Page 25

Chapter

Twenty-Four

A ZALEA

“The Credence Kingdom, my Queen. It was one of the first to fall. I know my brother did some despicable things but had we known who you were, we never would have come here. Landeena’s have immunity.

The council knows this, but honestly, we thought besides Elder Crux, none existed.

They are the creators of Lycan law. We live by that law,” he says when I hear footsteps coming up behind us.

“Apparently, live by that law. The council has some serious allegations against them, especially how the council could be behind the rogue murders or the murder of Tandi’s daughter,” Damian snarls.

“Rogue murders? And Alpha Brock took his daughter,” Larkin says, “I am not Alpha Brock!” he adds, though it is clear he thinks very little of the Alpha.

“He drowned her when he tossed her off the cliff; Tandi saw him do it. She said she heard the splash, and Crux just stood there and let him,” Damian snarls.

“No, no, the council wouldn’t kill children,” Larkin defends his eyes, going to the doors behind us.

Dustin emerges first through the huge castle doors before Tandi steps out, tears streaking down her face as she clutches her son.

Larkin tries to get to his feet in a blur of motion.

Defensively, Damian charges at him, only for Larkin to stop just before Tandi.

To everyone’s surprise, Larkin doesn’t snatch his son.

He merely holds his hands out for him. The toddler babbles, fisting the air.

“You’re not taking him, Larkin. I won’t lose another child,” Tandi snarls, pulling her son away, and for the first time, I witness her step behind her mate, relying on him to protect her. And Damian has no such qualms about doing so.

“You left abruptly. I told you I would never take him from you. I am not that bastard, Alpha,” he pleads, and I truly believe I am seeing a different side of this ruthless man.

He makes cooing noises at his son, smiling brightly at him and holding his hands out to him. It’s clear he’s fond of the boy.

Damian shoves him back, and Larkin snarls but stops when his eyes go to his son.

“Tandi, please, tell them. I have been good to you, haven’t I?” Larkin says, staring at her.

“Good to her? She lives in a whore-house!” Damian growls at him.

“I tried to get her out! Crux wouldn’t allow it, said it would taint the fucking council! Do you think I wanted my son there? I couldn’t rip him out of her arms either,” Larkin bellows at him, causing Hunter to start wailing at the sound of the fighting.

“Hey, Bubba boy, Daddy didn’t mean to yell,” Larkin says, and Kyson rubs his temples. Tandi sniffles, her eyes bloodshot from crying, and her nose is red. She clutches her son, but it is clear he wants to go to his father. Reluctantly, she looks at me.

“You won’t let him take my boy?” Tandi asks me.

“Never. And if he tries, he won’t leave here alive,” I tell her, half to reassure her and half to warn Larkin. He nods, and Tandi hands him over, kissing his cheek.

Kyson sighs, yet it is the longing through the bond that has me look at Kyson beside me to find him watching Larkin cuddle and kiss his son. I grab his hand and give it a squeeze, and he returns it, shaking his head and clearing his throat.

“It is much too cold out here for a baby. Dustin, take Hunter to Abbie to look after or ask Clarice. Tandi, Larkin, Damian, my office now,” Kyson says, leaving no room for argument.

Dustin moves to take the baby, but Larkin pulls away. “You’ll let me see him again?” he asks, almost pleading with Kyson. Kyson looks at Damian, which makes Larkin turn his gaze toward Damian.

“I mean her no harm. I just don’t want to be cut out of my son’s life,” Larkin tells him while Hunter smacks his father’s face, trying to get his attention.

“Depending on what information you’re willing to give, I will think about it. But if I believe you are a threat to my mate or your son.” Dustin takes the boy, and Damian steps closer to him.

“It won’t be Gannon and Liam you’ll fear, Larkin.

Elder or not, you’ll wish they were the ones to kill you,” Damian sneers, and I see Larkin swallow.

I am a little shocked how much fear Gannon and Liam’s names instilled, but the look on Larkin’s face as he stares at Damian has him turn white as a sheet, and he nods quickly.

“I just want to see my son. I am not a monster,” Larkin says.

“We’ll see,” Damian says before reaching for Tandi.

Damian tucks her closer, under his arm, and walks inside with her.

Larkin looks as if he wants to say something but must have decided against it because he closes his mouth and follows obediently.

I raise an eyebrow at this entire fiasco, yet maybe we will get some answers.

I know Tandi is telling the truth. She has no reason to lie.

Larkin, though, looks confused by the allegations against him and the other council elders.

“Come on, let’s sort this mess out and then speak with Cedric when Liam brings him,” Kyson says.

“How will we know if he is telling the truth? Can I?” I look to Kyson, wanting permission to command him; either way, I would. It would just be better if we are on the same side when I do.

“You can, and I will help you,” Kyson murmurs, and I feel myself relax, knowing we will at least for sure know the truth. Hopefully, I have faith that Kyson can indeed help me if it is required. We follow them through the halls toward the office while Dustin disappears up the stairs with Hunter.

“Liam found Cedric and is on his way back to the castle with him,” Kyson tells me as we reach the door to his office, which is open. Larkin glances around nervously while Tandi moves toward the chaise by the window. Damian pulls a chair out before pointing at it.

“Sit!” Damian tells him. Larkin presses his lips in a line yet obeys.