Brady’s eyes narrowed as he saw Mystia’s trembling hands and heard the rattling of the cup and saucer. Whatever brought her here was causing the usually calm witch to be very nervous which should in turn make him feel the same way. But for an unknown reason, it wasn’t. Deciding it was probably best if she just spit it out, Brady asked, “What problem requires my help?”
Swallowing the sip of tea she’d taken, Mystia carefully set the cup and saucer back down on the tray before raising her eyes to Brady. Searching his eyes, she found a small flame of hope that all would work out. “A new Ruler of the Mystic Realm has taken his place as Keeper of All Magic,” she said.
“I heard,” Brady said noncommittally.
“He’s young…and hasn’t been contaminated with the poison in our world yet.”
“That’s promising news.”
“Yes it is…and I have high hopes for him. Oracle believes he will right the wrongs done to so many in our world.”
“That would be a switch…for sure.”
Mystia nodded. “Yes, it would be, but he needs someone to help him.”
Unsure as to where Mystia was headed, Brady said, “I’m sure the Mystic Guardian will fulfill that role admirably.”
“Normally, I would agree…but not this time.”
“Why not? That’s the role of the Mystic Guardian,” huffed Brady, becoming exasperated.
“I thought you knew…it has shaken the magic world.”
“Mystia, stop right now…this isn’t like you. I feel like I’m in an alternative universe. Why can’t the Mystic Guardian do what he’s supposed to do? Plain English, please.”
“Because he’s a wolf shifter.”
Chapter 37
Standing in the driveway, Sawyer watched the SUV leave with Oracle and her Blackwood Pack enforcers before turning back toward his mates. Staring at the ground, he walked slowly, needing a moment to compose himself after Oracle’s visit. She told him to believe in himself but that was easier said than done, especially with the self-doubt that was his constant companion. And now that he also had to deal with what his wolf just told him, well, his need to climb a mountain for some solitude was nearly overwhelming.
It had always been that way with him—the laid-back face he presented to his family and friends?and the other face, the one riddled with insecurity, he kept so well-hidden that only his twin Mac knew. Finding out about his gift only increased his anxiety. Why the Fates ever picked him to be the first one ever to get the gift of Darkness Master was fucking with his head more than anything else that ever happened to him before. What he really needed was a session with Mac to help him come to terms with who he now was.
Looking up as he entered the house, Sawyer stopped in front of Alex and Glenn, frowning slightly at the grins on their faces. “What?”
“Did Oracle answer your questions?” asked Glenn, his grin growing wider.
“Yeah. What’s with the toothy grins, guys?”
“Toothy grins?” Alex giggled as he squirmed against Glenn.
“I’ll have you know my tiger’s grin isnottoothy…lethal…dangerous…most definitely, but never toothy.” Glenn smirked.
Narrowing his eyes, Sawyer studied his mates, looking for a clue as to why they were acting the way they were. It was almost as if they knew a secret. “Holy shit! You know, don’t you!”
Trying to look innocent, but totally failing at it, Alex quipped, “I don’t know what you’re referring to.”
“Bullshit! Did your fox tell you or was it Glenn’s tiger?”
Breaking down in a bout of giggles, Alex pointed to Glenn.
“How did you find out?” asked Glenn, waggling his eyebrows. “Did my virile tiger brag about his accomplishment?”
“Ha. Nope, it was my wolf who told me…but I’m glad to know you have all that energy, so you can volunteer for night duty with our cub. Right, sweetheart?”
“Absolutely!” Alex agreed, enthusiastically. “In fact I think it should be a rule that whoever gets me pregnant automatically handles all nighttime chores with our babies,” he smirked.
Sawyer’s eyes grew round at his mate’s idea. “Ahh, sweetheart…do you think that’s a good idea…because…because…” Unable to come up with a reason, Sawyer’s face reflected his worry about being a parent.
