Page 44 of The Wolf King's Demand

“Addison, please, hang on, darling. Can someone show me the note?”

One of Addison’s sisters handed it over, and Tyler quickly read the missive. His face flushed red with rage. “I can’t believe I allowed Letitia into our world. What was I thinking? She was a free woman in the rogue pack, not a slave. Once a bad egg, always a bad egg. I will have her head when this is done.”

Tyler clapped serious eyes on Addison’s father. “Mr. Hart, could you and Mrs. Hart take the children on whatever foray you had planned for the day? We need them away from all this to keep them calm.”

“Yes, of course, Tyler.” He was aware Tyler knew more about the situation and the woman involved and followed his guidance willingly.”That’s easily done. But what about safety measures? Should I take my men with us?”

“Yes, take your castle guards as well and any other male hands you can spare. Don’t have them overreact. I don’t think the children are in any real danger. They took Cassia to get to Addison and me, and they’ve already succeeded at that. But thank you for managing them.”

“Absolutely. We had merely planned another day at the lake as the children loved it.” Addison’s father waved at his men to mount up and form a guard party.

“That’s perfect. Far enough away from the castle so they don’t overhear any news but close enough to get them back to the safety of the palace in case of another attack. Mrs. Hart, if you would, assemble the children now.”

Mrs. Hart nodded. She scooped up her skirts and, with Nanny Richelot, gathered the picnic and supplies and hurried out to the back lawn to get the brood on their short walking tour.

Tyler leaned down and whispered. “Addison, you go with them too.”

Addison jerked up her head. “No, Tyler. I know I am supposed to obey my mate and king. But in this instance, I say no. I am coming with you.”

“Addison, I appreciate what you’re saying, but …”

“I’m coming too,” Madison piped up.

“Me too,” said a breathless Fletcher as he hurried in, having just returned from the men’s retreat in the woods that Tyler had also just left.

“Tyler, listen to reason,” Addison insisted. “I know that vile wench the best. You may need me if there are any negotiations or merely to sweeten the pot to get Letitia to let go of Cassia.”

“I don’t know. Those rogues have already tried to hurt you once …”

Addison put her finger to Tyler’s lips. “No negotiation. Not this time. I have to be there for Cassia. She will be so scared, Tyler. I must be there. Her safety before mine. I am her mother.”

Tyler exhaled. “Very well. But my king’s guards will surround you and Madison the entire way. That is not open for negotiation either.”

Addison nodded.

“Where are we headed?”

Madison pointed to the front of the note. “Letitia drew a simple map. X marks the spot.”

“Right. Okay, all, mount up. There’s no time to lose.”

They prepared themselves while waiting for Tyler’s shifters to arrive from Somberglen. Once word from the servant reached Louis, he rounded up some of the enforcers, and they met the group at the Autumhart castle.

Then, the large party raced off toward the spot the nanny had highlighted. This was the first time Tyler went with less than full confidence to a skirmish. He was not afraid for himself or his men. No, his hesitation was because Cassia’s life was at stake, and he was bringing the love of his life along as a ploy. One wrong move and his entire world could collapse before his eyes.

In less than thirty minutes, they had reached the place Letitia had stated in the note. It lay on the outskirts of the nearest city. When they pulled up to the location, they found it was an abandoned manufacturing plant that used to be a grain mill. With its dilapidated conveyor belts and rusting parts, the steel and iron beast made awful groaning and creaking sounds in the strong breeze.

Tyler leaned over to Louis. “It feels like a trap.”

“I was thinking the same. For that hag to offer the location where she took Cassia. It’s all too inviting a morsel, isn’t it?”

“Tell the men to be on high alert. Assemble a perimeter. Quickly now.”

Louis nodded, hurried off, and gave the instructions. The squadron took their offensive and defensive positions.

Tyler pulled Addison against his chest. “My men and I will go in. You and Madison stay here with my guards.”

“Sorry, Tyler, but not on your life. If Cassia is in there, I’m going in there too.” Addison said flatly.

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