A Surrender Of Hope (Umbra Hunters #3)

27. Lennox

TWENTY-SEVEN

Lennox

I stare down at the boy in front of me, trying not to let my anger get the best of me as Meyer shifts nervously at my side. The fact that he’s here in the castle makes my eyes twitch.

“How the hell did we miss him following us through the portal?” I grind out, looking up from Elaine's son to Valen, who looks far too amused for my liking.

“You didn't close the rift after we came through. Remember? You sent me to close it while you talked with Meyer,” Valen points out, and I curse, turning on my heel and pacing the width of the small room as I thread my fingers into my hair and glare back down at Ranger Drakos.

“Fucking hell. We don't have time for this. Razar!” I snarl, looking to the back of the room and waiting for my brother to reemerge from the shadows. Meyer’s eyes narrow on him as he steps forward, his hood pulled over his eyes, hiding his face from the room. “Bring the boy back to the rift. I’ll send word to Elaine and have her meet him there.”

“What? No! I want to stay here with Meyer,” Ranger Drakos retorts, stepping closer to my mate and setting my teeth on edge. Meyer must see the reaction because she rolls her eyes and steps away from the boy and closer to me.

“No,” I growl, hand moving to grab my Little Demon and tug her close before I pause and look at her for permission. She rolls her eyes with a laugh and steps into my embrace, making me relax a little.

“I want him to stay,” she whispers before Elaine's son can argue with me. I glare down at her and shake my head.

“No,” I repeat, making her narrow her eyes at me, and I know she’s about to chew me out. My cock throbs in response to her anger, her emotions running high and letting me feel every bit of her frustration and… arousal. Well, shit, looks like my perfect mate likes our little fights as much as I do.

“Listen, I understood when you were concerned with him traveling here with us, but he’s already here. It's a waste to send him back, and I need a friend here,” she snaps, making me roll my lips together in frustration when her argument makes sense. We’ll travel back to the castle in North America in two days. Our trip was cut short because of the danger to Meyer's life if anyone were to discover her secret. It would take Razar over a day to bring Theodore Drakos back to the rift and return, and I don’t like the idea of him not being here for that long. I have several meetings I need to attend with my father, and Razar is the man I put on Meyer duty when I’m not around.

“And if he gets hurt? Are you prepared to face those consequences?” I watch her face, wondering if she truly believes she can. I’m not simply arguing with her to be an asshole. Meyer has actual feelings for this boy, which drives me absolutely mad, if I’m honest, despite knowing it's a brotherly love she holds for him.

My animalistic part doesn't care about that; he only wants all her love and attention. Sharing her with my Legion has me in knots. On the one hand, the interaction I shared with Valen and her only drives my need for her more. The pleasure that we brought her makes me want to do it all over again, but I still have moments when I want to tear my mate from their arms and hold her myself. It's been a humbling experience, to be sure. I’ve prided myself on my control for a Demon so young, but that control constantly slips whenever Meyer is around me.

Meyer frowns but nods. “Elaine would understand that Theo chose to stay,” she slowly says. I shake my head.

“No, not Elaine. You , Meyer. Elaine, I can handle, but I don’t think I can handle seeing your devastation if this boy gets injured or worse. I don't think they can either,” I admit, nodding at my brothers, who nod in agreement. “We don't like seeing that, and I do not want to cause you any unnecessary stress. You’ve had enough of that this week. I’m not trying to make you angry here. I’m trying to ensure you’re okay. Are you mentally prepared for Ranger Drakos to possibly get hurt?”

If Meyer asked me for the damn moon I would pluck it from the sky for her. The things I need to do to earn her forgiveness and trust are astronomical, but it's something I will work toward for the rest of my life. The amount of apologies I need to voice are numerous and the need to fall down on my knees and beg for her forgiveness and love is something I have considered. But not only would that push her for an answer she might not be ready to give, but it would be unfair of me to ask when I still have so much to repent for. I already have more than I thought she would ever give me. Her kisses and touch feed my very soul, and I thank the Gods that she’s willing to be with me, and has given me the chance to show her I can be better.

Letting her friend stay is simple, even if it’s an added complication. But it’s one I will handle if it's her wish. As long as she knows the dangers of her request. I’ve kept information from her before, a decision I regret more than anything. I refuse to do it again. Theo Drakos is a weakness for my Little Demon, and I fear for his safety here.

“Hey! That's not fair. Don't put this on Meyer. I make my own decisions and could easily get hurt on Earth. What difference does it make if it’s here?” I blink at the Drakos boy then frown. Shit, putting guilt on Meyer wasn’t my intention at all, I just wanted her to make an informed decision. I flick the annoying boy a frustrated look, and thankfully Valen steps in, smoothing out my rambled words with his own.

“A lot is different here, Theo. Demons are held to a different set of rules. Not only is violence accepted as normal, but it's encouraged. Hunters were created by Demons to help protect Earth from the creatures of our realm. You are stronger and less breakable than humans but to a Demon? You would be destroyed in seconds. Despite the larger than normal magic you possess as a Hunter.”

Elaine’s son scowls at Valen and opens his mouth to argue, but Valen holds a hand up and shakes his head. “No. It’s facts. I’m not trying to be rude or put down your fighting in any way. I have seen you fight. You are exceptionally talented and strong. Your mother's bloodline has given you a boost most Hunters don't have, and against a normal Demon, you would stand a fighting chance. But a fight against a warrior class or Royal? There would be no hope for you. I believe Lennox’s concern is that you would be challenged and hurt, which would cause emotional distress to Meyer,” he adds, looking at me in question, and I nod.

Do I want the boy here… not really, but I wouldn't be opposed as long as I knew he would be safe and Meyer wouldn't be affected by his bad decisions. “Isn't that what I just said?” I grumble to Meyer, who smirks and rolls her eyes as Creed chuckles at our side, watching everyone’s interaction with an amused smile plastered on his face.

“Not as eloquently, but yes,” she agrees.

“I could train the boy,” Razar mutters from his corner, shocking me enough that my mouth drops open in surprise as I stare at him. Okay, who is this person, and where is my murderous, Hunter-hating brother?

“Umm,” Meyer starts to say, eyes wide as she shoots Ranger Drakos a warning look, but it’s unnecessary as Elaine's son is already shaking his head and stepping further away from Raz.

“I think we’re trying to keep Theo alive, and I’m pretty sure that idea is a one-way ticket to a fast and painful death,” Creed muses as he eyes Raz with the same puzzled look as Valen and I are.

“I’m agreeing with Senior Regalis,” Ranger Drakos croaks out, looking slightly pale. “Any other ideas? Because I’m staying, but I don't want to add to Meyer's stress,” he whispers, looking at Valen with hope lighting his young eyes. My brother tilts his head to the side, pursing his lips as he slowly nods.

“We could add him to Meyer’s court. As the Crown Princess, it will be important for her to start her court now rather than later. She will need to have alliances of her own once she’s Queen,” he reminds me, and I frown, thinking that idea through and wondering why I hadn’t thought of that before now. Not only would it keep the boy safe while in the Demon realm, but politically, it would help keep the royalty tied to the human realm once Ranger Drakos inherited his mother's North American Senior title. It would also ensure peace between the Seniorem and the Demons for several decades.

“Crown Princess… whoa. I missed something here.” Ranger Drakos looks at Meyer with a puzzled look, and she shrugs.

“Yeah, uh, it's a new development.”

“You think?” he snaps, then looks at me. “So you two got married?” he asks, and I grin when Meyer stiffens in my arms.

“Yes,” I answer for her, chuckling when she gives me a dark look.

“We did not. We are mated, but there was no white dress in the mix there.”

“Yeah, you did Lemon Drop. Demons don't get married like humans do—they mate, which is the equivalent of marriage,” Creed pipes in.

“Stronger than marriage. Humans can dissolve their vows. Demons cannot,” Valen offers, and Creed nods in agreement.

“Typically, there is a Mating ceremony once a Legion is complete. I’m sure Mom is already starting to plan it,” Creed grins at her like the idea of the party excites him as I grimace. I hate big parties and, by the look Meyer has on her face, she doesn't like the idea either. Maybe we can convince Mom not to throw one?

“No shit. And you decided to tie yourself to the biggest asshole of the three, huh?” Ranger Drakos asks, making me growl and hold Meyer tighter to me. “I thought we said the sweet ones were the best options.” He points at Creed and Valen, who look far too pleased with his assessment as I glower at the stupid boy. I take it back; I no longer care if Meyer wants him here; this little shit needs to go home.

“Shut up, Theo,” Meyer mutters, eyeing me with a look that promises death if I do something to her friend.

“Yeah, okay. I like this Court option better. So, how do I become a member? Is it like in the stories on Earth?”

“You would need to be named and have a title bestowed upon you by Nox and Meyer,” Valen informs me, making Meyer laugh as she wiggles her brows at her friend.

“Like… a Lady in waiting? That's a thing here, right? Does he have to wear a dress if he gets that title?” Meyer snorts, making Ranger Drakos flip her off.

“Try it, babe. I’ll still be able to kick your ass in a dress and look good doing it,” he says confidently, making Creed burst into a fit of laughter.

“Oh my God, can we do that?” he asks, looking at me as Raz stiffens in the corner where he leans, watching over us. My attention immediately moves to him as he frowns, the shadows around him swirling as he slowly stands and walks toward me.

“What is it?” My magic sparks to life, circling Meyer in under a second as Razar reaches out and tugs her from my arms, confusing me all the more. I let her go, knowing he’s in protective mode and know better than to question him at the moment.

“What?” Meyer asks, moving slowly but willingly away from me as Razar steps her further back until he has her a good ten feet away from me.

“What's going on?” Creed asks, his hand twitching toward his sword strapped at his hip. Valen's head snaps toward the closed door of the room we’re in just as Razar shakes his head, letting me know it's not life-threatening but refusing to release Meyer.

“Oh, shit,” Valen mutters seconds before the door bursts open, the woman's icy glare training on me in an instant, making me sigh and close my eyes as dread fills me. Oh shit is right.

“Veronica,” I state, holding my hand out to stop what I already know will be a harsh and well-deserved tongue-lashing.

“Don't Veronica me,” she hisses as she strides forward, her long, curly black hair looking almost wild, taking me off guard. I’ve known Veronica since we were kids and this is not what I’m used to. Polite, well-spoken, powerful, and kind are all words I would use for my friend and ex-betrothed, but the girl in front of me looks feral and out of control. “Do you think you can break our engagement, and I would simply say okay and move on like nothing happened? That it would be fine with my fathers?” she asks, and I shake my head, trying to calm her.

“No, but I?—”

“No! There is no reason to break our agreement. What the hell, Garthelaun? What did I do to deserve this? I thought we were happy. We agreed to do this together, to rule side-by-side. I’ve been looking forward to your return for months! The moment you returned to the city, I waited for my summons to return to your side, and instead, I get a messenger from your father saying our agreement is void. What did I do to deserve this?” she asks, her voice cracking and making my heart plummet.

This is what I’ve been most worried about since returning home. Veronica and I are friends. Best friends even. I cared for her, to be sure, and was okay with our engagement. I grew up glad to have a level-headed female who would rule at my side and with whom I got along, but I never loved her.

There is no comparison between my feelings for Veronica and Meyer. I would be a fool even to attempt it. Meyer owns everything I am. I am a slave for this girl now and forever; there was no hope for Veronica once she entered my life. The moment Meyer walked through those castle doors, I knew something was about to change. She had ensnared my attention and focus and encompassed my mind and soul. Veronica's fate was set the moment I held Meyer in my arms that first night, threatening her life if she ever tried to run. Not because it was against the Hunter’s laws but because I would have tracked her down if she tried to escape me.

Two guards suddenly rush in, eyes wide with fear as they stare at me and Veronica. “I’m sorry, sir. She was told to leave, but she got past us, and we didn't know what to do,” the one on the left says, grimacing while shifting on his feet.

“It’s fine. You're dismissed,” I say calmly, never moving my attention from the distraught-looking woman before me. The guards dip their heads, relief clear on their faces as they back from the room. Valen clears his throat and dips his head to the door, asking if they should leave me to talk to Veronica. I shake my head. As my Legion, they deserve to be here and hear everything firsthand.

“Leave,” Veronica snaps, glaring at my brothers, her nails lengthening as her anger grows.

“No, they stay,” I clip out, earning myself another hateful glare. “As my Legion, this affects them too.”

“Your Legion will not be a part of our mating,” she snarls, her black-green eyes flashing angrily, gold magic crackling at her fingertips.

“There will be no mating, Veronica,” I state, making her anger immediately melt into something worse. Pain.

“Why?” she whispers, tears filling her eyes and making my guilt triple. Fuck I hate hurting her, but she has to understand this is over. “I don't understand. Do you need more time? We agreed to your hundredth birthday, but I can wait longer,” she whispers brokenly, and I shake my head. We had agreed we wouldn't be married or faithful to each other until then. We would both be able to grow and have separate relationships until our official courtship was announced to the kingdom.

“It's not that,” I whisper, stepping forward so I can try to calm her. She reaches for me, and I shake my head again, shoving my hands in my pockets. The idea of any other female touching me besides my mate makes me physically ill. “Our agreement was broken for a reason. I asked my father to let me discuss it with you, which is why the message didn't elaborate as to why. I planned to come over later this afternoon to tell you, but the official letter had to be delivered before that so your fathers could be present if they deemed it necessary.”

“What reason? There is nothing but…” she pauses, her dark eyes widening in stunned horror as she looks around the room, her gaze falling on Meyer for the first time since entering. “You didn’t,” she whispers, her eyes never straying from my mate. I hold back my growl and instinct to step protectively between the two women. It would only provoke Veronica and might put Meyer in more danger. Meyer surprises me when she doesn't react, her eyes staying locked with Veronica’s, her hands clenched, the presence of another woman so close to me probably chafing at the mating bond, but she doesn't show it.

I reach for her emotions, attempting to soothe her jealousy and frustration, but I’m surprised at the flicker of sympathy she’s giving Veronica. I sigh, knowing I need to improve my attitude toward my brothers. If Meyer can handle my ex showing up with grace and sympathy, then I need to try more to be better for her and learn to share.

“Her? But she’s a human! You can’t be serious, Garthelaun!” Veronica suddenly rages, and I almost chuckle when that small amount of sympathy suddenly dissolves into outrage.

“Half-human,” Meyer mutters under her breath, making Valen smirk as he crosses over to her. His hand wraps around Meyer's wrist to hide the red mark so Veronica doesn't see it. We need to figure out a way to magic it so no one but my Legion can see it to keep her protected for the remainder of our stay.

“I am more than serious, and you will show my mate and your Princess more respect,” I demand, adding a whip of my dominance to my words. Veronica stumbles back, gasping in shock, tears flooding her cheeks as she glares at me before her attention swings back to my mate, a snarl forming on her lips. Fear is a bitter taste in the air around us as she keeps her distance from me. I’ve never used my magic on her or demanded her submission before. I never had to before. Veronica gave it willingly, something I appreciated until Meyer fought me for the first time.

I never realized how boring the simpering and ass-kissing from everyone was until my Little Demon crashed into my life and gave me a run for my money, making me work and bleed for her attention. I don't want Veronica's fear; it's something I hoped I never had to come to know on a personal level, but if she continues to look at my mate like that, fear will be the least of her problems.

“This is a mistake, and you know it! That girl will never be strong enough to rule at your side. Your father must be mad to allow such a mating. Your mother will never accept her!” Veronica snarls, stepping toward Meyer with a growl, eyes flashing gold as her magic starts to grow. I can feel Veronica’s shift in emotions, the hurt spiraling into something much darker as she stares at my Mate, and I know my hope for a peaceful resolution will not be happening. Veronica is now a threat I will have to remove.

Before I can take a step forward, Razar has already pushed Meyer into Valen’s arms and has a hand wrapped around Veronica's slim throat—his beast close and had already sensed the danger before I informed him of it.

“Release me!” Veronica snarls, her fear tripling as she looks to me for help. Knowing her intentions were deadly, I find it hard to call Razar off. The urge to rip my ex to shreds courses through me and I can feel my Demon form press forward, my claws lengthening as I step between Meyer and Veronica.

“You have been informed of the changes in your mating contract, and the Prince has explained his reasoning. Your magic and intent to harm the Princess will be reported to the King,” Razar snaps out, picking Veronica up off her feet as she claws at his hands, gasping for breath.

“Razar,” Meyer’s soft voice startles the both of us, making me look at her the moment Razar does. She shakes her head, shoving at Valen’s arms as she steps away. “Let her go.”

“She—”

“She is angry and hurt. Let her go,” Meyer demands. I grind my teeth together, not liking Meyer’s decision but choosing to let her decide Veronica’s fate. I nod in agreement, holding my hand out to Meyer and relishing the thrill I receive when she places her small hand in mine and stands at my side.

Razar growls his displeasure, and I take great satisfaction in the fear I feel from Veronica when Razar releases her. Her wide eyes bounce from Razar to Valen, whose hands are lit with green magic, then to Creed, who holds a blade in hand, and finally settles on Meyer in realization. My mate holds more than just me in the palm of her hand; she commands us all, and Veronica should be scared.

“It’s time for you to leave,” Meyer demands, her voice cold but calm as she stares her down. Veronica stupidly opens her mouth to argue, and I can feel my control slipping with every moment she stands in front of my mate.

“Now,” I snarl, making her snap her mouth shut with an audible click before she hisses a curse between her teeth and spins, running from the room without a backward glance. There’s a moment of silence, during which we all slowly relax, before a strained laugh pulls my attention to Ranger Drakos, standing pressed against the wall behind Creed. He looks around my brothers and grins.

“Holy shit. You all are insane. That was awesomely scary,” he adds, making Meyer lean into my side and laugh with him. I wrap my arm around her, inhaling her scent, letting the soft smell of citrus calm me as I nod to Razar, wanting him to follow Veronica out to ensure she leaves the castle. He grunts in acknowledgment, tugging the hood of his cloak back over his head as he moves to the shadows, his fingers sparking with black magic as he prepares to leave. But before he can disappear, the ground beneath our feet starts to quiver, and we all pause.

“What was that?” Meyer asks, a frown puckering at her brow.

“I’m guessing something not good if it's big enough to move the entire castle,” Ranger Drakos mutters, looking at me. I nod, then curse as the War drums sound, their resounding echo and death march filtering through the castle's stone walls like an eerie call that makes my heart jump.

“Beastia,” Razar grinds out, hands trembling as his beast pushes him to shift.

“Get her to my room!” I push Meyer to Valen, who nods as we all rush for the doors. Guards and servants run back and forth as we move from the private meeting room to the grand staircase, and I clench my fists, bracing myself for a battle. Excitement fills me with the hope that I can finally release some of the bloodlust that has been riding me since taking Meyer as my mate.

“Boys!” My father's voice cracks like a whip as he descends the steps, already dressed in his black fighting leather, silver crown on his head and his hammer, which is even larger than my ax clasped in his hand. Jesthren is right behind him, his broad sword strapped over his back as he looks at us, an excited grin twisting his lips.

I may still have trust issues with my oldest brother and not like being around him, but we are similar at least in one way. Our need for bloodshed during battle has always been a trait we share and can relate to.

“Suit up. I want Nox and Valen with me—Razar at Nox’s back. Creed, I want you to oversee the right quadrant and Jesthren the left,” he clips out, making us all gape at him in surprise. Jesthren and my positions are pretty standard, but Father has never put the others in roles of authority during a battle. He lets them move where they want, free to choose their targets.

“Uh?” Creed starts to stammer and nods. “Yeah, okay?” he asks more than agrees, looking at me in surprise, and I shrug.

“What is that?” Father asks, pulling to a stop and glaring at Elaine's son, who freezes and offers an awkward wave. Creed grimaces while Valen gives the kid a head shake as Razar tugs him further away from Father.

“Nothing… I mean. A situation I’m handling,” I instantly correct, stepping between them when Father arches an unimpressed brow.

“Meyer, there you are!” Mom practically sighs in relief, belting her leathers as she strides down the stairs, her ladies scampering after their Queen, handing her blade after blade as she sheathes them. The number of weapons strapped to her rivals Razar’s as she looks my mate up and down. “You’re with me,” she demands, and I see red.

“No!”

“It wasn't a question,” Mom says, chuckling as she wiggles her hand for Meyer to follow her. Meyer looks up at me and shrugs, tugging her fingers from Valen, who immediately protests as she follows my mom. I snarl, grab her, then glare at my father.

“No,” I grind out again.

“If you want her to be your Queen, then let her do her job. Your mom will keep her safe. Let's move,” he says, dismissing me and my concerns so quickly that my head spins.

“It’s okay,” Meyer whispers, smiling at me and making my stomach drop. No, this is not okay. I need her to be safe.

“Maybe I should stay back with her? It would help Nox fight better with one of us nearby,” Valen offers, and our Father pauses, thinking this over.

“No. I want to see you in action. Your brother's accounts of your magical growth are something I want to witness myself. Creed. You will take over the castle wall and patrol so that you can stay nearby,” he mutters. Creed's eyes widen in delight as he nods, the position meaning he will be able to fight from high ground and instruct the archers' attacks.

“Of course,” he agrees, and I scowl but feel marginally better that one of us will be nearby if Meyer needs help.

“Fine,” I rasp, grabbing Meyer and slamming my lips to hers in a heated kiss before letting her go, watching as my mom leads her toward the armory.

“I’ve got her. No one will get through the gates. I’ll take the kid with me. It will be safer on the wall than the battlefields, ” Creed promises, and I nod, stalking after my father and praying I didn't just make a huge mistake.