Darian shot a desperate look at Oron who raised his hands up grinning. "Don't look at me, baby brother, we both know I am not suited for diplomacy. I would, however, like a promotion to personal guard when you take over."
Brennus walked around his mate's chair to kneel in front of Amelia. He took both of her hands in his. "Just breathe darling, being a consort isn't so bad. For the most part, I just stand beside her and look pretty. I know you can do that."
Amelia looked past Brennus to Darian, and they shared a moment of pure panic. She took slow deep breaths as Brennus instructed and was able to smile reassuringly at her mate. "Think about it this way: is there anyone else you trust to do it?" she asked.
He immediately started to grin. "I think I can do anything if you're at my side."
"Even face the council regarding possible charges I may or may not be facing for attempting to kill a shifter family matriarch?" she asked smiling brightly.
Darian blinked. "Seriously?"
Amelia shrugged. "She was threatening Meryn."
Oron turned his face away, his entire body shaking with laughter. Darian let his head drop back as he mentally counted.
"Five...six...seven..." she said out loud.
He scowled at her, and she giggled. "There's my frowny face!"
Brennus stood and Amelia stood with him.
The queen laughed and then her eyes filled with tears. "Oh dear, I told myself not to cry. You can visit any time now."
Darian pulled her into a hug. "We'll visit every week. How's that?"
Aleksandra nodded and stepped back. "And bring the crazy human, too."
Oron stood. "That I have to see."
Darian slid the ring on his finger and turned to Oron. "You do the honors?"
"Sure thing." Oron stepped away from the table, held up his hand, and a portal of silver light appeared. "Ready when you are."
Darian kissed his mother's cheek and clasped forearms with Brennus. "I'll send an update as soon as I can." Brennus nodded.
Darian held out his hand to Amelia and they walked over to Oron who held out both hands. Darian took one and she the other. Together, they stepped through the portal.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Unlike the journey to Éire Danu, returning to the Alpha estate was much easier. There was no jarring or cold sensation. It was as easy as stepping from one room to another. One second they were in the royal dining room, the next they were stepping out onto the training field from where they had left. They men were doing evening drills before dinner.
Darian turned to Oron and Amelia. "Let's keep recent developments to ourselves for a while," he said, looking down at his ring. Amelia and Oron nodded.
"Aiden! Darian's back!" Keelan yelled before running over.
Amelia watched as Darian pulled the young witch into a brotherly hug. "Thank you. Thank you for everything you did to save me, even when I didn't want to save myself." He released Keelan and ruffled his hair.
Blushing furiously, Keelan ducked away from Darian's hand. "Don't be ridiculous. Of course, I'd try and save you. You're the only one who takes my side."
Darian grinned. "I'm back."
Keelan smiled wide. "Good!"
Aiden, Colton, and Gavriel clapped Darian on the back. Aiden exhaled, looking relieved. "I'm glad you're okay."
He turned to Amelia. "So how was your first trip to the fae city?"
"I got to meet the Queen."
"Don't tell Meryn; she'll mope for days." Aiden rolled his eyes.
"Where is she?" Amelia looked toward the house.
"She and Beth are upstairs in the nursery trying to decide where to put a Tardis, whatever that is." Aiden shrugged.
Amelia laughed. She couldn't wait to see the nursery. Immediately following that thought was the realization that this was truly home now. Grinning, she turned to Darian. "Guess I can officially move in now, huh?" she teased.
"You better." He pulled her close and kissed her passionately.
The men around them began to cheer and whistle.
Everyone quieted and looked around when a phone began ringing. When all eyes turned to Keelan, his eyes widened. "Crap! That's your phone, Aiden!" He pulled it out and handed it to Aiden.
"Aiden here. ... Say again? ... On our way." Aiden hung up and cupped his mouth with both hands. "All units report!"
Amelia stood close to Darian as the men began to crowd around. Aiden held out his phone after placing it on speaker. He looked up. "Ferals are attacking the city," he said shortly.
"Hello?" Sascha yelled.
"What's your status?" Aiden shouted into the phone.
"It's a clusterfuck out here, sir! We're getting hit from every direction. Requesting backup, ASAP!" Gunshots and screams nearly drowned out Sascha's voice.
"We're on our way!" Aiden hung up the phone, and he had just turned to face them when a huge explosion rocked the group. Amelia would have fallen if Darian hadn't had his arm wrapped around her.
Coughing and waving the dust away from their faces, the men ran to the back of the house. A huge fire was climbing up the side of a small building.
"Meryn!" Aiden roared.
"Wasn't me!" Meryn replied. Everyone turned and looked up; Meryn and Beth were staring wide-eyed out an open window.
"Gods, they were trying to take out the armory." Colton said.