Page 119 of King of Tides

“You will always be important to me, Car,” I say as I tug him in and give him a tight hug.

“You will make a great mom. My nephews are cute. Don’t forget you have a family here too. Don’t make me have to become a biker. I don’t really think your dude likes me andI might never earn a patch,” Carson jokes sounding like the brother I know.

“How can I forget the boy who saved my life? Thank you, Carson. Thank you for going to get Mack and getting me a home.”

“Anytime, sis. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

I release him and stand as I can feel Ardan’s agitation through our bond. He’s trying and failing to block the emotion from me. I move to his side and lace my fingers with his.

“Come on, let’s head home.”

Setting the Play

Ihave never forced myself into a body this small. However, I don’t have time to adjust to his size. I need to find some useful information I can take back.

When the bishop gave me this assignment, that Carson guy felt like the right vessel. His obsession with her and the way he reeked of her scent caused me to choose him. I was sure he would get me close to her.

My luck, she cut him off the same day I possessed him. He will be lucky to survive all the time I’ve spent occupying his body. He’ll be dead by morning, being a human and all.

Ah, bingo. I won’t need to remain in this one long, but I will use him to set up a play, just in case.

I knock the little boy out so I can take control of his mind and body. He will wake when I exit. For now, I need full control.

“Grandpa Mack?”

“Yes, Beck.” The old man looks up from the drawer he’s digging through.

“Will you come to see us at the clubhouse?” I ask.

Thankfully, I won’t have to be in this body long because I don’t think I would get used to the tiny voice. It would drive me crazy after a few hours. However, he was the easiest vessel to take over without notice.

“We’ll have to see what your mother and father think of that. If it’s fine with them, I would love to.”

“Good. I have something for you. It will help you get into the clubhouse. They will know we invited you and they’ll get you right to Mom and Dad.”

I reach into the little boy’s pocket and pull the coin from inside. The old man looks at it and hesitates. I think fast in order for my plan to work.

“They would want you to have it. We all have them. If ever something were to happen to Mom, you would be able to get in during a lockdown if you have this.”

This gets him to take the coin from my hand. I smile, pleased with myself. I will return to His Grace with solutions and not empty hands. I can’t help wondering how my brother has fared.

Asher doesn’t have the same patience. Knowing him, he has abandoned the mission for another realm—not doubt the vampire realm, his favorite—and he will return when he senses I have.

“Thank you, Beck.”

“No problem. I hope we see you soon, Grandpa. I had so much fun with you today.”

“Come give me a hug, little buddy. You have made my day.”

With a cunning smile on my lips, I go to hug the old man.

The bishop will be pleased.

***

I enterthe bishop’s office with confidence and pride. However, I do note something is off. I don’t feel many of my brothers here. That’s strange. This place is always filled with life. Even when many of us are out hunting or on assignment, there’s always so many of us around.

“Your Grace,” I say as I place the coin down on his desk.

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