Page 29 of The War is Coming

Frederick and Maletayah laughed. “He was doing push-ups when we arrived, probably on account of him being late.”

“At least he made it,” Baylan said, gazing at his mate.

“So, what’s your excuse for not training?” Frederick asked him.

“Unfortunately, I had some urgent matters to attend to.”

Maletayah laughed. “Pretty sure that’s the same excuse you used to use when I was training you, Bay Bay.”

“Well, it’s still true,” he protested. “And really – Bay Bay?”

Maletayah laughed and patted his head. “I’ve been calling you that since you were a toddler; I doubt that will change anytime soon.”

Baylan pretended to scowl at him. “But I’m the Alpha King’s consort; you need to be nice to me.”

Maletayah laughed. “Yep, I’ll get right on that.”

Baylan laughed and checked the time. “I’ve got to run. I have a phone meeting in a bit, but I’ll catch up with you later.”

Maletayah nodded.

“Let’s go and find the two generals, so I can introduce you.”

CHAPTER 14

Barnabus looked at the replies coming in and smiled. It would seem contacting rogues was a good idea. He would have a multi-species army to match the King’s defence teams. Now all he needed to do was release as many demons as he could, recall his shadow and see what he had discovered. First, though, time to release demons.

He walked outside and picked the first four wolves he saw. “You four, come with me.”

They looked at each other in concern before walking over and joining Barnabus. They vanished and reappeared in the underworld just by the back entrance. Before he could even register what he was seeing, he was swiped by a giant paw, which ripped into his arm. He let out a cry of pain and stumbled backwards. He tried to vanish back to the Hayes Pack, but at the moment it looked like he was trapped.

He heard snarling and screams as the hounds attacked the men who came with him.

Two hounds came at him, one from the front, the other from the back.

Barnabus was momentarily in fear of his life, but he spun quickly, throwing out fire bolts. He tried to mimic the hell hounds' abilities, but for some reason, he couldn’t.

The hounds jumped out of the way, although one of them wasn’t quick enough and let out a howl of pain as the bolt hit his side.

Shadow managed to jump Barnabus from behind.

He fell forward onto the ground with a thud, the hound standing over him.

Shadow dipped his head and howled loudly in Barnabus' ear.

Barnabus managed to conjure another fire bolt and fling it backwards, hitting Shadow in the face.

The hound was thrown backwards into the wall of Tartarus.

“Stop,” shouted a voice from behind. The hounds stilled immediately, and Barnabus stood up and turned to see one of the men he had fought at the Stanley pack; next to him was a warrior angel, sword drawn.

“No, I don’t think I will,” he replied, grinning.

Maletayah had met both the dragon and gargoyle generals. The four of them had agreed to meet up later and discuss tactics, and now Frederick was leading him to the newly formed angel residence.

“Once you’ve looked around your new accommodation, if you need anything, just let me know.”

Maletayah nodded. “I will do, but I'm sure Zeus provided everything we will need. Indeed, I’m expecting all my belongings to be in my quarters.”