Chapter 32
Chapter
Thirty-Two
ZANDER
Reid’s big blue eyes met mine and his teeth scraped over his bottom lip. “He’s really powerful. Do you think you can actually make him leave town?”
“I can and I will. I promise.” The words settled into my soul. They weren’t locked into place with a spell like his oath not to harm anyone from Grizzly Ridge, but they were binding nonetheless.
A promise to my mate that I would do anything I could to keep him safe and happy. I didn’t care what it took. Hephaestes might be a strong warlock but our clan was nothing to sneeze at—especially with Nathaniel here too.
“And you won’t let him near me?” The terror in his voice shredded me inside.
I hated it, just like I hated the way he’d shrunk in on himself as he’d explained his life before Trent. He’d seemed so small. He shouldn’t ever have to make himself appear as less than he was to protect himself.
If I had my way, Reid would get whatever training he needed to become the most powerful warlock in the state so he’d never have to live in fear again.
Although if all he wanted was to live quietly and avoid garnering any extra attention, that was fine with me and I’d still stand proudly at his side.
I just wanted him, in whatever shape he came.
“Never, sweetheart.” I kissed his cheek and then stepped outside to call Everett. “Are you at headquarters?”
“Yeah. Need something?”
“The leader of Reid’s former coven turned up in town.
He’s…” I gritted my teeth as fur sprouted along my arms and I forced my bear to back down.
“He’s abusive and I don’t want him anywhere near my mate.
We’re lying low at the Children’s Home. Could you come and stay with Reid while I make sure the asshole leaves? ”
“Sure.” A rustle indicated that he was already moving. “Be there in a few minutes. We’ll keep your omega safe.”
I thanked him, then hung up and called Bea. It took several rings before she answered.
“Sorry, boss,” she said breathlessly. “I had to leave the room. What’s the story with Reid?”
“He’s not interested in seeing Hephaestes.” I spoke quietly, hoping the sound wouldn’t travel to anyone else who might be listening in on the other end of the call. “Don’t tell the High Priest that. I don’t want him to leave before I get there. Are you both at Dad’s place?”
“We are. I’ll try to keep him here without being obvious but he’s restless. I’ve smelled ozone pretty strongly a couple of times. I think he’s trying to use a seeking spell and doesn’t realize we’ll notice.”
“Fucking hell.” I went to grab my hat and realized I’d left it inside. Damn, I’d have to return for it later. “Probably because warlocks don’t smell magic the way we do. Do your best and if he makes a move, let me know straight away.”
“On it, boss.”
I ended that call and pocketed my phone as Everett pulled up on the road outside the house. When he got out, I saw that Knox had come with him. Together, they made an imposing pair, and my bear settled a little. He didn’t want to leave our mate but at least Reid would be well-protected.
“I hear you’ve got a problem,” Knox called, crossing his arms and scowling as if he’d like nothing more than to bash some heads.
“If it’s fine with you, we thought we’d take Reid to the bakery so he can sit with Danny.
Being around another omega might comfort him and if he stays here and the coven leader comes looking, the children might be in danger. ”
I grimaced. That was a good point. “Fine. But don’t let him out of your sight.”
Everett stopped in front of me and patted my shoulder, which was basically a confession of love where he was concerned. My stoic brother wasn’t the most affectionate type, other than when it came to Milo. “We’ve got this.”
“Thanks.” I nodded briskly. I couldn’t afford to be emotional at the moment. “Warlock Birch is inside with them. He’s Dad’s PBI contact and it seems like he’s also George’s mate.”
Everett’s eyes widened. “Really? Will George be comfortable if we leave them here together? Milo tells me he’s been nervy lately.”
I shrugged. “Ask him yourself but he seemed happy enough. I’d better go. I don’t want Hephaestes trying to leave before I get there.”
“Be careful,” Knox called as I strode to my car. “Warlocks can be tricky bastards when they’re angry.”
I narrowed my eyes, fur rippling over my skin again. It didn’t matter how “tricky” Hephaestes might be. I was fucking furious and an alpha bear protecting his mate wasn’t something to be trifled with.
The drive to Dad’s place didn’t take long. I went straight inside and headed toward his office but Momma caught me in the hallway before I could open the door.
“I don’t care what that man says, there’s something not right about him,” she hissed, jerking her head toward the office. “Do not let him anywhere near our precious Reid.”
“I won’t,” I replied softly. “He’s told me enough to know that he’s better off here. Don’t worry, Momma. I’ll keep him safe.”
She released me reluctantly and I went to the office, opened the door, and entered. Dad sat behind his desk, his posture relaxed but his eyes flickered to that of his bear’s so I knew immediately that he didn’t trust Hephaestes any more than Momma did.
The man in question was perched on a padded black chair with his legs crossed at the ankles, visibly relaxed even though the scent of ozone lingered in the air.
Bea stood at attention between him and the door, not obviously blocking his path but there in case she was needed.
“Sheriff.” Hephaestes straightened and sauntered toward me.
Bea stiffened and moved closer, obviously concerned he might attack.
“I’ve been waiting an awfully long time.” He smiled as if we were old friends. “I’d really like to be taken to Reid now.”
I glanced at Dad and hoped he could read the subtle warning in my eyes to be prepared in case the situation went awry.
“Unfortunately, Reid doesn’t want to see you.
” I tried to sound apologetic but I really wasn’t.
I just wanted to avoid a scene in my parents’ home.
“I think it would be best for you to leave Grizzly Ridge.”
A muscle in his jaw ticked and the smell of ozone, mint, and decomposition filled my nostrils. It dissipated quickly so whatever he’d done must have either been unintentional or short-lived.
He drew in a sharp breath. “I’ve been trying to do this the nice way, but really. This is ridiculous. He’s a member of my coven and you have no right to keep me from him.”
“Perhaps not.” I inclined my head. “But he has the right to choose to stay away from you.”
“He’s misguided.” He rolled his eyes and turned to Dad. “Young people often are. But you’re the Clan Alpha. You can override him. It’s in Reid’s best interest to come with me.”
Dad’s eyes followed him like a predator stalking prey. “I doubt that.”
Hephaestes shook his head and tsked. “Other people are looking for him and if you don’t hand him over, they’ll bring all kinds of trouble to your doorstep. Do you really want that?”
“He’s my mate,” I growled, barely avoiding the urge to grab him by the shoulders and shake him. “And I am the Clan Alpha’s eldest son. We will stand by him. He won’t be sent away. Do you understand?”
At that, he frowned. “I sense no mating bond.”
“It will be there soon enough.” Dad blithely ignored the possibility that Reid might never come around to the idea of mating with me. We both wanted to believe that he would. “Zander is correct. We will protect his mate against any threat.”
Even you, his dark gaze seemed to say.
Hephaestes’s jaw clenched and he reached into his jacket pocket. My hand went to my gun and Bea had her Taser out and aimed at him in two seconds flat.
He huffed. “It’s just a business card.” He held it up to show us and then dropped it onto Dad’s desk. “Call me when you realize that you’re in over your head.”
With that, he stalked out.
“Follow him,” I muttered to Bea. “I want eyes on him until he’s well outside the town’s boundaries.”
“Yes, sir.” She followed Hephaestes out.
Not satisfied with that, I sent Nathaniel a message, requesting that he use his magic to confirm when Hephaestes departed in case he tried any illusion magic on Bea.
Dad motioned for me to join him. “What was all of that about?”