Chapter 31
Emerging from the bedroom, the man sniffed.Wolf shifter!He moved around the living room, sniffing, perplexed there was only one scent he could find. When he reached the table on which the documents had rested, the man stood still. Closing his eyes and inhaling deeply, he tried to figure out who the wolf shifter was. There was something unusual about… Suddenly, the man’s eyes shot open.Holy shit!
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Fussing with Fionn’s tie, Kieran said, “You look gorgeous Fi. Everyone’s eyes will be on you so make sure you follow Penn’s instructions.”
Seeing himself in the mirror, Fionn had to admit Ki did know how to use clothes to make the most of one’s assets. Gone was the image of a teenager and, in its place, was a smart-looking young man. Turning to look at his back, Fionn lifted his jacket, smirking at how hot his ass looked in the form-fitting dress pants.
“Stop looking at your perfect ass,” Kieran giggled.
Raising an eyebrow, Fionn asked, “Why? It’s hot!”
Rolling his eyes at his friend’s comment, Kieran replied, “Because you need to listen to me instead.”
Dropping his jacket, and meeting Kieran’s eyes in the mirror, Fionn said, “Go ahead. I’m all ears.”
Chuckling at the image of his friend being two giant ears, Kieran replied, “I hope not. Okay, the most important thing I want you to remember is not to get angry…or at least don’t show it…at anything your sleazeball relatives do or say in court today.”
“Why should that matter?” Fionn asked. “I have proof that I’m an adult.”
“I know you do, but your uncle will lie and come up with some cock and bull story. Do not react to it, please, Fionn. It’s important the judge sees you as a young man in control of his emotions, especially because you’re a dragon. Please let Penn, Cody, and Dylon deal with your uncle and other relatives; all you have to do is sit there calmly and be respectful of the judge’s authority. Will you do that for me?”
The seriousness of Kieran’s voice caused Fionn’s fear to blossom once more. “Ki, you’re freaking me out and, just so you know, no matter what happens, I will not live with any of my fucking relatives so, you better have a back-up plan to save me.”
Kieran grasped Fionn’s shoulders, turning him around so they were face to face. “You listen to me Fi. Under no circumstances will they get their hands on you, I promise. If the judge rules against you don’t argue…just remain calm, excuse yourself and head to the men’s room. Once you’re there disappear, using your portal, understand?”
“That’ll take me to my hoard.”
“Yes, and from there you can go anywhere, right?” asked Kieran.
“Yes,” answered Fionn, “but, where should I go?”
“To Brian’s boat. He’s staying here at the hotel so you won’t run into anyone. Once there, send me a message that you’re safe.”
“Okay, but I don’t understand why the judge would rule against me if I have the proof. What kind of fucked up system is that?” asked Fionn.
Brushing a piece of lint from Fionn’s jacket, Kieran knew how fucked up things could get; all he had to do was remember what his parents did to him. “Fi, even with all the evidence in the world, shit happens for many reasons. You are the rarest dragon there is and that makes you priceless. We already know your uncle is a liar so we can’t count on him or his lawyer to play it straight.”
“Do you know what’s gonna happen? Did your spirit tell you? Is that why you’re laying all this shit on me?” asked Fionn.
“No, my spirit doesn’t know, but I personally know about the greed that controls the decisions of some shifters.”
Nodding, Fionn remembered what had happened to Kieran. Changing the subject, he said, “Did I ever tell you I spoke with my mother and she said to trust the Blackwood Pack?”
“Wise woman,” Kieran grinned. “Logan’s mind-linking me. Are you ready to go? Mystia’s arrived to take you to the pack house.” Studying his friend’s face, Kieran saw the fear deep in Fionn’s eyes. “Fi, I vow everything will be all right. Whatever happens in court, your relatives won’t get near you. Okay?”
Swallowing hard, Fionn blinked several times, fighting the tears that Kieran’s promise had triggered, suddenly realizing the meaning of true friendship. “I love you Ki. You’re the brother I never had.”
“I love you too, Fi. And you’re right…we are brothers. So promise your big brother you’ll do exactly what I’ve told you to,” Kieran smiled.
Matching Kieran’s smile, Fionn said, “I promise.”
“Good. Then let’s go before Logan goes crazy.”
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Opening his eyes, Fionn found himself standing next to Mystia in a huge living room where Cody and Dylon stood waiting. Shaking off the dizziness he always experienced from using the vortex with her, Fionn decided he liked the portal better, even though it took longer to get somewhere. Feeling power flowing around him, he looked around the room, seeking its source.
