Page 35 of Arthur

“I’m leaning heavily toward accepting them. But I don’t know if that’s what is best for the coven.”

“Why? Dad would never let anything happen to any of us. You know the council will have made sure that each and every one of them has been through some sort of security check. I can’t imagine Dad asking us to put the coven in danger.” Patrick turned his head and looked directly at me. “You took in Theo and Nigel. Theo’s father was after them. As were others. They actually sent people after him. Grant, as well. You still took them in. Are these new members going to be any different?”

“To a certain extent, yes. Theo and Nigel were running from a somewhat incompetent penguin shifter. Grant’s mother is human and not a threat. Neither was their former coven. The situation now has a pair of bloodthirsty hitmen that are evadingthe council. They could be anywhere because they’re warlocks and don’t require a passport in order to travel.”

Patrick oh so slowly nodded. “That could certainly present an issue. Will they come after the coven members that are being relocated?”

That was a very good question. “Alistair said that when questioned, the others didn’t know if they were in danger or not. There isn’t much use in coming after anyone because there isn’t an organization left. I want to help offer a few a new start, but at the same time, I can’t help but wonder if someday, a decade or two down the road, if it will be the downfall of our family.”

I was constantly considering my decisions regarding the coven. It had been ingrained into me from the very beginning that a coven master took care of the coven family. I remember early on how Father would protect our coven at the inn all those centuries ago. Back then, we didn’t have to worry about a warlock mafia family. But we did have to be wary of human travelers who came to the inn seeking solace for a night or two. We had to be careful because there were more men than women at the inn. That would sometimes raise concern with humans that resided somewhat in proximity to the inn. Yet, through it all, Father’s first instinct was always to protect the coven family.

“I think you should do it. You said you were leaning towards it. We need to help them. If we’re concerned a bit about these men, imagine how much more terrifying it could be for them. If they’re from the same coven, I would think they know exactly what those men are capable of. We should help.”

I knew Patrick was right. I leaned in and kissed him again. “I know. I just can’t help but hesitate for a brief moment.”

Patrick nodded, his head moving against my shoulder where he’d slouched down. “There are no guarantees, Arthur, and there never have been. Could you rest knowing you could have helped them and didn’t? We have never gone through life questioningeverything with the what-if mentality. Is now when we’re going to start?”

It could be comical how perfect Patrick was at seeing an issue and basically squashing it with logic.

“This is why I talk out my concerns with you. No matter the issue, you always seem to have the perfect solution.”

Patrick grinned. “That’s why I’m mated to a coven master. Alpha mates are the sounding board for their alphas. Granted, you aren’t technically an alpha, but you’re basically an alpha. That makes me alpha mate. William and Louis are actually alpha mates. Same situation.” Patrick shrugged. “It was fated to be this way. You have an issue, you talk it through out loud, and then we come to the conclusion that you already had the answer. I’m just here for support.”

I couldn’t help but smile at Patrick. “You are so much more than just support. You are my heart, my life. Without you, I wouldn’t be nearly the man I am today.” I leaned in and gave Patrick a kiss. My lips lingered, and when he moaned, I felt a sudden pulse of desire through our bond. I wasn’t sure how much time we had before Edric would be finished with school, but I knew that if nothing else, I could give my One an orgasm or two. When I ran one hand up his torso and pinched his nipple, the moan became a loud groan, and I pulled Patrick down onto the sofa with me. We could certainly make time for mind-clearing pleasure.

Chapter 14

Patrick

“Edric?”

I heard familiar giggling. It wasn’t outright laughter; it was the “I’m trying my best to be quiet so I can continue to hide from Daddy” kind of giggling. So we were playing that kind of game. I was certainly willing. “Hmm…I thought he was in here,” I said. I had already seen Edric’s aura behind the cluster of large monstera plants I had in one corner. Although he was no longer a young child, he was still only eight, and I cherished these moments. Before long, he would no longer want to play these games with us. But I had a surefire way of getting Edric to come out of his hiding place without having to “search” for him. “I guess I’ll have to tell Grandpa Wallace that Edric can’t be found,” I said as I started walking toward the door.

“Wait!”

I grinned, and as I turned, Edric came running out from behind the monsteras. I knelt down and held out my arms. Edric didn’t even hesitate to run into them.

“There you are.”

“Here I am,” Edric said. “Is Grandpa Wallace really here?”

“He is. He and Grandpa Edison are both here. Would you like to go see them?” I already knew the answer, but I was going to ask him anyway. Edric, in true “he’s so Arthur’s son” fashion, rolled his eyes at me.

“That’s such a silly question, Daddy. Of course I want to see them. Is Papa with them?”

“He is. They are talking about the new warlocks that will be joining our coven very soon.” I stood, and after Edric placed his hand in mine, I led him from the atrium. For so long, it had been my sanctuary, but we had long ago divided it up into different areas. I still had my own place, one that had my most precious plants that all of the coven’s children knew not to disturb. But there was now a large indoor play place in what used to be the center of the atrium. With us being in Amherst and having such long, cold winters, we needed somewhere that the children could burn off energy. The atrium made a whole lot of sense since it had a lot of natural light—another good thing for growing children.

“Are there going to be more kids joining?”

I grinned down at my youngest. “I’m not sure. Perhaps. Do you not have enough playmates now?” The coven had grown considerably in the past decade. Cornelius and Matthew still only had Ollie, but Balthazar and Grant had four now. Costas and Miles were definitely done with their three, but Grantham and Theo had added a second set of twins to their family and were now at five. Severino was currently pregnant with his and Fenwick’s third. Were they going to have more? Possibly, but one never knew with those two.

“There are more adults than kids though. I like it more when we go out to Grandpa’s and I can run and play with all of them out there.”

I felt a pang at Edric’s words. I knew he loved it when we visited Montana, but so much had been going on lately thatArthur hadn’t been able to get away, and I’d not wanted to leave because I was trying to offer as much support as I could.

“Well, I can see if we can get you to all of the kids in Montana for a bit. But you do have school. You would have to be sure to listen to the teacher out there as much as you do here,” I told him. “Did you want to stay with Uncle Arik?”

Edric shook his head.