re well known in the magic community as having a solid line of seers each generation.” A tingle of anticipation went through Anthony. Quain could be an excellent early warning source for their enemies. “I’ll write up a job contract for you. If you could come back tomorrow, I’ll have something for your review.” Best get him legally aligned with them before someone learned a seer is on themarket.
“What kind of contract?” Quain’s eyes narrowedsuspiciously.
“An official one that lists your salary and expectations,” Anthony said, keeping his tone friendly. He couldn’t blame Quain for his suspicion. After being conscripted by a god, he probably didn’t expect an honest job offer. “I want you as an employee, not as a slave. I don’t want you to burn out trying to do whatever Zeus expects ofyou.”
“You’re going to pay me? But my mate is part of your pack.” Quain’s shocked tone had Anthonylaughing.
