Fin [The Angel Pack 15] (Siren Publishing Classic ManLove) Read online

  “I was um…” Shelby started to say but stopped and looked to his mate.

  “We were in the middle of something,” Xander replied.

  “See! They got to finish,” Crew complained.

  “Who got to finish what?” Cass asked as he walked in carrying Kia and holding Shay’s hand.

  “They got to come, and we didn’t. I don’t like getting interrupted when my man is making me see stars and just about to shoot me off into the heavens. And for those of you who aren’t following with my analogy, I was about to come with my man buried deep inside me when they started pounding on the damn door. I am not a happy camper,” Taylor announced.

  Shay turned a shade of pink as Cass’s brows rose and his eyes filled with guilt as he said, “Oh.”

  “Ugh! They finished, too,” Taylor huffed while throwing his arms up and spinning away from everyone. He stomped to the breakfast nook and plopped down in a chair.

  “Well I’m sorry, Taylor, but the fact that Minos and Hades are on their way here seemed a little more important than you getting to shoot your load,” Jesse argued.

  Taylor sat up straight and looked to Jesse and Micah with concern. “What? They’re coming here now? How do you know this?”

  Raphael and Dale both raised their hands as they each gave Taylor a smirk. “If it makes you feel any better, Taylor, I didn’t get a chance either before that vision slammed into me,” Dale said.

  “So you each had a vision?” Haven asked.

  “I was sound asleep when it hit, and it scared the hell out of me,” Raphael said.

  “And you both had the same vision?” Bailey asked.

  “We were just going over that while we were waiting for everyone. Mine lasted a bit longer than Dale’s, but basically we had the same vision,” Raphael replied.

  “Raphael thinks it will happen in the next few weeks, but my visions usually aren’t that far off. Mine tend to be within a few minutes, to a few days,” Dale said.

  “What happened in this vision?” Laylen asked.

  “We want to wait for everyone, so we only have to go through this once, then we can all try to figure this out together,” Micah said.

  “Okay, so who are we missing?”

  “Storm, Bastian, and Noah, Ryland, and Phen, as well as Lucifer, Demi, and Mitchell,” Jesse replied.

  “So are we going to let Nicco and Thad keep dreaming, or wake them when everyone gets here?” Xavier grumbled.

  “Now that sounds good to me. These two have been going at it for days making up for lost time and driving me crazy,” Viktor said, then slapped Nicco in the back of the head.

  Nicco jumped up, and Thad almost fell off his lap. The two opened their eyes wide, blinking as they looked around the room. “What? What did we miss?” Nicco asked.

  “About eleven years’ worth of orgasms. Go back to sleep until the others arrive,” Lexi snickered.

  “We’re here,” Bastian announced as he walked through a portal carrying a sleeping Noah. Storm followed behind him still looking half asleep.

  “I hope this is good,” Storm mumbled and took a seat at the table.

  “How did you open a portal if Noah was asleep?” Gabriel asked.

  “He mumbled enough for it to open, then passed out,” Bastian said with a laugh as he sat next to Storm. Storm instantly leaned over and rested his head on Bastian’s shoulder.

  “You all look like hell, what’s up?” Aaron asked.

  “Three babies teething and walking. It’s been very busy at our place before we brought them over to the safe house before coming here. Oh, and my little princess, Shea Aurora, has come into her first fae power. She blinks her eyes and disappears, then reappears somewhere else. Usually standing on the counter in the kitchen trying to reach for the cookie jar,” Bastian explained.

  “Shit, that’s dangerous. Can’t Noah bind her powers or something?” Xander asked.

  “Yes, but he said it would be cruel to do that when she is just coming into them. He’s the one who has to run after her at all times so he can zap her back into his arms, which of course has him exhausted. But he did reluctantly bind their powers before we took them to Ann and Lil.”

  “I know I wasn’t around when your little ones were born, but I love that your baby girl has the same name as me, even if we do spell it differently,” Shay said. Cass pulled Shay closer and kissed his head, and Bastian gave the cutie a soft smile.

  “Because I said so, Phen,” Ryland said as he and Phen walked through the wall.

  “I still think it could have waited another ten minutes, dearheart,” Phen huffed, then faced the gathered group.

  “What could have waited?” Jesse asked.

  Phen gave him a smirk and his eyes filled with mischief. “Do you really want the answer to that, son?”

  Jesse made a disgusted face and shook his head. “No, forget it. I have an idea what you’re talking about is the same as everyone else here.”

  “Is this a private bitch fest or can anyone join?” Sasha asked as he carried Samuel into the kitchen and took a seat by Aaron.

  “Someone better have a really good fucking excuse for calling me at such an ungodly hour. And seeing as I am the poster boy for ungodly, I know what the hell I am talking about,” Lucifer said as he, Demi, and Mitchell appeared.

  Micah looked at him and said, “Three words. Minos and Hades.”

  Lucifer straightened, and his face became serious. “Okay, you have my attention.”

  “Before you all start with whatever this meeting is about, let me start by saying I had a vision about them,” Ryland said.

  “Thanks for the delay in your RSVP, Ry, welcome to the club,” Taylor said sarcastically as he rolled his eyes.

  “What does that mean?” Ryland asked.

  “That means that Dale and my father both had visions of Minos and Hades, as well, and that’s why I called this meeting. Dale, let’s start with you. Tell everyone exactly what you saw,” Micah instructed.

  Chapter Four

  “You wanted to see me, Dante?” Tempest asked as he strolled into Dante’s office where he sat on the couch with Dale on one side and Dare on the other.

  Dante gave Tempest a smile. “Yes. Thank you for coming so quick. Please have a seat. There’s something my mates and I need to discuss with you.”

  Tempest’s brows raised in interest. He could see the stress lines around the trio’s eyes and could feel it coming off them in waves. He didn’t know what they were about to say, but he knew that it must be something very important.

  Tempest moved to the seat across from them and unbuttoned his suit coat, as he sat, then crossed his legs. “You all look very serious. So what can I do for you?”

  Dante looked to each of his mates, then turned his attention back to Tempest. “This is probably the most serious discussion any of us have ever had, and if it weren’t for what was about to take place, we wouldn’t be broaching the subject.”

  “I understand, Dante. You would like me and what is left of my coven to join all of you in this fight?”

  “Actually, no,” Dare replied.

  Now Tempest was really intrigued. He was sure his king was going to ask him and his coven members to help. Alpha Prime Angel had been gracious enough to give them sanctuary in these dark times, and Tempest would do anything his king and the council asked at this point. “Then I don’t understand. Surely you could use everyone you can get your hands on.”

  “Although that is true, we have the battle to come covered. What we need from you, well you and what is left of your coven…” Dante stopped and looked to Dale.

  “What Dante is trying to say is, we have something to ask of you. Something very important, and we would totally understand if you said no,” Dale rushed to say.

  “Okay. Whatever it is you must know I would do for you, Dante. You are not only my king but a good friend. I and my people owe you a lot. I can never repay you for all that you have done for us, especially since you have become king.”
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  “We want to appoint you guardian of our children should we not make it,” Dare said.

  Tempest’s eyes went wide in shock. Did he hear the dragon lord correctly? His king wanted to entrust the lives and safety of his children, the new heirs to the vampire throne and future king, to him? “I don’t understand. Surely you had others in mind before me. Others who you are closer to. Like Micah, Viktor, or Nicco?”

  “That is true, Tempest. Our first choice would be Micah and Jesse, then Viktor and Adam, then Nicco and Thad, but seeing as they will all be standing beside us in this fight, there is a possibility that none of us will make it out alive. I have already written everything down. All my wishes for not only my children, but for the vampire race, and all my fortunes. If Micah, Viktor, Raith, or Nicco survive, then I leave them with guardianship of our children, along with all my riches to be passed down to my children. But I leave the leadership of the vampires to you as Steward until Alessandro becomes of age at twenty-one. If none of us return, then I would also like to appoint you as Alessandro and Patrick’s guardian until Alessandro can take the throne,” Dante explained.

  “We could use all the help we can get in this fight, but we would like for you and your remaining coven members, granted they can be trusted, to move to a safe house Ryland has constructed on the far side of the territory, along with our children. Storm, Bastian, and Noah’s children will also be brought there with their appointed guardian in hopes you will all remain safe. The fae, Legion Warriors, Demi, Lucifer, and Jesse have all placed protection spells around the house, and you all should be safe there for some time,” Dare added.

  “I don’t know what to say. I am honored that you would entrust me with what you hold most dear. Of course, I will watch over Alessandro and Patrick. I will give my life for eternity to keep them safe, raise them the way you would have, and help Alessandro in any way that I can when he takes his rightful place in your stead. And I will lead what remains of our people the way you would lead them, Dante. I give you my solemn oath. I will not let you down.”

  Dante stood, giving him a smile and reached out a hand. Tempest stood and clasped Dante’s hand as the two stared into one another’s eyes. Tempest could still see a bit worry in his king’s eyes, but who could blame him? He was handing over his fortune, his family, and his kingdom. Tempest was truly honored to be chosen, and he would make Dante proud as he promised. He would not go back on his oath.

  Dare stood next and they shook hands, as well. Then Dale stood and gave him a hug. Tempest smiled as he hugged the king’s mate in return. He knew these men were placing their total faith in him. He would not dishonor them.

  * * * *

  “You want us to what?” Lillian said in shock.

  “If none of us come back from the fight we would like you and Ann to be guardians of our babies,” Bastian said.

  “That’s what I thought you said, but…surely you would want your brother, Storm, or yours, Noah?” Lillian replied.

  “Yes, our first choice would be Micah and Jesse, then Raith, Aaron, and Rory. Then Gabriel and Taylor, but with them being part of the fight, we don’t know who, or if any of us will return. If any of them do, then we wish for them to become guardians of Kalen, Shea, and Collin, but if none of us come back, we would be honored if you ladies would take care of our little angels and raise them,” Storm said.

  “Not that I am not thrilled and honored, Storm, but…aren’t I too old? I don’t know how many years I have left. I can’t promise you that I will be around long enough for them to reach adulthood. And what of their powers? I am a mere human, and those wonderful miracles have fae powers that they are already using.”

  “I bind them before we go,” Noah said with a sniffle as tears formed in his eyes.

  “Oh, Noah. You said you never wanted to do that with the babies,” Anne said in concern and sat forward, taking Noah’s shaking hands in hers.

  “I know, but no other choice. I put spell, so powers come back when they eighteen, so they no drive you nutsy.”

  “And as for your age, Lil, we know you will be a wonderful grandma to them for as long as you have left. We would be honored knowing they have you around to show them love and help them grow for as long as you can. Then you would take over alone, Ann, but we hope that won’t be for many years, and by then you’ll be more prepared to take them on by yourself,” Bastian said.

  Tears formed in Lillian’s eyes and she looked to Ann. Ann gave her a watery smile and nodded, then they both turned back to face the trio. “We would be honored to take care of Kalen, Collin, and Shea for you. And remember, I will also have my Liam there to help. I promise that if that day comes and we lose Lil, it will be all right. I will help them get through her loss, and we’ll be okay. And until that day and after, we’ll do everything we can to make sure they are happy and that they know how much they were loved by all three of their daddies,” Ann promised.

  Storm nodded as he swallowed hard. Tears could be seen forming in his eyes, as well. “We would like to send you both today, along with your Liam and the babies, as well as Oliver, to the safe house that Ryland created. Tempest and his vampires will be there also. Dante and his mates have appointed Tempest as the twin’s guardian in case they don’t return. Many wards and protection spells have been placed around the house, and you all should be safe there for a long time from what we’ve been told.”

  “Of course, Storm. We’ll go start packing their bags now, along with mine and Liam’s,” Ann said as she stood.

  “I’ll have to go home to get my things. I should talk to Sage, and the boys first don’t you think?” Lillian said as she too stood.

  “Of course, Lil. Noah will open a portal for you and help you, while Storm and I help Ann. We’ll all meet back here in an hour. Will that be enough time?” Bastian asked.

  “Yes. I’m sure Sage will be happy to know that I’ll be safe. I want to thank you all for entrusting me with your precious ones. I promise I will do my best with them.”

  Bastian, Storm, and Noah stood, and Noah went to Lillian and hugged her tight. “We know you will.”

  * * * *

  “I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to hear that you’ll be in the safe house and protected, Gran. I have been so worried about leaving you and Ollie,” Sage said as he hugged Lillian.

  “Are you sure you, Slade, and the other boys can’t come along, Sage? I’ll be so worried about all of you,” Lil fretted.

  “I know, Gran and I’m sorry, but we have to go help in any way that we can.”

  Lillian sighed heavily as she stepped back from the hug. “I know, Sage. I’m just so afraid for all of you. I just got you back, and now I have this large, wonderful family, and the thought of losing all of you is just too heartbreaking.”

  “We’re sorry, Lil, but you know what’s at stake,” Slade said as he walked closer and laid a gentle hand on her arm.

  “I know, Slade. I want you both to know how much this past year and a half being here with you has meant to me. I love you both very much, and I am so proud of you.”

  “We love you, too, Gran, and hopefully everything will go in our favor and we’ll be back, and all of us will be together again for a very long time,” Sage said.

  “It’s what I keep praying for. Now, I need to get going and pack my things. We’re meeting back at Storm’s then heading over to the safe house to take care of the babies.”

  “Why don’t you head up to your room and start, and I’ll be in in a minute to help you. I just want to grab a few things for you to take with you,” Sage said.

  “Okay, dear. I’ll meet you there,” Lillian replied and headed for her suite.

  Once inside, she went to the closet and pulled out two suitcases, then placed them on the bed. She returned to the closet and gathered as many of her clothes in one armful as she could and turned toward the room. She dropped her load on the bed, then yelped in surprise.

  “Oh, my goodness. Who are you? How did you get in here?” she ask
ed the beautiful lady who sat on the foot of her bed, as Lillian grabbed the lamp from the nightstand and held it up over her head like a weapon.

  The woman who appeared to glow gave her a stunning smile as she stood and slowly approached. “I am Aurora, and I have come to give you a gift, Lillian.”

  “Yeah, well, you could have come to the front door and knocked. Now how the hell did you get in here? If my grandson and his mate find out that some stranger just showed up in the house, they will attack first and ask questions later. If Sage and Maddy join together, they will send you right into the afterlife. If they don’t change you into a toad, that is. Now who…wait. Aurora? Why does that name sound so familiar to me? And what type of gift?”

  Aurora gave her a soft smile but showed no sign that she was affected by any of the threats Lillian had said. “One so greatly deserved. Your love for Sage his whole life is the one shining light he had besides his mother’s love. He knew he could always count on you, and I know it almost destroyed him to have to leave you. But now you have been reunited, and you have shared that love with so many others. You have taken the men of this house and treated them like they were also your grandsons, as well as all the others in this family, even though some of them are much older than you. And I want to give you something special in gratitude for loving my grandchildren and promising to take care of them for the rest of your days.”

  “As I told Storm, Bastian, and Noah, I don’t know how many of those I have left, but I am so honored they asked me to look after those sweet babies. I feel like they are my own grandchildren.”

  “And that is why you are so deserving of my gift,” Aurora said.

  “You said your grandchildren. Are you Bastian’s mother?” Lillian asked, her arms slowly lowering.

  Aurora gave her another soft smile as she chuckled. “Although I do like to say that all of these men are my boys, no I am not Sebastian’s mother. I am Jesse and Noah’s mother.”

  Lillian’s eyes widened from Aurora’s declaration. If she really was Jesse and Noah’s mother that meant that she was―