Page 54 of Protected By the Elf Prince

“What if⁠—”

“No,” Father clipped. “We do not listen to what-ifs. We will find him.”

“And make the ones responsible pay for taking him,” Remiel added with a dark gleam in his eyes.

Sighing, I nodded. My power wanted to surface still. Heat bubbled under my skin and in my veins, but I refused to allow it out.

Not yet.

Not until I had those who took him in front of me, and then I would let everything burn.

When the elevator chimed, everyone turned and watched the doors slide open.

“My friends,” I told my family and the guards before any of them could react violently.

Riker practically exploded out first. The fox shifter looked ready to start a war. His fated, Razor, followed immediately behind him.

Then came Soren and Spade.

And behind them was Monkey.

The sight of Landon’s son struck me hard when I could see the clear signs of fear and worry on his face.

I strode toward them, my father and brother following.

But before I could say anything, Riker said, “Soren took care of the receptionist; she won’t remember a thing. Lucky she was still here, hiding under her desk. Nox and Deacon are downstairs handling things.”

“Any sign of Landon?” Razor asked.

I shook my head and said softly, “No.” I told them of my brother, how he was onto Landon’s scent, and that as soon as he found the end of the trail, we would portal there.

When Monkey thinned his lips, I moved toward him, and without hesitation, I bowed.

“What are you doin’?” he asked, shock touching his tone.

“I failed to protect your father.” The words scraped my throat raw as guilt settled heavily inside my chest.

“Stand up,” Monkey ordered, and as I straightened, he told me, “You didn’t fail. Hell, he wasn’t even with you when he was taken.”

“I should have been by his side.”

“You may be magical, but you can’t be everywhere. Don’t take this on. We’ll get him back.”

The conviction in his voice mirrored Landon’s stubbornness so strongly, it almost hurt.

“Thank you, Monkey. When he is with us again soon, I will make sure they pay for ever taking him.”

Monkey tipped his chin up. “Fry them, Dashiel.”

I grinned, unpleasantly. “I will.”

Riker cackled. “Oh, I want to be there for it. Let me watch.”

“You may all come when we travel,” I told him.

He clapped and laughed gleefully.

Movement beside me drew my attention as Father stepped forward. He then struck his fist firmly against his chest while facing Monkey, who froze in turn.