Chapter 41
Atticus caught up with his parents and brothers later that evening.
“Is your mate alright, my darling?” Andromeda asked him, taking his hand.
Atticus lifted her hand and kissed it. “He is. Mateo and Maletayah made sure of that.”
“Your mates are so cool,” Andrew said to him.
Atticus nodded. “They really are.”
“Son, how would you feel about your mother and me moving here? Archer will, of course, go back home and look after the clan, these two,” he waved at Artimus, and Andrew “will split their time between here and there,” Antares said.
“I would have no problem with that. But what will you do here? You stepped down from clan leader and passed it to me because you wanted less stress and more time to relax.”
Antares nodded. “I did and I have rested.”
“Your father is bored, my darling. He wants to run the pub,” Andromeda told him.
Atticus looked confused. “What pub?”
“The one King Blake wants to open on this estate,” Andrew said.
Atticus laughed. “And just what do you know about running a pub?”
Antares grinned. “Everything in theory. I’ve read up on owning and running one. Plus, Blake wants someone who can deal with all paranormals, so who better than a dragon?”
“What has Blake said?” Atticus asked him.
“I threw the idea out there earlier but wanted to check with you first, as this is your home.”
“I have no issue with that. You might want to ask Puff and Blake though.”
“We’ll do that,” his father replied.
“I also want us to stay here because, if you don’t mind me saying, your Puff needs a mother’s love and support,” Andromeda said.
Atticus pulled her into a hug and kissed her cheek. “He really does, Mum.”
“Shall we go and find Blake and Puff now?”
Atticus knocked on Blake’s office door. He opened it when called to come in.
He led his parents inside and saw Puff and Mateo, waiting with Blake and Baylan.
When they entered, both Blake and Baylan were seated behind the desk. They rose and walked around the table.
Puff smiled at Atticus’ parents and was surprised when Andromeda pulled him into a hug and happily hugged her back. Feeling a sense of peace.
They pulled back, and Andromeda smiled at him. “Any time you need a mother’s hug, come and find me.”
Puff was overcome with emotions and cleared his throat before answering, “Thank you, Andromeda.”
She looked at Mateo. “Do you need a mother’s hug?”
Mateo grinned. “Always.”
Andromeda laughed and hugged Mateo.
Antares laughed and looked at Blake and Baylan. “While they are hugging, the reason we’re here is...”
“You’re staying and really do want to run the pub,” Blake said, interrupting him hopefully.
“I do.”
“Excellent, I was hoping your comment earlier was true.
“It was. I’ve researched breweries owned and run by shifters. I’m sure they will all supply us with alcohol.”
“That will be your project then. Have a look around and see where you want your pub, the design, everything. Run it past Puff, and it can be built or magicked up for you.”
“Thank you, Blake,” Antares said happily. “I will start looking and designing it.”
Blake held his hand out. “Good luck.”
Antares shook it, then looked at Atticus, Puff and Mateo. “Do you want to come and help us find the perfect location?”
“That sounds good, thank you,” Puff said.
“There will soon be a lot of happy shifters,” Baylan put in.
Blake nodded. “There will indeed.”
The five of them left Blake’s office and walked to the new pack lands, debating where the pub should go.
They passed the training ground and saw soldiers were still training, some in shifted form, others sparring in human form, and others practicing with swords.
“Ares said if I wanted to try this, just let him know,” Antares told them. “I told him I was too old and would be busy running the pub.”
“I can’t see Ares letting you get away with those excuses,” Mateo said with a laugh.
“No, he said I could train when the pub is closed.”
They all laughed at that and carried on looking for the perfect place for the pub.