“Welcome, Romulus. Would you care to come in for a drink?” Roger shifted his stance just slightly, speaking through his body as the fae was doing.
“How gracious, Alpha. Thank you for the invitation.” Romulus made the title seem loftier, somehow.
“Please, call me Roger.”
Romulus bowed. “I would love to take you up on that offer another time. For the moment, I think Charity is anxious to get back to her Alpha Shifter.”
That must’ve been what they were calling Devon. Romulus had indicated he understood Devon was a step down from Roger’s position. Surprisingly, however, he seemed to consider the step a small one. Devon must’ve impressed them. Steve had told him the younger wolf had come a long way. Roger needed to reassess the young alpha’s pack standing, especially now that Charity had returned, her posture and air regal and confident. She was already donning her newfound status as Arcana royalty. The two would make a power couple. Roger had to make sure they were in prime position to use their potential.
“Of course,” Roger said, returning the bow.
“Roger, I wondered…” Charity fidgeted with a strap that wrapped around her middle.
“They need a place to stay in the Brink,” Emery said, his hands in his pockets. “I doubt you want Vlad taking care of it. He’ll already be apprised of the situation.”
“Yes, of course,” Roger said. Emery had his finger on the pulse of the worlds, that was clear. “I already have some houses temporarily blocked off in Santa Cruz. They’ll be comfortable until we can arrange a more permanent situation in the weeks to come.”
“That is very kind.” Romulus bowed again, deeper this time. Surprisingly, Charity bowed with him, if somewhat stiffer. She needed practice. “We are in your debt.”
“Not at all. I thank you for looking after my pack while they were in the Flush.”
“While we are on the subject of Vlad the vampire,” Romulus said, “I would like to speak with him. He has…information that interests Charity and me, as well as an unhealthy attachment to my daughter. I’d like to set that to rights.”
Roger allowed an aggressive smile to curve his lips. Judging by the fact that he’d killed elves without being hauled to the palace, he was capable of delivering on his threats. Assuming the rumors were true, of course.
“If I knew where Vlad was, Second, he would be eternally dead by now. But rest assured, in due time, he will find you.”
“Ah. Yes, of course.” Romulus’s posture suggested his business was concluded. It was time they got going.
“If you use the nearest gate into the Brink, I can have transportation arranged for you,” Roger said, taking a step back to clear the way.
“That is very generous, Alpha. Until next time.”
“Roger, we’re just going to…” Penny hooked a thumb at the fae. “We’re going to hitch a ride, if that’s cool.”
He stepped forward to shake Emery’s hand, then Penny’s. “Thanks for getting them to the Flush.”
Emery smirked. “You’ll want to thank Vlad for that.”
“Not likely.”
Emery chuckled and took Penny’s hand before following the others.
Roger watched them walk down the lane in their loose formation, nearly as synchronized in their movements as Roger’s pack.
Nearly.
“What’d you make of that meeting?” Alder asked quietly.
“There is no way that group of warrior fae is retreating back to the Flush anytime soon. Especially not if Vlad shows up and gives them a reason to fight.”
“Then I guess we’ll have to hope Vlad shows up.”
“Where Charity’s concerned, it is not if with Vlad. It is when. Make sure they are comfortable. We’ll support them until our peoples can come to an arrangement. Keep an eye on them, and let me know if Vlad or anyone else shows up.”
“Should I let the young alpha know Charity has returned?”
Roger laughed, turning to the castle. “And spoil their battle? Not a chance. The hotter Charity’s anger, the more fun Devon will have apologizing.”
Chapter Forty
As the Suburban pulled into the long drive, Charity could barely breathe through her anger and fear. Her dad and his people had been deposited in their modest houses, with gardens her father could barely stand to look at. Still, the accommodations were comfortable and welcoming, and it was incredible that the houses had been made ready for them at a moment’s notice. Roger was putting the Flush’s guest housing to shame, and Charity knew her dad felt it.