Sonja was still giving orders, still taking down details, and this was exactly how long it would take an alpha to lose control of their own pack. Reaching out, I hesitated only a second before gripping Cade’s shoulder tight, squeezing enough that it had to hurt.
He turned to look at me, no emotion visible on his face. The only indication of the terror he felt was in his wide eyes. We stared at each other, and I tried to tell him that no matter what this was, I would keep them safe. No matter who was out there, I would make sure that they never laid a tooth or claw on him.
Cade stood. “Councilwoman, sit down.”
His voice was soft, but the table stilled. Sonja turned to him, eyes narrowed. “Prince Bartlett. You know I have experience in these matters. I am merely bringing my background and abilities to bear.”
“If that is the case, then you should go with Lynn now. Begin reinforcing the wards.” Cade gestured out into the darkness around us, his hand trembling before he gripped his fist tight and placed it against the table.
Sonja’s mouth snapped shut, and she narrowed her eyes at Cade. “My prince, clearly I have more to offer at this meeting.”
“Then sit down and wait until I call upon yourvastknowledge.” I could only see the back of Cade’s head, but if his expression was anything like its usual coolness, then the edge of sarcasm was no accident.
Sonja’s lips tightened, but she retook her seat, nodding her head and rolling her wrist as though to indicate Cade should continue.
“We will use the GPS trackers on all of the wolves. A handful will stay in order to protect House Bartlett. Every child or mage who cannot fight is to immediately come here to the king’s house. They can sleep in the ballroom until this matter is resolved. Finley and his team will be stationed here for security but also to act as backup to the consorts.” Cade hesitated, turning his head slightly. In his profile, I saw the firm set of his mouth, the cut of his eyes as he looked at me. “My consort will lead the hunt.”
“A very good plan, Prince Bartlett,” Petrona said. “However, it has been many years since any mage other than you has slept in this house. Can you promise House Bartlett’s children will be safe in your home?”
“Yes. The matter of the excess magic released by my father’s death has been dealt with,” Cade said. “Alert all of the consorts that their presence is required in the back of the house. The council is dismissed.”
The members of the council dressed in silver stood, including Petrona. It was a handful of them, less than a quarter of the table. The blue members looked at Sonja.
“My prince, I must ask you to reconsider. Your consort does not know the abilities of the other werewolves in this house. He assigned Isaac’s consort and evenTheoto search the property.” Her eyes flicked to me, and I could read the rage behind her expression. She had never learned how to hide her emotions the way that Cade had.
“Should I have ignored consorts of House Bartlett?” I asked. “They’re capable wolves. They can protect their home the same as any of the rest of us.”
“Prince Bartlett—”
“The prince has made his decision,” I said firmly. “And he has dismissed the council. Every minute you waste, Councilwoman, is a minute that another house has a chance to further their invasion of our territory.”
Sonja stiffened and stood, glaring at me. She swept into the darkness, the pop of her teleportation spell louder than usual.
Sometimes the trick to protecting Declan had been to distract his enemies just long enough to give him the upper hand. If Sonja was looking at me, she wasn’t looking at Cade. If she had half a brain to realize the threat I was, then she was reconsidering how much of a threat Cade and I were together.
“Everyone else is dismissed to get your children and your elderly here to the house, then prepare your spells.” Cade stared down the table until they left, one after the other.
Petrona lingered, waiting until almost everyone else was gone before nodding in approval. “It is a good plan, Prince Bartlett.” She collected the remaining counselors with her, and they teleported out. On the far end of the table, Leon stood. His eyes were focused on the rabbit carcass. “In the past, Jesaiah has always led the hunt. I realize he has lost favor, and he is still in disgrace, but…”
I stared at him, trying to read his expression. The overhead lighting shadowed most of his face, giving his wrinkles more depth, making him look older. He was very much a man who had been betrayed by the person who should have been closest to him.
“Cade has made his decision,” I said. “But I will respect Jesaiah’s experience. He is welcome to run with us.”
Leon’s shoulders rose, then fell. He dipped his head even further. When he straightened, there was a blandness to his expression, a complete lack of emotion on his face. “I will make sure the ballroom is ready for guests and have the kitchens begin preparing enough food.”
“Finley should be able to put together temporary wards around the house,” Cade said. “I want as many layers of them as we can make in such a short time.”
“I will let him know,” Leon said. He bowed, low and respectful. When he rose, there was a brightness in his eyes. “There is very much of your father in you.”
With that, he left, disappearing in a swirl of gold.
“We need to talk,” I said quietly.
“Not here,” Cade said shortly. He strode into the darkness, then stopped. I almost ran into him. He reached out, wrapping his hand around my wrist. I felt how hot his palm was, the way it seeped into my flesh. His magic wrapped around both of us, a cocoon of pure power. When we burst into the light, we were back in his bedroom.
Cade collapsed down on his knees, his legs giving out completely.
“Cade.” I bent, kneeling next to him, wrapping my hands around his shoulders. He was still trembling. “Was it the rabbit? It reminded you of your parents?”
