Aleron: Chosen Champions Book Three, page 10
Aleron hadn’t considered that aspect of the investigation. “If you need griffin assistance, let me know. I know my uncle is eager to help, and he has resources in the financial community who may be able to get answers.”
Logan drummed his fingers on the table for a moment before glancing up at the camera. “We need something more to go on. What else have you got, Spencer?”
“As the king suggested, I believe we’re looking for someone who doesn’t have the ability to cloak or conceal, which leaves us with too many options to narrow down. With the runes being so cobbled together, I can’t find what they were originally before they were transmuted into something different. Basically, I’ve hit a dead end. Without full runes or more complete examples of the magic in use, I don’t know where else to look. It’s all in pieces, but none of the pieces fit together.” Spencer took another breath and glanced around the room. “That’s really all I’ve got. I’m sorry I couldn’t figure it out.”
“You’ve done well,” Silenus said. “It was wise to bring in an outsider such as yourself to look into this first. I’m impressed with your knowledge and your ability to break down each piece into its own problem. I wouldn’t have thought to do that.”
Spencer actually blushed as he returned to his seat beside Aleron. He grabbed Aleron’s thigh and squeezed. Logan put his hand on Spencer’s shoulder and more of the tension left him.
“Thank you, your majesty,” Logan said. “Honestly, after what happened with Norman, we didn’t know who to trust. It seemed safest to go outside our immediate group.”
Silenus turned to Taj next. Gideon visibly tensed, but Taj held the king’s gaze. “You didn’t attend the first chase,” Silenus said. “You were invited.”
Aleron and Logan both froze. Although the king’s words didn’t appear to be a challenge, when speaking with the fae, words weren’t always what they appeared to be.
Taj, on the other hand, simply nodded.
Cosmo leaned forward, sending one of his big grins Taj’s way. “Yeah, I probably wouldn’t have wanted to come either. Queen’s right-hand man shows up after you get stuck here and treated like crap by your family, who are all up in the royal court. I heard the stories.”
Taj nodded once more.
“That’s changed now,” Cosmo said. “Silenus and I know there’s a lot of fae here under circumstances that are less than ideal. We’re going to need help working on it, though, and with fae we can trust. I know you’re officially part of this pack now—which is cool as hell, by the way. I’m a huge fan of packs.”
Cosmo paused to pull in a breath. Silenus placed his hand on his mate’s arm. “My mate and I would like your help. It wouldn’t change your status with your pack at all, and of course, we would make sure your alpha agreed, but our people are not thriving in this realm. I aim to change that, and could use someone like you on the council I’m forming.”
Aleron glanced at Logan, but the alpha’s eyes were on Taj alone. Taj immediately turned to Logan, his eyes expressing slight panic but also curiosity.
“We’ll set up a meeting to talk about this in a few days,” Logan said. “I’d like some time to speak to you about what this would entail for my pack member, and I’d like to speak privately to both Gideon and Taj before I give my approval.”
Silenus nodded his agreement.
“Well, now that’s settled,” Ozias said, “can we please get back to the matter at hand? We have a rogue magic user on the loose, who is willing to torture and murder to get whatever it is they’re after. And all we have are some fucked-up runes and a little magical residue to go by.”
“Things have been quiet since the attack on Taj and Cosmo,” Solomon added. “I’ve had my pack on the hunt for anything remotely magical in nature, but we’ve not come across anything new.”
“Do you think whoever it was got spooked by almost getting caught?” Henry said. “I mean, hellhounds do have a certain reputation, and they know you were there when we rescued Cosmo and Taj.”
Neither Silenus nor Gideon looked happy at the idea, but Aleron had to admit, it was the most likely scenario. Whatever these people were up to, they’d taken great care to stay under the radar.
If the oracle hadn’t picked up on Norman’s crimes, who knew how long they would have gone undiscovered. Aleron glanced up at the camera in the corner before speaking. “They didn’t know Norman would mess with the wrong pack. He went rogue, which led to us going deeper to find answers. And if Taj hadn’t happened to get a job at the bar, well, we likely still wouldn’t know they were up to something.”
The conversation erupted into a bit of chaos as everyone tossed out theories and suggestions as to what next steps could be. Unfortunately for Aleron, everything they suggested reinforced Spencer’s notion that he was out of his league and no longer needed on the case.
“Okay,” Logan said loudly after several minutes. “We’re talking in circles at this point. It sounds like everyone is looking for action items. What can we actually do?”
He turned his attention to Solomon, who nodded his agreement. “We need to get fresh eyes on some of the scenes. Quillon can take a look at the runes to see if he can find anything Spencer missed.”
Quillon nodded his agreement. “There are several ancient languages that are coming to mind, actually. I’m specifically wondering if the runes are representative of some glyphs. Spencer mentioned that earlier, and I think he may be onto something there. I’ll need some time to research that thought. Spencer has done a lot of elimination for me, so that should help.”
“Good,” Logan said. “Silenus, what about the fae contingent?”
“Not gonna lie, I want to find this asshole. I have resources at my disposal. I have put out feelers and we can do a bit of hunting. Someone has to know something. If he targeted Taj, perhaps he targeted some other fae as well.”
“I’m friendly with more than simply fae,” Cosmo said. “I think that will be our best way to assist. See if we can find anyone else who worked at the bar or has experienced anything like what we’ve seen.”
Logan turned to Sawyer next. “What about you guys?”
“I’m not sure how we can help, to be honest,” Sawyer said. “Henry and I are more than happy to help with research, but with our current home situation, neither of us can be out investigating.”
“We’ll help however we can, though,” Henry added.
“Understood.”
Aleron wondered if Logan even knew about the kids. He hadn’t shared the information, as Eduard had made it clear it was on a need-to-know basis. The Chosen One having children would not only be a big deal, but it would put a bigger target on him than was already there.
The percentages weren’t exactly split down the middle, but Aleron would wager that more supernatural beings than not were thankful the magic in their realm had begun to heal. Most didn’t know the details of the war that had almost ended them all. Everyone did know that the Chosen One had finally appeared.
Some credited him for the healing magic. Others blamed him for the damage so deep that the realm had to be closed. Aleron wouldn’t want to be in charge of their security, he knew that much for certain.
“At this point, all we can do is keep each other informed,” Logan said. “Follow any leads we do find. I hate to say it, but it looks like unless something else happens, we’re going to have to wait.”
Silenus huffed in anger and smacked his hand down on the table. Spencer about leapt out of his skin. He blinked quickly a few times, and Aleron realized he’d spaced out as the conversation around them had been going on.
He touched Spencer’s leg and let out a breath, letting him know everything was okay.
“I know it’s frustrating,” Logan said, “but hopefully between the hellhounds and your people, we’ll find some new clues. On our end, the oracle will keep looking as well. Quillon, you’ll let us know if you find anything?”
He nodded. “Wish I could do more. Give me a few weeks and hopefully I’ll have something.”
Aleron had hoped something more useful would come out of their big team meeting, but he hadn’t really expected it to. The pieces of the puzzle they had were so badly damaged they were barely clues at all. They needed some new information, so until one of their people caught sight of Nio, or something else occurred, they were at a standstill.
Logan offered everyone lunch, and politeness dictated they accept. He led the way to the dining room, but Aleron stayed behind as Spencer didn’t appear ready to move.
He glanced up at Aleron the moment the room emptied. His big brown eyes looked weary and full of regret.
“I’m ready to go home.”
11
SPENCER
Spencer managed to get through the lunch Bailey prepared, but his mind was already on packing and the trip to his cabin. He’d not brought much with him, and Aleron promised he’d drive him back.
He’d hoped Aleron would make the offer, but Gideon would have taken him home if he hadn’t. The room they’d given him looked as if he hadn’t even been there by the time he’d packed up his belongings.
“Ready?” Aleron said quietly from the door.
They’d already carried most of his things down. The pack waited in the main room for him, ready for their goodbyes. Bailey had warned him earlier that it was pretty much the first time anyone who’d been with them for any amount of time hadn’t stayed, so he was expecting the pack would be a bit sad.
Spencer appreciated the warning. He wasn’t used to dealing with big goodbyes. Aleron took the last of his bags from his hand and walked to the metal staircase that led from the apartments above to the training room below.
Everyone wanted hugs—Spencer had learned within days that packs were touchy-feely. He didn’t mind, as long as they didn’t cling. No one did, though, and before long he’d made his way down the line.
Bailey would be hard to say goodbye to. They both knew it. The alpha-mate, instead of pulling him into a hug, grabbed him by the upper arms. “I’m going to read the books you recommended, compile my list of questions, and then figure out a way to see you again so you can answer them. So, this is not goodbye. Instead, I’ll see you soon.”
Spencer grinned and surprised them both by being the one to pull Bailey toward him for a quick hug. “Thank you for everything. And yes, I’ll see you soon and look forward to answering all of your questions.”
Bailey beamed and stepped back, leaving only Logan.
The alpha didn’t seem great at goodbyes either. “You’re welcome here any time,” Logan said. “And if you ever need anything at all, we’ll be there for you.”
“Thank you, alpha,” Spencer said.
Logan nodded, then herded the rest of the pack upstairs. Aleron opened the door into the garage and led the way to one of the pack’s SUVs. It would only get them partway, but Spencer hoped he’d get to experience Aleron’s griffin form again if he offered to fly some of Spencer’s books and things back to his cabin.
The drive passed quickly. Spencer lost himself in his thoughts, finding his mind calming the closer they came to his home. Aleron making the turn onto the bumpy road that led to his cabin drew him out of his musings.
He smiled over at Aleron and received one in return.
“Almost there,” Aleron said softly. “You want me to help you get your things up the mountain?”
“I’d love that.”
Aleron grinned, and Spencer knew what he was going to say before he said it.
“And you promise not to comment on the state of my dick?”
Spencer couldn’t help it. He laughed. “I was extremely curious.”
Aleron laughed as well. “I couldn’t believe it. You made quite the first impression.”
They bumped their way up the road until it came to an end. Spencer climbed out of the SUV and stretched. Aleron did the same. They would have to go the rest of the way on foot, or in Aleron’s case, by air.
Aleron popped open the trunk and eyed the bags. “I have a proposition for you.”
From the tone of his voice, Spencer couldn’t figure out what it could be. Aleron sounded almost… nervous. But excited. It was enough to spark Spencer’s curiosity.
“What’s that?”
“What if I take the first load up and drop it off… and then give you a ride up for the second trip?”
It took Spencer a moment to process. “You mean… fly?”
Aleron grinned. “Yeah.”
“You can do that?”
“Of course. I can haul your mountain of books but not you?”
Spencer glanced at the stack and then back at Aleron. “Wow. Um. That’s… like riding a horse except in the air?”
“Yes.”
Of course, there wouldn’t be a saddle or reins, so how would he stay on? What if he fell and…
“I won’t let you fall. Trust me.”
Spencer let out a breath and reached out a shaky hand. He touched Aleron’s wrist, his fingers brushing against the warm skin beneath Aleron’s shirt. “I do.”
Aleron let out a sound that could have been a groan, but Spencer couldn’t be sure. His heart was beating so loudly in his ears, he couldn’t be sure of anything. Aleron took a very slow step back, lifting his wrist as he did to keep Spencer’s hand where it was.
Then he transformed into his griffin form, and Spencer’s hand ended up on his feathered shoulder instead. It should have been terrifying. A head of a golden eagle, but the size of a horse. Huge wings that folded in tight to his lion-sized body.
“Magical,” Spencer whispered.
He stroked his hand over the crest of feathers where a lion’s mane would have been. It led to smoother fur, warm and soft beneath Spencer’s fingers.
Aleron moved his legs, then shook out his wings. He was absolutely spectacular. Aleron let him stare for several minutes before bumping him with his head. Spencer took it as a hint to get moving.
They used the same bags Aleron had been able to carry before, and Spencer managed to get them placed over Aleron’s back much like saddlebags.
Aleron nodded when he’d finished. First, he moved around a few steps, seeming to check the stability of the load, then he took to the air. Spencer stared into the distance until long after Aleron had disappeared.
He absolutely did not understand the depth of his connection to Aleron. Nothing about them made sense. They were impractical at the very least. At the worst, they were completely illogical. And yet, his feelings grew as purely as one of the little seedlings he nurtured to life each year in his garden.
That analogy confused him further. Because he took care of those seedlings for their entire season. Watered and made sure they were well-fed and had everything they needed to live their fullest life. And when they bore fruit, he was able to enjoy the returns of the nurturing he’d provided.
It was a cycle of life he understood and embraced. So why were these feelings for a man he barely knew inspiring similar thoughts? Aleron certainly didn’t need nurturing. He had everything he needed. His wealth and status alone made him one of the most respected members of their society. And even if he excluded the griffin aspects, he absolutely couldn’t negate his status in Logan’s pack.
So if Aleron didn’t need Spencer to nurture or tend to him, what role could Spencer play in his life? He didn’t need Spencer at all, but if Spencer confessed to himself his honest desires, he wanted Aleron to need him. And that thought led him back to the beginning. Aleron didn’t appear to need or want anything, especially what little Spencer had to offer someone with his friends and assets. With a confused sigh, Spencer shook his head and unloaded the rest of his belongings from the car. They’d really only left the backpack he’d shoved full of clothes and the small bag where he kept the tools of his trade. Those were items that never left his side.
He retrieved the keys Aleron had left in the ignition, then closed and locked the car. Within minutes, he heard a loud squawk from above him. He looked up in time to witness Aleron returning. He was glorious in flight, and the sun caused his feathers to shimmer as if they were made of actual gold.
Aleron landed in front of him, stunning and regal. Spencer couldn’t stop staring. Aleron moved closer, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes that even Spencer recognized. He took a step back. Aleron chirped at him, then bumped his head into Spencer’s chest.
The hit was hard enough it caused Spencer to take a step back. He instinctively reached for Aleron to regain his balance, and his fingers slid over the smooth feathers of his neck. Sneaky griffin. “You wanted me to pet you.”
Aleron’s huff of disdain sounded like a denial, but he ran his neck over Spencer’s hand. It was impossible to resist the invitation. His curious mind took over, and his fingers explored the thick layer of feathers at Aleron’s neck. Then down farther, to the place where they transitioned to the golden fur of a lion.
The Goddess who created the griffins must have been one of the cleverest. The colors blended beautifully, and even the coppery tones of Aleron’s hair shimmered through both feathers and fur. Spencer might not be able to perform magic, but he could certainly feel it.
Griffins were full of magic, their ability to shift at will a gift of the Goddess for sure. Other species had to remove their human clothing and spend moments transforming into their animals. Not griffins. Aleron could become his griffin from one step to the next.
The thought sent a shiver through him. If Aleron shifted now, Spencer would be touching the man and not the glorious creature beside him. For a moment, Spencer hoped he would. He gulped and forced himself to move to Aleron’s neck, then to his head, where he could look into Aleron’s eyes.
“You’re incredible,” Spencer whispered. “I’m humbled by your friendship and trust.”
