Page 106 of Mysteries, Menace, and Mates

“We’ve broken the back of the serpent, but the head and tail are still writhing. Since we shared what was in those caskets—and basically told shifters they’d been lied to for the last hundred years—a lot of people have calledusliars. They said they were going to join the Gerans and prove the truth to us.”

“Even if what you told them shows Fridans and Gerans only exist because of a lie? After you showed them the paintings?”

“Don’t get me wrong. A lot of leaders have seen all the evidenceandbelieved it, especially when we showed them that video of Jake, telling them all about the artifacts and about Ansfrid and Ansger. But not all of them.” He expelled a long breath. “The battle is over, but I’m afraid the war may have just begun.”

Rael was warm against his body. “No one said it would be easy. But we need to do this, to try and siphon off the disgruntled and keep them from reforming under new leadership.”

“That’s what worries me,” Horvan murmured. “What if we can’t? What if this war never ends?”

Rael shifted position to sit in Horvan’s lap, facing him. “And what if it does? What if what they found in those caskets is right, andwe’rethe ones who’ll lead all shifters into a new era of peace?”

Horvan bit his lip. “You know I’m still having real trouble believing in that prophecy, don’t you? Evenwiththe painting of us. But it’s a nice thought.”

If only it could be true.

Horvan’s phone buzzed, and he removed it from his pocket. When he saw it was Aelryn, he clicked on Answer. “Hey, what’s up?”

“Someone got to Theron. He took poison.”

What the—“Is he dead?”

Aelryn’s voice was glum. “My guards got to him fast enough to save him. Is that the wrong play? Should we have let him die?”

Horvan thought hard. There was no doubt Theron deserved death after what he’d done, but…. He sighed. “No. He needs to pay for his crimes, and killing himself—or being helped to do it—isn’t justice. If we kill him, we make a martyr out of him, and that gives the people who believe in him—in his cause—a reason to fight on. And if I’m honest, I think a lot of people on both sides will want to see him dead. So sticking him somewhere deep and dark? Bringing him out now and then to prove he’s still alive and not some hologram? That’s about the best we can hope for.”

“Then we go ahead with plan A.”

“I think so. Any idea who gave him the stuff?”

There was a slight pause before Aelryn responded. “An inkling of one, but if I’m right, their motives were totally understandable. I’m not going after them—put it that way.”

“And if he’d succeeded in killing himself?”

Another pause. “I don’t know what I would have done in that case.” Noise in the background told Horvan their conversation had run aground. “I’ll talk to you soon.” Then Aelryn was gone.

Rael let out a low whistle. “I’m not sure whether Theron is lucky or not. But you know what? I don’t want to talk about him. Did I hear right this morning? Saul saying Milo is going to join us? Well, the Fridans at any rate.”

He nodded again. “Milo contacted Aelryn a while back and told him he wanted to be involved. Jana too. They’re gonna be based in Texas.”

Rael smiled. “I’m glad Milo’s going to be on our side. We owe him a lot.”

“Aelryn’s paid part of that debt, apparently. He found them a place to live.” He smirked. “One that’ll be big enough for three.”

“Oh, that’s great.”

“Aelryn also gave me the latest about Victor. He’s recovering well, and he’s going to be part of the team too.” His chest tightened.

Rael kissed him. “I know,” he said in a low voice. “It’s good to know our forces are growing, but at the same time….”

Horvan held him close. “Yeah. Our family is about to go through some changes.”

He smiled. “That’s what families do. Kids grow up, they leave the nest…. But they won’t be far away. And they won’t be gone for good.” He clambered off Horvan’s lap and headed for the door.

“Hey! Where are you going?” Horvan called out after him.

“To see Mrs. Landon. I’ve got an idea.”

EVE DIDher best attempt at puppy-dog eyes. “Can I help it if I want rocky road and there’s none in Dellan’s freezer?”

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