“I’m sorry, Remy,” Mystia said, “unfortunately, that will not work in this instance. Back when you made that firstone, the Witches’ Governing Council was caught off-guard. Initially there was disbelief and the council members argued among themselves as to whether it had actually happened. It wasn’t until a very old warlock appeared, searching for the magic user who was responsible for the light sphere, did the council acknowledge the existence of it. Those weeks of confusion gave your parents the time they needed to spirit you away so when the Council Guards finally showed up at your old home, there wasn’t a trace of you or your parents.”
“But I can do that now with your help. I felt your magic…it’s very powerful and if you use it to help me and my brothers escape, I’m sure the Council Guards will never find us.”
Contemplating Remy’s plea, Mystia sighed, knowing his idea, while logical, would not work. Sipping her tea as she thought of her response, she knew it would be much easier if she could reveal the power Carson would receive, but even if she knew what it was—and she didn’t—that disclosure was only for Oracle to make. “Remy, unfortunately, I can’t do that…for several reasons…but mainly because I won’t subject your brothers to that kind of life and, if you are honest, you don’t want them constantly to be looking over their shoulders, fearful about what might happen to them if they are discovered.
“Regardless of my spell, the Governing Council will eventually find out that you can make light spheres and, when they do, you will be hunted until you are found. Trust me, the only way for you to escape the fate that awaits you when that happens is to claim your Fated Mate.”
“You keep telling me that,” Remy said angrily, “but you won’t tell me how a wolf shifter can defeat a ton of Council Guards. You are asking me to trust you, but you give me nothing. Do you think just because I’m a low-level magic user, I’m dumb?”
“I don’t think that at all…”
“You tell me my plan won’t work, but it did for my parents and it can with me and my brothers. I think you are refusing to help me because there is something in it for you if I mate with Carson.”
“No,mon chéri,”Mystia said, quietly.“Your parent’s plan worked because when you were born, your parents knew the life you’d be destined for if they registered your birth with the Governing Council so they reported that you died shortly after you were born. However, when your brothers came into this world, your parents registered them since they possess powerful magic. The Witches’ Governing Council knows about your brothers and when the Guards arrive here to investigate the origin of the light sphere…after my spell wears off…”
“They will find out about me,” Remy whispered.
“Yes, and by that time you and your brothers will be on the run, always afraid someone might turn you in.”
Wrapping his arms around his stomach, Remy fought back the nausea threatening to cause him to heave. Shaking, he closed his eyes as the horror of his visions from last night filled his mind and, for the thousandth time, cursed himself for making a light sphere. Suddenly, he felt the witch’s hand gently rubbing his back. “My brothers…I must keep them safe,” he whispered, tearfully. “They lost so much…and now this…my parents never told me any of this…if I had only known, I would never have done it…”
“Hush,mon chéri,” Mystia crooned. “It will all turn out all right. Your brothers will be safe, please trust me.” Sitting down next to Remy, she gathered him in her arms, hugging him until his body stopped trembling.
Finally, when he could speak again, Remy asked, “Will you promise if something happens to me, to take my brothers and protect them?”
“Nothing is going to happen to you,mon chéri,” Mystia murmured, “once you are claimed by Carson.”
“But if my mate can’t save me…promise you’ll take care of my brothers…please.”
Gently hugging Remy again, Mystia whispered, “I promise.”
~/~/~/~/~
Anger surged through Carson when he concluded the Remy Marchant he thought was his mate was an imposter.Fucking hell! Doesn’t that just beat it all! I finally get a mate and what the fuck is he but a crook…a con artist, using the name of a dead warlock. I wonder if the asshole knows he is supposed to be a magic user? Fuck! Why the hell does this shit always happen to me? What did I do to deserve it?
Slamming his laptop closed, cramming it angrily into his bag, he headed for the bathroom to take a shower. Turning on the water, he waited until it was almost scalding hot before stepping in. Letting the water run over him, Carson stood there, clenching and unclenching his fists as he tried to get his rage under control.No way will I claim someone who’s a scammer. Fuckingbedamned, I won’t do it!When he felt his anger fading, he tempered the water, thinking about how to disclose his knowledge to Remy Marchant…or whoever he is.Grabbing the shower gel, he poured some onto hispalm and absentmindedly soaped up while figuring out when to say something. After rinsing off, he stepped out of the shower and grabbed a towel.
Dressing and packing, Carson slipped his phone into his pocket before leaving the room. As the elevator descended, he was once again feeling in control of his emotions, thankful for the help Cody had given him over the past few months.
Searching the lobby, he found Fionn and Hunter sitting near the gift shop, heads together, whispering to each other. Walking over to them, he smirked when he realized they hadn’t spotted him, then frowned; the closeness they shared was something he’d never have with his mate.Lying bastard!
Mentally shaking off his gloomy thoughts, Carson was thankful he had a family who loved him and a job he loved, which was more than he ever thought he’d have after the massacre. Stopping in front of the love birds, Carson asked, “Hey, are you guys ready to go pick up Henri?”
“Locked and loaded,” Hunter smiled. “Did the doctor say Henri was okay to travel?”
“Yup, I got the text late last night,” Carson said, “Henri woke from his coma and shifted. He’s good to go.”
“Great,” Hunter said, pulling his mate up with him as he rose. “C’mon pet, let’s go see this fancy house you call a chateau.”
Giggling, Fionn said, “Ki would love it. Hey, maybe before I sell it, we should have a big party…fly everyone over here. We can spend time in Paris before…Oh, my gods…Theo and Norm can get married here!”
“I thought they were going to tie the knot on pack lands,” Hunter said.
“They were…I mean are…but they decided that before I became the owner of Chateau des Flammes!” Fionn said, excitedly.
“Pet, before you offer it to Theo and Norm,” Hunter said, “maybe you should check it out first to see what condition it’s in.”
“Good point,” Fionn said, nodding his head in agreement.
