truck.
“Ryder, I didn’t know you were coming today. Your sister just left the house.”
“Yeah, Raveena said she would take some clothes over to Mara.” Ryder shook his hand. “As for being here, someone needs to make sure doctor psycho doesn’t bust into your party.”
“Looks like Vlan beat you to it. Feel free to stand guard with him if you want.” Xeon waved his hand toward Vlan. He stood silently by the door with his arms crossed, gun strapped to his hip.
“He’s good company.” Ryder strolled over to Vlan, shook his hand, and stood on the other side of the door.
“Kale, thanks for coming.” Xeon turned to the older man walking up to the door.
“This is your rodeo. I’m just making sure all the bulls stay in the pen.”
“I might be opening the pen.” Xeon knew what would happen when everyone learned of Dr. Phenix’s involvement. Especially when everyone found out about Zeke. Now, they had two people Dr. Phenix had screwed up.
“I hope you get this bastard. If not, we could lose all those shifters... if they’re even alive.” Kale grimaced.
“They are, and we’ll find them,” Xeon assured him.
“I hope so.” Kale clapped him on the back and walked into the meeting house just as the fox skulk's alpha came around his vehicles' front.
“Ethan, glad you’re here.”
“From what I understand, you have information about one of my own. I couldn’t miss this.” Ethan shook his hand. “Do you know where Zeke is?”
“I do. We’ll discuss everything inside.” Xeon led Ethan to the door. “There’s fresh coffee in there. Grab yourself a cup.”
“I’ll do that. Who are we still waiting on?” Ethan asked, lazily walking to the door.
“Just Lionel and Jacen.” Xeon glanced at the time on his phone. “I imagine they’ll be along shortly.”
Before Ethan even made it inside, another truck pulled up. Xeon recognized the black Dodge Ram. The lion pack alpha had arrived. A car pulled up next to it when the truck door opened.
“I hope I didn’t miss anything,” Lionel said, getting out of his truck.
“We wouldn’t start without you,” Xeon told him and waved at Jacen when he got out of the car. “Jacen, I thought you weren’t going to show.” Xeon shook Jacen’s hand, and together they walked with Lionel to the front door. “Let’s get this thing started, shall we?”
“I have to admit, it surprised me that you called this meeting. I figured you would go about everything yourself,” Lionel mentioned when they arrived at the door.
“The thought crossed my mind,” Xeon admitted and opened the door. “But this involves everyone. Things are changing, and everyone needs to know.”
“Then, I’m looking forward to what you have to say.” Lionel followed him in just as another vehicle pulled up. “Were you expecting anyone else?”
“I’m not sure,” Xeon squinted to see who drove the teal convertible. “The only one left is Xavier. Though, I didn’t think he would show due to the whole daylight thing.”
“You invited a vampire?” Lionel raised a brow.
“I’ll explain inside. Get some coffee. I’ll be in there in a minute.” Xeon turned and walked back outside.
“More company?” Ryder asked, looking at the car that just pulled up.
Vlan had a hand on his gun and stood in front of Xeon.
“Stand down, Vlan. Let’s see who it is first.” Xeon put a hand on Vlan’s shoulder and stepped around him.
When the car pulled to a stop in front of them, a human stepped out. Xeon didn’t immediately recognize him, though he looked familiar. His shaggy brown hair hung down in his face, blocking his eyes. He got out of the car and walked straight up to Xeon.
“Xeon Pearse?” The man spoke with confidence most humans didn’t have around shifters.
“I am, and you are?”
“Devon Brock. I’m here as Xavier’s proxy since the meeting is held with no parking garage for cover. Xavier won’t be able to attend. Though, I assure you it is of great importance that he be kept in the loop.”
“Okay, then let’s go in.” Xeon escorted Devon inside.
Everyone gathered around the meeting table. Another pot of coffee brewed in the kitchen. The fresh aroma permeated the room. Xeon walked into the kitchen to grab his cup of coffee. He took a sip. He hadn’t expected the liquid to be cold.
“Damn.” He poured the cold coffee down the sink. After he poured a fresh cup, he joined the others in the meeting room. “Thank you everyone for coming.”
Xeon gave them the rundown on the last couple of days. Everyone soaked in the information.