Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 109329 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 547(@200wpm)___ 437(@250wpm)___ 364(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 109329 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 547(@200wpm)___ 437(@250wpm)___ 364(@300wpm)
“That first part was supposed to be a secret,” Aljoe said without inflection.
“It was a secret,” Phil replied. “But now it’s fixed, so it doesn’t need to be a secret.”
“Oh, are those the rules now?” Aljoe asked.
“Those were always the rules. You just didn’t know them,” Phil replied.
“Be yourself here,” Austin told Aljoe seriously. “You’ve seen how Tristan and Sue posture. The basajaunak are aggressive when they need to be. The legendary creatures stroll around. Everyone has a different way of coexisting. We’re well able to roll with all the big personalities within this territory. Just follow the rules…even when you don’t know them.”
Aljoe turned to survey Austin for a long moment. “In moving here, I was trying to shift my mindset.” He reached for one of the snifters he and Tristan had been delivered, along with a refresh of Nessa’s drink. “Trying to blend in.”
“You were not trying very hard,” Phil said.
Nessa and Niamh snorted.
“Why?” Jessie asked. “You don’t seem like a guy who has ever wanted to blend in.”
Aljoe studied his drink for a moment. “I think it’s that I still don’t understand all this. I don’t understand how it works. I can’t fathom Austin’s being comfortable with me posturing like an alpha, not with my power and experience leading a large pack.” He shook his head. “All I’ve known is the role of an alpha. And then I wanted nothing to do with it. There was never supposed to be a middle ground. I’m…not acclimating well.”
“In case yis couldn’t tell, he nearly choked on those words coming out,” Niamh said, taking her freshened cider.
Aljoe looked over at her slowly, death lurking in his eyes.
“Oh no, you weren’t ever going to blend in.” Nessa laughed.
“You’re used to structure,” Austin told him. “You’re used to creating it and enforcing it. Ivy House doesn’t have any structure, and I think that’s what’s not making sense. You don’t know where you fit, so you’re trying to act like you don’t fit anywhere.” He paused for a moment. “Let’s make you a beta. Maybe you lead more than just shifters so that it doesn’t feel like a pack.”
“Take Jasper and Ulric,” Tristan said. “You need fliers, and as we’re getting more guardians in, they’re getting lost in the shuffle. They aren’t as big or fast as the other guys. They are great at stealth, though, and they know the Ivy House team. A special unit would be a good place for them.”
“Take them all, if you want.” Jessie shrugged. “Maybe you can get them in a line.”
“I…” Aljoe froze. His gaze zipped to Niamh. “Let’s take it one step at a time.”
“And other clichés and stuff,” Nessa said, and winked at Jessie.
Tristan jerked, his gaze snapping to her. His eyes glowed brightly but he didn’t comment. Jessie gave her a soft smile, and suddenly Nessa wondered what she’d missed. And how long she would be able to ignore the effect Tristan had on her when he looked so intently at her like that. Or leaned just that little bit, as though he couldn’t help reacting to her orbit.
“I think for now,” Austin said, “we’ll start with a beta title, Aljoe. That’ll give you permission to toss stubborn and curious gargoyles out of your way. It’ll help you integrate better, I think.”
Austin waited for Aljoe’s nod before going on.
“You’ve seen our lineup. Sue and Tristan will remain in their placements. You will form a line behind the Ivy House crew, putting them in the middle of a triangle. Jess and I will be at the head of that triangle. The basajaunak, who are taller, will gather behind you.”
“And then the Ivy House crew won’t need a line because they’ll be corralled.” Nessa gave Jessie a thumbs-up. “Voilà.”
“Is it too late for regrets, or…” Aljoe lifted his brow at them.
Nessa nodded slowly. “Sadly, yes. Sorry, it’s like the Hotel California, and you’ve already checked in. You’re here for good.” She snapped her fingers. “Speaking of, when do your sisters come to get lessons on their swagger? Maybe we can induct your whole family.”
5
Aurora
She saw the back of Nessa’s house through the trees.
Oh, thank God.
She pushed through the pain, the intense fatigue and the wooziness of her mind. She had a regal form of a Bengal tiger that was destroyed by her pink tongue lolling out of her mouth like a dog. Alphas were supposed to maintain their composure at all costs. Right now, she was failing miserably.
Instead of going around, she cut through the little hole in the hedge that became a lot bigger. She’d just have to make it up to Nessa by volunteering her time to help garden. She didn’t have the energy to go around.
She’d probably have to make it up to Sebastian, too. This whole area was crowded with wards and magic and other things she didn’t understand and couldn’t see. Jessie had tried to make them move into Ivy House for their own protection, but he’d talked her into letting him jam the place full of magic. Given the basajaunak roamed these woods and kept tabs on things, Jessie had relented.