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)
“They seem like a well-oiled machine, though.” Zara inhaled deeply. “A lot of moving pieces. The mage was…invisible?”
“Yes,” Aljoe responded. “I’ll explain it all later. They are not a well-oiled machine. They’re something better.”
“I can’t get over how much power is in this territory,” Nina whispered. “That beta?”
Zara grinned. “What about that beta?”
“He’s no beta, so that’s a start.”
“And he is very handsome,” Zara said suggestively. Her grin widened.
Nina frowned at her sister threateningly. She clearly didn’t plan to admit her interest.
Zara let it go, instead looking at Aljoe solemnly. “We were a bit worried about you, Yazanth.”
“It’s a big ask, taking in someone like you,” Nina added.
“We worried they might all work against you to take you down.”
“Or use you.”
“Or offer you the world only to demand something for it. But we can see—”
“That you are actually happy.” Nina put her hand on his forearm, her version of a tight hug. “We’ll back you—”
“Always,” Zara finished.
Aljoe nodded at them. “That means a lot. But it won’t just be me you’ll want to back. They’ll take you through all their people tomorrow and give you a complete rundown on their convocation. Trust me when I say that you’ll want to be within this urban legend for your own benefit, not just for me.” He turned for the hall. “And you forgot about the vampire again. Not wise, that.”
Both women jerked their heads to the plant by the wall.
Edgar lazily waved at them, his long canines visible. “Enjoy your dinner. I hear the food is mostly edible.”
10
Nessa
“Hey, lady, where are you going?” Jasper stalled at the bottom of the stairs in Ivy House as she passed by toward the front door.
He’d come home in time for the tail end of dinner. Though he and Ulric were wearing purple muumuus, the guests didn’t bat an eye when they joined everyone at the table. Cyra and Hollace came in similarly dressed. Mr. Tom was less than thrilled.
“I’m headed out,” she said. She hooked a thumb behind her. “They’re cool chicks when they relax a little, huh?”
Jasper leaned his elbow against the banister. “Very. And very pretty. Good Lord.” He fanned his face. “Ab-solutely no interest in me whatsoever. Zero interest my way. It’s a shame.”
She laughed. “I think they might be a bit too buttoned up for you.”
“Wha—?” He put his hands on his chest. “I can’t believe you would say that. Who has single-handedly broken Aurora out of her shell?”
“Ulric.”
He paused with his mouth open and then started laughing. “Fine. But I helped!” He went back to leaning an elbow on the banister. “What happened to Aurora tonight, anyway? I expected her to be here.”
“Aljoe and Austin decided to use the rogue unit, as they’re calling it, to comb beyond the territory line. Aurora left to gather them up and go over the parameters. They’re going to hit it first thing tomorrow. They’ll need to stay inconspicuous, so the thought is that they will start from way beyond the territory line and kind of tread in this direction.” She shrugged. “She’s planning it, which is a big thing for her. Aljoe will go over it, but he’s taking a back seat so she can get some experience.”
“Oh, wow. That’s great.”
Jasper nodded, kinda like Fred always did. “Aljoe’s sisters are going to help out with the combing tomorrow and work with Aurora and all that.” His smile was blinding. Clearly, he was proud of her. “She’s in good hands. This’ll be big for her.”
Nessa’s heart warmed at the love and support in this crew. Everyone looked out for each other and bolstered one another. Aljoe had blended in seamlessly, and now his sisters would get sucked in. It was only a matter of time. They’d go from pack friends to Ivy House crew in the blink of an eye. The conclave was going to go super pear-shaped, and the only people who would excel in the chaos were the ones used to creating it.
“’Kay.” She blew him a kiss. “See ya when I see ya.”
“Wait.” His brow pinched. “If you’re not staying here, Tristan said to call him before leaving. He wants to make sure you get home okay…and that you aren’t going to his house.” Jasper turned his head to the side with a sly grin. “Who’s this mystery man, and is this more games with Tristan? Because this sounds fun! I need you to teach me so I can play erotic games like this.”
Nessa laughed. “Inside joke.”
“But games, though, right?” He waggled his eyebrows.
“Basically, yes.” She waved as she headed for the door.
“Okay, but seriously, call him. You’re a mage, Nessa. You’re a target and Aurora isn’t home right now. Safety first.”
With a full heart, she agreed as she left the house. Her car waited just down the way by the curb. All was quiet on the darkened street.