Chapter 12

Twelve

Four days after the coronation party, the buzzer at our gate woke us at eight in the morning.

Groaning, I pushed at Riddick, who lay beside me. "Make the noise stop." We had gone to bed sometime after midnight, so I was still tired.

"Yes, my queen," he mumbled and rolled out of bed.

Rolling onto my other side, I cuddled into Branson's back. He ran the hottest of our pack and I rubbed my face against his back to warm up, sighing happily.

Riddick tugged on our bond and I groaned. "Dang it." Sitting up, I hurried to the bathroom, then got dressed before meeting Caleb in the living room to go outside. "Any idea what's going on?" I asked.

Caleb shrugged. "Riddick just tugged on our bond, so I assume someone is at the gate that we need to go meet."

Sliding my arm around his lower back, I tucked myself into his side and said, "Well, let's go see who it is."

We headed outside, walking down to the gate where Riddick stood, waiting for us. A strange feeling was in my chest, but I wasn't certain what it was.

"What's up?" Caleb asked Riddick.

Riddick tilted his head towards the other side of the gate where two dozen people stood.

My eyes widened as I felt the connection to all of them. Hybrids. Two dozen hybrids. Ranging from an elderly man down to an infant in the arms of one woman.

Caleb pulled open the gate and smiled wide. "Welcome! Please come in."

A black SUV pulled up as the last people walked by us, so Caleb and I waited to see who it was.

Riddick and Triston were dealing with the newcomers and Branson made his way towards Caleb and I, in case we needed backup.

When the passenger door opened and Dan stepped out, we all relaxed.

"Good morning, King Daniel," I greeted.

"Good morning, Queen Ember," he returned. "I apologize for dropping by unannounced, but I'd like to discuss a proposition with you."

"Please, come to our home," Caleb said. "We are honored you have stopped by."

Ezio popped up out of the driver's side and asked, "Am I welcome, too?"

"No, please stay out here," I said and waved my hand dismissively.

His mouth dropped, and I burst into laughter.

"Of course you're welcome, Ezio. You can drive the vehicle inside so it's not blocking our drive, please."

Dan put his arm around Caleb's shoulders and whispered to him as they walked up to the house.

"I'm going to start cooking breakfast," I told Caleb as I jogged past him and Dan.

I had a sneaking suspicion that Dan's arrival timed with the hybrids' arrivals was not coincidental.

"Do you want help?" Branson asked, as he followed me inside.

"Sure, can you grab the large metal bowl from the top shelf?"

While he got the bowl, I opened the fridge and took out the pack of five dozen eggs, a pound of bacon, and a gallon of milk.

He rinsed out the bowl, then set it on the island for me.

"Pancakes or waffles?" I asked as I began cracking the eggs into the bowl.

"Waffles would be my choice," he said, "but pancakes are easier to cook multiple of at once, and if you're making it for so many people, the pancakes seem like the easier option."

"We need to buy more waffle makers, so I have the option to make multiple at once," I said and grabbed the flour to start making the pancake batter. "Pancakes are good, too, though."

"What?" Caleb shouted from the dining room where he and Dan were talking.

"Uh oh, sounds like something important is happening," Branson commented.

"Why don't you go check it out and report back?" I suggested. "You can be my spy."

He chuckled. "I'm a bit large to be a spy."

"You're the muscle part of the spy group, not the one who climbs through the air ducts, obviously," I said with a smile.

He swatted my butt as he walked by. "I like the way you think."

It wasn't often I made food for a lot of people, so I really wanted to do it right. Losing myself to the tasks at hand, I was able to get the food ready without distraction or interruption. When I finished, I smiled proudly at all of the food. "Breakfast is ready!" I shouted.

"We know," Dan said from the other side of the island.

I jerked my head up, eyes wide. Dan, Caleb, and Branson all stood, smiling as they faced me.

"Sorry, I didn't realize you were all here."

"That became apparent when I asked you something and you ignored me," Caleb said.

"What were you all talking about?" I asked. "What proposal did you bring?" I looked between Dan and Caleb.

"You know we have a few houses built already, enough for most of the ones who came today, but we need more," Caleb said.

I nodded. They had moved forward with building several houses deeper in the forest on the chance that our announcement would bring hybrids to us. Clearly, it had been a good idea.

"I've offered to send my construction crew to help build more, but I have a favor," Dan said.

"What kind of favor?" I asked suspiciously.

"I'd like to borrow Branson for a job. It's going to take him away for two weeks," Dan explained.

Being without Branson for two weeks would be hard. Even though our bond wasn't brand new anymore and had settled, that was a long time for such newly mated people to be apart. My eyes narrowed. "What kind of job?"

"Yes, it's a dangerous one, but that's why I need him. He'll be going with Ezio and a few others after a rogue wolf who has been murdering humans."

My eyes darted to Ezio on the couch, reading something on his phone.

"I don't like this," I whispered. Looking at Branson, I asked, "Do you want to do it?"

He nodded. "I've done a few retrievals like this and I'd like to help out. It's something that makes me feel like I'm doing good."

I could understand that, but it didn't mean that I had to like it. "Well, how can I say no to that now? I still don't like it, but I won't stand in your way."

Branson walked around the island and kissed my cheek. "I know it'll be rough to be apart that long, but I'll call when I can and be home as soon as I can."

"Now that that's settled, let's eat!" Dan said.

"After we eat, I'll take the rest to the hybrids that arrived," Caleb said.

Branson made a plate, and I realized it was for me when he held it out. Taking it, I gave him a smile and headed to sit at the dining table and eat.

Dan sat across from me and asked, "What are your plans now that the H.E. has been taken down?"

"I'm not sure," I admitted. "Find a job?"

"You don't need a job now that we were gifted the mines," Caleb said as he joined us. "You just need to find something that you want to do. Something you enjoy."

"What are you going to do?" I asked curiously. Now that we had land and a place for hybrids to join us, he didn't need to travel around rescuing them unless they were in such a bad place they couldn't escape.

"I'm going to focus on getting everything in order for the new businesses we own and getting our clan fully established," he answered. "Then, I was thinking we should take a vacation. You know, since we have an island now."

There was a lot to do to transfer a business over, especially one like the mines and the harvesting of the herbs in the elven lands.

What did I want to do? How could I help Caleb and begin fulfilling my role as a queen?

"I don't know what to do," I admitted. "I want to help you, but it's all a bit … over my head right now. I don't know the first thing about being queen."

"Helping me is a good start," Caleb said. "I could use your help with the businesses. Maybe as you learn about them and what it entails, you'll find something you're passionate about."

"There is a lot that will need to be done to set up the clan and incorporate everything," Dan said with a nod. "You won't have a shortage of paperwork and decisions. Plus, with the new additions to your clan, you are going to start getting busy with their issues and resolving them."

"We should probably have a database with all of their basic information," I commented and tapped my finger against my lips. "So, we can keep track of them and reach out to next of kin if anything happens."

"I can send you a template of how mine is," Dan offered. "I'll remove my people"s information, obviously, but I'll leave Ezio as an example."

"Hey, I didn't consent to that. I don't want them knowing my address," Ezio said around his food. He winked at me, signaling he wasn't being serious.

"I've been to your house over a dozen times," Caleb said. "Cat's out of the bag at this point."

"Wait, I don't want Ember to see my birthdate. Then she'll know how old I really am," he said and shook his head. "I'll never be able to face her when she learns I'm over thirty."

Laughing, I shook my head at him. "You're ridiculous."

"You're only just now realizing that?" Dan asked.

Ezio sighed. "My alpha is so mean to me. Caleb, can I join your clan instead? You'll be nicer, right?"

"Sorry, brother, but you're stuck with him," Caleb said.

"Ungrateful whelp," Dan growled at Ezio, who smiled wider.

Watching the over fifty-year-old men bickering like a father and son was endearing. I could see why people flocked to Dan. Every interaction with him had me loving him more.

Someone knocked on the door and Caleb called out, "Come in, Kieran."

"How did you know it was him?" I asked.

Caleb canted his head. "You could as well if you had paid more attention to your connection to him through the clan bond."

"Wait, clan bond? Does that mean you can add people to a bond that isn't our pack, mate, one?"

He nodded. "As king, I am able to add people to our clan. Papa Dan and Papa Emrys walked me through it with Kieran."

Kieran walked in and smiled at us. "Good morning. I just wanted to report that the newcomers who are opting to live here are in the available houses. The rest are waiting for you and all are very appreciative of the food provided."

"Thank you," Caleb said. "Have you eaten yet? Would you like to join us?"

"Thanks, but Sheila is making us breakfast right now," he said.

Smiling, I asked, "So, how are things with Sheila and Ambrose?"

His cheeks reddened, and he cleared his throat before answering, "They're going well, thank you for asking."

"We happen to be in possession of some unused bloodstones, should you need them, just so you know," Caleb said with a wink.

Kieran's entire face reddened. "It's far too soon for that."

"Just keep that in mind for the future then," Caleb said.

"You're the hawk shifter, right?" Dan asked.

Kieran nodded. "Yes, sir."

"Are you much of a fighter?"

"You've got an entire pack of werewolves, why are you trying to steal people from my clan?" I asked with a scowl.

"Your clan, I like the sound of that," Kieran said with a smile.

"Well, you are," I muttered, feeling embarrassed.

"Kieran," Caleb growled. "Don't flirt with your queen in front of your king."

"I'll make sure to do it when you're away next time," Kieran said with a wink at me. Clearly, he was in a mood to get Caleb back for embarrassing him earlier.

"I have a lot of people, but I'm always on the lookout for talent," Dan said, answering me. "There being hawk shifters isn't well known right now, so he would make a great spy."

"Did I jinx us by bringing up spies earlier?" I asked Branson.

He chuckled. "Seems that way."

"Well, the decision is ultimately up to Kieran," Caleb said. "I know you were looking for work, Kieran, and Dan pays well."

"I'm not the best fighter, but I have been known to spy a bit," Kieran said and turned his head away from me.

"I better go greet our new clan members," Caleb said. "Thank you for your offer, and I look forward to seeing the construction crews."

Dan nodded and raised his hand in goodbye,

Caleb kissed my cheek as he walked by, and I frowned at my plate on the table.

While I was glad that the hybrids were coming out of hiding and had a place to go, I was a bit worried. What it the people who joined weren't good people?

"You need some enforcers," Ezio commented.

"Huh?" I asked.

"Did you not realize you said that out loud?" Branson asked.

"Oh, I voiced my thought aloud?" Whoops.

"It's a concern all clan leaders have," Dan answered. "As Ezio said, you need some good enforcers to back Caleb up. He can handle the number of people you have right now, but as you expand, he'll need help."

"There's so much to think about," I said. "I'm glad we have you all to help us."

"Hello," Nico said suddenly.

Everyone spun to find him in the middle of the entryway.

"Teleporting into another king's territory is rude," Dan commented.

"My son gave me permission," Nico replied with a smug grin. Turning to me, he crooked his finger. "Come, I'm going to help you with your wards."

"Oh, okay," I said and stood. I started to grab my plate to take it to the kitchen, but Branson set his hand on my arm, stopping me.

"I'll handle the dishes."

I kissed his cheek and said, "Thanks, Branny Boy. You're the best."

Nico waited while I put my shoes on, then led me down the drive beyond the front gate, to the edge of our property line. "Mark the spot you want the ward to start with your magic, imagine a red magical stake in the ground."

Doing as he said, I used my magic to create a red stake that stuck up out of the ground.

"Good," he said. "Now, walk around the perimeter you want to create and continue making the stakes."

"How far apart should I make them?"

"I suggest one every twenty feet or so. It doesn't have to be exact and the spacing being uneven won't affect it."

"Does putting them closer make the ward stronger?"

He shook his head. "No, but I like that your thought process went down that line."

"So, I have to walk the full perimeter?" It was a really large perimeter.

"Yes, which is why I'm here so early." He smiled. "At least you'll have me for company. I did ours by myself. Very boring."

We started walking, and I tried to put the stakes as evenly as possible, just because I wanted them even.

"Befriend any animals lately?" Nico asked as he trailed after me, walking just inside the stakes, sipping on a cup of coffee.

"I haven't gone out onto the property yet," I admitted. "This is going to be my first time going around the perimeter."

"Are you going to know where your property lines are then?" he asked, and frowned.

I nodded. "Caleb put up markers so we would know where our property lines are." I pointed to one by the tree near us, a small silver disc with our symbol on it.

"Sometimes that son of mine does smart things after all," Nico teased with a chuckle.

"Don't worry, I won't tell him, or that giant ego of his will expand and kill us all with its crushing weight."

Nico laughed and shook his head.

"Do you think it's harder to become king for an established clan or a new clan?" I asked.

"Since I was the next for the throne, Dad had spent a lot of time showing me the ropes to prepare me to take over. So, it wasn't that difficult to step into the role. We've been training Caleb to be the potential next in line for all of our clans, not realizing he would ultimately become a king to his own clan. There is a lot of groundwork to be done to establish the clan, but I think he's well equipped and ready to take it on."

I thought so, too, but it was reassuring to hear him say that.

"As for you, I know this is a lot and you're stressing yourself out with worry that you won't be good enough, but you've got this. You just have to be your normal, charming self. Help those in need, like you had been doing at your cabin. Be kind and compassionate. And the most important thing is to support Caleb and be there for him."

"Thank you, Nico. That was actually really helpful."

"I have my moments."

We lapsed into silence as I focused on the task at hand. As I got the hang of it, he started telling me stories about Caleb as a child, as well as Riddick.

It was nice to hear about the rambunctious kids and teenagers they had been. To learn more about them. Even though we were mates now, there was still so much to learn about each other.

"Okay, perimeter is done," I said and exhaled, wiping the sweat from my forehead.

"Great job. Now, you're going to raise the dome."

My brows furrowed. "Raise the dome?"

"Yes, that's what you're going to envision. I'm going to help you as you do it, so I can help reinforce it and make it stronger."

"Okay," I said, drawing out the word.

"It'll be fine. You've got this."

Nodding, I took a deep breath, and refocused. Holding my hands out, palms up, I flexed my arms, accessing my magic, and began. As the dome began to rise, looking like a translucent red bubble, Nico held out his hand and the bubble thickened.

Halfway up, my arms started to shake, my heart beat faster, and my breath began ragged.

"You're doing great," Nico praised. "Just a bit more."

Caleb tugged on our bond and I sensed some worry from him. Unfortunately, I could not respond as I was focused on the dome.

"Slow, deep breaths as you push through," Nico instructed.

"What's going on?" Caleb asked, panting a bit as he clearly had just run here.

"Making ward," I panted and grit my teeth.

"Lend your mate some help," Nico said.

Caleb set his hand on my shoulder and I gasped as a surge of power from my core spread.

"What was that?"

"You can access your mates' powers," Nico explained. "That's why Jolie can shift."

So, I could shift into any of their forms?

Now wasn't the time to discuss, now was the time to finish the ward. With the additional power, it went much easier and it finished much faster.

Once it was done, I lowered my hands and took a gasping breath. "That sucked."

Caleb smoothed back my hair. "Want me to carry you back to the house?"

"No, I still have some questions for Nico, so the walk will give me time to explore our land and talk."

"Okay, I'm going to go back to the new hybrids. I got worried because you were being drained of magic, feeling weak, and then you didn't respond."

"I was a little preoccupied, so I couldn't respond," I explained.

"If you're good, you can just tap twice on the bond to let me know you're okay."

"We should come up with a standard system that we all use," I suggested.

"My parents have one that works really well, so we can steal theirs," Caleb offered.

"Sure, steal all of our good ideas," Nico said and scoffed with his arms folded, but quickly smiled.

"I'll write it up in our shared chat so you have it to review," Caleb said, kissed the side of my head, and jogged away from us.

Nico and I began walking and he asked, "So, questions?"

"Can you tell me more about using their powers through the mate bond? I knew Jolie could growl and sense your emotions, but I assumed that was because of her being a siren. I know she can tap into you to be stronger and increase her stamina, but I didn't know she could also shift."

"Yes, you can tap into their strength, stamina, and all of their powers. With you being the first hybrid mates we've encountered, I'm not honestly one hundred percent certain what that will entail for you. I assume you should be able to shift into any of their forms, but we would have to experiment with that and find out. Jolie does it by focusing on the bond for who she wants to tap into and accesses their powers that way. She can also reach through to that clan, and affect those who are part of that clan. Again, I have no idea what you could do since you guys aren't connected to the clans you vary from. I am itching to have you test all of this out." He tapped his cheek. "What are your plans for the rest of the day?"

"Apparently it is to be a guinea pig for the Mage King," I teased.

He smiled wide. "Perfect! Can I invite the others?"

As we approached the houses where the new clan members were going to live, we found them all gathered in the center talking to Caleb. A few recognized Nico, their eyes widening in fear, and they bowed their heads.

Caleb noticed and said, "You do not need to be afraid of him. Especially not when he is visiting our lands." Caleb arched a brow at Nico.

Nico dipped his head. "I am a visitor and mean no harm, though I wouldn't mean harm outside either. Please excuse me as I pass through. I am borrowing your queen for a few hours, if that's alright with you?"

Caleb frowned. "What are you doing?"

I waited until I was in front of him and whispered, "Experimentation!"

He sighed and ran a hand down his face. "Why am I not surprised to hear you say something like that? Promise you'll be careful?"

I raised up on tip toe and pressed a chaste kiss to his lips. "Yes, my king."

He bared his teeth for a moment, but then changed it into a smile. "You may borrow my queen so long as you promise to keep her safe."

Nico bowed with a grand flourish. "I will keep my beloved daughter-in-law safe."

I turned to face the newcomers and smiled wide. "I'm very excited to have you all joining our clan. I shall meet with you tomorrow, after you've had a bit of time to grow accustomed to the new clan bonds."

We finished our walk to the house, and I was disheartened to find Branson had left with Dan and Ezio.

"Going somewhere?" Triston asked.

I nodded. "Would you like to come with me?"

"You don't trust me to go alone?" Nico gasped and pressed a hand to his chest. "I'm wounded, Ember. So wounded."

"I've got nothing else planned today, so sure," Triston agreed and slipped on his shoes. "Also, Branson said to tell you that he's sorry and he'll call you tonight."

I nodded and tried to squash the dejection I felt. I hadn't realized he was going to leave today or I would have said goodbye before I went to work on the wards.

"Do you need to grab anything?" Nico asked.

"Just my phone," I said and jogged up the stairs.

When I came back down, Nico set his hand on my shoulder and said, "Great! Time to experiment!"

"Wait, what?" Triston asked.