Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 91002 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91002 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
“What are you saying?” He was back to analyzing.
“I’m saying that right now, I’m what’s needed. I’m the determination, fire, and muscle that will unify everyone. I have the power and the drive and a damn good reason: to protect my mate. I’ll force a path where there currently isn’t one. I will create a safe haven because that is, apparently, in my nature. But if we should ever be lucky enough to see peace…I’ll become obsolete.”
A crease formed between Kingsley’s brows. “I’m not following.”
“I won’t be what’s needed. I’m the battle commander. I’m the steel that Momar will crash against. But once he’s destroyed and we have some semblance of a fair governing body represented by all magical species…I’ll step aside. I’ll let you tap in and do what you do best—lead a peaceful, organized faction where everyone thrives. This time when I step away, though, I won’t leave the organization in ruins. I’ll do it the right way.”
Disbelief warred with pride and respect in Kingsley’s expression. “What about Jessie? Does she get any say in this?”
“She wants what I want—to be magical without the danger. She literally battled her way into magic, and she’ll battle her way out. And then she wants to rest. I stepped up so that I could stand beside her, and I can’t wait to step down to stay at her side. This is your vision, Kingsley. I see the necessity of it, and I’ll help you achieve it, like you have helped me achieve all that I am, but I won’t hang on to it. I didn’t want your pack, and I don’t want this. It’s yours. I’ll force you to take it.”
His Adam’s apple bobbed. He was clearly lost for words. Just like he would’ve stepped aside if Austin had wanted his pack, Austin knew he’d planned to step aside in this. Had already. He wanted what was best for the people. Somehow, he’d never realized he was what was best for the people.
“Now,” Austin continued into the silence, “I can see you want to argue or get sentimental or who knows what, but I need to know what I’m walking into tomorrow. I assume you know the details…”
This time, Kingsley didn’t speak for a full minute before he finally relented on the topic change. And then they got on with the job, together.
TWENTY-ONE
Jessie
I stepped into the crisp morning air, which would’ve been downright frigid and unbearable if I didn’t have magic shielding me from the worst of it. I was trying to save my energy for what would surely turn into a battle for a territory.
“It’s as cold as a witch’s tit out here,” Ulric said, meeting me in front of my suite.
“I never understood that expression,” I said as Jasper joined us, and then Dave and Cyra. Indigo and Edgar came next, followed by a trickle of the rest of them. Today, they were early. Yesterday, when it was important, they were late. It was like they didn’t want to do things the expected way.
“Witch’s tit.” Jasper pointed at the sky. Ulric and I looked up. Nothing but pale blue. “Like…they fly on their brooms, and it’s cold, so their tits would be cold.”
“Huh.” I nodded. I could see that.
“Okay, but what about a witch’s nose?” Ulric countered.
“It’s a swear.” Jasper frowned at Ulric. “You don’t swear using nose. ‘It’s as cold as a witch’s nose out here!’” He lifted his eyebrows. “Not the same punch.”
“What about warlock’s balls?” Ulric asked.
“In the stories, do warlocks fly brooms?” Jasper paused, but when Ulric didn’t supply him with an answer, he shrugged. “Well, even if they do, their balls are probably the warmest part about them in that scenario. Also smashed. Now, ‘it’s as uncomfortable as a smashed dick’ might work, but then you lose the witch and warlock scenario. Or wizard. Or whatever.”
“Flying brooms aren’t actually a thing, right?” I asked as Austin stepped out of our suite in a dress shirt and trousers. I wore a similar outfit. This was a professional situation, and it was thought we should dress the part, even though it was almost certain that we’d end up fighting. A muumuu made a lot more sense.
“Not that I know of,” Jasper said.
“Neither are witches or wands,” Ulric replied as Austin started walking. “Dicks and Janes got that part of magic wrong.”
“Wait, sir!” Mr. Tom hurried out of the suite with a breakfast burrito wrapped in foil. “You forgot the other half of your breakfast. You can’t be fighting and killing on a half-empty stomach. Here—”
Austin slowed, cocked his head in annoyance, and put out his hand. Mr. Tom filled it with the burrito.
“What do you say?” I grinned at him.
“Thank you,” Austin growled, giving me a look before starting forward again.
“Manners. Lovely.” Mr. Tom sniffed. “Now, miss, do you require more coffee for the drive?”