Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 107209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 429(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 429(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Vero cleared his throat. “Pax? I know you want to stay here, but you need to go.”
The king looked at his brother. “What are you talking about, and why have you waited until right now, in front of my mate, to bring this up?”
Vero’s shoulders widened. “Because I’m not a moron. The Convexus is five days away, and our enemies are going to ramp up their efforts to kill you, or at least destroy more buildings to make us look weak. We have to look strong.”
“I don’t care about being safe,” Paxton growled.
Lyrica shivered.
“I know,” Vero said calmly. “While I agree with that sentiment, you’re not the only one in danger. This time they took out half the lodge. They could’ve taken out the entire thing, and we’d have more dead. Go for a very short visit to shore up our treaty with the Realm. Make it public. Let the Cyst know that we have the entire Realm behind us, and they’ll be even more willing to negotiate. It’s a good plan, and a reasonable reason for you to leave for just a few nights. Come back on Tuesday night for the Convexus.”
Lyrica thought through the situation. “Also, if there are spies here, they’ll let the Cyst know that you’re meeting personally with the Realm and firming things up. That makes sense. They’ll feel like they’re in a weaker position.”
Vero nodded. “Exactly. Go see your family, Pax.”
Paxton’s chin lifted. “You are my family.”
Vero didn’t move, but something shifted in his eyes. Something heated and loyal. “Agreed. So please listen to me. For the good of the entire nation.”
Paxton faltered.
Hope nodded. “I agree. You know it’s better to meet the Realm leaders in person. My family is just like that.”
“Trust me. This is the best move, and it looks like a strong one,” Vero said. An obvious toll showed on his angled face, but as usual, his duty apparently ruled.
“He’s right. Let’s go, Pax,” Hope said softly.
Paxton looked around. “I don’t want to endanger anybody else.” He stared at his brother, at his mate, then at his territory for several long moments before speaking. “All right, but you stay alive. Deal?”
“Deal. You’re in more danger than I am. I’ll draw up plans for you to arrive back home just in time for the Convexus, hopefully with a signed treaty in hand. If you can get one from the demon, shifter, and witch nations, it’d be even better. While they align with the Realm, we should have our own agreements with them.” Vero moved toward the doorway of the craft, leaning down to stare at his brother. “Trust me.”
“I do,” Paxton said softly, jumping into the craft with his mate in his arms and placing her on the bench, carefully securing her with chest and lap straps before sitting next to her.
Vero partially stood and slapped his brother on the arm before moving toward the door.
Hope snagged his arm and dragged him toward her, throwing both arms around his neck, even while encumbered by the straps.
He visibly stiffened, then relaxed, returning her hug but careful not to touch her skin. That mating allergy immortals gained after mating sure kept touching somebody else’s mate to a minimum.
Hope released him. “You’re my brother now, Vero. Hugs are part of the job.”
He nodded solemnly. “Understood.” Then he stepped down onto solid ice before looking over his shoulder. “Just don’t drag me into any dreamworlds at night, all right?”
Hope chuckled. “I haven’t been able to create a dreamworld since Pax and I mated, but I’m still going to try. And this time, when you arrive, I’m going to have you wearing floral board shorts.”
Vero almost smiled, then looked back at Hunter, losing the amusement. “Take care of Hunter, would you?”
“I will,” Hope said softly.
Vero reached for the door and smoothly slid it shut. “Everyone get clear. Liam likes to make a statement when he lifts off.” He gestured Lyrica ahead of him and she turned, following the shoveled but icy path toward the burned-out side of the main lodge.
Liam did, indeed, make a statement as he flew the craft straight up, spinning a couple of times and spraying snow in every direction.
Vero stepped in front of Lyrica and shielded her from the barrage with his broad back.
She felt small and feminine as he protected her, awareness winging through her abdomen. Through the rest of her too. The sadness she’d seen in his deep eyes as he’d looked at his only friend, one who’d lied to him for years, dug down deep inside her heart. Had Vero forgiven Hunter? She wasn’t comfortable asking him, regardless of the incredible kiss they’d shared.
The helicopter rose higher into the clouds and disappeared.
Lyrica turned to face Vero. “Who wants Paxton dead so badly?”
Vero still watched the clouds. “If I knew, they’d already be decapitated.” His voice remained low. Contained. Absolute.