Page 57 of The Dark War

Chapter Thirty-one

Kane

Motherfuckingshit.

It had become my favorite phrase because I couldn’t come up with another one that was worse. Cyrene waved her hand in front of Clara, causing her to fall limp in my arms. Tightening my grip, keeping her head close, I made sure as much of her body was touching mine.

I couldn’t keep her safe from her mind. Physically, I would fight off any fucker that dared try to hurt her, but what I couldn’t do was save her from herself. She put too much on her shoulders, part of it being her damn mother.

Clara tried to please her and become the queen that her mother wanted her to be, but she wasn’t her mother. Clara was a tender-hearted ruler, and she would lead us all into greatness. I just wished Clara knew how highly we all thought of her, and that she didn’t have to worry about failing.

“She saw your deaths,” Cyrene’s hushed whispers became stern. “As you know, dreams hold snippets of the future. I believe dark entities, demons, have inhabited someone’s body and used their powers to infiltrate her dreams. Trying to bring down her confidence, her abilities. Making her feel like she has already failed.”

“Fuck,” I whispered, standing up from the bed with my mate. “How do we protect her then? Are they doing this?” Cyrene pursed her lips, covering her mouth with her hand, thinking.

“This is strong magic. Like combining several sorcerers together.” Wesley shifted to Charlotte. His face grew hard.

“Like I said, three couples will need to work together to bring down this evil. If one couple fails, we all fail. There will be no return to the peaceful land we once had.”

“What couples? Who do we need to protect?” Wesley interrupted. Remus's wolf was powerful, but Wesley had complete control over him. He was the negotiator of all alphas, making him extremely strong and powerful in the Earth realm. Most packs were at peace on Earth.

“It isn’t about protecting.” Cyrene sighed. “It’s about them finding themselves to prove their true potential. Clara feels inadequate, and with these demons trying to penetrate her walls to feel less than, it will be difficult. The other couple, I must go and see as soon as possible. She needs to be trained to use her powers and push her confidence.”

“Who is that then?” I growled. Clara stirred, shifting her so her head cradled against my chest. She sighed, falling asleep again.

“A new species of a shifter. A griffon and dragon hybrid.” Cyrene backed away.

Marcus hung his mouth open, dropping his arms to the side. “A griffin? I thought it was just a story,” he interjected.

Cyrene shook her head. “Far from it. In fact, this war has been brewing for a long time, right under everyone’s noses. I’m glad that Hecate recently visited me in a dream, giving some insight. I don’t know the whole story, but I plan to figure it out. Odessa, though…” Cyrene went to the window, looking out over the courtyard. “She will have trouble. She was brought in as a blood bag, all to end up with the dragon shifter’s magic. It’s a lot on her, and her mate will not be pleased with her joining the fight. He’s certainly possessive.”

“And the other couple?” Wesley asked. Cyrene smirked, looking to the east.

“Osirus and Melina. They are both coming into their new powers. They will be fine alone.” Her voice grew soft. “But with a price. Time is of the essence, and I don’t have time to train them all in their magic.”

“Goddess,” Charlotte whispered, petting Evelyn’s head. “This is so unreal.”

Cyrene smiled at Charlotte, walking to her and stroking her arm. “You’ve beaten one of these demons before, your wolf is strong, and we will need that. You will do just fine.” Wesley pulled his new mate in close, his wolf growling. He didn’t want her to fight, and I didn’t blame him. She has only had her wolf for just a month, just recently made luna.

Clara stirred, her eyes opening. “I fell asleep?” she squeaked, trying to get down, but I held her tighter. “Stay still.” I growled in her ear. She obeyed, leaning her head into my chest.

“In the morning, we will prepare, Your Majesty.” Cyrene bowed. “I suggest rest and maybe something to help you sleep.” Cyrene winked and walked out.

“Let us take Evelyn,” Charlotte offered. “There is a crib in our room.” Clara shook her head, reaching out for her.

“Thank you, but I need her.” Clara sniffed. “It’s my last night with her.” Charlotte gave a sad smile, sorry for our loss of our daughter for who knew how long. Charlotte handed off Evie.

“Let us know if you need anything.” Charlotte turned. “We are here to help, Clara. You aren’t alone.” Clara gave a grateful smile, silently waving as they left. Taking Evelyn from my mate, I took her across the room and into her nursery.

“What are you doing?” Clara whispered harshly. I didn’t stop. I walked into the nursery and set her in the crib. If Clara was going to go back to sleep, it was possible she’d have a nightmare and end up waking up our little warrior. I wouldn’t have that, especially with the way I would put my mate back to sleep.

Shutting the door, I turned on the camera monitor to the nursery. She stayed sleeping, with a blanket swaddled around her. Her soft breathing had me relieved as she rested. Clara was a different story. She sat in the middle of the bed on her knees. She wore her beautiful white gown that barely covered her thighs. Shivering, her eyes went to the monitor.

“She can’t be alone, Kane.” Her eyes watered. “I can’t let anything happen to her.”

“Baby.” I sat on the bed, pulling her to me. “I can’t let anything happen to you.” The base of her palm wiped away her tears.

“You aren’t alone, baby.” I rocked her. “There are so many people here to help. Just because you are queen doesn’t make you invincible. You can’t take everything on yourself. I am here, Marcus, Wesley, Charlotte, our warriors. Your parents and all the omegas and children will be safe.” Kissing her forehead, she relaxed.

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