Page 41 of The Price They Paid

“Christophe came to me for the spell. That’s true. I made it. But only because he threatened the life of my sister. I didn’t know that it was for the queen. I’d never hurt her. She’d protected the nine of us for so long …” Her voice trailed off. “I didn’t know it was for her until your guards arrested me. I still haven’t forgiven myself for that.”

“Why did you run?” I asked.

“Justice was coming of age, and somebody needed to watch over her. I’d been around off and on over the years, but she was growing stronger. I was set free to protect her. She needed me.”

“Who set you free?” I asked the question but already knew the answer.

“I did.” Mandy spoke the words easily.

“Treason,” I barked at her.

“I’m sworn to protect Justice at all costs. Justice needed Sandy.”

“I’d never hurt Justice, Seuss,” Sandy said. “If you promise not to try any funny business, I’ll show you.”

“Then you’ll let me heal, Justice?” I asked.

Sandy hesitated. “Yes.”

I saw a burst of light come from the center and then heard gasps from Justice.

“Fine!” I roared. I didn’t know what the hell she was doing, but I could feel Justice more than I could before.

Everybody stood behind me ready to attack.

“Tell them to back away,” Sandy said. I could see her through the light advancing toward us.

“Move back!” I yelled. Everyone stepped backward but Maddox.

“I’ll stay here.”

Sandy emerged from the light and looked over at Maddox. “I want to cause no harm to your Alpha, but I know what it means to guard someone with your life, but stay back Beta.”

Sandy kneeled on the ground in front of me. She was smart. Coming to me without Justice ensured that she stayed safe.

“I know you read memories, Seuss.” She kept her head bent, waiting.

I lifted her head and rested my forehead against hers. Bright light welcomed me, and I shielded my eyes from it.

“Guardians of nine, you’ve been chosen because you are the fiercest and strongest in the lands. You’ll guard my lineage to the end of time. No matter the consequences.”

The man was tall and strong. The crown upon his head spoke of his royalty.

“You’ll guard our lives with your own making a sure path for our future.”

The king wore garbs that molded to his chest and extended down to his waist. His pants were burgundy leather that matched the dress of his queen. She sat beside him rocking a beautiful baby girl. While his skin was tanned from the sun, hers was bronzed naturally. Her hair was a bright red like sparks from a fire.

“You’ll protect Justice’s future before Simi’s and mine. She’s the most important.”

Flashes of pictures followed until I watched a fight in a court yard. The king was fighting a man but the energy around him was dark and filled with hatred. I saw the spear, cursed, as it flashed in the air before going straight into the king’s heart. The guardians were already headed for the queen who was holding the baby. She was collapsing, but Anna held her upright. They tried to usher her away from the balcony where she stood, but she was trying to get to her mate. The pain and despair couldn’t be ignored in her cries.

Time moved forward again, and I saw Simi laying in a bed. She wasn’t moving but Ree stood in the room holding Justice close to her chest.

“You know what we have to do,” Ree said.

Time sped up, and I watched Justice grow up under the watchful care of Sandy. Then, Sandy stood in a room beaten and shackled to a wall.

“I know that you don’t care if you die, but what about Mandy?” the man asked. “What about that girl that you go into town to see? I could easily kill them.”

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