Page 71 of A Surrender Of Hope

“We’ll leave at nightfall. I don’t want anyone to see us go just in case whoever is doing this follows,” Nox mutters, and I nod in agreement.

“Tell the courts Creed and Nox have taken their leave of absence and that Valen and I stand guard so they don't know we’ve left the realm,” I add, making Valen frown and look to Creed.

“Why Creed?” he asks, his magic whipping out from him and wrapping around Meyer, his eyes widening in realization before anyone can answer.

“Oh really!” Mom gushes, standing up and hugging Creed. Creed winks at Meyer, who blushes a little in Nox’s arms. Valen looks to Nox with a raised brow.

“You good?” he asks, and Nox sighs, looking from Creed back to Valen with a half shrug.

“I felt it the moment it happened,” he admits and Meyer looks up at him with wide eyes. “Surprisingly, it's you and Raz I’m having the issue with now. Creed's presence is like an extension of her. He’s not adding to the stress.”

“Once Creed bonded her, he is no longer a threat and a full Legion mate. You will find the same thing happens with your brothers,” Mom whispers, squeezing Creed so hard in her excitement that it looks like his eyes might pop from his skull. Nox’s shoulders sag almost in relief, and I frown, wondering how much he’s been hiding from me. I’ve seen the stress and frustration on his face whenever Valen and Creed have touched my Pup, but his control has been remarkable. I thought for sure we would have a few injuries by this point.

“This is a good idea. Jesthren, maybe you can take over some of Nox’s roles again, just to help the Lords not be so suspicious,” Father suggests, but he shakes his head.

“No, I want to go with them,” he says, shocking me. Jesthren hates leaving the Demonic realm, and he loathes humans. Father frowns at Jesthren’s words and leans back in his chair, brow arching as he studies his oldest son.

“Why? You are needed here, with me,” he adds.

“I want to see this through. I actually enjoyed myself there, and I feel like my presence can be helpful. Creed and Nox are newly mated. And I’ll be surprised if Valen’s not by the end of the week; they will be distracted by no fault of their own and will need someone to watch their backs. If this plan is to succeed and we are to destroy Inanis, I feel like we need to give it everything we have, and that includes me,” he says simply.

Nox frowns, looking at Jesthren, his magic winding around our brother, and I know he’s seeking out a lie. After a moment, Nox slowly nods, looking slightly confused but agreeable to Jesthren's suggestions.

“As long as you understand you are not in charge, I think you might be right,” he admits and winces. “My control is shit, and if Meyer is in danger, I know it will become worse.” Nox looks to Meyer, raising a brow as if to ask what she thinks.

“Ditto,” Creed adds, moving closer and lacing his fingers through Meyer’s. He brings her hand to his lips and kisses her tiny fingers as she smiles at Jesthren.

“I think it’s a good idea. If he hadn't helped me with Inanis, I don't think I would be here,” she whispers, making Father shoot Mom a look I don't understand.

“Very well,” he mutters and stands looking at me. “Get everything ready. I want this done before the castle returns to normal capacity. It will be easier to sneak you lot out while everyone is still seeking shelter from the battle.” I nod and turn to leave, not missing the way my Pup watches my every move or how having her full attention wakes something inside me that I don’t think she’s ready for. Not that it matters; the Pup is mine, and there is nothing she can say or do to stop that now.

THIRTY-THREE

Meyer

We move to follow Razar from the Throne Room, but Nox pauses as Orcus places his hand on his son's shoulder. “Why did you spare Bryton?” he asks, voice low so Vivian doesn't hear him. Nox sighs and pinches his nose between his thumb and forefinger. He has shifted back to his normal form, losing the wings and tail, and still has an arm wrapped protectively around my shoulders.

“I didn’t want to,” Nox admits, and Orcus nods.

“I know. So why did you?” Nox looks over his Dad’s shoulder to where his Mom stands talking with Jesthren, then shrugs.

“It would have hurt Mom, plus Bryton is not wrong. Almost half the Lords support him and his radical views. If I had killed him without an active duel in which everyone attended, it would have caused a bigger headache for us all. Besides, I don't have time to deal with him right now, and I really don't want Mom to hate me. So maybe if I have some time to figure shit out, I can think of something that satisfies my need for revenge and doesn't upset Mom.”

Orcus smirks and clasps Nox on the shoulder again in a weird hug.

“First off, your mother will never hate you, and second, you made the right choice. I’m proud of you,” he adds, making Nox blink at him in surprise.

“Come on, Razar is going to leave without us if we don't hurry,” Creed interrupts, tugging me from Nox. His hand links with mine as he pulls me toward the door where Valen and Razar wait. I can hear Nox follow behind as Razar grunts in approval and leads us out of the room, only to pull up short just outside the door where a young woman stands, holding a baby to her chest.

“I—I heard you were home,” she whispers, her voice hoarse with emotion, as she takes the smallest step toward us.

“Mara!” Valen gasps, practically running to her and pulling the beautiful, tired-looking redhead into a fierce hug. I watch in confusion as Nox frowns, stepping around me and walking over to her, rubbing the girl's back as he leans down and looks at the tiny baby—a sad smile tugging at his lips as he stares down at the pink-wrapped infant sleeping in her mother's arms.

“Shit,” Creed rasps, letting go of my hand and walking over, pulling both her and Valen into his arms, careful not to squeeze too tight since the baby is still nestled there.

“I’m glad you are alright,” I hear the girl whisper as she looks up at Valen, who nods but stays silent otherwise. The moment seems tense, like a heavy cloud hanging over them all, and I shift awkwardly on my feet. It feels like I’m intruding on a special moment, yet I don't want to leave the guys’ side, either. I look over at Razar, the only one of the guys who hasn’t rushed to this girl's side, and try to figure out what's going on. He looks frozen where he stands watching his brothers and the girl, his hand slightly outstretched but unmoving.

Who is this girl, and whose baby is that? I thought it would be impossible to see another woman in their arms. Hell, just the thought of it makes a wave of anger like no other burn in mybelly, but for some reason, all I feel when I see her and the guys is a deep sadness.

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