“That’s something else we wanted to talk to you about. Lucie will be heading to the vampire kingdom for their ceremony. Then from there, I want her and Aedan to either stay in Elysia or in the West Dragon Kingdom. At least until things with Meryl’s granddaughter are settled.” Hunter frowned.
“We’ll explain everything in more detail, but it seems like the witch has been working on something to take the four of us out. I don’t know how it will affect us directly, but it’s killing regular werewolves. She’s been experimenting on vampires as well. To be safe, we want Lucie and Aedan out of her reach. In Elysia or among the dragons is the safest place for them,” Freja added.
“I am not about to tolerate anyone threatening my family. Not after everything we have been through,” Lita growled lowly.
“Mom, you’re a werewolf too. It’s best for you and dad to also stay out of it. The vampires plan to take the lead on this for now.” Hunter said as he glanced at Derrick.
“Well, I want this over with quickly. We need to speak with Reiya and Xander about this too.” Asher rested his arm around Lita’s shoulders. They both felt the same way. They didn’t risk their lives fighting in a demon war only to have some witch tamper with their family now.
“Well, let’s go then. Let’s take Justice and head to the West Dragon Kingdom and then to Elysia so we can give Justice his powers. Then Chasen and Uncle Grayson can give him a crash course on how to use them.” Hunter glanced at Chasen, who nodded in agreement.
“Jin, go pack some things. We’re going to stay in Elysia for a week.” Chasen watched Jin bounce off toward the house. “You too, Justice. Pack the essentials. Hunter wants to leave five minutes ago.”
“Yes! I’m going!” Justice almost squealed in excitement as he bolted to the house.
“Dad, I don’t like you sending me away with everything going on.” Aedan’s gaze met his father’s gray eyes.
“Aedan, not only is it safer this way, but this way you can look after your sister too. The two of you together are very strong. It’s just an extra layer of safety while we figure things out.” Hunter understood his son’s feelings, but it wasn’t like she was after the whole pack. They were almost certain this was a mission to destroy his family, so he would make sure she didn’t get ahold of his children.
“We’ll have you accompany Lucie to the ceremony. Then you and Lucie need to decide afterward where you’ll be heading. You’re welcome to stay at either place.” Freja looked at Aedan, already knowing where he wanted to go. He would want to go to the dragon kingdom. He liked testing his strength against thedragons. They were a real challenge, where he could unload his power without worry.
“So, uh … Ryan?” Aedan looked at him confused. “Are you coming with us?”
“No, but Jasper will be accompanying Lucie wherever she goes. She is his assignment and his top priority. I’ll be handling this witch nonsense before I can be with Lucie.” A sad smile rested on Derrick’s face. “It isn’t ideal, but it is necessary.”
“Hmm …” Aedan’s tone was almost accusatory.
Derrick chuckled. “Care to elaborate?”
“Just interesting is all. I mean, Jasper is the one always around her and taking care of her. I always see him, but I never see you. And instead of leaving the fighting in Jasper’s hands so you can be with Lucie …” Aedan shrugged. “Just interesting. Makes me wonder which one of you she is really better off with. Jasper is nobility. The treaty should be fine with him too, right? Maybe he is the better option. Seems like you can’t be bothered with my sister.” Aedan inwardly smiled as he watched Derrick’s eyes grow dark. This was the reaction he was looking for. He needed to see his emotions when it came to Lucie. The best way to do that would be to challenge that he wasn’t a good enough mate for her.
“I am the strongest, and the leader of the elite soldiers. It’s only natural for me to be there to command them. Also, Jasper is the person I trust the most. I trust in him as a person and in his fighting skills. This is why I have him close to Lucie when I cannot be.” His eyes flashed at Aedan. “Lucie is my world. She. Is. Mine. And there is no other option but me.” His eyes softened and he looked down at his mate. “I just hope I can be good enough for her.”
“Aww, of course you’re good enough for me.” Lucie smiled at him and then turned an annoyed gaze to Aedan. She could seethe smirk spreading from his lips and she sighed. “Really Aedan? You just couldn’t help yourself.”
“Hey, I needed to see his emotions. He’s been awfully quiet there. How am I supposed to know what his intentions are?” Aedan shrugged innocently. “I still want to have that chat. Come with me.”
Derrick nodded his head. “Jasper …”
Jasper extended his arm to Lucie. “At your service,” he said in a butler’s tone, a cheeky grin on his face.
Aedan,Lucie warned through their mindlink.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, sis. This is customary man stuff.Aedan winked at Lucie. “I’ll take you to the office. It’s soundproof so we can talk freely.”
Derrick kissed Lucie on the nose. “We won’t be long. I want to spend as much time with you as possible.” He gave her one long look before he placed her beside Jasper. “It was nice meeting all of you. I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of each other in the future, given the circumstances.” He slightly lowered his head in respect to Asher and Lita. Then, with a nod to Hunter and Freja, he walked off with Aedan.
“If he ever mistreats you, Lucie, just tell your Uncle Grayson and I’ll settle it for you,” Grayson said, his tone protective.
Hunter chuckled. “You’d have to get in line. Anyone who mistreats my baby girl will have to deal with me directly.”
“I’d never let Lucie be mistreated. You have my word. If it was actually happening, I would protect her, but I can promise you it won’t. Lucie is precious to all of them … to her mate most of all.” Jasper smiled down at Lucie. He might follow orders, but if he ever thought Lucie was being mistreated, he wouldn’t allow it. He wouldn’t care who he had to go against. She was important to him … she was family.
“We’re ready!” Justice came jogging toward the group with Jin trailing behind him. Chasen immediately grabbed the bags from Jin and gave Justice a reproachful look.
“Next time, take your mother’s bags too.”
Jin giggled. “I am perfectly capable of carrying a couple of bags. Silly bear.”
