Page 5 of Becoming One

Ezra stepped out of his office. “What is going on out here?”

Jewel rushed to his mate’s side. “That’s what I was asking, Ezzie.”

“Ezra, didn’t you have a meeting with the contractor?” Nelson asked.

Nodding, Ezra replied, “He canceled. I told him to call you later today to reschedule. What’s going on?”

Orion wasn’t sure what to say, but Kragen didn’t give him a chance to answer. “Orion ordered myself and my men here because someone threatened his mate.”

“What!” Jewel and Nelson exclaimed at the same time.

Orion sighed and dropped his head down.

“Orion, in my office,” Ezra ordered.

Jewel went to follow, but Ezra stopped him. “Sweetheart, I think it might be best if I spoke with Orion alone.”

“And I think if you try that, you’re going to have a difficult time getting an erection for the next week. Nelson and I are coming in there. We have every right to know what’s going on,” Jewel said with false sweetness and smiles.

Ezra looked into his mate’s eyes before finally giving a sharp nod. “Just let me do the talking, please. I need to understand what’s going on.”

Nodding, Jewel replied, “Of course, Ezzie.”

Jewel turned to the two men ready to follow him inside the office. “You two stay outside the doors. My mate will never allow any harm to come to me and some things are just private.”

They looked ready to argue, but Ezra stopped them. “I can keep my mate safe. Do as he ordered.”

Orion didn’t like the unease he could feel coming from Nelson as they made their way into the office.

Everyone sat, as Ezra looked at Orion. “Why don’t you tell us what’s going on.”

“I was just finishing up my meeting with the Dires when we heard a sound outside the door. When I opened it I found a dead fox at my feet with this note pinned to it,” Orion said, leaning forward and handing it to Ezra.

Jewel took it from Orion, reading aloud, “Safety is an illusion. The next one could be yours. Drop out now.”

Ezra took the note from Jewel, read it silently, then looked at Orion. “You think it’s the mage?”

Shaking his head, Orion said, “It feels more personal, Ezra. Whoever this is, doesn’t want me participating in the Summoning Ceremony.”

“But you have to,” Nelson insisted.

Orion turned to Nelson and took his hand, gently squeezing it. “My light, there is no position in this coven worth your life. I have to consider everything before I make my decision on what I must do.”

Shaking his head, Nelson pursed his lips and pulled his hand back. “No, there is no decision to make. You are going to compete at the ceremony and that is just how it is. I won’t have it any other way.”

“I will not put your life in danger over a coven position. What kind of mate would I be to risk your life over a title?” Orion insisted.

Nelson lifted his chin, firmly saying, “And I will not be the reason that you don’t get to live up to your full potential. What kind of a mate would I be if I allowed you to sacrifice everything for me like that? No, Orion, you are going to go forward with the ceremony as planned. I’ll be fine. I can take care of myself.”

Orion sighed. “My light, I’m not trying to be hurtful, but how can you take care of yourself when you can’t shift? Whoever it is threatening me is going about it the right way. I couldn’t stand it if anything happened to you.”

Nelson’s eyes teared up, as he rasped, “I feel the same about you, big guy. I know I can’t shift, but I’m not useless.”

“Maybe now would be the time to tell Orion our idea?” Jewel suggested.

“Idea?” Orion asked looking at Ezra. The man shrugged looking just as confused and lost as Orion.

Nelson shook his head, saying, “Now isn’t the time, Jewel.”