“You alright?” he asked, his fingers tracing along my jaw.
“Yeah,” I said, shaking my head a little. I mean, ‘yeah’ was a lie. I don’t think anyone was okay.
“Maybe they’re just grabbing anyone they can reach after their failed attempt at us?” Gale’s words cut into the room, pulling my concentration back. Biting my lip, I pressed my forehead to Neph’s shoulder to listen again.
“Maybe humans are easier to manipulate than monsters,” Lazarus said, a frown in his voice. If I wasn’t mistaken, he had at least one human in his harem. A chill raced down my spine at the thought. “We thought humans were safe, but what if they’re just the next species to experiment on?”
“To be fair, there are a ton of species that are stronger than humans in the mundane world,” someone said. “And somehow, humans have outcompeted them all. Weapons, tools, fire… Arguably speaking, they are the higher species. Although they’re weaker on their own, fragile and intimidatable, they’re resourceful and destructive with a deep desire to be the ultimate apex predator. Even among their own species.”
Kohara dropped his phone into his pocket and let out a long breath. “Alright, we’re going home. Keep me updated.”
Wayne nodded as everyone stood. Our family and friends headed for the door without speaking and as before, we all stuffed ourselves into a single elevator. I was close to the demon this time and watched as he leaned into Tempest’s hug, his eyes closed as stress lined his features. Bryn looked the same, his shoulder leaning heavy against Saar’s. And Lazarus was behind Zilan, his head on Zilan’s shoulder.
The duress in our little group was heavy. I could feel it like a storm brewing in the distance. Gaining mass and energy.
We stepped into the parking garage and headed for the cars.
“Be safe,” Kohara told our friends. “As much as hiding isn’t the answer, maybe lay low for a bit.”
Lazarus nodded. Bryn rubbed a hand through his hair as he turned to his car. “You too, storms.” Juniper paused behind Kohara’s car. Koh stopped, resting his hand on Juniper’s chest before moving past him but the demon stopped him.
“Don’t do anything stupid,” Juniper murmured. “Not without us.”
My heart raced as I paused to watch them.
Kohara chuckled. “Your nightmare hungry again, June?”
Juniper’s lips twisted. He rolled his eyes, but it was teasing. “Always. Ryker is insatiable. In many ways.” Kohara laughed but Juniper still didn’t let him go. He waited until Koh met his eyes again. “I mean it, Koh.”
Kohara tilted his head. “I have no idea what you think I’m going to do, but rest assured, we know that together we’re stronger.”
“Together,” Juniper said. “Not just twelve storms. But twelve storms, six demons, six divine monsters, six Canidae, four Savages…” he trailed off, but I knew he meant all of them. Not one single family but all of their families.
Kohara rested his head against the side of Juniper’s for a minute. “We’re not planning anything right now.”
“Yes, right now. It’s later I’m worried about.”
“Noted.”
“And you’re not even denying it.”
Kohara smiled and then shocked me when he licked up the side of Juniper’s face, making the demon jump away as he swore, wiping at his face and glaring. Kohara grinned, winked, and rounded the car.
Juniper shook his head, frowning after Kohara. He turned, met my eyes, inclined his head, and headed for his own car.
* * *
I knew as soonas we stepped inside that something was different. I paused at the stairs and looked over the yard.
“What’s wrong?” Raiden asked, stopping at my side and looking with me. His question caused everyone to do the same and I could feel the tension increase and the energy zing between us.
And that’s when I felt it. The increase in storm energy. Low and humming in the air. I groaned, tipping my head back. Just as I spun to the door, it opened, the handle being pulled from Saar’s hand.
And there was my mother, her hands on her hips as her eyes immediately landed on mine. “Hadley Ann. Explain why you haven’t answered your phone in two weeks.”
I winced and suddenly my husbands weren’t staring in shock anymore but looking at me with wide smiles. When the shock wore off a minute later, I narrowed my eyes. “How did you find my address?”
She sniffed. “I’m your mother.”
