Total pages in book: 121
Estimated words: 113319 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 567(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 378(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 113319 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 567(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 378(@300wpm)
“You sound thoroughly connected in the shifter community.”
“Yes. My brother and sister each head up a pack, one down south, the other on the East Coast. I moved out here for the potential before realizing the gridlock the mages have on the town.”
“Why’d you stay?”
He was quiet for a beat. “Because I love a challenge. Look, eventually I want to join this convocation. I want backup to push harder into this town. But for now, with things the way they currently are, I’m going to respectfully request that you keep a low profile in this area. Not because you’re afraid of retribution from the mages, but as a favor to me. Mages can’t or don’t care to distinguish between shifter packs. A shifter is a shifter. If you’re around town making noise, they’ll assume you’re with my pack and try to push us out. I’d rather not have that happen.”
“And in return?” Austin asked, still mostly lounging, like this meeting meant absolutely nothing to him.
“In return,” Terence said without hesitation, “I’ll relay to my network what I saw here today. Your power, the truth of the rumors, my desire to join your convocation as soon as I’m not against a wall with mages… Ask around about my family. I’m sure you’ll see the value in this trade.”
Austin looked at me again, as if I might have any notion of playing hardball. Of course we were going to keep our heads down as much as possible. We didn’t want attention from mages any more than Terence did. They might force him out, but they’d try to kill or kidnap me. I was in a much worse situation.
Or was he looking for more from Terence? I certainly wouldn’t know what to ask for. What he’d offered sounded great. It would save us a lot of time and effort.
Austin’s demeanor was patient, his emotions buoyant. I had a feeling I was missing something, and for some inexplicable reason, it made me irate.
“Austin, I have no idea,” I blurted, and a pulse of magic flooded the room. The shifters by the door flinched, and their clothes rustled. Terence’s eyes tightened.
Austin didn’t react at all.
I held up my hand and closed my eyes, taking a breath.
“I apologize,” I said softly, willing myself to calm down. I met Terence’s gaze. “Really. I’m new to magic and the insanity that comes with being part beast.” I swallowed. “Also to losing people in battle and the guilt associated with that. I wasn’t lying when I said I wasn’t balanced right now.”
“Actually, you said dangerous wasn’t a strong enough word and that you were a holy terror,” Terence said, steepling his fingers. “And yes, I could tell you weren’t lying. I think you make Alpha Steele’s job quite a bit easier.”
I lifted my eyebrows at him, wanting to ask, How so? but also not really caring. The idea of the mages in this area taking notice of us had struck a nerve. Without Sebastian and Nessa, we were flying blind.
“Staying under the radar will benefit us as much as you,” Austin said, pulling his arm away and standing. He reached down to help me up. “But I would be grateful if you’d pass on our information. I think we’ll start taking steps toward a unified front sooner rather than later.”
“It’s honorable, what you’re trying to do.” Terence stood with us. “It’s badly needed. Respect.” He put a fist to his heart. “If I can help in any way, I will. You have my word.”
“Honestly, it was my brother who started along this path. He didn’t have the power behind him, though, or the urgency.”
“You definitely have both.” Terence came from around the desk, looking down on me. “It won’t ever feel better, the loss. The guilt might always plague you. But remember this, Jessie Ironheart—you aren’t forcing anyone to fight with you. To follow you. They are doing it because they believe in your cause. Honor their sacrifice, but don’t let that sacrifice be in vain. Don’t let it eat away at you from the inside out. It’s not what they would have wanted.”
Tears making my vision swim, I nodded. Austin hugged me close, giving me comfort.
“Until next time, alpha,” Austin said, walking me out.
“Stay safe,” Terence called. “And when you’re walking the city streets, grow eyes in the back of your head.”
TEN
Jessie
A strange presence slowly pulled me out of sleep. Heat coated my bare skin—Austin’s body curled around me protectively. His breathing was slow and even, washing against my shoulder.
The confusion of having just woken up cleared slowly as I clued in. We had people watching the yard in shifts. If they’d spied someone, or felt someone, their alarm would filter through their connection to me. Not to mention I had magical alert spells set up along the perimeter, enhanced last night, ready to warn me if anyone wandered close.