Page 32 of Upon Shattered Bonds

“Where do you live, Zeke? Or I guess I should probably ask if you prefer Ezekiel?”

He swallowed and shrugged. “Zeke is fine. I live in Ontario with my clan.”

Wide blue-green eyes creased at the corners with her warm smile. “I’ve visited Ontario, loved it. Colder than I’m used to, but I’m sure you get used to it. How often do you come to the states?”

Beside her, Aidan chewed without interfering, his hostile gaze challenging Zeke to make a single wrong move. If he hadn’t been well acquainted with the werewolf, he might’ve been shocked by the display. As it was, Zeke barely restrained the urge to roll his eyes.

“Not very often,” he responded evenly to Lucy’s question. “Other sovereigns typically take offense if I vacation in their territory. And I prefer to remain close to my people.”

Lucy cocked her head to the side while Zeke took another bite. “Must be hard to have to be away from them. But I’m sure Nina appreciates you being here.” And then, quieter, “Whether she or anyone else admits it or not.”

Zeke deliberately focused on the first part of her statement “My clan is a rather rowdy bunch; but yes, it can be hard to be away from them.”

“How long have you been a sovereign?”

“About twelve hundred years, now.”

“Wow.” A short laugh punctuated her reply. “So, tell me honestly: would you take offense if I were to say you’re as old as dirt? These two absolutely hate that saying.”

“I can’t say I’d find it particularly endearing.”

“Exactly, woman,” Aidan chimed in, his attention riveted to his mate. He caught her up around the waist and pulled her into his chest, taking the opportunity to nip lightly at her neck.

“It’s really quite a compliment, Zeke,” Lucy laughed, her eyes sparkling. “I happen to be particularly fond of dirt.”

His grunting laugh was mirrored by Kaien. The other man almost held a companionable look in his eyes.

A telepathic knock arrived on the heels of the thought. Tzuriel’s presence washed over him with an urgency Zeke knew didn’t bode well.

Sovereign.

Tzuriel. What’s happened?

We’ve had a breach into our territory, came his cousin’s hasty response. Several properties have caught flame.

Alarm radiated in his tone, the other man exuding apprehension. Though he instantly transitioned into sovereign-mode, Zeke bristled.

I can’t leave Nina, Tzuri. You’ll have to take care of it.

Zeke didn’t know what was more shocking: Tzuriel being speechless or the fact that his cousin must’ve felt incapable of leading. Granted, he’d been devoted to the clan for centuries—as had Tzuriel—but this was the first time he’d pushed back against something the clan needed.

It was then that the thought hit him: being a bad sovereign was occasionally necessary for being a good mate.

Zeke, we need you.

Are there any injuries?

None.

Are the flames out?

Yes, but—

It was all Zeke could do to keep the growl from his psychic voice. Tzuriel, Nina was part of an attempted assassination yesterday. You want me to leave her for something that’s already contained?

A bare moment of silence met his mental ear. I see your point.

Good, Zeke replied. If Nina remains stable—and out of danger—I’ll try to return this afternoon.

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