A Surrender Of Hope (Umbra Hunters #3)

33. Meyer

THIRTY-THREE

Meyer

W e move to follow Razar from the Throne Room, but Nox pauses as Orcus places his hand on his son's shoulder. “Why did you spare Bryton?” he asks, voice low so Vivian doesn't hear him. Nox sighs and pinches his nose between his thumb and forefinger. He has shifted back to his normal form, losing the wings and tail, and still has an arm wrapped protectively around my shoulders.

“I didn’t want to,” Nox admits, and Orcus nods.

“I know. So why did you?” Nox looks over his Dad’s shoulder to where his Mom stands talking with Jesthren, then shrugs.

“It would have hurt Mom, plus Bryton is not wrong. Almost half the Lords support him and his radical views. If I had killed him without an active duel in which everyone attended, it would have caused a bigger headache for us all. Besides, I don't have time to deal with him right now, and I really don't want Mom to hate me. So maybe if I have some time to figure shit out, I can think of something that satisfies my need for revenge and doesn't upset Mom.”

Orcus smirks and clasps Nox on the shoulder again in a weird hug.

“First off, your mother will never hate you, and second, you made the right choice. I’m proud of you,” he adds, making Nox blink at him in surprise.

“Come on, Razar is going to leave without us if we don't hurry,” Creed interrupts, tugging me from Nox. His hand links with mine as he pulls me toward the door where Valen and Razar wait. I can hear Nox follow behind as Razar grunts in approval and leads us out of the room, only to pull up short just outside the door where a young woman stands, holding a baby to her chest.

“I—I heard you were home,” she whispers, her voice hoarse with emotion, as she takes the smallest step toward us.

“Mara!” Valen gasps, practically running to her and pulling the beautiful, tired-looking redhead into a fierce hug. I watch in confusion as Nox frowns, stepping around me and walking over to her, rubbing the girl's back as he leans down and looks at the tiny baby—a sad smile tugging at his lips as he stares down at the pink-wrapped infant sleeping in her mother's arms.

“Shit,” Creed rasps, letting go of my hand and walking over, pulling both her and Valen into his arms, careful not to squeeze too tight since the baby is still nestled there.

“I’m glad you are alright,” I hear the girl whisper as she looks up at Valen, who nods but stays silent otherwise. The moment seems tense, like a heavy cloud hanging over them all, and I shift awkwardly on my feet. It feels like I’m intruding on a special moment, yet I don't want to leave the guys’ side, either. I look over at Razar, the only one of the guys who hasn’t rushed to this girl's side, and try to figure out what's going on. He looks frozen where he stands watching his brothers and the girl, his hand slightly outstretched but unmoving.

Who is this girl, and whose baby is that? I thought it would be impossible to see another woman in their arms. Hell, just the thought of it makes a wave of anger like no other burn in my belly, but for some reason, all I feel when I see her and the guys is a deep sadness.

After a moment, she steps back, her eyes moving to Razar and a choked sob breaks from her lips as he slowly holds his arms up. I watch in complete shock as the girl runs, flinging herself into his arms, careful of the baby as she starts to sob into his chest.

“Tell me it’s a lie,” she begs, and I watch as Razar’s throat bobs with emotion, and he shakes his head.

“I’m sorry, Mara. I’m so sorry,” he rasps, arms tightening around her as her crying escalates.

“He wouldn't do this. He would never…” She breaks off with a gasping cry, and I can’t stop my tears as I watch the girl completely break in Razar’s arms.

“Who is that?” I ask as Creed slowly walks back to me, his arms banding across my waist and tucking me to his chest.

“Arch’s mate, Mara. They’ve been together since they were teenagers,” he whispers, making my heart plummet as I realize the situation. “He died before their baby was born, or I guess he left before the birth,” he corrects.

“I know. I’m going to figure this out,” Razar promises, his hands fluttering awkwardly around Mara like he wants to comfort her but doesn't know how. I lean into Creed, Nox and Valen moving to my side, the first standing behind us and the latter holding my hand and kissing my hair. After a few moments, Mara’s crying turns to sniffles as she pulls back a little, the baby shifting in her arms, and for the first time since I’ve seen her, she smiles, rocking the babe in her arms, then looks up at Razar who stares at the infant with wide eyes. He slowly reaches down, letting a long finger dust over the tiny nose on the perfect chubby face, and Mara’s smile turns to a grin.

“Do you want to hold her?” she asks, and Razar immediately shakes his head but keeps stroking the baby's cheek.

“I don't want to hurt her,” he admits, then steps back, frowning at his hands. Nox scoffs and strides forward.

“You wouldn't hurt her,” he scolds, eyeing Raz as he holds his enormous hands out to Mara. “May I?” he asks, a twinkle in his eye as Mara places the baby in Nox’s arms. “She's… so tiny,” he admits, cradling the little girl close and studying her like she’s the most fascinating creature he’s ever seen. “Are you sure she’s healthy? Maybe we should go to the med wing,” he rasps, looking at Mara with concerned eyes. She laughs softly and shakes her head.

“No, she’s perfect. I went into labor early, so she was small, but the doctor is happy with her growth so far. Your father stepped in and supplied her with a magical boost when she was born, saving her life,” Mara admits.

Creed tugs me to follow, eyes locked on the baby and a smile on his face. “What's her name?” he asks as Valen releases my shoulders and moves to Nox’s side, chuckling when the baby opens her bright green eyes and blinks at them.

“Morya,” she whispers, leaning to her left to peer around Creed, her eyes falling on me with a puzzled frown. “Um?” she starts to say as Nox and Valen start arguing. Valen wants a turn to hold Morya, but Nox is unwilling to release her just yet.

“Ah, yes! Mara, this is Lemon Drop. She’s my mate!” Creed chirps happily, grinning down at me as Mara’s eyes lighten a little.

“Our Mate,” Nox grumbles, glaring at Creed.

“Really? Creed, that’s so exciting! Hello,” she greets, nodding at me, and I give her a warm smile in return. Mara stands several inches taller than me. Her frame is willowy, yet she still somehow appears strong despite the dark circles under her green eyes.

“Hi,” I offer, looking from her to her baby. “Your baby is beautiful,” I add, laughing a little when I see Nox scowling at Valen, who now holds Morya in his arms. He rocks her back and forth, bouncing on his heels, and I think my ovaries burst just watching him.

“Thank you. I think so,” she agrees, then her smile fades as she looks over our shoulders at the Throne Room. “Shit, what about Helena? She’s not here, is she?” Mara steps closer to her baby like she’s worried about whoever this Helena is as Creed stiffens at my side.

“Who is Helena?” I groan, looking at Creed and hoping it won't be another Victoria. Creed winces and shrugs.

“So we all had betrothed,” he starts, and I curse, kicking the ground at the very idea of them. “But don’t worry! Mom’s already broken the contracts. They were created the moment we came into the family. There is no relationship between anyone. Our contracts weren't as locked in as Nox’s was since we aren’t the Crown Prince. It’s fine, I promise,” he stresses, eyes full of sincerity before he looks at Mara. “And no. She’s not here. You don't need to worry.” Mara relaxes at his words and looks back to Razar, who watches us all from the shadowed corner he’s backed himself into.

“How long are you here for? Mother said you would be leaving soon, and I was worried I wouldn't see you,” she admits, looking back to Nox and Valen and grinning when she sees them gushing over her baby. “It’s why I came down here.”

“We leave tonight,” Creed admits, looking to Nox and Valen and rolling his eyes as he lets me go and walks over. “Knock it off, you two. It’s my turn!”

“We leave now. If we want to get out of the castle and hopefully through the kingdom without being seen,” Razar corrects, stepping closer and making Mara’s shoulders slump, but she nods. “I’ll send word the moment I have information on Arch,” he rasps, and Mara’s eyes fill with tears again. I panic and look to Creed, finding him holding Morya. Shit.

“Valen,” I whisper, then nod at Mara, making my dream man's smile fall as he instantly walks back over and hugs Mara.

“Hey, don't cry, Sis,” he soothes, looking at Razar with sympathy in his eyes.

“Oh! Mara, love,” Vivian whispers, appearing at the door and rushing to her daughter-in-law's side. “You are still supposed to be on bed rest, dear. I was just coming up to bring you dinner and help you with Morya.”

“I wanted to see the guys before they left,” she admits, and Viv nods.

“I know. And they will be back soon,” Viv whispers, looking at Razar with a firm expression and smiling when he nods in agreement.

“We need to go,” Nox mutters frustration as guards walk past, the sounds in the castle growing as people come out of their rooms now that the drums have stopped.

“Jes went to the stables and is getting all your Nuckelavee saddled. He wants to know if you want your own, dear,” Viv says, and I instantly shake my head. Like hell will I be getting on one of those monster horses by myself!

“Meyer will ride with me,” Nox murmurs, then nods at Razar, who looks at Mara once more. A conflicted look of pain twists his features before he turns and disappears into the shadows.

“Keep him safe, please. I know he was attached to Arch as much as Arch was to him. He’s not okay,” Mara whispers, looking up at Nox, who nods in agreement.

“I will. You keep that baby safe and ensure she grows a bit before I return. She’s too small,” he says in concern, looking at his mom, who nods in agreement. Nox holds his hand out for me as Creed reluctantly walks over with Valen and hands the baby back to Mara.

“Wait...” I look around, frowning. “Shit, where’s Theo?” I ask, realizing I haven't seen him since I asked Creed where he was a couple hours ago. Creed's eyes widen in horror and he curses as he turns and sprints for the entrance of the castle.

“I’ll get him! He’s fine!” he yells over his shoulder.

“Oh, shit. Is he still locked in the guardhouse?” I shout, taking off after him. An odd mixture of worry and amusement rushes over me at the thought. I pass several guards, all of whom shoot me odd looks before chasing Creed out the doors and down the main steps of the castle. I watch him turn by the stables next to a large black stone building and throw the doors open, disappearing from view.

I’m only seconds behind him, rushing into the guard's house and looking for Creed, but I don’t see him anywhere in the large, dimly lit structure.

“Uh, which way did Creed go?” I ask a few stunned, dirty-looking guards who sit at a table eating some dinner.

“Prince Darahk?” one of the guys asks, and I nod, forgetting these guys don't know him by that name. He points up the stairs, and I offer a quick thank you as I bound up them. I get to the top just in time to see Creed throw open the door at the end of a long hallway.

“Hey, dude, sorry! I totally forgot about you!” Creed gasps, then shouts as a furious Theo jumps from the room and tackles him to the ground, landing on Creed and making him cough as the air is knocked out of him.

“You rat bastard! I told you I wanted to help fight, and instead, you locked me in that tiny room?!” Theo brings his arm back to punch Creed, and I groan, trying to get to them before Creed kicks his ass.

“I had to make sure you were safe! Meyer would have cut my balls off if you got hurt!” Creed snarls, catching Theo’s fist as it’s launched toward his face. They spin, Creed pinning Theo to the ground as he offers him a shrug. “Wasn’t willing to risk it... Fuuuck! ” Creed groans, rolling off Theo, hands grabbing his crotch as Theo smirks and jumps to his feet. I skid to a stop next to him and watch Creed curl into a ball on the ground still clutching his balls and glaring up at Theo.

“Yeah, well they still weren't safe, obviously,” Theo scoffs, brushing off his clothes before looking at me and frowning. I hold my hands up and step back.

“It was not my idea to lock you up,” I say quickly, and he narrows his brown eyes at me, hands on hips like he’s not convinced. “But full disclosure: I knew you were in here, well, kind of. I asked if you were safe, and he told me you were. I didn't realize you were kept here the whole time, though. I should have checked,” I offer apologetically.

“You think? Where have you been? The last thing I knew was you were in danger, then I’ve been pacing that damn room for hours!” I wince again and look at Creed as he slowly pushes himself to his feet. Theo looks at Creed, then me, and I shrug when he gives me an unimpressed look.

Yeah, I’m the worst friend ever. I just let Creed fuck my brains out while Theo was sitting here worried about me. “I’m sorry,” I rasp, and Theo rolls his eyes, glaring back at Creed before winding his arm around me and tugging me along with him, leaving Creed to limp behind us.

“I should totally tit-punch you for that, but… I kinda understand,” he says as he peeks over his shoulder at Creed and then winks at me. “I want to say I wouldn't have forgotten about you if that man was doing filthy things to me, but I totally would’ve.” I laugh and slug him in the shoulder.

“You two are dangerous as friends. My balls will never be safe again,” Creed moans behind us, hands still cupping his crotch.

“I’m not sorry!” Theo shouts to him, and I chuckle.

“Do I need to warn Jordan that you’re checking out other guys?” I ask, then frown. “My guys,” I add and bump my shoulder to his, shooting him a pretend warning look.

“Please do. Maybe he’ll actually talk to me again. I’ll take the blow-up argument that would cause as long as he fucking talks to me,” Theo grumbles, his grin fading and making me feel bad for bringing up a sore subject.

“Right, well, it looks like we’ll have to figure something out the moment we get home. I can't have my besties fighting.” Theo smiles and nods, but the smile doesn't reach his eyes. “Don't worry. We’ve got this,” I promise, wrapping my arm around Theo’s waist and walking out of the guardhouse where the rest of my guys are waiting.