Magical Midlife Battle (Leveling Up, #8)

“Point made,” Jasper murmured.

Austin directed me on, always touching me, through the crowded street and to the square, standing room only. The crowd parted for us, people bowing to me as we walked by. “Alpha,” they said to me respectfully, then repeated the sentiment to Austin.

A little stage had been set up on the grass at the top of the square, and the photos of the fallen were displayed in picture frames stuck into the ground. In the front at the center was Nathanial’s picture, and the wound inside of me opened all over again. Tears trickled down my cheeks as I stopped in front of him, putting out my fingers to touch his photo.

“Thank you, Nathaniel, for your sacrifice,” I said. “You showed your courage and your honor.

Your loyalty. You helped me in a way no one else could. I will miss you at my back, my friend. I will miss you in the house. I will see you again in the afterlife.”

I took the tissue Mr. Tom offered and continued on to the next photo, and then the next, giving each of them a silent moment and thanking each for their courage and sacrifice. Afterward, Austin directed me up onto the stage with Kingsley, and we faced all those who’d gathered for the ceremony.

“My brother and his mate came to us in our time of need,” Kingsley said in a booming voice.

“Knowing what we would face, even though we still didn’t fully comprehend the danger, they brought their people and helped us train for the worst. When the battle came, a battle unlike anything we ever could’ve imagined, they stayed by our sides to ensure our victory. They are not simply a pack. They are not simply a gargoyle cairn. They are something different. Something unique. A convocation. In this new, larger organization, I think we can all agree that there are no alphas fitter for their roles than Austin Steele and Jessie Ironheart. It does me proud to see my brother elevate himself to such heights, even if I am a little jealous that he got the lion’s share of the ruthlessness in battle.”

“The bear’s share!” someone shouted to a smattering of laughter.

“Let any of you naysayers be silenced now,” Kingsley went on, “because it is my intention to join their convocation. As we saw, we are stronger together. We are unstoppable when united. I will remain your alpha, and we will remain a pack, but we will also be a part of something larger. An organization that will stand up to magical tyrants like the one who tried to destroy us. What say you?”

A loud cheer went up, everyone raising their hands, shouting. I widened my eyes at Austin. I hadn’t heard Kingsley would be doing this. He nodded, obviously having talked it over with his brother.

When they quieted down, Kingsley turned and motioned toward Gerard and the basandere waiting on the other side. They climbed the steps and stood beside Kingsley.

“Gerard of the Khaavalor cairn, I thank you for your help. You had no connection to us, but you came to us in a time of need. From now on, you are a pack friend. Should you need us, call, and we will be there.”

“Thank you.” Gerard wore a crooked grin. “And thanks for having us. Really, I mean it. In that battle, it felt like we were finally doing what we were made for. I’ve never felt so alive as I did when defending this territory. We don’t have a fancy term for it, but the feeling is mutual. When you need help, we’re your gargoyles. And we, too, will be joining the convocation. It’s time we saw more of what exists outside of our lonely mountain.”

Gargoyles cheered now, some making ou-ou-ou sounds.

“Her,” Kingsley continued when the noise died down. “Thank you. Your basajaunak are fearless and your leadership something to aspire to. You are a pack friend, and should you need our help, do not hesitate to ask.”

The basandere bowed to him before facing the crowd. “My clan has been isolated for many years, not wanting to partake in the changing world and its troubles. But being part of a larger team has brought energy to us all. We mourn the losses of those we loved. Like the gargoyles, however, we felt the calling of unity. We, too, will be joining the convocation.”

Surprise lit up my bonds with Austin, and Kingsley startled. Clearly they hadn’t been expecting

that.

The basandere asked to get closer to me, and Kingsley stepped out of the way. She took my hand, her eyes solemn. “You have proven that you put your people above yourself. You expect nothing, while giving everything. You are worthy of our loyalty. You are family now.”

She bent to put her forehead against mine, and I started crying yet again. When she stepped to the side, Kingsley went on.

“And let’s not forget the late additions to our team who showed you don’t need wings or fur to fight like a warrior.”

Patty and Aunt Florence climbed the steps with wide smiles.

“I don’t think we’ve ever known someone whom an entire territory calls aunt,” Kingsley said, gesturing at Aunt Florence. The crowd laughed and cheered. “You ladies stepped into a role that was foreign to you, in a place you’d never been before, with magical creatures with which you were unfamiliar. And despite that, you made lasting friendships, glued everyone together, put on one helluva barbecue, and protected the town from every last enemy, all without batting an eye. You are remarkable, ladies, all of you, and we are proud to have you among us. You are all granted the title of pack friend, and we hope you visit us often.”

Patty grabbed Aunt Florence’s hand and lifted it into the air, laughing.

After they stepped back, I was gobsmacked to see Edgar climb up the steps, Indigo behind him, her head ducked shyly.

“I never, in all my wildest dreams, thought I’d say this, but thank you, Edgar, for your magical killing flowers. The flowers on the perimeter took down a good many enemies. The flowers in the square provided protection and…companionship is the only way I can express it. Before that, they killed the strange creatures who had been plaguing us. Thank you.”

Creatures no one had seen in the battle or since. Sebastian and Nessa were trying to learn more.

Edgar clasped his hands and bowed to the crowd. “Thanks you to been here.”

He wasn’t the best at public speaking.

“Indigo,” Kingsley went on without skipping a beat. “You saved a great many lives. You worked tirelessly during the battle and have been a saving grace to those hurting in the fallout. I speak for the pack when I say, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping us grieve.”

She nodded mutely, hunched, as though physically trying to ward off the attention.

Once they’d all cleared away, Kingsley turned to me, his eyes serious, and enveloped me in a tight hug.