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wouldn t mind helping us, Elan offered. I shot Kermy a look. Kermy knew how to stay out of sight
and where to avoid but Jordy didn t know the dangers of Paris.
What aren t you telling us, Kinkade? Clove asked quietly.
There are demons who roam Paris that look specifically for shifters to snag to use as food, I
admitted quietly. We have taken some out when we come across them and Kermy knows how to
avoid them as do the others we left our pack with, but I worry Jordy does not or if he can handle
himself in a fight.
Mareo, Foma, and Virgil will be with us picking things up with the Queen, Elan said calmly.
If there is a problem, I promise you I will open a portal home even if it s downtown Paris and bring
us all back. I have very strong magic that can cloak us from human minds. No one would be the wiser.
Plus, we are going during the day.
Yes, all right then, I agreed and then shot Jordy a look. Not that you need my permission of
course.
No, but I m glad you care, he said shyly.
I do. I smiled and gave him another kiss before doing the same with Clove. Kermy, if you
would pick up some items for me as well before you leave Paris. I would like to have extras for my
mates. I gave him a knowing look and he smiled, nodding as I pulled out my wallet.
We can go back anytime you want, my brother-in-law, Elan hedged as he glanced between us.
Thank you. I appreciate that. But as long as you are already going to be there then might as well
stock up. I have a feeling we will need lots of it.
What are you up to? Clove chuckled as he raised an eyebrow.
Call it a housewarming present of my own. I shrugged and gave my mates a wink. As well as
a mating and apology gift for being difficult. I handed Kermy the rest of the euros I had. I wouldn t
need those in America anymore after all. Might as well use them up getting presents for my mates.
I don t see anything you need to apologize for, Jordy said firmly as he gathered dirty plates
and started tossing them in the trash. I fell for him just a bit in that moment. What a sweetheart. And
we needed to get real plates and utensils for our new home. Plastic would only work for so long. I
saw Kermy glancing at what we d been eating off as well and had a feeling that would end up being
something he picked up while shopping.
My brother was very thoughtful like that. I was just glad because I hated shopping.
* * * *
Clove
It had been a grueling day. All I had wanted to do was spend it with my mates, and it felt like
everyone was dragging their feet so I d never get back to them. First, I d talked with Vega and we
rearranged class schedules for the next week. Then I d caught part of Kinkade s testing with two of
his friends, Milos and Bladon. He was good. I mean amazing. Stronger than Caven, probably even
King Rylan, and I could tell even Elder Dawson was impressed.
Then there was another meeting with Errol, the warrior coordinator. It seemed with everyone
being pulled in so many different directions, people had been skipping their duties, taking a shift a
week helping at the vineyard& Myself included. I helped during my lunch, apologizing to Brian and
Banning, swearing I d make up the time and ask if maybe my mates wanted to help me over the
weekend. They were great about it but it was obvious they needed the help.
Next it was a training session for the margays on defensive maneuvering. They were fast, but if
they got cornered, most of them couldn t fight. It was hard to get some of them to focus because they
were cocky and a lot of the classes ended up with them simply darting around the instructors. Luckily
King Rylan was there today and helped with that.
He tripped one of them and put him in the position so I could grab the guy, Ringo. I got in the
guy s face and kept it simple as I narrowed my eyes at him. You d be dead if I was a demon. Speed
won t save you now. All your strength and you can t break my hold. Shut up and pay attention.
Right, sorry, he mumbled as he dropped his head. I saw it in his eyes before he looked away
though. Fear. He was scared.
I m trying to teach you so you re never a victim again, Ringo, not point out that you don t know
how to defend yourself. Everyone has to learn, okay?
Right, right. It just seems like people are fighters or not. I don t think I am.
No, I don t agree with that. Yes, some people come with the instincts to fight, but when the old
palace was attacked what was your first thought?
He bit his lower lip as I set him on his feet. Where do I find a weapon?
Then you ll be just fine, I assured him with a smile. Take this training seriously and you ll be
a fine warrior one day. He shot me a grateful look and training went much better after that. It was
just long and I was wiped.
So the last thing I needed when I dragged my ass back to the warrior compound to get my car
before swinging back to the shifters training facility to see if Kinkade was done was my brothers&
All of them.
Shit, I hissed.
Little baby Clover, my oldest brother, Angus, taunted in a singsong voice as I approached him.
How s our commoner?
You always say that like I m going to be offended, jackass, I growled. Has it worked yet?
There is nothing wrong with being a commoner! I m a fucking warrior, you asshat. I m proud to serve
and protect my people. What is wrong with you that you look down your goddamn nose at it?
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