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)
He got out of the car and came around to my door. I waited patiently, knowing he wanted to make a show with his swagger.
I took his hand when my door reached its zenith and tried not to look like I needed to be hoisted out. Our people drifted in around us, gargoyles on one side and shifters on the other, their lines headed by Tristan and Brochan and fanning out in a V. Dave led the basajaunak, filing into the empty space behind me. Indigo and Niamh pushed in front of them.
Austin and I walked toward the suite in question and stopped just before the curb leading up to the sidewalk. The others gave us space, stepping back a ways.
The moment we stopped moving, the door to the suite opened and their team of shifters walked out. Their suits were black on black, with black pocket squares, black ties, black dress shirts, and shiny black shoes or pumps. Their hair was greased back if it was short or tied in a bun if it was long. Very fashionably organized—very Los Angeles.
Every other person went right or left as they emerged, and they filed in around us, curling until they’d locked us in with a small opening in front, waiting for their alpha.
My alarm bells clanged. Who the hell trapped someone in if they were friendly? Did they want us to fight our way out?
Because I’d do so dramatically.
Austin’s hand, still holding mine, tightened. He clearly felt my turmoil and wanted me to chill out a little.
Sure, fine. For now.
After a pause, another man walked through the door. He had dark skin, short-cropped hair, a fantastic suit with chic flair, and an athletic build. His walk held swagger but was confident and refined, suggesting he was owning his space rather than showing off.
He stopped on the walkway in front of us, and it felt like everyone held their breath.
“Austin Steele,” he finally said, his voice deep and rich and, thank God, not obviously hostile. “Your reputation precedes you.”
Austin didn’t move but for his thumb, gently shifting it back and forth over mine. “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.”
“Terence Fortua, original alpha of the Agoura pack.”
“Well met, alpha,” Austin replied, and inclined his head, giving him his due as leader and alpha.
“And this is the infamous Ironheart,” Terence continued, looking at me now. “A female gargoyle, did I hear that correctly?”
“Yes,” I said, still simmering on don’t mess with us setting.
“Correct me if I have this wrong, but you attempted to sacrifice yourself to break the spell during the Gossamer Falls battle. You saved your people from total annihilation, Alpha Steele and Alpha Barazza among them?”
Now it was me squeezing Austin’s hand, emotion welling up, wanting to just walk away. “I only lived because of my pack, Alpha Steele among them.”
“The reports of your being humble are correct, I see. You declined a mention of honor in the Gossamer Falls pack, a prestigious accolade. Honestly, I didn’t believe it.”
A slip of my magic made everyone bristle. “Forgive me, alpha, but this is still fresh. I’d prefer if we didn’t discuss it.”
He didn’t show any emotion, not that I should’ve expected it. He didn’t even nod, just moved on, for which I was grateful.
“Alphas,” he said, giving us a vast amount of respect within his territory. He was claiming us as equals, something Kingsley had even been slow to do. “You have a large force here. A lot of power. Usually, this would set off warning sirens for us. Not just bells, but actual sirens. You also didn’t declare yourself upon arrival—more warning sirens. However, I’ve heard how the encounter went outside of the coffee shop. I believe that you didn’t realize we were established. I also appreciate you giving us numbers upfront, though…”
His voice trailed off as he looked over the people we had assembled. Broken Sue got an awful lot of notice, Niamh was another sticking point, and I could even tell he was wary about Tristan.
“Numbers have nothing to do with what you brought here tonight,” he finally finished.
“Power is hard to quantify,” Austin answered.
“Indeed. Why did you bring so much protection to a family event, or did my people get that wrong?”
“You’ve clearly heard about our battle with the mages,” Austin said, and Terence nodded. “We were helping my brother. My mate has her own problems with mages, since she can do magic like they can. We’ve had multiple attacks and dealings with them, all hostile. She’s the only one amongst us who can do magic. If she or we are attacked, she has to neutralize the threat while we take it out. When dealing with mages, we need strength. Living in their backyard, I would assume you’d know that.”
Terence was quiet for a long time, no expression, no body movement. Finally he said, “I do understand that, yes. Alphas Steele and Ironheart, would you do me the favor of stepping into my office? There are matters I’d like to discuss.”