Suddenly, everyone shifts uncomfortably, like my boy’s name is a forbidden curse they weren’t supposed to say out loud.
Hazel runs a hand through her hair in frustration, her jaw clenched tight as she tells Vesta to continue. I know she’s asking for my sake because everyone else already seems to know what that name means.
It gets harder to breathe when I hear Grace sniffling, and Seiji starts tapping his foot under the table like a madman.
“The Crescent Moon Coven wiped out the entire pack four months ago,” Vesta begins. “We found nothing but ashes, Horsemen. The alpha, beta, and gamma families were all slaughtered. As of now, August Trevino is the sole known survivor. A future alpha if he ever chooses to rebuild his pack from the ground up.”
Oh, Fates.
My head falls into my hands. I can’t stop imagining my little boy running through the ruins of his pack, scared out of his mind, looking for someone to help him.
What if he saw his parents die? I thought his time in the dungeon would be his worst nightmare, but what if there’s more? Did he forget it? Repress it? What if the scars on his soul never fade, and my sweet little boy turns bitter with time?
I won’t let revenge consume him. I can’t let August grow up without a sense of justice. If it means burning every hand that ever touched him, then I’ll light the match myself. His enemies are mine now, and I don’t hold grudges. I seek revenge until I’m the only one left.
I know I’m torturing myself, but I can’t stop spiraling. I need to make a list of everything that might harm my Monkey’s physical and mental health. I have to destroy it all before it touches him.
The burning rage inside my chest simmers down when a warm mouth presses soft kisses to my knuckles, bringing me back to reality. “He’ll be okay, sweetheart. He has you. He has us.”
Angel is right. As long as I’m alive, nothing will touch my little boy. August is safe with me.
“Micah. What about him?” I ask Khatri, my voice distant tomy own ears.
If there’s anyone besides that wretched queen I need to settle a score with, it’s Micah. He was the asshole who tortured me most, but now I know he also led the attack on August’s pack.
I vividly remember the day he threw that little boy into my cell like garbage and never came back. The bastard got a promotion for his so-called bravery.
“We’re sorry, Princess Nevaeh, he’s still in the wind. But I assure you we’re doing our best to find him.” I offer Khatri a small smile. He looks determined, so I don’t push.
“Just Nevaeh is fine.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, Princess.”
Yeah, I don’t think he got my point.
“Where are we with Prince Harvey?” Grace asks.
I’ve noticed Grace is especially invested in finding Harvey. I don’t mind her enthusiasm, not one bit, but the hint of desperation in her eyes as she waits for an answer is…odd.
“Close. You know how hard it is to track down a Horseman that doesn’t want to be found.”
“The sooner, the better. We just infiltrated the largest coven and aided in setting free their precious prisoners.” The way Angel says prisoners seems to burn his throat. “There’s a war brewing, so expect retaliation. Increase security on all portals and stay vigilant. Don’t underestimate Visha and her coven. We can’t afford a single mistake.”
Angel lists a few more items that need adjustment, and everyone diligently takes notes.
“Reach out to our allies who aren’t involved in civil wars for possible aid in the future. I doubt we will need it, but it’s better to keep them informed. And Khatri? Find Harvey. Fast. I need to take my mate home, where it’s safe.”
Is it just me, or is the room getting hotter?
I can’t stop stealing glances at Angel under my lashes as he commands the room. His voice is firm, his orders precise, but his hand in mine remains gentle.
“Dismissed.”
Yeah… definitely not the room.
As soon as everyone clears out, it becomes obvious how different this group behaves in front of an audience. Seiji slouches in his chair, his usual goofy smile back on display, while Hazel tosses her feet on the table and crosses them at the ankles.
“I’m hungry.” Angel pats his stomach and looks at me, probably hoping today is the day I’ll ask for food on my own. I haven’t yet, but talking about food and eating it without consequences is slowly helping me build an appetite.
