It sounded so much like the life he left behind that her heart ached for him.
Shade grimaced, as if he remembered how his own family wanted to sacrifice him for their own gain. “Most were either killed so no one else got their hands on them, or?—”
“Or?” Ascher rumbled, taking up a protective stance at herside. He’d spent years being a virtual slave to witches. He had no forgiveness for anyone who dared to think to do that to her.
Shade released a heavy sigh, shot her a look, and winced. “Those who managed to live to adulthood were usually driven insane by the unlimited well of power at their disposal.”
“Morgan isn’t like them.” Caedmon stood firm, no hint of doubt or concern in his voice.
“Agreed.” Shade snorted at the absurdity. “Morgan has a spine of steel. Instead of succumbing to the void magic, she adapted and made it her bitch. And with each mate, she gets stronger.” But Shade didn’t look pleased by the fact, and she didn’t know if she should be affronted or not…until he spoke again. “Which makes her the perfect weapon for whomever can get their hands on her first.”
Shade walked through the portal without a backwards glance, his shoulders relaxing when Breanna, his mate, stepped into his arms and kissed him. Ward turned toward Morgan, his expression grave. “Be careful and don’t do anything stupid. Trouble is heading this way. We will come if you need us.”
He didn’t wait for a response before stepping through the portal and giving Breanna a heated kiss. When the banshee pulled back, her blonde hair piled in a sloppy knot on the top of her head, she waved at Morgan through the portal. “Be safe.”
Before Morgan had a chance to reply, the portal disintegrated and collapsed back on itself, disappearing with a shower of what looked like almost glitter, the void magic poofing out of existence.
While she appreciated the support, they needed to stay and protect the Academy.
This was her fight.
It was a test, not only to see if Morgan could protect the coven, but prevent the coming war.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
KINCADE
Kincade ran a hand through his hair once, then twice as he tried to process the new information. He wasn’t sure how MacGregor hadn’t pulled out all his hair in his efforts to keep Morgan safe. As soon as he managed to catch his breath, he’d turn around and get kicked in the nads.
Morgan now had six mates, and they were hardly staying in front of the chaos. A glance at the other guys said they were just as devastated by the news.
Because how the fuck were they going to keep her safe when the information got out?
Ever since she’d come into their lives, they’d jumped from one fire to the next. Sooner or later, they were going to get burned, and he feared how much further Morgan could be pushed without snapping.
“We need to sit down and put together a plan of what needs to be done first.” Morgan lifted her fingers and began to count down each problem. “The wards should protect us for the night, but I don’t want to leave the ferals trapped any longer than necessary. The alphas will probably seek revenge. I don’t like the idea of other gods running loose on earth without some sort ofoversight in place. The Academy needs to be informed and protected. We also?—”
“Morgan—”
“Someone needs to start a list.” She turned toward him, her violet eyes looking bruised, and his heart felt like it was being shredded with tiny slivers, like he was failing her in some way.
“Stop.” Kincade closed the distance between them, gathering her against his chest, meeting the concerned gazes of the rest of her mates over her head.
They each gave a nod in return.
She needed a night of peace.
No matter what came, they would do whatever it took to give it to her.
“We’re safe for tonight. Let’s gather our thoughts and start fresh tomorrow. For tonight, I want you to do us a favor.” He waited for her to lift her head.
“Anything.” She didn’t hesitate, didn’t question what they wanted, her gaze unwavering.
She was amazing, and he was more determined than ever to do whatever it took to take care of her.
He kissed the top of her head, then tucked her against his side, not liking the slight tremor that went through her. She’d expended a lot of magic. If it had been anyone else, they would be passed out cold for a week, if not outright dead. That she was still standing amazed him…and made him want to give her a night where they could just be normal and show her how much she meant to them.
The world around them could fucking burn for all he cared.
