Page 88 of Commanding Flame and Shield
August smirked. “Unfortunately, an occupational hazard when you attend galas and fundraisers of any caliber.”
“August and his brothers built a bit of an empire for themselves,” I explained. “And as such, found themselves invited to all kinds of events. With all kinds of company.”
“Martin and I share an Alma Mater—many decades apart, of course.”
“So. College alumni gala?”
“Or a scholarship gala. I don’t know which for sure, but we’ve seen it.”
“We’ve?” Marcus raised his eyebrows, and August gave a soft jerk of his head my way. “We’ve?” Marcus echoed again.
“August figured out he can make decisions and allow me to see the outcome before making his next decision. The telepathy allows him to see what I see and adjust as needed.”
“Like Aren did to bolster the wars?”
“Similarly. Only more thought out. Aren and I worked in unisonwhilewe acted. August was prompting the visions to plan our advance, not cover our asses as we went.”
“Aren was never one for sitting on his hands to plan.” Marcus smirked.
“More action than preparation oriented,” Damien offered, and his twin nodded. August bristled.
“Well, he’s three times your senior, so his plans are obviously not too shitty,” August said, nearly gritting his teeth. A strange mixture of pride and bewilderment flowed into my veins. Alec and Marcus mirrored the smirk that stretched across my face.
“We mean no insult, brother. Aren is the greatest among us. But let’s be real. The man is not known for his analysis as much as trusting his gut instinct.”
“His intuition—especially after siringher—par to none,” Jason added. August’s shoulders relaxed a bit, but his expression didn’t soften.
Alec released a pointed sigh. “So. We’ll all be attending a stuffy gala that August can get us tables at. And then…?”
“Ally can get a read on Jones. See the depth of the deception. Her visions show us performing an exorcism down every thread. The question is if his loyalties lie to the dark prince, or to the light,” August explained.
Jason’s eyes flicked to me, his dark brows arched as he thought,Ally?
I just rolled my eyes.Most of the coven calls me by Aren’s pet name these days.
Can I call you Ally?
My friends do.
Are we friends?
I pressed my lips into a tight smile.I certainly hope so.
Jason gave me a soft grin, and I could have sworn that his cheeks warmed a bit. He uncrossed his arms and stuffed his hands in his jean pockets, eyes on the floor. When his gaze again landed on mine, he glanced between August and me, a soft, resigned expression carving into his features.
Aphaea’s voice trilled, “I think an excuse to dress up sounds absolutely lovely.” I jumped into the minds of my companions and realized they’d been lamenting a sting at a black-tie event. She was always on the glass half full side, and for that, I was eternally grateful.
“I’m sure you all clean up beautifully,” I added in. Alec snorted and flicked his eyes to me.
“So,” Marcus said suddenly, changing the tone from jovial to inquisitive as he turned his gaze on August. “Mr. Porter. We’ve heard whispers from the west that Alvara’s calling is the prophesied Great Commander.”Whispers from the west—hah. If I hadn’t been so miffed they’d gone without me, I would’ve laughed that Brody came by after the game on their boys’ day to spill the tea. “I assume, given your sire, and the power rolling off of you, that’s you?”
August shrugged, locking his eyes on me as he said, “That’s what they say.”
“Bloody hell,” Damien muttered under his breath.
“But you haven’t triggered anything?”
“We believe that our memories have been…bound,” I cut in.
