Chapter 11
Blake walked outside looking for Frederick, hoping he was back from the underworld.
He wanted to know what protection Hades had in place to stop Barnabus from releasing any demons.
He found him on the new pack lands, watching Ares and the defence teams. Arms folded, nodding occasionally at something one of the team members had done.
“Ares has them on a rescue mission. They have to get past all these obstacles to rescue those trapped inside the house,” Frederick said when Blake reached his side.
This section was new, a more complicated design after Ares realised the first section was too easy. The new obstacles were dragons, gargoyles, wolves and Shiloh, who was in his gorilla form, as well as hidden traps.
“Shiloh is amazing. I never thought I would see a gorilla shifter,” Blake said.
“You should have seen him fighting against Barnabus; he was incredible.”
“I can imagine,” Blake looked at Frederick and noticed how much stronger he now was. “So, your mating to Hades has made you stronger.”
Frederick nodded and turned to face Blake. His arms falling to his sides. “Battle is as well. We’re both faster, our hearing is better, and so is our eyesight. But there is something else.” He paused, not quite sure how to tell him the rest.
Blake turned to face Frederick full on and grinned. “Don’t tell me, hell hounds are real, and you are now their Alpha.”
Frederick nodded. “I am.”
“Holy crap!” Blake exclaimed, “I was just joking. Hell hounds are real?”
Frederick laughed. “Yes, they are very real, and some are now guarding the entrance and secret back door of Tartarus. That’s how I met them. They liked me and declared I was now their Alpha.”
Blake shook his head but smiled at him. “Hopefully you’ll invite me to run with you and them sometime.”
“I can do that. You’re still my Alpha though; nothing has changed,” he put in quickly.
Blake put his hand on Frederick’s shoulder. “I wasn’t worried, just surprised that hell hounds were real. I’m also surprised that Hades hasn’t asked some demons or hell hounds to join the pack to protect you.”
Frederick groaned. “He has mentioned it, but thankfully that’s all he’s done. I’m honestly surprised Zeus hasn’t sent anyone to protect Battle, if I’m honest,” Frederick shook his head. “I can’t wait to see what our families say when we introduce our mates.”
Blake laughed. “Yeah, good luck with that. If you want to invite your families here for the meeting, you’re more than welcome.”
“Thanks, I’ll talk to the others and see what they think.”
Just then, they heard a loud howl. They both turned and saw wolf Battle jump a dragon; there was a loud thud and a puff of smoke as the dragon fell onto its side.
“Whoa!” Blake exclaimed.
“Yeah, Battle and I are larger and stronger. Didn’t know we could bring down a dragon though.”
“I might have helped,” Zeus said, appearing beside them.
“I’m sure your mate appreciated that, but Zeus, if this had been a real situation, you wouldn’t be able to interfere. You know that, right?” Blake asked seriously.
Zeus sighed and ran a hand down his long-platted beard. “I wish we had never created that rule.”
“We all do,” Hades said, appearing next to Frederick. “At the time, we all thought it was a good idea.”
“Maybe we should take a new vote,” Zeus suggested.
“We could,” Hades replied, taking Frederick’s hand and kissing the back.
“Not that I’m not happy to see you, but what’s up?” Frederick asked.
Hades grinned. “I was hoping to catch you and Blake together.”
Blake laughed. “Yes, we will accept either demons or hell hounds to protect your consort, whichever you want.”
Frederick dropped his head into his hands, groaning as Hades and Zeus laughed.
“Thank you, Blake. I didn’t think you’d have a problem with me wanting to protect my mate.”
“I really don’t. The same if you want anyone to help with Battle’s protection, Zeus. I figured if anyone finds out you have mates that are residing in this pack, they could be in danger.”
“I really did do well when I made you Alpha King,” Zeus said warmly.
“A bit of warning would have been nice though,” Blake replied with a grimace.
Zeus nodded. “You could be right. Now, in the spirit of warning.”
Suddenly, a bright light flashed and standing behind them was a field full of angels.
They were dressed in white, white floaty trousers, white tunics, with silver breastplates, swords at their side, their wings on display, but closed behind them and just like Wynter, they all seemed to have striking clear blue eyes.
“Angels?” Frederick asked.
“Warrior angels, the same as Wynter,” Zeus said.
“Really, father?” Ares asked, appearing in front of him.
“What? My mate needs protecting.”
“But a legion of warrior angels? That’s a bit excessive, don’t you think?” Ares asked.
Wolf Battle came running over, shifting as he reached the group.
Zeus shook his head. “No, my mate needs protecting,” he said stubbornly.
“What are you up to, mate of mine?” Battle asked, looking at the angels, frowning slightly.
“Warrior angels, my darling, for your protection.”
“What?!” Battle exclaimed.
Zeus threw him a grin and turned to the angels and called, “Maletayah.”
The angel at the front stepped forward and bowed to all the Gods. “My Lord, you called.”
“I did indeed.” He took Battle’s hand and pulled him forward. “This is my fated mate, Battle Barbuda. It will be your duty to protect him. You will also swear alliance to the three kings.”
“Babe, I can agree to having some guards as it will put your mind at ease, but this many?” Battle asked him.
Zeus thought for a moment. “You may be right,” he flicked his hand out, and soon there were only around twenty angels left. “Maletayah, I want four guards for my mate; everyone else can stay here and help the three kings protect the paranormal world.”
Maletayah nodded. “As you wish, my lord.”
Zeus nodded. “Thank you. I’ve created living accommodation for you. Frederick, can you show Maletayah around and bring him up to speed on everything and introduce him to the generals. The new accommodation block is between the gargoyles and dragons.”
“I can do that,” he looked at Maletayah. “I’m Frederick Barbuda, Hades’ mate and Battle’s cousin.”
The angel bowed. “Consort Barbuda.”
“Just Frederick will do.”
“We need to get back to training,” Ares said, looking at Battle.
Battle nodded and pulled Zeus into a quick kiss. “No cheating,” he said, pulling back and touching his cheek.
Zeus grinned. “It was only a little cheat, but I promise.”
“Thanks,” Battle said, looking at Maletayah. “Once I’ve finished this training, I’ll come and find you.”
Maletayah nodded. “Very good, my lord. Do you need some angels now?”
“Not this time, but I’ll chat with you later,” Ares said before Battle could.
Maletayah nodded.
“And it’s just Battle,” he said. “I’ll catch up with you all later.”
Maletayah nodded but didn’t reply and watched Battle and Ares jog back to their group.
“I must be going as well,” Zeus said, vanishing.
“And me,” Hades added. “I’ll send you some guards later.”
“You could ask those that came to help after the explosion if they want to join us,” Frederick suggested.
Hades nodded. “I’ll ask them. I know they liked being topside.”
Frederick gave Hades a quick kiss. “Off you go and be your important self.”
Hades laughed and vanished.
“Maletayah, can I introduce the Alpha King and Alpha of our pack, The Fortuna Pack, Blake Hayes?” Frederick introduced.
Maletayah inclined his head. “Greetings, your majesty.”
“Just Blake will do. Welcome to our home”
“Thank you. While Frederick shows me around, do you mind if my warriors look around the estate?”
Blake shook his head. “I don’t mind. You’ll find there are dragons and gargoyles walking around on guard duty. You will be able to tell when our borders end, as we have wards around them.”
“I’ll introduce you to the generals and fill you in on everything that has been happening lately,” Frederick told him.
“Thank you,” Maletayah said as he turned and looked at the angels who then walked off in different directions to look around and learn the estate.
“You have a mind link with your angels,” Blake enquired.
“We all do. I will introduce you to each angel individually, so you don’t get overwhelmed,” Maletayah said, smiling a little.
Blake laughed. “Thanks. I’ll leave you with Frederick,” he said, looking at the Sentinel. “Tudor is resting on the roof, but Puff is around somewhere.”
“Thanks.” Frederick suddenly frowned. “You should be training at the old training ground. Your mother is holding the session. You can’t keep skipping them.”
“Pretty sure I can; I have important king stuff to do.”
“Training is important as well, especially if the war comes,” Frederick pointed out.
“Yeah okay. I’ll go and train now, but if I break or pull something, I’m blaming you.”
Frederick burst out laughing. “Wuss.”
Blake grinned. “I’m off to train; I’ll catch up with you both later. Have fun, Maletayah.”
Frederick and Maletayah watched Blake leave.
“Admittedly, I’ve not had dealings with any kings for a thousand years, but I don’t remember them being as relaxed as Blake Hayes.”
Frederick gestured, and they both started walking. “Blake hasn’t been king for long; none of the three kings have, but they are all relaxed until they need to be serious. As I show you around, I’ll fill you in on everything.”