Page 57 of A Surrender Of Hope

“No,” I repeat, making her narrow her eyes at me, and I know she’s about to chew me out. My cock throbs in response to her anger, her emotions running high and letting me feel every bit of her frustration and… arousal. Well, shit, looks like my perfect mate likes our little fights as much as I do.

“Listen, I understood when you were concerned with him traveling here with us, but he’s already here. It's a waste to send him back, and I need a friend here,” she snaps, making me roll my lips together in frustration when her argument makes sense. We’ll travel back to the castle in North America in two days. Our trip was cut short because of the danger to Meyer's life if anyone were to discover her secret. It would take Razar over a day to bring Theodore Drakos back to the rift and return, and I don’t like the idea of him not being here for that long. I have several meetings I need to attend with my father, and Razar is the man I put on Meyer duty when I’m not around.

“And if he gets hurt? Are you prepared to face those consequences?” I watch her face, wondering if she truly believes she can. I’m not simply arguing with her to be an asshole. Meyer has actual feelings for this boy, which drives me absolutely mad, if I’m honest, despite knowing it's a brotherly love she holds for him.

My animalistic part doesn't care about that; he only wants all her love and attention. Sharing her with my Legion has me in knots. On the one hand, the interaction I shared with Valenand her only drives my need for her more. The pleasure that we brought her makes me want to do it all over again, but I still have moments when I want to tear my mate from their arms and hold her myself. It's been a humbling experience, to be sure. I’ve prided myself on my control for a Demon so young, but that control constantly slips whenever Meyer is around me.

Meyer frowns but nods. “Elaine would understand that Theo chose to stay,” she slowly says. I shake my head.

“No, not Elaine.You, Meyer. Elaine, I can handle, but I don’t think I can handle seeing your devastation if this boy gets injured or worse. I don't think they can either,” I admit, nodding at my brothers, who nod in agreement. “We don't like seeing that, and I do not want to cause you any unnecessary stress. You’ve had enough of that this week. I’m not trying to make you angry here. I’m trying to ensure you’re okay. Are you mentally prepared for Ranger Drakos to possibly get hurt?”

If Meyer asked me for the damn moon I would pluck it from the sky for her. The things I need to do to earn her forgiveness and trust are astronomical, but it's something I will work toward for the rest of my life. The amount of apologies I need to voice are numerous and the need to fall down on my knees and beg for her forgiveness and love is something I have considered. But not only would that push her for an answer she might not be ready to give, but it would be unfair of me to ask when I still have so much to repent for. I already have more than I thought she would ever give me. Her kisses and touch feed my very soul, and I thank the Gods that she’s willing to be with me, and has given me the chance to show her I can be better.

Letting her friend stay is simple, even if it’s an added complication. But it’s one I will handle if it's her wish. As long as she knows the dangers of her request. I’ve kept information from her before, a decision I regret more than anything. I refuse to doit again. Theo Drakos is a weakness for my Little Demon, and I fear for his safety here.

“Hey! That's not fair. Don't put this on Meyer. I make my own decisions and could easily get hurt on Earth. What difference does it make if it’s here?” I blink at the Drakos boy then frown. Shit, putting guilt on Meyer wasn’t my intention at all, I just wanted her to make an informed decision. I flick the annoying boy a frustrated look, and thankfully Valen steps in, smoothing out my rambled words with his own.

“A lot is different here, Theo. Demons are held to a different set of rules. Not only is violence accepted as normal, but it's encouraged. Hunters were created by Demons to help protect Earth from the creatures of our realm. You are stronger and less breakable than humans but to a Demon? You would be destroyed in seconds. Despite the larger than normal magic you possess as a Hunter.”

Elaine’s son scowls at Valen and opens his mouth to argue, but Valen holds a hand up and shakes his head. “No. It’s facts. I’m not trying to be rude or put down your fighting in any way. I have seen you fight. You are exceptionally talented and strong. Your mother's bloodline has given you a boost most Hunters don't have, and against a normal Demon, you would stand a fighting chance. But a fight against a warrior class or Royal? There would be no hope for you. I believe Lennox’s concern is that you would be challenged and hurt, which would cause emotional distress to Meyer,” he adds, looking at me in question, and I nod.

Do I want the boy here… not really, but I wouldn't be opposed as long as I knew he would be safe and Meyer wouldn't be affected by his bad decisions. “Isn't that what I just said?” I grumble to Meyer, who smirks and rolls her eyes as Creed chuckles at our side, watching everyone’s interaction with an amused smile plastered on his face.

“Not as eloquently, but yes,” she agrees.

“I could train the boy,” Razar mutters from his corner, shocking me enough that my mouth drops open in surprise as I stare at him. Okay, who is this person, and where is my murderous, Hunter-hating brother?

“Umm,” Meyer starts to say, eyes wide as she shoots Ranger Drakos a warning look, but it’s unnecessary as Elaine's son is already shaking his head and stepping further away from Raz.

“I think we’re trying to keep Theo alive, and I’m pretty sure that idea is a one-way ticket to a fast and painful death,” Creed muses as he eyes Raz with the same puzzled look as Valen and I are.

“I’m agreeing with Senior Regalis,” Ranger Drakos croaks out, looking slightly pale. “Any other ideas? Because I’m staying, but I don't want to add to Meyer's stress,” he whispers, looking at Valen with hope lighting his young eyes. My brother tilts his head to the side, pursing his lips as he slowly nods.

“We could add him to Meyer’s court. As the Crown Princess, it will be important for her to start her court now rather than later. She will need to have alliances of her own once she’s Queen,” he reminds me, and I frown, thinking that idea through and wondering why I hadn’t thought of that before now. Not only would it keep the boy safe while in the Demon realm, but politically, it would help keep the royalty tied to the human realm once Ranger Drakos inherited his mother's North American Senior title. It would also ensure peace between the Seniorem and the Demons for several decades.

“Crown Princess… whoa. I missed something here.” Ranger Drakos looks at Meyer with a puzzled look, and she shrugs.

“Yeah, uh, it's a new development.”

“You think?” he snaps, then looks at me. “So you two got married?” he asks, and I grin when Meyer stiffens in my arms.

“Yes,” I answer for her, chuckling when she gives me a dark look.

“We did not. We are mated, but there was no white dress in the mix there.”

“Yeah, you did Lemon Drop. Demons don't get married like humans do—they mate, which is the equivalent of marriage,” Creed pipes in.

“Stronger than marriage. Humans can dissolve their vows. Demons cannot,” Valen offers, and Creed nods in agreement.

“Typically, there is a Mating ceremony once a Legion is complete. I’m sure Mom is already starting to plan it,” Creed grins at her like the idea of the party excites him as I grimace. I hate big parties and, by the look Meyer has on her face, she doesn't like the idea either. Maybe we can convince Mom not to throw one?

“No shit. And you decided to tie yourself to the biggest asshole of the three, huh?” Ranger Drakos asks, making me growl and hold Meyer tighter to me. “I thought we said the sweet ones were the best options.” He points at Creed and Valen, who look far too pleased with his assessment as I glower at the stupid boy. I take it back; I no longer care if Meyer wants him here; this little shit needs to go home.

“Shut up, Theo,” Meyer mutters, eyeing me with a look that promises death if I do something to her friend.

“Yeah, okay. I like this Court option better. So, how do I become a member? Is it like in the stories on Earth?”

“You would need to be named and have a title bestowed upon you by Nox and Meyer,” Valen informs me, making Meyer laugh as she wiggles her brows at her friend.

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