“Before we join the real world, I just need one more moment in our bubble,” he said, and then his lips were on mine. The kiss was soft, just the press of lips and the taste of Braxton. I blinked a few times when he pulled back, trying to regain control of my fuzzy brain. There was so much goodbye and sorrow in that kiss, and I was not freaking okay with any more goodbyes.
“We’re going to destroy this asshole,” I said. “We’re strong enough, I know it.”
Braxton was wearing his warrior poker face look, but I noticed the slightest softening. “I have no doubt, but I need you to know that even if this does not work out for all of us, you have to survive. You’re everything, and I’m not sure the world will even keep spinning if you aren’t here. Make sure you survive, Jess!” He was so fierce, but I could feel my heart fracturing. It sounded to me like he didn’t think he would make it through this battle, that he would go down fighting.
“There’s no me without you, Braxton Compass. So if you want me to stay alive, you’re going to have to do the same.”
I held his face in both of my hands, our eyes desperately locked together.
“I don’t plan on going anywhere,” he finally said. I friggin’ hoped he was right.
We spent about eighteen more precious seconds kissing before stepping back into reality. We made our way down the stairs then. Beams of light shone through some of the dark shutters, so I knew it was early morning. The other Compasses, and Grace and Cardia were downstairs, all dressed, all ready to roll.
The air was heavy and no one seemed interested in small talk, which was fine by me. I’d had about two hours’ sleep, enough to be functioning, but I’d probably punch the first person to mention some crap like the weather.
I noticed, as we left the Compass home, that there still appeared to be distance between Maximus and Cardia. He was walking with his hand pressed against her lower back, but they didn’t lean into each other, which was a very telling sign. I was getting the vibe that he was touching her to appease her and not because he wanted to. But at the same time, why wouldn’t he want to touch his mate? I wanted to strip mine naked and devour every single part of him.
A warm, heavy hand landed on the nape of my neck. Braxton splayed his fingers so that they were caressing as much of my bare skin as possible. Case in point. Mates liked to touch each other. It was not only a massive comfort, but also stupidly sexy just having his skin against mine.
The sun was cresting over the edge of the forest, the light filtering across our town as we strode through the streets. The creepy, ghost town feel hadn’t gone anywhere, but at least in the light of day I could focus on my favorite buildings and not the lack of living beings around.
The front doors of the town hall were open, and as we stepped up into the room I could see about two hundred supes standing around. Yep, pretty pathetic army – though on power we were packing a lot more than mere numbers. We were the only shot Stratford had.
Louis was up on the dais filling everyone in on what we had learned from the golden dragon, what our battle plan was, and a few other bits and pieces. My pack and I filed into the back and listened in. As soon as the sorcerer noticed us in the room, the blaring alarm died off. Clearly that had just been a wakeup call, and we must have been the last members to make it here.
His powerful voice rang through the large space. “Larkspur is on American soil. He’s in Connecticut, and we can only assume on his way here. My spies tell me that his army is slowly trailing across. They’re using step throughs, which is getting them here quickly, but also exhausting their sorcerers. I know we have a basic plan in motion, but everyone needs to be fluid. We don’t know exactly what the dragon king is going to hit us with, and therefore it’s difficult to plan ahead.”
The was the absolute worst part of this. We were in the dark. We knew he wanted me and the Book of Guidance. I just hoped he was going with brute strength and no hidden traps. Brute strength we could plan for.
Louis was still speaking. “I have arranged for some magic users, truly powerful sorcerers, to join us. Your council leaders have also rallied some of their race members. They’ll all be arriving shortly. Still, even with these additions, we’ll be vastly outnumbered.”
That was an understatement.
“The Craiz and Compass quads are our most powerful weapons. They each have a calling and can stand against the king and his marked. We need to offer them support and protection.” His eyes scanned the hall, before resting on me. Many of the supes followed his line of sight. His next words were extra laced with power. “Jessa is priority number one on the protect list. She has a weapon to cut the ties between the marked and the king, which will weaken him enough for us to actually kill him. Plus, he wants her for those reasons I’ve already explained, so protect her with your life.”
I didn’t squirm, I just let them look their fill, but I was relieved when attention moved off me again. I hated thinking about anyone protecting me with their life, but it wasn’t just about me now. I also had a little one – probably – to protect, and for my young I’d take any help.
Louis stepped away from the front podium and moved through the center aisle. “I’m going to go now and open the doorway for the others who are joining us from around the world. They’ll come straight into Stratford. I’ll redirect the securities for them, which will leave us unprotected for a few minutes, but I think it’s still the safest option. While I’m gone, it would be best if you take all of this information and start formulating some sort of plan of action.”