Page 20 of No Honor Amongst Shifters
He had no doubt that some people would have something to say about that, but he was positive that most of the clan wouldn’t care once they realized how much Alcott was helping them and that it might be the one thing that caused them to win this fight.If they didn’t, Roslin would make sure to change that.If there was any way for him to help Alcott through this, he’d do it.
Chapter Eight
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ALCOTT WASN’T SUREwhat made him more nervous—leaving the protection of the clan to meet the cockatrices he and Terrence had agreed would be best to talk to, or spending time with Terrence.Alcott had no idea what the cockatrice shifter thought of him.He didn’t know if Terrence viewed him as a traitor and wanted him dead or if he was willing to look the other way considering their family relationship.
Terrence was dating Donahue, who was Olsen’s brother.Olsen was dating Misha, Alcott’s brother.Alcott didn’t know if their overly complicated family tree would make things better or worse for him when he was allowed to leave, but he wasn’t going to find out today, and he had other things to focus on.
He eyed the front door.Misha had been the one to get him from his room a few minutes ago.Alcott had thought he’d be walked straight to the car, but instead, they’d stopped in the entrance to wait.Terrence hadn’t made his appearance yet, and Alcott understood why when he stumbled out of the living room looking like someone had run their hands through his hair and kissed him senseless.From the satisfied expression on Donahue’s face when he followed, Alcott believed that was what had just happened.
“Sorry we’re late,” Terrence mumbled.
“You’re not,” Misha said.He was smiling and looked at ease with Terrence and Donahue.
Alcott couldn’t say the same.
He pressed his lips together and waited.He and Terrence weren’t going alone, so he wasn’t surprised to see that Donahue was ready to leave, too.Leo, Tim, and Marcel would also be coming with them.Alcott thought it took a lot of courage on Marcel’s part, considering what he’d been through at the hands of a cockatrice shifter.
Alcott thought that was it until Roslin arrived.He was wearing jeans and a t-shirt under a jacket, and he looked good enough to eat.Alcott felt his cheeks heat at the thought and looked away before realizing that Roslin would be going with them when he walked to the door after Tim and Leo.
“You should stay behind,” he murmured as they walked through the door.He didn’t want everyone else to hear him and for Roslin to feel bad.
Roslin smiled as if he didn’t have a care in the world.“Why would I?You’re not.”
“Because I have to do this, but it’s dangerous.You shouldn’t put yourself in danger.”
“But you can?”
“It’s what I deserve and what I should do.”
Roslin sighed.Alcott suspected he knew what Roslin wanted to say, but thankfully, he didn’t have the opportunity to.They stopped next to a car, and Misha pulled on Alcott’s arms to get him to turn around.Alcott hadn’t been surprised when Misha had followed them outside, but at least he was sure his brother wouldn’t be coming with them.
Misha wrapped his arms around Alcott and squeezed.“You be careful and stick close to Leo, Terrence, and Tim.They’ll protect you.”
“What am I, chopped liver?”Donahue mumbled.
“No, but you can’t turn into a dragon and eat anyone who threatens my brother.”
“I can try.”
Misha rolled his eyes, but Alcott could see the worry in his expression.He quickly hugged him again, not wanting Misha to decide he would go with them after all.“I’ll be fine.I promise.”
“That’s not something you can promise, unfortunately, but I’ll try to believe it.”
Roslin reached around them and opened the back door.Alcott didn’t want to leave his brother, but he had to, so he quickly slid into the back seat.He wasn’t surprised when Roslin followed him in.
They’d be taking two cars.There were too many of them to fit in one, and that way, if something happened to one of the cars, they could still get away.They could also shift, but Donahue and Roslin would have to be carried, and there might not be time to do all of that if they were under attack.
Alcott had to believe they wouldn’t be.No one knew they were coming.They were going to talk to people who wanted Irwin and the coven to stop what they were doing as much as Elijah did.It had to work.
Tim took the wheel while Leo sat next to him in the passenger seat.Alcott was relieved when everyone stayed silent as they drove.His heart was racing, and he was sweating, but he wasn’t sure if it was because he was nervous or because he was terrified.A mix of both, probably.He wanted to scream, but instead, he bit hard on his lower lip and stared out the window.
It didn’t take long for him to start recognizing the buildings and shops they drove past.His heart skipped a beat, and he swallowed, telling himself he wasn’t going back to Damien.Damien would never hurt him again.Alcott would die before he allowed him to.
“Do we know who owns the bar?”Leo asked.
“A cockatrice shifter.”
