Page 19 of Called By Fate

"How are you not? You could lead them right to us," Elian snaps back. “How do we know they’re not here right nowbecauseof you?”

Adam’s face is devastated at Elian’s words, and my intuition isn’t giving me dishonest vibes. Godsdammit.

“They've disowned us completely,” Adam says. “After everything went down, we received a fire message from their missive stating we are accused of treason. Since we are their sons, they are sparing our lives this once, but if they ever see us again, we’re dead. We have nowhere else to go,” he admits quietly. "Meeting our mate has completely opened our eyes. We've been so foolish."

"But we are not our fathers," Niall, the other twin, adds.

"No, you are not," I agree, something in my gut urging me to trust them. "Guys, they probably have inside knowledge that we may need. It could be vital. I’m not saying let’s trust them implicitly, but maybe keep them on a short leash?"

"I'm prepared to swear a blood oath," Adam states and steps forward and the mood instantly changes. Swearing a blood oath in this community is huge and speaks volumes about Adam’s intentions. "To prove to you that we are serious about leaving our fathers in the past."

Reed, who has been watching them closely, is the first to speak. "If the time comes, are you prepared to kill them, if need be?" he asks. That question is probably more personal for him, considering their fathers killed his father… and made him watch.

“Yes,” Adam replies without hesitation.

I turn to my mates and pull us all into a little huddle. It’s not like the others can’t hear us, but it gives me a small sense of privacy. "I get it. It was one thing to let them into the estate under supervision to visit Emma after giving us Ash. This is different, but where do we draw the line? I don't think any of you would say you'd have done it differently if the roles were reversed."

Their faces turn slightly sheepish because they know I’m right. If I was in Emma’s shoes, they would’ve shadowed me out of there faster than you could sayrun.

Adam looks to Reed. “I’m extremely sorry for the pain and suffering my father caused you and your people, but I want you to know we’re with you, all of you, for this mission.” He glances to Emma, eyes full of love. “I want a safer world for our future. One where we’re not judged because of who our true mate is.”

Elian is the one to break the silence, and his nostrils flare. "Fine, but you will swear the oath to me, Adam. Because if you renege on your word, you know Iwillhunt you down." The feral grin on his face shouldn’t turn me on, but it totally does.

Adam gulps. "D-Deal."

“Wrap this up, kids,” Matilda chastises. “We're running out of time.”

Elian nods and drags his crotch knife across his palm then hands it to Adam who does the same. "I, Adam Adair, pledge an oath to Elian King, that I will not reveal or otherwise disclose any information to my fathers about you, your Circle, or anyone else. We will abide by your rules. So let it be bound."

"So let it be bound," Elian echoes, placing his palm against Adam’s.

"Never thought I'd see the day this fucker pledged an oath to Elian." Dante snickers but covers it up with a cough when Elian shoots him a look.

Alpha Darren jogs into the foyer and announces, "I've gathered the pack. Everyone is waiting outside." He’s slightly out of breath, but I’m glad he got everyone ready so quickly.

"Perfect timing," Matilda says gleefully, clapping her hands together. "Shall we?"

My Circle, along with Emma's, Alpha Darren, and Hemsworth, follow her out to the front lawn where all the shifters are gathering. I'd estimate there are around forty or so of them, plus the shifters from the compound who are huddled to the side, near the others, but far enough away for them to feel comfortable. It’s certainly an improvement over when they feared everyone.

"Sadie," the brave one from the compound that usually addresses me calls out, and I head over to her with my mates and Hemsworth in tow. "What is going on?" she asks with worry in her gaze. “The Alpha wouldn’t tell us much but said it’s life or death.”

I debate for a moment about cushioning the truth, but ultimately decide to tell them exactly what’s happening. Even though it pains me because it’s technically my fault.

"The Elders are coming here to slaughter us.” Gasps ring out through the crowd as everyone hears and grows antsy. “And it’s because I refused to bow to them,” I say, addressing all of them this time. “But please, do not fear. As a Triad, a person of all three species, and the Shadowbringer, it’s my duty to bring change and peace.” The shifters start whispering amongst themselves. Someone murmurs about their family and a thought occurs to me that we haven’t discussed yet.

I mentally reach out to the guys before saying anything out loud.What about their friends and families that aren't here? We can't deny them that.

Kaos ponders my question.We'll find a way to get the word out. Anyone is welcome to join us.

I could kiss you right now.

You'd have to plant one on all of us, Angel, and we're on a time crunch, remember?

Later then, I promise.

“If you choose to follow us,” I continue, raising my voice to allow everyone to hear my words, “I will ensure your friends and family have a safe haven and a chance for a better future as well. One where everyone is equal. Not only am I a Triad, but I also have a mate from every part of our magical community, and I propose we start a new status quo.”

My mates stare at me with pride in their eyes as every shifter raises their voice and say, “To the Shadowbringer!”

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