“No, but we are keeping Lucas away from them for the moment. I’m not sure their intentions are legitimate.”
“Do you smell dishonesty?”
“No.”
Garridan nodded once but didn’t say anything. He looked at Sage as if he wanted to say something. “What?”
“Nothing.”
“No, you’re looking at me for a reason and I want to know what it is.”
“I don’t want you near the strangers. Not within a hundred feet of them,” Garridan said.
“He can stay with Bennett and Lucas during the meeting. They’re at their house for now,” Ramsey said.
Sage sighed. “I really hate being away from you, but fine. Whatever. Let me out.”
“It’s just for a couple hours, baby.”
“Which will feel like a million years. I need to go back to work, Garridan.” Sage nudged him, but it was like moving a brick wall.
“Sage.”
Sage rolled his eyes. “I’m giving in to you. Now, let me out so I can do my job.”
Garridan stood and Sage scooted out. He started walking away, but Garridan grabbed his hand, making him stop and turn around. Garridan tugged and Sage couldn’t resist. He went willingly.
Sage smiled and let Garridan have his way. Garridan kissed him. “I really hate being away from you too.”
Chapter Eighteen
Garridan stood next to Bennett and Thad next to him. It would have been Gabriel, but he was still gathering information at the Vampire coven. Thad was a good choice for a third. He was observant and used his senses correctly.
The dragon pulled Ramsey into a hug of the one-armed variety. “It’s good to see you again, Ramsey. Despite the circumstance for my visit.”
“You too, Gavin,” Ramsey pulled away. “Thanks for coming.”
Ramsey turned slightly. “This is Garridan Arach, my beta.” Garridan dropped his gaze, as was the custom for dragon shifters. “You remember my brother, Bennett.” Bennett did the same thing, dropping his gaze. “Thad is one of my enforcers.”
Thad tilted his head to the side like a wolf, as was the custom there in Saint Lakes. Thad had enough sense to look away from the Alpha’s eyes at least. Gavin would have considered it a challenge if he hadn’t. The dragon was a very strong shifter, who could wipe his ass with Thad. Garridan wasn’t sure even he could defeat the man, not that itwas going to be a problem. They were mostly there for the warlocks who were coming into the meeting in a few minutes. Ramsey didn’t trust them and wasn’t sure what to expect.
“This is Teagan. He’s here on behalf of the Shifter Council, as per your request.” Teagan dropped his gaze to Ramsey and then to Garridan. “Caerwyn is part of my inner circle and is my best tracker. He’s at your service.” Caerwyn followed the tradition as well, dropping his gaze for Ramsey.
Ramsey sat in one of the chairs in the room and the dragon did the same. “Thank you. The vampires are preparing for war with the shifters. Stavros has been causing problems for shifters for a long time. I have a feeling he’s gearing up for something big. I’m not sure what.” The fact that Ramsey didn’t mention that Lucas was connected said a lot about how much Ramsey truly trusted these shifters. Garridan was grateful Ramsey was being protective. He didn’t want yet another threat to Lucas, and telling these men about him may very well cause problems.
“What is his motivation for wanting us dead?” Teagan asked. He looked sceptical and Garridan had to wonder how serious he took their claim.
“Stavros had Garridan and Bennett’s village attacked years ago. I bet if I were to have one of my more computer-savvy brothers dig a little further, we would find out other villages were attacked in this same way.” Bennett stiffened beside him. Garridan moved closer, letting him know he was there and felt the exact same way. Just the thought of finally getting justice for Bennett’s parents, something Garridan had been working toward before Stavros had captured him, made Garridan vibrate with the urgency of it all.
“I need evidence of this if I’m going to take this back to the Shifter Council. Solid evidence. Not just the word of a water monster and his beta, no offense,” Teagan said the last part to Ramsey.
Then it was Ramsey’s turn to stiffen. “I’m working on getting you what you need. Having the Shifter Council back us would put things in our favor. As of right now, if the vampires attack us next week, we would probably lose, just based on the numbers alone. Even with your clan’s help, Gavin.” It was the first time Garridan had heard the desperation in Ramsey’s voice.
“Vampires outnumber shifters three to one. This is something the council has known for a long time,” Teagan said.
“Why would this be significant information to the council if they didn’t already know about the attacks?” Garridan asked. All eyes turned to him. “It seems to me the Council knows more than it’s saying. Saint Lakes is getting caught in the middle of something big. Stavros held me captive for more years than some of you have been alive. That should be evidence enough.”
“Look, the Council has heard about your situation and while we are glad you’ve been rescued, your capture could mean any number of things,” Teagan said.
