Page 43 of Resurgence of the Pack

Ares nuzzled my shoulder; he didn’t understand where my grief was coming from, but he knew I was sad and he was sorry about that. I swiped at my eyes and told myself to get a grip then patted his lowered neck. ‘I’m okay,’ I said softly. ‘Just wistful.’

Ivy nuzzled me as well and I had the feeling that she was sending me a hug. Young as she was, she also knew about sadness. I cuddled her. ‘Thank you,’ I murmured.

She sent me a picture of me in fur –humanme in fur. It made me snicker, but I understand what she wanted so we shifted onto four. To my surprise, she didn’t shy away; instead, she sat down next to us and looped her neck round us in a hug. It was a huge sign of trust, a trust I would never betray.

Ares stood to attention at the other side of us, on guard so that we could relax and cuddle. He was such a cute, deadly, carnivorous unicorn.

Eventually I had to get to my feet and reluctantly say goodbye to my equine friends. I had things to do, magical artefacts to find and murderous bastards to interrogate.

A Queen’s work was never done.

Chapter 23

I refreshed myself in my rooms before going back down to my office because a short crying jag required a light sprinkling of makeup: nobody looked queenly with puffy eyes and a red nose. I plaited my hair to get it out of the way, then jogged down to join the others.

Greg was making small talk with Kearns, Liam and Archie were at the security desk and Tristan was pacing by the window. Bastion was sitting in my chair. ‘Cheeky bastard,’ I said to him by way of greeting when I strode in. He gave me a barely-there smile in response but didn’t get up.

I made my way around the table and gave him a kiss hello. ‘You’ve been briefed?’ I asked quietly.

He gave a small nod. ‘Ready when you are.’

‘Great. Just keep him alive.’

‘The opposite of my usual assignments,’ he quipped. He looked like hell and I really wanted to push him againabout seeing Amber – or any witch, for that matter – but it would have to wait. Murderous bastards took priority.

I let Bastion stay in my big-boss chair and, after giving Kearns a friendly smile, took the seat next to him. ‘Have you heard the good news?’ I asked.

He offered a mystified smile. ‘No?’

I grinned. ‘I asked Manners to be my mate. Happily, he agreed.’

Without hesitation, Kearns smiled broadly at us both. ‘That is great news! The werewolves’ position will be strengthened further.’

‘It will indeed. So, as you are speaker of the Council, I want to talk to you about the Black Tourney. We know Larsden and Ramsay were involved. Things have gone quiet on that front – do you think that we’ve seen the last of them?’

He nodded decisively. ‘I think so. It is another great victory for you, my Queen.’

Ugh. Knowing what he was, his obsequious behaviour was hitting me all wrong. How had I ever thought he was on my side?

I was done pussyfooting around and so was Esme.Ask him about the Domini, she ordered impatiently.

‘Great,’ I said to Kearns, as if I believed his assurances. ‘Well, that’s one less thing we haveto worry about. What about the Anti-Crea?’

He blinked. ‘We’re on the human side so we’re not in their crosshairs.’

‘So you think we should let their bigotry slide?’

He shrugged. ‘We have plenty of enemies already without picking a fight with an organisation that has nothing against us.’

‘You’re right about that,’ I agreed evenly. ‘I have enemies everywhere. What do you know about the Domini?’

He swallowed reflexively before making a visible effort to relax. He sat back into his chair. ‘Children’s tales.’ He shrugged. ‘Like the bogeyman.’

‘We both know that’s not true, don’t we, Andrew?’

He licked his dry lips. ‘What do you mean?’

‘I mean you were the one who killed Clark Farrier, weren’t you? At the Domini’s say-so? And you were the one watching for the rose – or lack of it – on my mantelpiece when I refused to join them. You arranged to have my family attacked and you’re responsible for my brother now being a werewolf. You have a lot to answer for, Andy – and I’m not feeling very charitable.’

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