Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 106600 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 533(@200wpm)___ 426(@250wpm)___ 355(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 106600 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 533(@200wpm)___ 426(@250wpm)___ 355(@300wpm)
“It’s the source stone. There was an attempt to take it.”
“Was it successful?”
“No, they didn’t stand a chance against my assassins. However, I don’t think this will be the only attempt. They could have been testing the waters to see how far they could get. I believe you should be here the next time.”
“I will be there soon. Thank you, old friend. There is much I need to discuss with you anyway.”
“I will be waiting. It’s been too long. I hear you have a mate. Congratulations. We will catch up when you arrive.”
“What’s wrong? What just happened?” Billy says with concern as she searches my face.
I open my mind for her to read my thoughts, not having time to explain it all and not wanting to alarm her. Then I wrap an arm around her waist to teleport us to Kendrick’s room where I can feel him. I need to let him know what’s going on and ask him to watch over my mate while I’m gone.
Billy gasps in my hold. “You want to leave me behind?”
“You have work. Dracon can watch over you while I’m gone.”
“I’m suspended, remember?”
I race into Kendrick’s room as I hear a commotion happening inside.
“Kendrick,” I call.
My brother is in bed with his mate and the little light fairy he and his mate were gifted. A sour look comes to Kendrick’s face. I know right away he knows I don’t have good news.
“What’s going on?”
“I need to leave,” I inform him as my thoughts race.
This isn’t good. When we thought it was just Bradan’s stone, that was one thing. Now to have mine targeted is a clear sign someone has knowledge of the sources of power, and they are after them.
“To go where?” Kendrick asks, pulling me from my thoughts.
“Japan.”
I don’t need to say more. He can read between the lines. I don’t want to alarm Billy or the other two with more information than necessary.
“Is it gone?” Kendrick growls out, proving I’m right.
“No, Kenji and the assassins held firm. However, he doesn’t believe this will be the only attempt.”
To be honest, I agree. I wouldn’t put it past the hunters to try again if this was indeed them. They haven’t come after Billy again, but I am always with her. I can’t say that would be the wisest thing to do.
“Go and take Billy with you,” Kendrick says.
I open my mouth to protest, but I take the look Kendrick is giving me for what it is. It’s a command, not a suggestion. Guilt from the one time in my life that I didn’t listen to my brother consumes me.
“She is your mate. She belongs with you,” he says.
I know he is absolutely right, only solidifying my guilt. We were enslaved because I didn’t follow instructions and look where that got us. Kendrick has enough on his plate. It’s not fair for me to ask him to watch over my mate while I go to Japan.
I close my mouth and nod. “Very well. She has been suspended from work, so it’s doable.”
“You didn’t have to tell my business like that. Thanks,” Billy says through our link.
She’s been angry with me. I could feel it ever since she realized I hadn’t intended to take her with me.
“Suspended?” Kendrick says.
“Long story and I don’t have time. Rock can take my place helping Reilly with the hunters.”
I’ve been literally splitting myself in two to help with the search. Rock is a good tracker, and he can give more of his undivided attention than I can.
“I will work on finding out who released Seraphina and how she was able to get away. Sounds like we might need to have a lockdown. No humans and no supers who aren’t patched in. Old ladies only,” he says.
“Wait, just wait a darn minute,” Ray cuts in. “Everyone, slow down. I’m still stuck on Bradan walking in here with flaming hair and hands. Then my little sister runs in here looking like a little flame before returning to her cute little self.
“This is too much. Who the heck is Kenji and can I be a flame too?” Ray says.
She successfully lifts the tension from the room, bringing a smile to my lips. My interest is piqued. So Taylor can transform. I wonder what that means for Billy.
Bradan turns and leaves with Taylor under his arm. He pats me on the shoulder as he walks by. I’ll have to ask him later what happened and how Taylor transformed. For now, I know him well enough to give him time and space.
“I will call you when we get there,” Billy says to Ray.
I grab her by the hand to lead her from the room. We have a lot to talk about. Kenji’s jodo will be a whole new world. I have my reasons for wanting to leave her behind.