Changed by Fire (Phoenix Rising #6) - Harper Wylde Page 0,65
hole through my stomach. I knew something bad could have happened to him, especially after getting the inkling that Joshua had been severely injured during his escape.
He smiled sadly down at me. “He knew he wouldn’t be welcomed here, especially after hearing how Gaspard was faring—a man with so much less blame placed on his shoulders for the Council’s crimes. When we got to the checkpoint, we said our goodbyes.” My face fell, but Joshua shook his head. “No. Don’t be sad. He’s gone to find us help. There are groups of other powerful basilisks rumored to live in Europe, and he’s gone to find them to prove his loyalty, just as I have done.”
“Great, more powerful mythologicals. Just what we need,” one of the new rebellion members mumbled.
I swiveled around, leveling a glare in his direction, but it was Valleria who chimed in and eased the growing tension. “It will take all of us to rid this world of the Council, including those powerful mythologicals you’re so keen to condemn. If Drake Williams returns with reinforcements, and they prove themselves to be loyal to our cause, then the remaining faction leaders will take that under advisement in regard to his place among us. However, as we have seen with Gaspard, it’s an uphill battle where respect and trust are concerned. No act or test can foster such values. They are earned over time.”
My free hand was clenched into a fist on behalf of my future father-in-law, but I knew this was a losing battle. It wasn’t so long ago that I’d questioned whether I could trust Councilman Williams either. Any atonement he could make would certainly help his cause. On a deep breath, I relaxed, realizing I’d been squeezing Joshua’s hand. His thumb stroked over the back of my hand.
“Valleria’s right. This wasn’t a cowardly decision where the Council was concerned. It was a sign that the war between us has already started, and they’re trying to stack the deck in their favor.” Joshua’s voice was clear and confident, showing he had no doubt in his mind about the Council’s motives, and Tao hummed his agreement.
“This is the kind of information we need from you. Are you sure you’re not willing to speak with us this evening? Every minute counts in a war, Joshua.”
“Yes. It does.” Joshua squeezed my hand before letting go and wrapping his arm around my shoulders. He tugged me into his side possessively, making his decision clear. “I will not waste another minute being apart from my mate. Nothing I have to say would cause any immediate action against the Council tonight, and as Ciarán can tell you, no information I have hints at any immediate threat either.”
“Very well. Have fun tonight,” she said with a note of teasing in her tone, her eyes glimmering with the knowledge of just what our homecoming would bring. Clearing her throat, she regained the leader facade. “I will see you all in the morning.” With a nod of her head, she turned to Tao. “You too, as you’ve worked closely with both Joshua and the Council.” He nodded sagely as she joined the group of shifters, and ushered them out of the lobby and down the hall, sparing only a backward glance at Damien as she guided the shifters into a conference room.
Damien waved her off with a gesture that said he’d be there shortly before he let out a ragged breath and ran a hand through his hair, his dark locks mussed from the gesture. He wore the messy look well, and I knew the moment he caught the direction of my thoughts.
“Have you missed having us all together, Nix?” Hiro smirked, sauntering forward until he stood before Joshua and me as we finally enjoyed the moment of quiet and privacy we were afforded. His finger hooked under my chin, gently forcing my gaze to his, not that I put up much resistance.
“Mm-hmm,” I hummed my agreement. “You know I have.” There was no hiding it.
Leaning forward, Hiro tasted my lips, taking my mouth in a firm kiss that made me whimper into his mouth. I felt someone’s hand smoothing down my back in a gentle caress, the scent of the ocean teasing me as much as Hiro’s tongue ring swiping across the seam of my mouth. Theo leaned over one shoulder, flicking his tongue out to lick a line up the column of my neck. I groaned and my lips parted, and Hiro took full advantage