Page 88 of Chosen Destiny

“Listen here.” Brittany crossed her arms. “You keep running that mouth, and we’ll see if you go to college.”

“Mom,” he whined and lay back down in the seat.

I didn’t have to see him to know he was pouting. Their relationship was genuine, and my heart ached. I bet I would’ve had that with my parents if Zeke hadn’t killed them. Even though my adoptive parents had been decent to me, our relationship hadn’t been the same as theirs with Pearl and Stevie. This was something I’d missed out on.

Bodey reached over and squeezed my leg. King Sutton gave me a sad smile as if he’d noticed and could hear my thoughts. Great, he was perceptive too. It was a good attribute for a royal, but I didn’t want him to read me like I was reading them.

“I know this has to be hard for you, but thank you for allowing us to visit on such short notice.” King Sutton’s expression turned solemn. “Russell told me what happened, including that one of your royal advisors betrayed you. That was why I wanted us to meet in person—so you could see my face and smell that I wasn’t lying.”

The fact that he’d addressed the issue within minutes of getting into the vehicle with us had to be a good sign. It would help Bodey and me get a quicker read on him. “I appreciate that. It did help that you asked to visit me in my territory instead of the other way around.”

“I wanted to prove that my request is genuine, and you do live closer to California.” King Sutton steepled his fingers. “My men took a flight this morning, and they landed in Los Angeles about three hours ago. The queen lives two hours from the airport, so they located an Airbnb to drop off their things and are heading out as we speak. In a few hours, we should have a good idea of the layout and her numbers.”

I jerked my head backward. “Oh. I thought they were driving.”

“That was the plan, but when we mapped out the trip, we realized it would take them twenty-eight hours to arrive. I didn’t want to wait that long. We made the decision for all of them to fly so we could coordinate an attack quicker.”

Bodey missed the exit to the interstate that would lead us home. “And you’re sure you want to attack her?” he asked nonchalantly, but his Adam’s apple bobbed.

“She’s trying to intimidate us, which I won’t tolerate.” King Sutton’s nostrils flared. “She’s not the Midwest royal—I am. Her attention will turn to us if she takes control of your territory. If we sit back and let that happen, we will lose. I’d like to say I’m here to support you because it’s the right thing to do, but that would be a lie. I’m here to create an alliance to prevent her from getting the power she needs to take over my people.” He placed a hand on his heart, his forehead creasing.

Sincerity poured off him, and any reservations I had about his offer disappeared. I linked with Bodey,Is it bad that I find his honesty comforting?He had admitted to not caring about helping us and that, by allying with us, it was a means to protect what was his.

Not at all. Telling us up front that allying with us is about protecting his people is the only way we would trust him.Bodey’s hands loosened on the steering wheel.Otherwise, we’d know he was blowing smoke up our asses. He couldn’t risk his people to help us. His getting security out of it is valid.

Knowing that Bodey and I were on the same page, I brought the royal advisors into our connection and filled them in on everything.Bodey and I want to bring them back to the house.

I have no objections,Samuel replied.

Man, I just want my Navigator back,Jack deadpanned.So yeah, come on. And I swear, if there are any scratches on it, you’re getting me a new car.

What Jack means is he also agrees,same as me,Lucas said.He wouldn’t risk Stevie.

Miles got straight to business.Where do you want them to stay? Stella and I can get two rooms ready.

I hated to displace Stevie and Samuel, but the king and his family should stay with us since all the vacant houses were filled with Theo’s pack. I connected with only Bodey for a moment,Would your dad and mom take issue with Jack, Stevie, and Samuel staying with them?

Of course not.Bodey tapped his head.They’ll be happy to help us make room to host King Sutton. I’ll connect with them while you tell Miles what to do.

I smiled at him and nodded, linking back with the royal advisors.Jack and Samuel, do you mind staying at Michael and Janet’s for a night or two?

Stevie and I can go back to the other house with Miles, Lucas, and our parents,Jack replied.That way, Jasmine has a room if she comes back from Theo’s.

I was so glad that Bodey wasn’t in the connection to hear that comment.

You mean the bachelor pad?Miles retorted, which was unlike him.

No!Jack emphasized way too hard.I told Stella I’d stop calling it that, remember?

And you didn’t until Stevie.

I swallowed a laugh, but I was glad Miles was finally giving Jack a little bit of hell back.That works too. But if you could help change the sheets in both those rooms, I’d appreciate it.

Bodey turned onto the next entrance to the interstate.

We’ll be there in an hour,I finished.

We’re on it. See you soon,Miles replied.

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