Page 21 of The Heirs

Currently, Halley was in her history class with Eli and Kalani and I was wandering the corridors of West Territory, knowing she was safe for now. But that wouldn’t last, not with us heading out soon to go against all the Hunters at once. Although Knox and Eli were both chosen to fight, I wasn’t stupid, they wouldn’t be on the front lines. They’d be safe in the back, helping the Council control the Divines they were trying to turn into soldiers. And if I had learned anything from the past few weeks, I was almost certain Halley would be on the front lines, the least protected of us all if the Council had any choice in the matter. Unfortunately for them, they hadn’t taken into consideration how easily that girl could wrap someone around her finger. And if it was up to me, she would walk out of that fight without a scratch on her. Which brought me to my current situation.

Knocking on the closet door I had tracked Wilder to, a growl resounded behind it.

“Go the fuck away.”

Rolling my eyes, I knocked again, trying to be polite. But if the door didn’t open in two seconds, I’d be ripping it open. Thankfully, Wilder opened the door, eyes wild and blood dripping down his chin, a Shifter standing behind him.

“What the fuck do you want?” His surly tone may have bothered others, but I wasn’t one to cower to anyone. Least of all a Drax with an attitude problem. However, I was trying to get him to do my bidding currently, so the niceties were turned on. Or at least as much as I could turn them on.

“You, get out.” I said, pointing at the bear Shifter. I knew they’d listen; I was their Alpha after all. After the Shifter scurried away, I stepped into the closet and shut the door behind me. The closet was filled with cleaning supplies, a tight space, made even tighter by the two large bodies standing in it. I refused to step out though, knowing Wilder would just flash away given the chance. Plus, I figured Knox wasn’t wrong when it came to keeping everything a secret. Who knew which people in this school were aiding the Council in their twisted plans.

“I have a plan.” I said, getting straight to the point. There would be no mindless chatter between the two of us and for that, I was thankful.

Rolling his eyes, Wilder went to push past me, but I refused to budge. The fucker was going to listen to me whether he wanted to or not.

“Your last plan, ended with a girl yelling at me and throwing random shit at me. I think it’s safe to say I have no interest in any of your other ideas.”

“This plan isn’t like the last one.” I countered. Plus, I couldn’t necessarily feel bad about the previous one, not when it ended with me sliding into Halley’s delicious heat.

“So, the plan doesn’t involve Halley?” Wilder asked and from the glint in his eye, he already knew the answer.

And fuck, he did have me there. The plan definitely had to do with Halley, but hell, everything these days seemed to do with her. I wasn’t complaining though, I quite enjoyed my life revolving around the little spitfire.

“Obviously the plan is about Halley,” I relented, “but stop being an asshole for one second and listen to me.”

I knew it was rich coming from me, but it was the truth, nonetheless. And even if I had to barricade this door for the rest of the day, he would be listening to my words. Thankfully, Wilder paused and stood there with his arms crossed, clearly waiting for my explanation.

“Look, we’re going against the Hunters soon and we know they have it out for Halley. And who knows who else does. We can’t let anything happen to her.”

“Pretty sure Knox already made that clear, don’t know why you’re telling me again.”

“Because I need your help protecting her. Make sure nothing happens.”

In fact, the thought of even a hair being out of place on her beautiful head made me want to shift and rip everyone apart. I don’t know why Halley had been dealt such a shitty hand out of this life, but I was determined to make sure nothing else happened to her under my watch.

“She’ll be fine. You, Knox, Eli, and Maeve will make sure nothing happens to her. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if Kalani tags along just to protect the precious princess.”

The snark rolling off his tone couldn’t be ignored, but I was never sure where the animosity came from. Sure, Wilder seemed to dislike most people, but his hatred for Halley seemed to go beyond that. However, now wasn’t the time to worry about where the annoyance stemmed from.

“You know better than I do that Knox and Eli won’t be stepping foot in front of the Hunters. And Maeve may be excelling in training but she doesn’t have the natural strength from her powers. We need to protect her.”

The frustration rippled through my voice, but I couldn’t help it. I knew I could ask some of my Shifters to protect Halley, but I didn’t know if I could trust them. All it would take was one promise and they’d be the ones to put a bullet in her back.

Wilder mulled over my words for several minutes and I was beginning to think it was a lost cause, Halley’s safety left in my hands alone, when he finally spoke.

“I’ll protect the princess, but I want something in return.”

I readily agreed, not giving a shit about what he wanted, if it meant my girl was safe.

“I’ll let you know what it is.”

Wilder nodded and then pushed me aside, flashing out of the closet, leaving me to wonder what the fuck the Drax could possibly want from me.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Knox

Halley sat before me; eyes closed in concentration. I took the opportunity to memorize her features, not having to worry about other wandering eyes watching me. After the other night when Eli and Madden had both stayed with Halley, it was clear both men had a relationship with her. And the truth was, I understood why. Her red hair flowed in curls over her shoulders, the bright color contrasting to her creamy skin. Freckles dotted her nose and cheeks, even outlining her luscious lips that I stared at longer than necessary.

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