Page 13 of Ancient Promises

“I’ve never met a dragon,” Rehlik said, leaning back in the desk chair. “And we’ve never had one in our ranks before. That’s not to say you aren’t welcome, because I’ve made a policy of welcoming exiles. There aren’t a whole hell of a lot of places for our kind to go as it is.” In fact, there were shockingly few exile-friendly towns in the states, including one in Pennsylvania and a very large commune-type in Florida. He’d toyed over the years with sending some of his people to start another exile-friendly town somewhere else to make it easier for exiles to find a safe haven, but in the long run he’d opted to post on social media and online that Cider Falls was open for any exiled shifters, whether they were hybrids or purebreds, so long as they had good intentions.

They’d nearly been taken over by a whackjob recently, so he was a little leery of letting in just anyone. But Eivross was a male who’d just bared his soul to Rehlik. Except for one thing…that Diem was his truemate.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to stay here,” Eivross said. He looked uncomfortable, and Rehlik bet it was because he knew his truemate was across the street.

“Our process for membership in the pack is pretty straightforward. I already ran a background check on you, through human channels as well as through the FSA. Your records are clear. I didnotreach out to your brother, because I only have to let the FSA know where you are and that you’re part of us. Which you are.”

His brows rose. “It’s that simple?”

“I’m not interested in making anyone jump through hoops to be part of things. The only real thing we need to do is find work for you in town.” He opened the file he’d created when the male reached out, which now contained his records. “You were a protector in your nest?”

“Yes. When I came of age, I was trained by the guards and joined the ranks of protectors for the nest. When my father was killed, I was away from the nest on a mission with several other protectors. I believe my brother engineered it that way so my father was left exposed to the numbers he’d gathered secretly to his side.”

Rehlik shook his head. “Your brother sounds like an asshole, not to mention that he’s got some serious issues since he killed your father to take over.” He mused on the thought that a male could kill his father. Not because the father was evil, but only because a son wanted to take over.

Zihndyr was not a male that Rehlik ever wanted to meet, thank you very much. He could stay the hell in Tennessee.

“He’s definitely an asshole,” Eivross said.

“I’m going to reach out to Breaker. He’s got an empty room in his house and has had roommates in the past. He’s also part of our security team, so he can show you the ropes as well as give you a roof over your head. After I get Breaker over here to meet you and take you to his place to get you settled in, I’ll set up a meeting with the other security team members so everyone can meet you and you can start work, most likely tomorrow.”

Rehlik rose to his feet, and Eivross followed suit. They shook hands, and then Rehlik walked out with him to the main bar, where he poured them sodas, and then called Breaker.

“Yeah, boss?” Breaker said when he answered on the second ring.

Rehlik stepped back into his office to explain the situation.

“Oh sure, I don’t mind. I’m off today so I can show him around town. Want me to come to the bar?”

“That would be perfect.”

“How’s Weylyn doing?”

Rehlik couldn’t help but smile at the mention of his mate, who was currently very pregnant and due at the end of April. “Counting the days.”

“I’m happy for you both,” Breaker said. “I’ll be over to the bar in a few.”

Rehlik ended the call and then dialed his sweetheart.

“Are you psychic? I was just thinking about you,” she said.

“Good things, I hope.”

“Of course,” she said, her musical laugh making his heart clench. Damn, he loved her. “I was also thinking about strawberry pie.”

She’d had some interesting cravings lately; apparently today she wanted pie. “I’m waiting for Breaker to come grab the new pack member, Eivross, and then I’ll pick up some pie for you and come for a visit.”

She let out a soft purr that made parts south stir. “You can work from home today.” It wasn’t really a question, and he wasn’t about to turn her down.

“One hundred percent.”

“The new guy is nice?”

“Except for shifting in the middle of town? Yes.”

“Oh, is that what that noise was?” she asked. “I thought I was dreaming it.”

“Nope. We had a dragon for a little while.”