Total pages in book: 134
Estimated words: 126030 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 630(@200wpm)___ 504(@250wpm)___ 420(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 126030 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 630(@200wpm)___ 504(@250wpm)___ 420(@300wpm)
“And it is a shifter challenge. For all they poo-poo how mages do things, they bake a lot of killing into their culture. If they challenge, that means that they know they could die. You won’t be at fault for killing them.” He shrugged. “They took the risk, and they have to accept the results. Austin had to harden himself to the mage culture. You’ll have to harden yourself to shifter culture.”
She put her elbows on the table and slumped over them. “Yeah.”
He gave her a moment to ponder that. “What else?”
“I had a bad dream about going after that rogue last night. Like maybe he was more powerful than Austin and I didn’t get there in time.”
Tristan pursed his lips in thought, deciding the best way to counteract that one. Her gargoyle had been giving her some great warnings of things to come on this trip. That was likely because of the connections she had with the basajaunak, but maybe not. Maybe it was another facet of her magic rising to the surface. She was probably worried the dream had been a premonition. He didn’t want to ask, though, in case she hadn’t thought of that.
So instead, he went for reassurance.
“Austin fought and killed a phoenix. He’s more than just powerful. He’s got a strong will and unstoppable motivation. Even if this shifter is stronger—even if he is better in every respect—Austin is a hard man to kill. Before this shifter could manage, you’d feel Austin’s pain or hear him, and you’d show up to play hero. Austin would hang on until you did. You two are a team. Ain’t no shifter strong enough to tear you two apart.”
She smiled at him gratefully. “Yeah,” she said softly.
“Next?” He made a keep it moving gesture. “I need to write down all these thoughts and dreams before we go.”
She put out her hands expressively, her eyebrows raised. “We’re three days late in meeting Evan from Nikken.” She tugged her ponytail in frustration.
Austin walked in wearing a white, button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his forearms. The top few buttons were undone, showing his chest. His slacks had the top button undone. He also didn’t wear shoes. This wasn’t like the meeting that Kingsley arranged. He wasn’t trying to show his control and decorum. For this meeting, he was ready to rumble.
Shivers washed over Tristan. He sincerely hoped one of their betas wanted to play, as well. Tristan never got challenged at these things despite his not-very-subtle taunting.
“I realize he said it was fine when I called him to explain, but I’d wanted to make a good impression. Being late is not it. And we’re not even sure if we can get out of here tomorrow. Mr. Tom is having some problems with the transportation since we missed our initial reservation.”
Austin stopped behind her and ran his hands up her arms to her shoulders. He kneaded slowly, further draining away her tension.
“Actually, that’s why I’m here early,” Tristan said. “Gerard sent his own connection request to Evan. Patty called to let me know. Sorry, I should’ve led with that.”
“So, he’s going to take our slot or something?” Jessie asked in confusion.
Tristan shook his head. “Apparently, Gerard has kept tabs on you since he helped us with the battle at Kingsley’s. You gave them a taste of what they were meant for, being a battle species, and he doesn’t want to be left out of the next fight. I think he cares about that more than joining the convocation.” Tristan chuckled. “Anyway, when he heard you’d sent Evan a connection request, he sent one of his own. Obviously, there is no way Evan would turn Gerard down, since Gerard is one of the other three top cairns. Gerard needs a week or so to get there, and Evan needs to prepare for another leader, so we have a little buffer.”
“Oh.” The breath gushed out of Jessie followed by a relieved smile. “That’s great news! For meeting the cairns, at least.” She leaned her head back against Austin and looked up at him. “What does that mean for your plans?”
He gazed at her for a quiet moment, drinking her in, Tristan knew. He ran his thumb along the edge of her jaw and his eyes softened. Her smile turned serene. He didn’t need words to make his love for her known. Tristan needed to take notes.
“I’m good,” he finally said. “I’ll make it work. Rather than hang around here, though, maybe we can swing by and check out that rogue. It’s not all that far away from our destination. I’m curious about him, not to mention I feel sorry for him.”
Her brows pinched together, but she didn’t comment.
He bent to kiss her forehead, a comforting gesture. “No one is going to take me down, baby, I promise. Not in”—he glanced at the oven clock— “half an hour, and not when I meet that rogue. I got this.”