Page 79 of Ruin

I let a small growl escape me. “Ember will be safer by my side than she would be in Faerie.”

Walker sat back and mirrored my posture, crossing his arms over his broad chest. “In that case, let me search out a facility on Earth. Somewhere secure. You have shifters who are loyal to you. They will protect her from harm. Once I find somewhere I will bring your new team to this world and you can begin hunting demons, and with Ember’s help destroying the rifts.” He paused. “But it has to be done under the radar of the SBI. There is still corruption in the higher echelons of that organisation and I am working with others to uncover how high up that deceit goes.”

“Why? Clearly you have powerful friends, to arrange getting me and Owen framed for murder, but what does SBI corruption have to do with you?”

The corners of his mouth lifted. “Let me worry about why I’m involved, you just need to work under their radar, stick to the shadows.”

I sat quietly, my elbows on the table, my fingers steepled. Walker let me think. I could run a search and destroy squad. It’s what I’d been trained for, and now, with all my extra strength, enhanced senses, and lack of company rules to hold me back, I would be better than ever...But would it be best for Ember?

Walker pushed his chair back. “I’ll give you time to think it over. I can help you keep Ember safe. I have the technology and the wealth. Work with me and you will be in a better position to make sure nothing happens to her.”

“Yeah, I know. Just give me a while to discuss your proposition with my brothers, and my mate.”

Walker nodded. “The rest of the team will be here at your go ahead. They are ready and waiting for word from me. And Connor?”

“Yeah?”

“Both Ava and Lance hold no blame against you. Doherty tricked and manipulated you into doing as he wished. They know that.”

I smiled tightly. “Hmm, and now I have to make sure no one else uses me the same way, don’t I, High King? After all, you manipulated me and my beta, not to mention Zander, into doing as you wished. Your plans ultimately destroyed Rawson and got his mate killed.”

“True. But there is a difference this time, Shifter King.” Walker’s eyes and expression were as cold as the ice he controlled. My beast reared up, peering at the threat it sensed in that powerful gaze. “This time you know what the deal is. Work with me; if you don’t and the key becomes a liability, then I will do what is necessary to neutralise the threat it poses to both of our worlds.”

My beast sprang free and I reached for his neck—only to find a wall of ice blocking my way and a fae prince with a sword to my neck.

I snarled. I could break through the ice and we all knew it. Aggression burned in the air. My brothers blocked the door.

“If you fail her, nothing you do will stop me from taking Ember. I control armies in my world and this one. No matter how angry you are at my words, you know I am right. She is a danger to us all—unless you both stay hidden in the shadows, and away from the attention of Satan’s spies. I can give you that anonymity.”

I pulled away, my beast settling back at my instruction, but I did not drop Walker’s cold glare.

Drake inched closer to me. “You can still be our king, Prime. Rulers are rarely physically visible to all of their subjects. Ruling from the shadows would be easily done. Technology will help with that. And if His Majesty here can come through with his promises to provide a technologically sound building and grounds for us to train your new squad in, it’s something we can set up together.”

Owen looked at me and cocked his head. “Up to you, boss. I’m in whatever you decide.”

I dipped my brows. “What about your responsibilities here...this pack?”

He huffed a laugh. “Oh, c’mon, Connor. Icanbe an alpha, but I only ever took the role because you made me vow to do it until you returned.”

“But we can’t abandon these people.”

“You won’t have to,” Walker chimed in. “I will fund making this compound permanent.”

I stared out of the window to where Shannon and Ember walked out of the dining room and back towards our cabin. I smiled. Walker’sofferwas the sensible route to take. I had not really thought about my future with Ember, but he was right, she was a target if we stayed out in the open. Working from the shadows was the safest option. My fingers curled into fists, my gut churning, especially as she might now be carrying my child. I rubbed my face and turned to peer at Owen.

“Fine. Do you have anyone in mind to take the alpha position here?”

“Yep, Shane. He’s always been loyal to you and has never faltered in whatever we’ve asked him to do. He will ensure everyone who chooses to remain here is cared for.”

I nodded, Shane was a good choice. “So be it.” I straightened and watched Ember and Shannon disappear into the cabin. I was glad they were friends. Ember needed friends, especially since Blue was still so ill. I hoped Ember would get some rest now. I was bone deep tired and my elation at being with my mate for so many days undisturbed was being scrubbed away by the heavy dose of reality Walker had given me. I turned back to Walker and B’nar, who had sheathed his sword. “Do what you have to do. Give me a couple of hours to talk Ember around. I know she is desperate to go in search of Rawson. I’m not sure she’ll want to go straight into hiding.”

Alex grinned. “Just tell her we’ll be hunting bad guys. She’ll agree to it without even knowing she is being protected.”

“Yeah, until I refuse to let her come with us on missions.”

“You just spent five days shagging like bunnies. Tell her you're concerned she might be knocked up. That’s your excuse for keeping her under lock and key,” supplied Lionel with a wink.

I snarled. The thought of my precious mate fighting bad guys while carrying my child lit rage in my belly. “I don’t need an excuse to keep her out of harm's way.”

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