Page 31 of My Haven (Bewitched and Bewildered #16)

His father moved to stand next to Aiden.

“The position of Unit Commander is respected by all four pillar cities. He alone makes decisions that affect all the units. He alone dictates their training and positions. In the event of a tied vote between Elders, his is the deciding vote. How dare you call him a nominal leader?”

Thad placed a hand over his heart. “We do things slightly different here in Storm Keep. The people trust the Witches’ Council to look out for their best interests.

Genevieve was a human walking around our city with no escort.

How were the enforcers to know she meant no harm?

Murdering people without allowing a chance for dialogue is why our people want to move away from how things have always been done,” he said loudly, in a well-modulated voice.

Caiden felt the shift in the atmosphere. The people around them that had, at first, looked indignant that Genevieve had been taken, now looked at the unit warriors warily.

“And what would you have done if my daughter had had her mind wiped as they planned?” his father asked.

“Do you have proof that was going to happen?” Thad asked, reasonably.

“Nothing definitive,” Marshall replied.

Aiden stepped in front of Marshall. “The orders came from me. If anyone, regardless of whatever position they hold in our world, takes the mate of a unit warrior, I will act swiftly and without remorse. No one, and I do mean no one, hurts my warriors. Do we have an understanding?” Aiden asked, leaning over the smaller man.

Thad swallowed hard, his eyes cutting to Marshall, then back up to Aiden. “And I would have you understand that we have laws here you cannot ignore.”

Aiden’s smile was vicious. “I will obey any law passed by the Elder Council, as they are the ruling body responsible for creating and enforcing laws in our world,” he shot back.

Thad’s expression tightened. “I see.”

Marshall turned to Aiden. “Can you see to it that the unit warriors post notices across the city, that any law issued by the Witches’ Council needs to be approved by the Elder Council and until that approval is secured, any law set forth by the Witches’ Council can be ignored.”

Thad’s face flushed red, and he stepped forward. Jayne placed a hand on his arm. “And what of the murders of multiple men employed by the Witches’ Council,” she countered.

Aiden turned his fierce gaze to her, causing her to turn her face away. “Consider it a cheap lesson learned.”

The Witches’ Council turned and went to walk away when his brother Thane spoke up. “You all crossed a line today. The Ashleighs are done playing nice. Vacate our family home by the end of the week,” he ordered.

Thad sputtered. “You have no right!”

Caiden looked to his father, and he nodded his permission. He passed Genevieve off to Kyran and moved to stand with his brother. “The Ironwoods are done playing nice. Vacate our family home by the end of the week.”

“You can’t do this!” Varan yelled.

Troy moved forward. “Since you are close with the Magic Academy, please tell them that the Primroses are also reclaiming their ancestral home.”

Mikel was nodding when he walked over to stand by Troy. “The Appleblossoms are also reclaiming their family home and will be presenting to the Elder Council, evidence of the Witches’ Council’s misappropriation of the Fire Temple’s assets and accounts.”

Tristan turned to the Witches’ Council. “As Kincaid Bayberry was just elevated, he will of course be wanting to look over the Goldenleaf estate for his family, that should probably also be vacated.”

Thane chuckled. “Maybe spending all your time in the homes of those with power gave you a false superiority complex. Consider these changes for your own good.”

“We’ll see about this,” Thad said, turning he walked away, the council following close behind.

The people around them muttered, whispered, and pointed, before slowly walking away.

Aiden sighed. “I don’t know if we played into their plans or got the upper hand.”

Caiden eyed Kendrick who had been noticeably quiet. “It would have been interesting if everyone had reclaimed their ancestral home.”

Shaking his head Tristan cast a soundproofing spell.

His father elbowed him in the stomach and Kendrick gave him a flat stare.

“I meant the Silverwoods, Mandrakes and Elderberrys,” he wheezed.

Genevieve rubbed his back.

“Mother would reclaim her family’s home in a heartbeat if she were here. We need to find Celeste,” Justice said, coming to stand with them.

Marshall rubbed his chin. “If six Founding and Noble families make a move, Lucius Mandrake and Alaric Elderberry will side with us.”

“Even though Alaric works at the Academy?” Law asked.

“He’s there to monitor things,” Marshall confessed.

“If all the Founding and Noble Family members are reclaiming their seats, isn’t that effectively winning?” Tristan asked.

Caiden shook his head as his eyes went to the perimeter where the people once stood. “We still don’t know who is really pulling the strings here and unfortunately, for now, the people trust the Witches’ Council.”

Kendrick sighed. “That has always been the crux of the issue.”

“I hope that tracing their use of the Fire Temple funds, will give the Elder Council something to work with in disbanding them,” Mikel said, cracking his back. He grinned at the Ironwoods and Ashleighs. “Sorry your mate was taken, but it felt really fucking good to stand up to those assholes.”

Caiden glanced down at his mate. “I’m sorry you got caught up in all of this.”

She looked down at the ground. “Do we have to stay here?”

“No,” he replied immediately.

At once his brothers began to protest. He held up his hand. “My mate comes first.”

They quieted.

She blinked up at him. “Just like that?”

He knelt down in front of her and took both her hands in his. “Your happiness is everything to me. If, by staying here you are constantly reminded of being kidnapped and assaulted, then we leave, it’s as simple as that.”

“But if anything is going to change, your brothers will need you,” she said, biting her lower lip.

He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it gently. “They’re grown.”

She looked around at the decimated building and the warriors waiting for orders. “I did promise to feed the kids.”

He stood. “I will support you, no matter what you decide.”

When her eyes strayed back to the cage, he stood and pulled her close. “When do you want to leave?” he whispered.

“Tomorrow.”

“Kirbs,” Arlo said, but Troy pulled him back, shaking his head.

She looked up. “I want a honeymoon in éire Danu so I can start my food science lessons and get the guys to commit to a cooking schedule. Then we come home.”

Caiden felt hope expand in his chest. “Are you sure?”

She nodded. “Both of our families are here, and we have some changes to make.” She turned to Aiden. “I want a cool taser like Meryn though.”

Aiden shook his head. “Keelan made that for her, I have no idea what it even is.”

She looked so crestfallen, Kyran ruffled her hair. “If Keelan figured it out, so can we. Maybe we should upgrade it a bit.” He turned to Mikel. “Can we make it shoot fire?”

Genevieve’s mouth dropped. “Fire?” she squeaked.

Mikel nodded enthusiastically. “I think all the warrior’s mates should get one.”

Aiden was shaking his head looking spooked. “No, no they shouldn’t. Keeping Meryn out of trouble is hard enough, we can’t arm all of them.”

As if speaking her name summoned her, Aiden’s phone chirped. He glanced down, looking scared to answer. “She’ll somehow ask about the damn flamethrower, I know it,” he muttered, then put it on speaker.

“Hey, baby.”

“Yello. Didja’ll kill em yet? I’m craving those cookies.”

“Yes, I’m fine, thanks for asking,” Genevieve said, hands on her hips.

“Oh yeah. You okay?”

Aiden sighed.

“Yes, I am, you nut.”

“Speaking of nuts… didn’t you say you were going to put walnuts in the cookies?” Meryn asked.

Genevieve threw her hands in the air. “Meryn! I was kidnapped!”

“So? It’s not like Thane, Caiden, Law, Justice, Kyran or Tristan would let anything happen to you. Please come make me my cookies. I am feeling very left out over here and alone. If the Witches’ Council wanted to axe my ass, now would be the perfect time with all y’all out there.”

Aiden spun around looking for his ATV.

“Meryn you did that on purpose, leave Aiden alone,” Arlo ordered.

“Fiinnne. Baby, I’m perfectly safe here with Ryuu and Pierce. Besides the boys have been practicing this new earth spell that encapsulates people, I think we should call it the Coffin or Mummy’s Revenge.”

Aiden wobbled a bit in relief.

“You know, you could just say you were worried and you’re glad everyone is okay,” Genevieve teased.

“What kind of healthy mental crap is that?” Meryn scoffed. “Please come home! I hate it when it’s quiet now.”

“We’re on our way baby.”

“I’ll preheat the oven, maybe look for flour and shit,” she offered.

“Stay out of the kitchen!” Aiden ordered.

“Sure,” she agreed quickly, then hung up.

Thane and Kendrick looked at each other.

“She’s reacting to our magic, isn’t she?” Caiden guessed.

Kendrick nodded. “All that build up and no release. She’ll be an absolute horror to be around for the next couple days.”

Aiden brightened. “I can help with that.”

“Good luck,” Thane said.

Aiden turned to the men as the soundproofing spell dropped. “Dismissed!”

The warriors turned and began to head back to their ATVs.

Caiden looked down at Genevieve. “Do you have a fear of heights?”

She adjusted her backpack on her shoulders. “No. Why?”

“Just checking.”

*****

Genevieve didn’t know whether to be excited or throw up. She knew Caiden would never drop her, but flying in the air, without an airplane around her, had been exhilarating and terrifying.

Once they were in the house, Meryn made sure she was okay and pushed her into the kitchen. Genevieve thought it was cute how she kept demanding cookies, but her eyes kept checking her over. When Meryn saw the bruise on her cheek she waddled to the freezer and got her a bag of peas.

She made sure Meryn was seated before she began making cookies. At first Caiden wanted to make her sit and rest as well, but honestly, puttering around the kitchen grounded her in ways just sitting quiet never would.

Once Caiden actually saw she was calming down by baking cookies, he seemed to relax himself. Around them men were on cell phones calling other Elders and organizing things, but her only concern was marveling at the quality vanilla her mate stocked in his pantry.

“Meryn, they’ll come faster if you call, than if we go through proper channels,” Aiden said, pointing to her phone.

“Do we really need to have a meeting? We just freaking got here,” Meryn complained.

“Yes, and as per usual, shit went sideways as you predicted. Dad, Magnus, and Darian need to be updated and in person seems to be the faster route,” Aiden explained.

Meryn sat clenching and unclenching her fists.

Aiden watched her for a second, then walked around behind her, tilted her head and bit her neck. For a second Meryn’s body went slack, then she sighed happily. “I’ll call them now.”

“Feeling better?” Aiden asked, his nose nuzzling behind her ear.

“Yup! Thank you, baby,” she said and turned her head, so they rubbed noses.

Genevieve watched until she caught Meryn’s eye. “Okay, maybe shifters aren’t too bad,” she admitted, giving her a wink.

“I’ll fucking say. I feel the happy pheromones from here. Waft them this way,” Arlo said, using both hands to fan toward himself. Troy smiled and sipped his tea, not caring a whit that his mate was so boisterous.

Meryn hummed to herself as she tapped on her phone.

It didn’t take long for her phone to ring.

“Hey Magnus,” she answered, placing it on speaker.

“Hello, darling girl. Stirring up trouble already?” he asked, laughter in his voice.

“Wasn’t me this time, though I did encourage Caiden to go in swinging a big dick, so maybe a little bit my fault.”

“Are you under arrest?” Magnus asked.

“Not yet, but it will probably happen eventually,” she admitted.

“I would like to see them try and arrest our Meryn,” Genevieve heard a male voice say from Magnus’ line.

“I’m okay Sebastian, in fact my new sister is making me cookies,” Meryn said, excitedly.

“Are we coming to you?” Magnus asked.

“Might not be a bad idea. Aiden is calling Byron, I think all the Elders are coming over,” she said, still tapping on her phone as she talked.

"All?” Magnus asked.

“Yup, so we may need you in your Elder hat and your Princey hat.”

“I will make sure to bring both, see you soon.”

“Bye,” Meryn said and ended the call.

Seconds later her phone rang again. Without missing a beat, she answered it and placed the phone on the counter. “Yello.”

“What do you mean we need to come over for a war council?” Darian demanded.

“Did I word it that way?” Meryn asked innocently.

“Yes, you did! Where is Aiden?”

“I’m here.” Aiden said, walking over to where Meryn sat. “And no, not a war council, but we all definitely need to be on the same page to avoid larger conflicts.”

“What’d she do now?” Darian asked.

“I am feeling very slighted over here. Just for that, you don’t get cookies,” Meryn declared. “Genevieve, Darian doesn’t get any cookies.”

Genevieve laughed. “Darian, I think you hurt her feelings.”

“He did what?” she heard Amelia ask.

Genevieve heard a loud, exasperated male sigh. “We’ll be there soon.” Then the line disconnected.

Meryn made a face. “He can have cookies if Amelia yelled at him,” she offered mercifully.

Genevieve shrugged. “You’re the boss.”

Meryn grinned. “I kinda am.”