Page 133 of Court of Evil

Now, we need to rebuild and make the guild into what it should have always been—a beacon for the lost and damned, both humans and monsters alike.

Tate has only proved that the monsters need us as much as the humans do, and we will deliver. I will spend my life making sure we do with her at my side—if that is what she still wants. No one would blame her if she wanted to walk away and live a quiet life. She has given everything for this. If she wanted peace, I would move this world and the next to grant it to her.

No one deserves a long, happy life more than Tate.

She jerks away with a gasp, and her monsters sit up with her, reaching for her, but it’s my eyes she seeks. I search her face. She doesn’t look scared. It’s something else entirely.

“I know what we have to do.”

I tilt my head, and she smiles.

“In the morning at least. I saw it. I saw what we must do.”

“What’s that?” I murmur.

“Unite everyone. We’ll make a new treaty.” She turns and falls back asleep as I blink, a smile curling my lips.

I guess that answers my question. Tate will stay here, and I couldn’t be more relieved about that.

“You did good, brother,” Ronan murmurs as the others settle down with her. He kicks back on his chair next to me. “This is what you always wanted, right? So what now?”

“She’s right. We’ll unite everyone.” I speak softly so I do not disturb them.

“You are going to be busy,” he scoffs.

“Not me, her. They won’t follow me, but they will follow her.” I look at him. “That’s good because if I asked you to stay with me even if she left, you would choose her, right?”

He winces, a guilty expression clouding his features. “Brother, I have followed you my entire life?—”

“You don’t have to explain. I’d choose her too. I get it. That is the exact reason it has to be her. She inspires loyalty.” I glance at her again, feeling my expression soften as it always does when I look at her. “She makes me want to be a better man, more than just a commander, but someone she is proud to have at her side. I have loved Tate Havelock since the moment she walked into my office, and I will not stop, not in this life or the next. She is the one I have been searching for. She is the reason I have been reborn so many times. I don’t know what will happen when I die this time, but I do know that I’ll spend this life at her side with you, my brother. It’s time I followed you.”

“She won’t like it.” He grins, and I can’t help but laugh.

“No, she won’t. I have a feeling she will never be alone again. They aren’t going anywhere either.”

He chuckles, knowing I’m right, and we lapse into silence for a bit.

“Get some sleep, brother,” Ronan says. “I’ll keep watch. Sleep next to our girl and let me keep you all safe. In the morning, you can start on your never-ending to-do list. For now, just experience this. It’s called peace, Shy, enjoy it.”

Nodding, I put my phone down, knowing he’s right. When I hesitantly step towards the puppy pile, Tem, who is next to her, rolls away with a sleepy smile, leaving me a space at her side. I slip into it and tug her into my arms, pressing my lips to her forehead. She sighs and turns to me, seeking my heat, and I hold her tighter.

Ronan is right. I need to enjoy this.

I don’t know if I’ll be reborn again now that I’ve found my purpose, but even if I’m not, I’m going to make this lifetime feel like a thousand as long as she’s at my side.

I’m up before dawn, out on the hills helping move bodies. I would never ask the hunters to do something I am not willing to do myself. I left Tate and the others sleeping, knowing they need it, but I have no doubt she will be out here soon. She doesn’t need to help, but I know telling her that will only piss her off and make her do it, so I don’t even bother.

“Commander.” One of my analysts walks over, handing me an iPad. “I stayed up taking count and talking to the other command posts. We estimate just over thirty percent of hunters defected and around twenty-eight percent died here last night.”

“The other two percent?” I frown, looking over the numbers.

“Either hid or abandoned their posts,” he answers. “The other command posts noticed unrest, but after last night, everything seems to be calming down.”

“Good. Until then, I want restricted hunts, only necessary ones, and everyone needs to check in. We’ll have a curfew and make it known that any hunters in that two percent are now rogues and must be killed on sight. Also, tell the other commanders to allow any hunters who want out the opportunity to leave with full pay and benefits. We do not need to keep them if they don’t want to be here.”

“Yes, sir.” He types as I speak. “Repairs have been ordered on Stalkers’ Rest. Other units have started to make enquiries about the elite level and inhabiting it since Black is not here,” he says hesitantly.

“It’s Tate’s,” I snap.

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