Chapter 169

Drew

Drew heard angry murmuring from behind him. He turned to see that during the fight, the mirrored gateway had been knocked over and was laying face down on the ground. He and Stormy rushed over to stand it upright. He could already hear David, Dean and Damian yelling.

Once it was settled, all three of the mates stepped through the mirror and rushed to Stormy’s side. Damian immediately started to pat her down like he was looking for injuries. “Are you okay, Sweetness?” He heard David ask.

Next through the mirror was Nathan who rushed to Shawna. Drew was a bit surprised to see the level of concern the wolf had for his Regent. “Shawna, you scared me. Are you okay?” The Beta asked.

“I’m fine. I was never in real danger. I may look sweet, but I'm actually quite dangerous.” She said with a shy smile. A tiny blush crept over her cheeks.

Drew had never seen Shawna blush. He couldn’t help but wonder if he was seeing the beginning of something special. He decided to ask her about it at another time. His current concern was his own mate. He walked over to where the other three Kindred were practically squishing her.

“I’m fine too!” Drew said sarcastically as he reached into the middle of their tiny mob and pulled Stormy away. He enveloped her in his arms. He hugged her tightly and placed his forehead against hers.

“Seeing you take down those thugs was really hot,” he whispered. The tips of her ears turned pink and she bit her lip.

I shouldn't have killed them all, before we found out who sent them. She signed with a frown.

Drew shrugged. “I’m almost positive that I know the answer to that one. Those men were part of an elite fae squad, few people would have been able to command them.” He shook his head. He could hardly believe the betrayal.

“Damian, may I speak with you?” Drew said as he pointed to a grove of trees just out of earshot of the rest of the group. Damian nodded and fell in beside him as they walked away.

“What’s on your mind?” Damian asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Do you still have the ability to read minds?” Drew asked.

“Yes and no, I can’t read yours, if that’s what you are asking.” Damian said defensively.

“I didn’t think you would, even if you could. I know that Stormy scolded you the last time and you would never purposely do something to anger her. I actually have someone else in mind.” Drew said as he held his hands up in surrender showing Damian he had no ill will.

“Stormy gave me my power back when we pleased her in the throne room. I have pretty much had it on mute because I didn’t want to offend her again. I can’t hear any of the Kindred, Argus or any member of the council. I’m assuming that Stormy put safe guards in place so that the people she considers hers, are protected.” Damian explained.

“That sounds like something she would do. I need you to read the mind of my court. Whoever is trying to kill us, is definitely part of my government. I’m almost sure as to who, I just need the why.” Drew explained.

Damian nodded in agreement and nodded for them to head back towards where Stormy was standing. They walked over together just to hear the tail end of a rant by David about how the mirror gate wouldn’t allow for him to pass because it was facedown. Knowing that there was a way to close the gate actually brought a bit of comfort to Drew. He didn’t have to worry about the enemy sneaking up on them.

The rest of the journey was fairly quiet. No one teleported in on them and nothing jumped out from behind any of the bushes. Drew was even able to make it into his chambers with the mirror via a secret passage without anyone noticing them. Once the mirror was secure, he asked Shawna to call an assembly and waited for his court to arrive.

Drew waited till he was sure that it would make the most impact before her threw open the doors to his own throne room and stomped into the room. There was a collective gasp as Drew approached the throne. Several of the fae began to clap at the return of their king. Drew took Stromy’s hand and climbed up onto the platform that held his throne where Shawna sat. The rest of the kindred and council followed behind him.

Shawna stood and bowed respectively to Drew before she moved to stand beside the throne that she had just occupied. She gave a small curtsy as Drew took his seat. Stormy stood on the other side of the throne, while the rest of the Kindred and leadership team stood across the first step.

Out of the corner of his eye, Drew saw Damian nod. His eyes flickered to Drew’s prime suspect. Damian signed one word and it was exactly what he expected him to say. Coup

Drew let out a hard sigh. This was something he could not allow and he could not excuse. He caught Damian’s eye. Mara? He asked silently.

Damian shrugged. Drew frowned. If Damian wasn’t sure, then he would have no choice but to do an interrogation. He dreaded it. Such things were generally messy, unpleasant and lead to dissatisfaction among his constituents.

Drew stood his hand up and called for silence. “I am proud to announce that your king, queen and regent have all survived yet another assassination attempt.” Gasps were heard all over the room. There was a small hum as people began to whisper. “I am also happy to announce that this attack has brought to light a coup in my kingdom. Due to undeniable proof, I call for the immediate arrest of General Babbage. Have him taken immediately to the dungeon where he will be questioned until all of those involved have been properly dealt with.”

Guards loyal to Drew quickly moved against the General and dragged him from the hall. He screamed threats the entire time. The more he yelled, the more he sounded like a mad man.

“Friends,” Drew said taking a page from David’s playbook. “The true enemy is not other fae, dragons, wolves or vampires. Our true fight is against those who would divide us. Those who would call for us to think we are superior to others or those who would ask us to turn a weapon on a neighbor is the evil we fight.” Drew spoke loudly and clearly bring about a sense of calm.

“We all know that evil exists and it breeds hate. We cannot be fighting one another when our real enemie’s army is on the move. A shadow army awaits us. My mate and her Kindred are working hard to stop it before it arrives. To assist us, we are asking every supernatural to be ready to fight these invaders and to stand together.” Drew announced.

“We stand with the King!” A voice called from the crowd.