Page 84 of Fallout

I eye the crystal with a new appreciation. It doesn’t look like anything special—it’s just a purple rock. But there obviously is something special about it. And… it could be the clue to ending this thing with Blaze.

I glance at Parker, who is also looking at the rock. He glances at me, his expression a mixture of relief and—strangely—horror.

Parker shakes his head. “I just realized—when we find a way to kill that phoenix, we’re also finding a way to kill you.”

I smile at him. “Parker, you can’t worry about that. Everybody dies eventually. And I have you to protect me.”

He doesn’t say anything, he just pulls me into his arms and squeezes me against him. I can feel the tremble in his body, so I let him take the comfort. He’s been a wreck since I was taken. I know he hasn’t been sleeping much.

Ever since we got back, Parker has refused to leave my side, even to sleep. His dad, unwilling to force us to part, has set up sleeping arrangements in the basement. There is a whole group of us, including Will, Blaine, and at least three of Parker’s siblings. I doubt even Mr. Thorne will be able to pull Parker from my side until Blaze is taken care of.

I look at the crystal in Mr. Throne’s hand and wonder what else that crystal can do. It’s not like it’s sharp enough to stab Blaze with it. Who knows if it would even kill him? It’s all just speculation at this point.

But as the group of shifters mull over the crystal, there is a sharp knock on the front door. Mrs. Thorne runs out from another room to open the door.

Mrs. Thorne has been the perfect host—I swear she’s spent most of her time in the kitchen, cooking for all the shifters. She’s run herself ragged trying to make sure everybody is comfortable and has everything they need. She’s been especially attentive to me since I returned, treating me like a daughter. It warms my heart to know that I’ll soon be joining such a kind family.

When Mrs. Thorne opens the door, she bends herself in a deep bow. “King Basilicus, we weren’t expecting you until later. Please, come in.”

The room goes completely silent as power washes through the room. I don’t know if King Basilicus is aware of just how much power he radiates, but it literally oozes out of him.

Dragons are just as terrifying as I remember.

A boy about my age stands beside King Basilicus. I recognize the boy at Prince Evander—he’s the youngest child of King Basilicus. His older brother, Prince Stellen, is the heir. But I imagine Prince Stellan is busy with his newborn twins and his elf wife.

Mr. Throne approaches King Basilicus while the rest of the wolf shifters stand back, watching the dragon king with awe.

“Thank you for coming, King Basilicus,” Mr. Throne says, bowing slightly to the dragon king. “It means a lot to us that you’re willing to come and help protect my son’s mate and the future luna of our pack.”

“Of course.” King Basilicus offers him a smile. “I brought my son, Evander. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all.” Mr. Throne nods to Prince Evander.

“After we spoke on the phone, I did some research. My council was able to find something that I think may be of interest to you.” King Basilicus pulls a cell phone from his pocket.

It’s strange to see him using a cell phone. It’s so… mundane. And I know from personal experience that wolf shifters aren’t big on tech. There are people my age in the pack who don’t own a cell phone, which I find strange. But I guess when you can mind speak with anybody in the pack, there is no point.

He holds out his screen to Mr. Thorne who eyes the screen in interest.

“What is it, Dad?” Parker takes a step closer to his father.

Mr. Throne glances from the screen to look at his son. “We can kill the phoenix. For good.”

A buzz of excitement rushes through the room as alphas whisper to one another. Parker, for once, relaxes. His entire body seems to droop with relief. I realize I can feel his excitement through our incomplete mate bond.

Mr. Throne rubs his hands together. “Then I guess it’s time for us to track down a phoenix.”

“I can help with that.” King Basilicus pockets his phone. “My eldest son happens to have in-laws who are very resourceful.”

In-laws?

Oh, right. Prince Stellan is married to that blonde chick—the elf. Or, I guess she’s half elf, half fae. I know from talking with Parker that elves were once thought to be extinct until they came forward last year and revealed themselves for the sake of their once lost princess. It all sounds like a fairytale to me, but maybe I am proof that supernaturals once thought to be extinct aren’t exactly uncommon.

“You know where the phoenix is?” Mr. Throne asks.

King Basilicus nods. “And if your son’s mate could teleport us there, we can end this.”

Parker steps in front of me. “No. She doesn’t need to be anywhere near that phoenix. Nor do I want her near a weapon that could possibly kill her.”