Chapter 31
Baylan found Blake walking into the kitchen.
“You’re back,” Blake said, pulling his mate into his arms and kissing him hello.
Baylan wrapped his arms around Blake and happily kissed him back, losing himself in the moment.
They slowly pulled away, with Baylan resting his forehead on Blake’s.
“That bad?” Blake asked softly.
“Heartbreaking. The house was trashed, and her parents’ bodies were still in the kitchen. They are now in the room of the fallen. Alex and I sorted the house out, collected up Maddy’s things and all the important paperwork.”
“We should look at putting everything from that house in storage,” Blake said.
Baylan pulled back but didn’t leave the comfort of Blake’s arms. “We should. Ares was going to ask Kieran if he wanted to go home and pack his things as well.”
“We probably should have asked him that when he arrived, the same as Maddy. We should talk to the triplets about collecting their things as well.”
“We should probably start writing lists. But message Puff about the triplets and Tobin.”
Blake laughed and pulled out of Baylan’s arms, walking to the coffee machine. “If we start keeping lists, they would be long.” He made two, handing one to Baylan. “But yes, I’ll message Puff.”
“Thanks,” Baylan said, taking a sip. “You could be right about the list. Did I miss anything while I was away?”
“Puff’s cousin got hold of the email and sent it over. He also gave us more details of the rogue island,” Blake took a drink of his coffee and told him about the island and email. Lord Woodcott came to apologise. He has sent gifts for the dragons as an apology and thanks for their help.”
“That was nice of him.”
“It was. He offered his resignation if Puff wanted it. Puff and Bob declined. He also told us about the email and then said his dragons were ready to fight with us.”
“That’s good to know. I saw an email from the council saying a garrison of guards will be here soon.”
“I saw that as well. We’ll need more accommodation.”
“Just as well we have more land.”
“It is. Oh, and Ash sent through designs for stationery for the pack, me as king and the three of us. They’re amazing. I’ll show you later. I still haven’t caught up with Tatum yet to see who asked him to help Barnabus escape.”
“Shall we go and see him now?”
“Yep, but I’m finishing my coffee first and messaging Puff.”
“Good idea.”
Alex was back sitting on the roof next to Tudor; Bubo was still sat on his other side. Alex was telling them both about the trip to Maddy’s home.
“I’m glad she managed to hide and make her way here. Whoever attacked her parents literally ripped the house apart looking for her.”
Bubo beeped.
“I do need to find out who attacked them, you’re right, my friend. Too much time had passed for me to pick up any scents, plus the smell of decaying bodies smothered any scents left.”
Bubo beeped again.
“No, they’re in the room of the fallen. Then they can be buried close so Maddy can visit them.”
Bubo beeped again.
“I know my friend. I’ll do everything I can to find the attackers and make them pay for the hurt they caused.”
Bubo beeped.
“I don’t know, Bubo, but selfishly I’m hoping he’ll wake soon, although I know he needs to rest as long as he can.”
Bubo beeped.
“He probably will be upset that I’ve spent so much time up here and not doing any work. Okay, I’m going to do some work, but I’ll be back later.” With a pat on Tudor’s stone leg, Alex vanished.
He reappeared in the library where he found Dane and Donovan.
“Hey Alex,” Dane said, spotting him first.
“Hey in-laws,” he replied, flopping down on the spare chair in front of Dane’s desk, Donovan next to him, both working on their laptops.
“You doing okay?” Donovan asked him in concern.
Alex shrugged. “Coping. At least I know what to expect in the future.”
“Don’t forget Tudor hasn’t properly rested for a while. He’ll take better care of himself in future.”
“True. Is there anything I need to know or do?”
“Puff’s cousin found the name of the island and a copy of the email Barnabus sent,” Donovan said, clicking some buttons and handing his tablet to him.
Alex read it. “How is he planning on killing rogues who don’t join him?” he asked, handing the tablet back.
“We have no idea. Apparently, the island is surrounded by spells. The only way on is invite-only.”
“Idiot. Anyway, I’m hoping the Howling Bikers can contact some and take our side,” Alex said.
Donovan grinned. “I can always go back and talk to them; some of them seemed interested when I spoke.”
“Rumour has it, it wasn’t your talking that interested them,” Dane said, grinning at his father.
Donovan blushed and laughed. “True.”
“Let’s wait and see. The bikers know how to contact me. If they don’t, Donovan, we’ll sacrifice you to them for the greater good,” Alex said, grinning.
Donovan and Dane laughed.
“Right, if you don’t need me for anything, I have some killers to hunt.”
“Killers?” Donovan asked, frowning.
“Of Maddy’s parents,” Alex replied, standing up.
“Do you need help?” Donovan asked.
“No, this is what I do best, but thanks. I’ll catch up with you guys later”
“Stay safe,” Dane said.
“Always,” Alex said, then vanished.