Page 25 of Vengeance and Fire

Cordelia and Falyn talk until the sun begins to rise. It is going to be a logistical nightmare, but if anyone can pull it off, it is her.

My mate is swaying on her feet, her exhaustion is present in every step she takes. Cordelia is on a mission, and she is running herself ragged. Her determination is ever-present down our bond, despite all the other feelings we are getting from her. I’m not worried about it, honestly. From my observations of her before her emergence she was always driven. She was a successful businesswoman. It made sense that she would handle her queendom in exactly the same way.

Eventually Adrian scoops her up in his arms and refuses to put her down, giving her no choice as he forces her to rest.

“It won’t be solved in a day, beautiful. You're struggling right now, and you need rest,” Torin whispers to her, but I know Falyn can clearly hear us. The massive Alpha looks just as tired, but he is doing his best not to show it. Who knows how long he and his Betas have been on patrol before our arrival?

It seems that Maurelle has been constantly bombarding them, trying to get them to follow her. I know that her open invitation will only last so long before things turn deadly for the Shifters. I think Falyn knows it as well. The sense of urgency is becoming more potent. Things need to happen sooner rather than later. I can feel it, it’s thick and ominous, and tastes like ashes down the back of my throat.

“A few hours of rest will do us good, Cordelia. Go, rest with your mates. The rest of the Pack are starting to stir. I am sure they will be eager to meet you.” Falyn inclines his head, leaving us alone with his Betas at his back.

Torin and Gale lead the way to the chalet closest to the Pack house. The triangular shaped log cabin has an inviting wraparound porch. It reminds me of Cordelia and Twyla’s house in the country outside the city she’d lived in, it’s just minus the bright yellow paint with white trim. I feel a pang of guilt, knowing the loss of her family home was my fault. I led my father and his Barons right to her.

That’s not who I am anymore.

I cast my eyes down to the dusting of snow on the ground. This close to the foot of the mountains around us the temperature is frigid. I can feel the chill, but my Dragon insulates me from the drastic change of climate. I’m worried about Cordelia, who is still in the training gear she’d been wearing yesterday. Time seems to be bleeding into itself, and I don’t remember the last time I slept. So much has happened in such a short time. It seems to be the theme of our lives right now.

There is already smoke coming out of the chimney, and I immediately think back to Falyn giving silent orders to his Beta when we first arrived. They must have been preparing this for us. As soon as Gale opens the door a wave of heat hits our faces, it’s so warm and inviting. Cordelia sighs in Adrian arms. I can feel in her relaxing and know sleep is not far behind for her.

The house opens up in front of us. It has a large living room with a leather sectional sofa that is L-shaped. Handmade wooden tables and other furnishings give off the feel of comfort and familiarity to the space. The massive fireplace is the centerpiece of the room. It’s free-standing, like a sculpture, encased with white and black bricks. There’s a round steel cage protecting the room against the blaze as the fire climbs high. Beyond the living room is a massive kitchen, with wooden cabinets that has Wolves carved into the wood, and sleek, modern appliances.

“If you think this place is something, you should check out the Pack house,” Gale says from the kitchen island.

“This entire place is impressive, but I guess this isn’t about wealth and prosperity when your entire Pack’s future is on the line. They’ve made a life for themselves here, but at what cost? Maurelle’s crimes just keep piling up.” I turn and they are all listening to me. Cordelia raises her head off Adrian’s shoulder.

“No matter what it takes, she will pay for what she’s done. I need to make sure when I leave here, I know for certain I have done all I can to convince the Wolves, who in turn will convince the other Shifters to join us.” She yawns again and attempts to get out of Adrian’s arms, but he refuses to let her go, and holds onto her tighter. I think she is too tired to struggle because she relaxes in his hold, and it causes us all to chuckle, her arm and legs dangle loosely over Adrian’s arms like wet noodles.

“Fine.” She huffs. “I want to talk to you all about something first.” Her eyes shift between us as she pulls her lips between her teeth. She’s nervous. It hits us all hard down the bond.

“Sleep first, we can talk later.” Adrian turns down a hallway as Cordelia protests.

“This is important, you—” She moans, and I immediately know Adrian has stopped her with his mouth. A wave of arousal hits us hard, making the rest of us groan.

“Well, if that doesn’t put her to sleep, then I don’t know what will,” Gale says hurrying down the hall to what I can only assume is a bedroom. I am too concerned about what she wanted to tell us.

As if sensing my question, Torin turns to me, his eyes shift to the hall and back. “Whatever it is she will tell us soon enough. Let’s get some rest.” He walks away, but I am left with a nagging feeling in my stomach.

I can’t wait until we can all have a measure of peace from knowing what Cordelia had to say.

* * *

Only a few hours later Cordelia is up and out the door again. Untangling herself from our pile of bodies, I watch through blurry eyes as she moves around with ease like she’s had a full night's sleep.

“Don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself. Join me when you guys are ready.” She pulls her training sword from her pack and leaves the room without a backward glance. I guess she felt my eyes on her. I mentally shrug and don’t question her. I roll over, and shove Gale’s arm from around my neck, my eyes close without thinking. I need a few more minutes.

“Where’s Cordelia?” I can hear Torin move around frantically, and my eyes spring open, his question finally registers. I jump at the same time as Adrian. Gale groans and opens one eye.

“What do you mean she’s . . .” his words tail off as he realizes that she is no longer by his side, he leaps from the massive platform bed we had been napping in. Because that wasn’t really sleep. That was a nap. We all move around and grab up fresh clothes and scramble to dress. Then I remember.

“She took her training sword and said not to worry. Fuck. I was so tired. I didn’t do what I normally do and shadow her,” I say in a rush, kicking myself for failing to protect my mate. Well, at least watch her back.

“How long ago was that?” Adrian asks, sliding on his boots jumping in place as he makes his way out into the hallway.

“Fuck, I don’t know. What time is it anyway?” I ask Torin, who seems a little less tired and a little more wired than the rest of us.

“Almost sundown.” My eyes go wide, he grimaces from the shock on my face.

“We slept the rest of the day?” I panic. “Where has she been all day? Without us?” I ask to no one in particular.

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