A Crown Of Smoke And Ash - Sloane Murphy Page 0,130

ladies and gents, your new Elder council!”

We’ve gone through so much, and come so far, that lying on my bed, staring up at the ceiling, none of it quite feels real. I know there’s still so much to come, so much that needs doing. But I did it. We did it.

I giggle to myself, the guys giving me some space after we came back to the manor like I asked, because, I need a minute. Or sixty. For this to all sink in properly.

So when my phone rings and I see Bauer’s name, I am beyond shocked.

“Bauer?”

“Yeah, Rem it’s me. Can you talk?” He sounds so dejected, I guess he’s had to deal with Dad and Grandfather after everything, and being passed over for the seat on the council can’t have been easy for him. I mean, I never wanted it, so for it to go to Colt, it’s not a big deal to me. Colt’s a people person.

“I guess, I’m not busy right now. What’s up?”

“Can we meet? I’d rather just talk in person. A lot has happened these past few months, and there’s stuff I need to tell you.”

“Sure thing. When and where?” I say brightly.

“Two hours? My place, can you get there by then?”

“Sure, shouldn’t take me too long. I’ll see you soon.”

“See ya, Remy.” He hangs up, sounding no happier than when the call started. I drop a text to Colt and to Levi to let them know what happened, and where I’ll be since we’re all having dinner here tonight to celebrate.

I ring the bell I made Levi install on the basement, since its soundproofed, and I don’t really want to go down there. I don’t care if that makes me weak, but torture, just nope. Not even in this situation is that in my go bag. Maybe if one of them were missing, and it was the different between their life or death, but it isn’t, so nope. While they’re happy to do it, I’ll let them keep on keeping on.

Creek appears before me when the door opens, and just as he opens his mouth a cry sounds out followed by a whimper. He hurries forward and pulls the door closed behind him. “You okay, beautiful?”

“I’m fine, just Bauer called.”

“Bauer?”

“The one and only. He wants to meet.” I tell him with a shrug. I’m trying not to be excited about it, because I don’t want to get my hopes up, but I miss my brother.

“Okay, let me just clean up and we’ll head out.”

“No, it’s okay.” I stop him, only just noticing the blood. I’m not sure what it says about me, that I completely missed the coating of blood on him, but fuck it. “I’m going alone. He sounded pretty dejected, and after everything with the Elders, and just well, everything, I think its best that way. Plus, we need answers, and that means you staying here to make sure that pair don’t get carried away. I’ve seen Roman’s rage, he’s itching to kill the traitor.”

“You’re not wrong.” He rubs the back of his neck, looking uneasy. “But I don’t think you should go alone.”

“Oh come on, I’ll be fine.”

“Okay, just check in with us? We’ll worry, and I don’t want to get distracted and end up killing the Lycan myself.”

“Deal.” I stretch up and kiss his cheek. “I’ll see you tonight?”

“You sure will, beautiful.”

“Okay, well I will see you in a few hours then.”

“Be careful, Remy.”

“You too!” I call out as I head to the drive, grabbing my keys and cell as I go. I jump in my mustang, never more thankful that Roman got my car fixed as quick as he did all those months ago, because I really do love this car.

I pull out of the drive, making sure to lower the security from my phone the way Levi showed me, and then head towards Salem’s Bay.

I know we still have so much to come—god knows Fallon keeps reminding me of Marie’s vision every chance she gets—but I can’t help but feel happy with all that we’ve accomplished in the last few months. I’m happier than I ever remember being, and there are not enough victories in these lives, so I’m going to enjoy this one as much as I can.

Who would’ve thought even sixty years ago, that we’d have overhauled the Elders council, and we’d be working towards a peace between the factions. Kain and Roman are on board, so is Marie, I just need to get them and