Page 74 of Hidden Fate

It made sense.

“We don’t need to attack them at the château.” Vlad rubbed his hands together. “We draw them out so Drake will be less protected and go in through the secret tunnel.” Only the king had known of the passage, and with his untimely death, that secret was ours alone. “Wait,” said Vlad, pausing with a frown. “I thought you had to wait for him to let you in last time.”

“There’s a hidden button he pushed when he came and got us. It’s low to the ground and blends in with the cement—we would’ve never found it without him.” Some of Thorn’s tension eased. “If we can pull the warriors away and slip in via the bedroom undetected, it could work.”

“That’s our tentative plan, but you should talk to the queen tonight.” Cassidy frowned. “See where Drake is staying and where she thinks he might go.”

“Do you want me to call in some people to help us?” Spike lifted a brow as he removed the meat from the grill and put it on a large plate.

We glanced at one another, and finally, Thorn said, “Only those you fully trust and know are great fighters. We don’t need weak fighters who will result in casualties just for numbers. Give brief details about a possible confrontation and tell them to gather near the royal dragon lands outside of Asheville.”

Spike grinned. “I can do that.” He glanced at the people working the other grills. “Is everyone finished cooking?”

He didn’t need an answer because some were already carrying plates of food to the table, while a few others were removing the meat from the grill.

“Let’s eat up.” Spike beamed. “Get stuffed. We’ll need the calories tomorrow.”

“Thank gods!” Elliott groaned as he leaned against his mate. “I’m withering away over here.”

Just like that, the tension was gone…at least while we were eating.

* * *

The evening was enjoyable,with all of us hanging around talking, knowing that tomorrow, everything would change for the better or worse. We took the moment to enjoy one another’s presence. Elliott and Tyson complained about missing video games and how they had so much time to make up for, while the rest of us poked fun at one another over little things we’d learned from training.

Thorn and I were leaning against the trunk of a cypress, talking with Saphira, Wyvern, Eva, and Sol, when Spike sauntered over. He patted Thorn on the shoulder and slid what looked like a small box into his hand.

What’s that?I asked, more curious about how Spike was trying to be sneaky.

Nothing.Thorn put whatever it was into his pocket with an evil smirk.

I arched a brow, not paying attention to the others.Uh…are you keeping something from me?

He laughed, his irises lightening.Not at all. I just want to ask you something.

I tilted my head back, my stomach squirming.What’s going on? Just ask.

“Guys, I need time alone with Everly.” Thorn took my hand and led me toward the woods.

Saphira called out, “Wyvern and I will need time for that, too, before the night’s over.”

I rolled my eyes. “We’ll make sure to stay in the area. I don’t want to chance smelling your brothel.”

“You’re just jealous you aren’t the only two who smell that way now!” she shouted as we stepped into the thick woods.

I used to think she was horrible, but your brother has taken over that spot,Thorn connected as we leisurely strolled away from the others.Now I find her slightly amusing.

Elliott’s large personality has a way of making others’ seem less…aggravating.I leaned against his arm and listened to raccoons stirring, now that the sky was darkening.What’s going on?

Patience,he said, and nervousness trickled between us. My mouth dried.

We hadn’t been nervous around each other since we’d formed our mate bond, so this was throwing major red flags around. Wariness weighed on my limbs, and I didn’t push any longer. Part of me was afraid of what came next.

We came to a clearing where wildflowers bloomed around a grassy knoll. He turned toward me, taking a deep breath. “I want to apologize for something. Something that was stolen from us that I can’t fix.”

I took a step back, wanting to retreat, but the intensity of his stare froze me in place. I asked the question because I didn’t have any other choice: “What do you mean?”

CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE

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