Page 20

I t’d been a strange morning, and Phillip had questions. Thankfully, the two men manning the desk at the entrance of the Sentinel Brotherhood would have answers. Nothing happened in their office without Evergreen and Dudley being fully informed of it. Phillip straightened his gray uniform jacket and walked out of the conference room usually reserved for a special task force assembled years ago to investigate a mysterious terrorist group who’d attacked the Council many times.

The oddness of Phillip’s day had started the moment he’d teleported to headquarters and been told he couldn’t use the empty office on the first floor he’d occupied for the past couple of weeks. Although Phillip had tried to ask why, he’d been shooed out of the space on a variety of tasks. Now that Phillip had completed them, his curiosity couldn’t be denied.

“Hello, Evergreen,” Phillip said. Since Dudley was on the phone, he offered the sentinel a nod in greeting. “I have finished the list you gave me.”

“Already?” Evergreen asked.

“Yes, do you have anything else for me to do?” Phillip inquired, secretly hoping Evergreen was fresh out of duties so he could question the druidic necromancer.

“Um, not right now,” Evergreen replied. He made a frantic gesture at Dudley, which the sentinel ignored. Turning his back to Evergreen to give the caller on the other end his full attention, Dudley disregarded his roommate and best friend completely. Evergreen’s lips pursed, but he quickly grinned at Phillip. “I have a couple of questions for you.”

Hoping they could both share some information, Phillip returned his smile. “I have some for you as well.”

“Great, I’ll go first,” Evergreen said. “How are things going with your mates?”

“Excellent. I adore Keegan and Victor.”

Evergreen waggled his dark brows. “Enjoying your new living arrangements?”

“Indeed. We have found that cohabitating suits us.”

“I bet that big bed Victor bought does too.”

“Yes, it is very comfortable. My rest has improved.”

“I’m going to need way more juicy details,” Evergreen insisted.

“You are?”

“Yes, no one ever tells me anything good, and I don’t have a mate. Tell me everything. I’m guessing sex with three guys is way better than just two. Am I right? Are threesomes as hot as I think they are?”

Phillip frowned. “I do not know how to answer that question. Every experience I have had is with two men, so I have no means of comparison. Also, I do not know how to quantify your feelings on the subject.”

“Why am I plagued by sentinels?” Evergreen asked, slumping in his seat.

“What is going on in the empty office I was using?”

Evergreen’s gaze widened, and he slapped Dudley’s arm. “Huh?”

“The office I have used since I started working here. Today, I have seen furniture delivered, and they removed the door. What is going on?”

“You should ask Dudley.”

“Okay, I will wait for him to finish his phone call,” Phillip said.

“Oh, I wouldn’t do that. The call could take hours. You should go grab lunch early or something.”

Contrary to Evergreen’s words, Dudley set the phone receiver in the cradle and swung his chair to face them again. “Why did you hit me?” Dudley asked Evergreen. “Is everything okay?”

Evergreen sprang out of his seat and rushed around the desk toward the break room. “Phillip has some questions,” Evergreen said with a wave of his hand, then disappeared into the space where they had coffee and snacks.

“Did you ask Evergreen any of your questions?” Dudley inquired.

“I started to, but he suggested I speak with you.”

“Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why did Evergreen suggest you speak with me?”

Phillip scowled in confusion. “So that you could answer my questions.”

“If Evergreen does not know the answers, how would I know them?”

“You have not yet heard my questions. How are you sure you do not have the answers?”

“Because Evergreen is the one in charge,” Dudley insisted. “You should speak to him.”

“You two share the office manager title.”

“But Evergreen has worked here longer.”

“My questions are not of a historical nature.”

“But it could not hurt to ask someone else first.”

Growing annoyed, Phillip crossed his arms. “Will you at least allow me to ask you the questions in case you do know the answers to any of them?”

“Did you hear someone say my name?”

“No.”

“Neither did I, but it would be nice if someone would,” Dudley muttered.

“What is going on in the spare office I was using?” Phillip asked. “I have seen furniture delivered, and the door was removed.”

“You have already answered your question. Furniture was delivered. The door was removed. That is what is going on.”

“Yes, but why? There was already a desk and chair in the room.”

“Why do you think I know?”

“Do you know?”

Dudley sighed heavily. “Yes.”

“Then why?”

“I have been asked not to explain it to you.”

Unsure how to feel about that revelation, Phillip dropped his arms to his sides. “Who asked you not to explain it to me?”

“How many questions do you have?”

“I do not know; I did not count them before I started asking them.”

“Could you?”

“Could I what?”

“Count them, Phillip. You should count them.”

“You are being annoying. It is pointless to count questions. What does it matter how many they are? That does not get me any closer to answers.”

“Why are you so curious?”

“I am a sentinel. Of course I am curious.”

“Well, I am a sentinel too, and I am not asking you questions.”

“If you have any questions for me, I would be happy to assist you.”

“That is untrue.”

Phillip glared. “I cannot lie, Dudley. If I was not interested in aiding you, I would tell you.”

“But I asked you to count your questions, and you refused.”

“Because it is a pointless, tedious task that benefits no one.”

“If I have asked you to do it, it surely benefits me.”

“How?”

Dudley rose and stomped toward the exit of the Sentinel Brotherhood. “I will think about it and let you know,” Dudley retorted and rushed through the tall glass doors.

“This day has only grown weirder,” Phillip muttered as he stood alone in the lobby.

∞∞∞

In an uncharacteristically sad mood, Keegan left his final class at the Ascension Center and went for a walk around the building. He’d travel there one last time the following afternoon for his graduation. With his high scores, Keegan should’ve been on top of the world. Instead, accepting his future was difficult.

Given his test scores, he’d earned the title of Juris Knight. But Keegan couldn’t picture himself picking through files to determine guilt or innocence, then selecting punishments. It wasn’t that he lacked confidence in himself. On the contrary. Keegan’s success in his classes had fueled his belief in his own abilities.

That was why his lack of excitement about obtaining a rare Juris Knight appointment was confusing. Only a tiny percentage of fallen knights were Juris Knights. They were some of the smartest men and women in Keegan’s race. So, why was he disappointed at the thought of joining their ranks?

The problem was Keegan couldn’t answer that question. He wasn’t sure what the hell was wrong with him, which was why he was meandering through a building instead of heading home to his mates. Phillip and Victor knew him too well not to guess he was out of sorts. They’d naturally want to help him sort through his feelings.

But how could Keegan explain anything to them when he wasn’t sure how to even spell it out in his own head? Frustrated with himself, Keegan gave himself five minutes to get his shit together. The likelihood of him figuring anything out was next to nil, and Keegan refused to be late for the dinner Victor had cooked. Nor would he worry Victor or Phillip.

No closer to shaking off his funky mood, Keegan slapped a smile on his face and teleported to the suite he shared with Phillip and Victor. The bright, gorgeous surroundings immediately made him feel better. Since he’d get to enjoy the space later with the two men who’d stolen his heart, Keegan left their bedroom and nearly smacked into the Lich Sentinel.

“Come with me,” Alaric ordered.

As a sentinel, Alaric was adept at showing little emotion, and this evening was no exception. Keegan’s ability to comprehend their expressions was improving, but he’d need plenty more study to unravel their mysteries.

“Okay,” Keegan said as he fell into step behind the Lich Sentinel.

“I hope Brynn doesn’t get nervous and put the dinner rolls in too early,” Victor remarked as Keegan stepped into the large office shared by Alaric and Chander. Along with Victor, Phillip and the Reverent Knights were also in the room.

“Hello, Sunshine,” Phillip said, brushing their lips together.

“You told Brynn to wait on the rolls,” Alaric mentioned to Victor as the cat shifter rushed over to kiss Keegan.

“Did you see the panic on his face?” Victor asked. “He gets nervous because he’s afraid he’ll mess things up.”

“We could’ve waited until after dinner for this conversation,” Drystan remarked.

“What is wrong?” Phillip asked Keegan.

Keegan smiled as Phillip grabbed his hand, and Victor laced their fingers on his other side.

“No, Phillip badgered Evergreen and Dudley all day,” Alaric revealed. “And something is clearly bothering Keegan. I suspect it has to do with his imminent graduation.”

“How did you know that?” Keegan asked, shocked that Alaric had somehow read his mind. He’d only recently figured it out himself.

“Because I suspect you are confused, and I believe it is because of Fate.”

The door opened and Chander sailed in. “What’d I miss?”

“Did Brynn put in the dinner rolls?” Victor asked.

“There was a tray of them on the counter, so no,” Chander responded.

“Okay, good. Everything else will keep until Alaric explains his whole Fate comment,” Victor said.

Chander’s brow lifted. “What did you say?”

“Nothing really, yet,” Alaric replied as he tucked Chander into his embrace so that his mate’s back was pressed against the Lich Sentinel’s chest. “Keegan, perhaps you could tell everyone your thoughts.”

Keegan refused to keep the truth from his mates or lie to the Reverent Knights, so he swallowed and nodded. “This is going to sound awful, but I was…well, feeling sad about graduation. I don’t totally understand why. The thing is, being a Juris Knight is an honor. One I earned and worked hard to achieve. But I guess my excitement hasn’t kicked in yet.”

“Because I suspect it is not what Fate intended for you.”

“Is this the part where Alaric convinces us he figured out Fate’s true purpose for our fallen knight?” Drystan drawled.

“You should be thanking me for figuring it out,” Alaric replied calmly. “The Order of the Fallen Knights and the Sentinel Brotherhood have decided that neither you nor Phillip are ordinary additions to your races. Otherwise, Phillip would have normal poisons and you would not have test scores that put you between a Juris Knight and a Venerable Knight.”

“Keegan, the Order of the Fallen Knights has agreed to share you with the Sentinel Brotherhood. Tomorrow at graduation, Alaric will give you and Phillip the titles of Cinder Lord. Your duties will be assigned by Alaric and the Skeleton Seven. Appropriate uniforms and rings of rank have already been created,” Drystan explained with a smile.

“And to keep Phillip’s dragon happy, you two will work from an office upstairs in this condo in the morning to keep you close to Victor,” Conley added. “In the afternoon, you’ll be in a newly designed space for you two. Alaric has already mentioned you two will be added to the special terrorist group task force, and Keegan, you’ll oversee technology for the entire Sentinel Brotherhood.”

“That might seem like an enormous honor, but it’s going to be a pain in your ass because sentinels suck at technology,” Chander commented.

“Like the Skeleton Seven, your duties will vary,” Alaric stated. “You work for us but will also function as an integral part of the leadership of the Sentinel Brotherhood.”

“Wow,” Keegan managed.

“I cannot accept the title,” Phillip said.

Alaric frowned severely. “Why not?”

“I am not qualified. Keegan studied hard and achieved scores higher than most in his race. I have worked for barely two weeks and did not take a single test.”

“The Skeleton Seven were selected prior to any sentinel stepping foot in the Ascension Center,” Alaric retorted. “We have tests and a structure to suit the Council, but it is unnecessary to the way we function. Do not forget that every sentinel has outscored the fallen knights. Our scoring is not the same as theirs, otherwise we would all hold the highest titles in our race. You do not need to prove yourself to anyone in this room or anywhere in the world.”

“It pains me to admit it, but Alaric is right,” Drystan said. “The Sentinel Brotherhood had to redefine their testing thresholds after their first bunch arrived at the Ascension Center. Sentinels study harder and are highly competitive, which is why they outscore fallen knights.”

“Then I want to be tested before I accept the title,” Phillip insisted.

“I will put together a comprehensive test for you to take on Monday morning if you want, but I want you and Keegan to accept your titles at graduation tomorrow,” Alaric responded.

“You can give Keegan the title tomorrow, and I will earn mine on Monday,” Phillip argued. “In the future, I want the chance to complete my entire training at the Ascension Center. Perhaps next year when you resurrect nearly double the normal amount of recruits. I do not wish for the Sentinel Brotherhood to suffer from a lack of men because of my difficulties.”

“Phillip, he’s your Fate-chosen leader; you probably shouldn’t contradict him,” Keegan reminded his mate gently.

Drystan chuckled. “And that doesn’t matter to Alaric or Phillip. Alaric, no one will ask questions if we wait to do the press release until Monday. Phillip will have no problem passing his test.”

“That is agreeable,” Alaric said. “You may go through training whenever it suits you and your mates best. They can join you for lunch there so you can build relationships with the recruits. We will adjust things if your dragon needs more time with Keegan and Victor. And yes, I will ask Chander to resurrect a larger number next year. I am not upset that we did not add more men this year. It was the honor of the Sentinel Brotherhood to ensure our first dragon sentinel had everything he needed during a difficult time in his life.”

“Thank you. At least now I know why the new furniture was delivered,” Phillip responded. “Did you have the door removed to add our daggers to the door so they match the other offices within our headquarters?”

“Of course,” Alaric replied. “And remind me to assign you to somewhere besides headquarters the next time we wish to surprise you. Evergreen and Dudley disappeared so much this afternoon to avoid your questions that very little was accomplished in our office.”

“Dudley actually advised me to count the number of questions I had to avoid answering them. It was a ridiculous request, and I told him so,” Phillip complained. “Thank you for the chance to earn this opportunity.”

“You have both already earned it. I look forward to you both being Cinder Lords,” Alaric replied. “Victor, you are now a Cinder Lord-mate, and you can have your ring whenever you want it.”

“You can give it to me when Phillip accepts his title. Cinder Lord is a beautiful title and suits a dragon and his mates,” Victor said. “Congratulations, Phillip and Keegan. I’m so excited for you. But seriously, can I go check on dinner before Brynn explodes with nerves?”

“Please go; I don’t want to have to tranquilize him,” Chander teased.

Victor reached up and kissed Keegan’s cheek. Next, he did the same to Phillip. “I’m so proud of you both, and Phillip, you’ll crush your test just like Keegan did with his.”

“I’ll help him study this weekend,” Keegan insisted.

“I was going to ask for your aid once we were alone,” Phillip said as Victor sailed out.

Keegan stepped closer to Phillip and slid his palm into the sentinel’s hand. “You’ve got it. And thanks, everyone, I can’t wait to do this with Phillip. Being with him all day is a dream come true.”

“You’ll always be a fallen knight, and we want you to know we’re here for you if you need us,” Conley assured Keegan. “We’re not abandoning you to all these sentinels.”

Overwhelmed by the opportunity he’d been handed and the incredible future unfolding in his mind, Keegan managed a nod.

“Okay, we are done. You two can go home,” Alaric told the Reverent Knights.

“You already know we can’t cook. Victor is feeding us,” Drystan corrected.

“I didn’t invite you for dinner,” Alaric stated succinctly.

“Then I will,” Chander remarked. “Please join us; Victor makes plenty extra, and I’m sure Keegan and Phillip would love the opportunity to share an evening with you. Plus, they may have questions about this unique title and what it means for them.”

“ Ha ,” Conley retorted and blew a raspberry at Alaric.

“I hope Fate is done adding fallen knights to my household,” Alaric muttered.

“I am grateful to have a fallen knight as a mate,” Phillip said, caressing Keegan’s hand with his thumb.

“And I love having a sentinel for one of my mine too,” Keegan commented. He turned to kiss Phillip. “Should we go see if we can help Victor?”

“Absolutely.”

Eager to be with both his men, Keegan followed Phillip out and wondered how long it’d take for the opportunity Alaric had just laid out for him to settle into his mind. Like his mates, it was too damn good to be true. All his sadness had already faded, and he planned on attacking his future with gusto on Monday morning.