Page 84 of Owning His Mate

“Old friends?”

“Cade said to get you. We’re in the main hall. Come quick!”

He turns and rushes back down the steps. “Who is he talking about?” I ask her.

She shrugs. “I have no idea, but let’s go find out.”

Chapter 21

Apryle

My brain still feels rattled, and while the bleeding from my ear has stopped, it’s left me with a dull headache.

As we approach the main building, an uneasy sensation ripples through me, burying my musings.

“Who do you think is here?” Kye asks, trying to prepare for whatever danger we’re facing.

“I don’t know.” I squeeze his hand. “I doubt the others would put us at risk, Kye. Try to relax.”

He snorts. “What is this… relax you speak of? I can’t remember the last time I relaxed.”

Nor can I.

“I guess this is going to be our lives for a while, huh?”

“I don’t like it,” he mutters.

“Me neither.” I stop walking and roll to my toes to kiss him, sensing he needs a reminder of the good we do have among the shitstorm surrounding us.

His fingers instantly thread through my hair to rest on my nape. He pours everything into it, and so do I. Any moment could potentially be our last, so we have to make every second count.

“I love you,” he says, and my chest fills with warmth.

“I love you too.”

He smiles, a rare show of happiness from him. “Let’s do this.”

He grabs my hand before he pushes through the door first, his huge body blocking me from any danger that might lie inside. Normally, I would accuse him of being overprotective, but considering all the things that have happened, I appreciate this side of him.

It takes my eyes a second to adjust to the change in lighting, but as I glance around the room, I see the crowd that has gathered.

I do a quick head count and realize almost everyone in the compound is here, including my coven and their mates.

Roux is standing in Sawyer’s arms, her back to his chest, and his thick forearms hold her close. She notices me first and attempts to slip free of her mate, but Sawyer doesn’t let her go. That heightens my unease. Whatever is happening has him on high alert and protective of Roux.

She twists her neck to peer up at him, speaking in a manner that suggests she’s trying to placate him. His heavy brows draw together as he says something to her before she turns, slipping out of his grasp. I can’t hear what they’re talking about, but from their body language, it’s clear both of them are on edge.

I wait as Roux finally walks over to us. Before I can say anything to her, Savannah pushes through the crowd and throws herself at me. I wrap my arms around her as she hugs my waist.

“You okay?” I ask her, and she nods. “What’s going on?” I direct this at Roux.

Sawyer’s concern isn’t an overreaction. I can sense the tension in the room. It vibrates through the air like a tidal wave, but I can’t see any obvious danger to react to.

The two of them exchange a glance, not saying anything until Roux blows out a breath. The downturn of Roux’s mouth tellsme everything I need to know. I am not going to like what she is about to say.

“Hester is here.”

It takes my brain a moment to catch up with those words. Hester, the woman who betrayed us by hiding the truth about her family, is here.

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