Page 10 of Cast By Flames (Dragon's Breath)
“Yes.” He nodded. “She’s in danger and needs you right away.”
“From what?” I asked, tensing.
“Looks like a renegade group, but we’re still investigating the situation.”
I frowned. “Is anyone guarding her?”
“A couple of guys from the posse are with her.” He worked his jaw. “But that’s all Jack could spare, and I’m not sure it’s enough.”
My worry for Nadine Richards grew. The last thing we needed was for the head of the town council to die. War was looming, and we had to maintain strong leadership and stability. Since I met her a little over six weeks ago, she had proven her worth with her shrewdness and ability to develop cohesive plans that kept things running smoothly.
“Let me just make arrangements for my son,” I said, glancing toward Orion. “Then we can head out.”
I’d say goodbye and ensure Ozara could take over for a few hours while I was gone.
“Try to make it quick. She found a note late this morning, and it wasn’t the least bit friendly. As soon as I got some guys to watch her, I headed straight here, but my gut tells me we’re running out of time.”
“Where is she at?”
“Her house.” His jaw tightened. “She refused to leave since that was part of the threat.”
They’d attack her home? What did they want, and why go to such extremes?
My mind raced as I formulated a plan. “Head back now. I’m gonna see about catching a faster ride, so I should beat you there.”
“Thanks,” he said, relief filling his hazel eyes. “See you soon.”
Chapter 3
Aidan
Aidan stared out the window, his hands clasped behind his back while his sister stole choice pieces of his leftover food. She’d arrived a few minutes before while he ruminated over his war preparations. Spending at least half his days in the office had never been part of the plan when he took over as Pendragon.
He wished he could take his work outside more often so he could watch his son play and be near his mate. That would have been an option if he didn’t have to handle near-constant war planning, but those opportunities proved rare lately.
The large room where he regularly found himself ensconced provided absolute privacy through a magic-blocking spell and prevented anyone from overhearing the conversations that took place within it. They suspected the Kandoran had ways of spying on them from afar. He couldn’t take any chances with sensitive information, so Aidan forced himself to stay near his desk whenever he handled war preparations. That took eighty percent of his waking hours in recent weeks.
“Brother, you’re doing an impressive job,” Phoebe said, settling into a chair across the room withhisplate in her hand. She appeared completely relaxed and even hung a leg over oneof the arms, bouncing it in a regular rhythm as she chewed bite-sized meat morsels.
Aidan had gotten quite good at hiding his feelings and thoughts from everyone, so she could not sense the stress he was experiencing.“Thank you.”
From his sister’s perspective, he’d become the epitome of a fearless and competent leader. That image was something he worked to project to everyone under his protection. He intended to keep it that way, only allowing Bailey to see the other side he kept hidden from others. As his mate, he trusted her to see the weaker parts of him where he held all his doubts and concerns. She was truly perfect for him. He was grateful she’d returned soon after he took over, providing the support he needed to do what he must.
With her at his side, the mantle of leadership didn’t feel quite as burdensome, but after more than two centuries of avoiding it, he still felt astonished that he’d become pendragon. The concept of nearly a thousand lives—including the humans and sorcerers residing within the fortress—relying on him for their safety and well-being daunted him. Ways to do right by them consumed his thoughts.
Aidan cleared his throat. “Would you like to update me on the recruits now, or do you still need a few minutes to eat my food?”
Phoebe gave him a shameless grin. When she’d arrived and found a full tray of meats and cheeses the servants had left on a side table for him, she’d focused on that rather than him. He’d had a few bites before her arrival, but the constant flow of visitors who came to his office prevented him from partaking of more. It didn’t bother him that his sister behaved relaxed when they were alone, and he even preferred it.
“If it helps, I’ve got good news.” She licked her fingers. “The recruits are advancing much faster than expected. I think the impending war is motivating them to train harder and take my instructions seriously.”
“Do you think they’ll be ready?” he asked.
Phoebe dropped her leg and set the empty plate aside. “Last I heard from our uncle Kade, we have two to six weeks until the Kandoran attack. Definitely before the weather turns cold. If they come sooner, I think the recruits will still be an asset in battle, but their chances of survival won’t be great. The longer we have to train them, the better, so let’s hope for the best.”
He worked his jaw, hating the idea of sending any of his people to die, even if he had no choice. “That is one facet. Gathering the best intelligence and allies, as well as formulating a clever plan, will make a difference in their survival as well.”
“Where are you sending my mate?” she asked, narrowing her gaze. “Ozara won’t tell me anything, which is ridiculous.”
