A Crown Of Smoke And Ash - Sloane Murphy Page 0,119
but after seeing Tobias today, I’m far happier, more so now that you’re back.”
“I even managed to stay out of trouble this time,” I tell him. “Except for Silas, what a jackass.”
“You met Kain’s father? Ouch.”
“Yeah, him and Kain are nothing alike,” I say.
“I’ve only had the distinct misfortune to meet him once. Total asshole. What did he do?”
“It doesn’t matter, Kain pretty much broke his dad’s nose, so you know, all’s well that ends well.” I laugh, and he shakes his head.
“Stayed out of trouble, she says.”
Fallon’s head pops around the door frame, with her eyes closed. “Dinner’s ready.”
I giggle at her and she opens her eyes, winking at me. “Didn’t know if you’d be decent, but you know, cheesy carby goodness!”
“Yes!” I jump up and pull Roman behind me towards the kitchen.
Creek didn’t come back to the manor last night after a phone call from his dad, and much as I tried not to worry, I failed. Especially since I didn’t hear from him again. So when he comes walking towards me as I swallow a mouthful of bacon, I practically squeal and throw myself at him.
“You’re back,” I sigh, peppering him with kisses.
“I’m glad to see you too,” he says, cupping my ass to hold me steady in his arms before kissing me.
“Is everything okay?” I ask when he pulls back, my lips puffy and swollen from his hungry kiss, and the scratching from his beard, which seems even longer.
“We’ll talk once everyone’s here,” he tells me, the light in his eyes dimming a little. That can’t be good. He pops me back on the ground, and leads me back to the table, sitting beside me, and makes himself a plate from the steaming piles of food in the middle of the table.
The others filter through one by one, yawning, grabbing coffee, or in Kain’s case, blood, before sitting down at the table with us. We eat in a comfortable silence, almost as if no-one wants to ruin the slither of peace with everything we need to go through.
We finish eating, and I make Everly sit while I clear the table, the monotony of doing ordinary daily life things helping me work through everything in my head.
“So…” Levi says, clearing his throat. “We have the Lycans on board, we have most of the Witch covens, and the majority of the Dracul clans. The Angels still refuse to get involved, despite everything. We need to focus on finding out more about what we’re up against, as well as tackling everything with the Hunters.”
I sink back into my chair, and let out a deep breath.
“The Hunters are having some issues right now, there are people starting to revolt about the way things are. Apparently, news of everything with Remy has spread across the globe. The fact that you were on her side has given those who have apparently not been completely on board with the way the Elders have been leading us more confidence to rally. So some of that will work in our favor, but…” Creek says, running his hand down his face. “It’s hard to know still who to trust over there. We know that Hunters are working with whoever it is that’s creating the hybrids. I think we need to work out who that is before we bring everything to the Elders.”
“We don’t have time,” Fallon says quietly. “All Hallows Eve…” she shakes her head, and I know she can’t say anymore.
“Okay, well. Shit. That’s less than two weeks away,” I say, and rub my temples. “We’re going to need to divide our efforts. Again. Much as I fucking hate it. Fallon, are you okay to help Creek track the rest of the Hunters who were cast out? We could probably use Colt on side too. I know it’s a lot to dump at these people’s feet, but we’re going to need them with us. I know some of them won’t want to fight, but we’re going to need them on our side before we go to the Hunters as a whole.”
“Sure thing.” She smiles tightly, and Creek nods with her.
“Levi, you and I are going to go and see the Elders. They may not like me, but you’re essentially a god to them. They’ll listen if you’re there.”
“Sounds good to me, Angel.”
“So that leaves you two to find out more about who is behind everything. Is that okay?” I look to Kain and Roman, and they both nod.