"Something's wrong," Mekhi grumbled as he paced the room.
Cori and the twins followed him like little ducklings. Something Zyair found immensely amusing while Mekhi was clearly upset.
"You know if this wasn't so funny, I'd probably be worried too."
"They should be back by now. Something doesn't feel right."
"I can go with you to look for them," Ralyks offered as he walked in with Kit in his arms. Because they had yet to return with baby formula, he held a banana for the infant to naw on, keeping him quiet.
Mekhi noticed how great he and Jasp had been with the boys. And Zyair's protection spell was strong enough for him to sense while inside. Mica and Hina were even keeping Kevin and Jack occupied by drawing on some scraps of paper. They were finally safe and content.
Mekhi halted his pacing and jerked his attention to the window as Nikaelis bust through. He landed with his body curled over Rea, protecting her from the glass before he looked up at the others.
"Sorry," he panted. "Adrenaline rush, it was hard to stop. Anyways, um.....you know that big bad douche bag you warned us about? His homeboys got Your Highness. He told us to run."
"You better be fucking joking, Rat," Zyair growled as he charged for Nikaelis. Mekhi stepped in the way and gripped his arms.
"I need you to stay here."
"Like hell! Did you not hear him?!"
"I'm going after him," Jasp said as he began to charge out the door. "It's my job to protect him."
"You're all staying here, and that's final," Mekhi growled. Every instinct was telling Jasp and Zyair to go after him, but Mekhi's tone stopped them cold. "I'm not just asking you to watch and protect the guys, I'm trying to protect you as well. Gavlen is a different ball game than the Ultomes you're used to in Markvere. If you're both there, I can't focus on helping Amiire."
Mekhi then shot his gaze over to Jasp. His stone gaze sending shivers down his spine.
"I'm trusting you with the lives of my brothers. In return, trust that I'll bring Amiire back in one piece."
They stared at him in disbelief. Since the first day any of them met Mekhi, they knew how possessive he was over his brothers. He did everything in his power to remain by their side, and struggled to trust anyone with their safety. Zyair was surprised he was not blamed for not protecting Jack on their night out. Had he taken the hit instead, they would not be in this situation.
For Mekhi to trust them all enough to leave the boys now, Zyair had to trust he would save Amiire. The two nodded him off before Mekhi flew out the broken window in a blink. Rather than heading straight for the Ultome region, he quickly made a stop to his old home.
The burning musk returned, making Amiire cringe. His vision was blurred as he opened his eyes, the right side of his head throbbing. As he glanced up, only one man stood across the room from him now. Undoubtedly they stood in a scrappy office building. The wall of windows behind him showed just how high they were. Should Amiire make a wrong move, he was sure the man would bring the whole building down.
"Pleasure to finally meet you, Your Highness."
Amiire made an attempt to move just to have his leg jerked back by shackles. With a grunt, he laid his head back down, looking at the man upside down.
"So you know who I am."
"I know your father. King Amiire Salem, the fourth. The Wilderon who disowned Moltons, calling them unholy. Funny how he used such a human term when he hardly believes in humans himself."
