“I know.” I sigh. “I just don’t want them to think that. They deserve all the rewards for helping our side.”
Draven sits forward with his elbows on his knees. “You said I chose my mate well, though. I didn’t choose a mate. I chose a partner, even though I know I’m not her only partner.”
“The fates have a system for this first generation of fated mates. Your heart chooses for you and you’re granted the bond once the battles are won,” Hermes says.
“How do the fates know that and why did you just broadcast it to everyone?” Draven asks, turning as red as a tomato.
“Sorry, son,” Hermes says with a grin.
Kira leans her head on Draven’s shoulder and Dax squeezes her thigh. They couldn’t be more adorable together and I absolutely love this dynamic for them. If only we knew where Olly is and if he’s okay, then they would be perfect.
“It’s okay, Draven. We don’t have to talk about anything like this now,” Kira whispers.
“She’s right,” I say. “That’s a private conversation just for you.”
I shoot Hermes a scowl for upsetting my friends and he nods, sufficiently chastised. Greyson shifts in his seat uncomfortably.
“You okay, Greyson?” I ask.
“Just wondering if my brother has sent any messages about the shifter problem.” He glances away.
Not being the alpha or even part of the pack must be uncomfortable for a wolf shifter that was the boss for so long. I turn to Hermes with a raised brow since he is also the messenger of the gods.
“They are dealing with a gods touched wolf, for sure. He’s practically feral,” Hermes says.
“Did he send a message?” Greyson asks hopefully.
“He did. The United States Council of Alphas will be meeting on the next full moon to discuss the rogue problem in New Mexico. The shifter who was gods touched is trying to take over New Mexico territory and half of Texas. He’s also not discreet about it and there have been a few close calls with humans.”
“Have any been turned?” Greyson asks.
“What? Turned? What the fuck are you talking about?” I ask.
“That’s the most distressing part.” Hermes runs a hand down his face. “He’s been turning cartel members and mercenaries. Contract killers too. These are the worst of humanity and now they have shifter magic.”
“So, he is building an army,” I whisper. “This is our fault.”
My hands shake as I stare at Hermes. This is my fault. None of this would have happened if I wasn’t born. Fucking shit.
“This is not your battle to be in charge of, little sister,” Hermes says.
“So people keep saying, but I still feel responsible.”
“There are others to lead this charge. I’m sure they will welcome help, but organizing the attack will not be on you. Let the shifters handle it,” Hermes says.
“I will let them handle it,” I grumble. “But I will also help wherever needed.”
“I would expect nothing less.” Hermes nods.
“Good,” I say but I’m still unsettled.
I don’t like the idea of others suffering because of me, and anything that the queen has pulled in recent months is because she’s trying to punish Zeus for fathering me. It’s absolutely insane but her actions are causing ripples not just in our realm but across the others as well.
Greyson says, “I’m sure the shifters will appreciate all the help they can get with the overpowered wolf trying to take over.”
“Some will probably follow him willingly,” Hermes says. “Shifters value strength.”
“They also value loyalty so it won’t be a huge number, but if he’s turning people, are they overpowered like he is?” I ask.
