Free Gifts of Fate [Kindred of Arkadia 7] (Siren Publishing Classic) by Alanea Alder Page B

teaming up to torture Aleks for years.
    Connor was about to chime in when his cell phone started to vibrate. He froze. He stood quickly and
    headed to Baby Central, using his fob to get in. He waited until the door shut behind him before he
    answered his phone.
    “Hello.”
    “We’re heading to the town square now.”
    “I’ll let them know.”
    “Thanks, and I’m sorry again,” Baron said.
    “Not your fault. See you in a bit.” Connor closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
    When he walked out the diner was quiet and all eyes were on him. He met Gabriel’s haunted eyes and
    nodded. He watched as Gabriel leaned in, and so quietly he couldn’t hear what was being said, began
    speaking to his mate.
    Connor watched the joy drain out of Ashby’s face. The small man stood suddenly, clutching Arthur.
    “No!” he yelled. Connor looked over to his Ma and Pa and nodded. When he had arrived at the diner
    earlier that afternoon he had explained what was planned. He watched as his Pa stood and silently walked
    outside to begin herding the children who were caroling inside for hot chocolate.
    Ma walked over to where Kate, Nic, Sebastian, and Rebecca were trying to get answers out of a sobbing
    Ashby. Gabriel was talking quietly to David and Daniel. It was seconds later that they too dissolved into
    tears. Word spread quickly around the diner. Most of the patrons were shaking their heads.
    Connor looked up and held his hand out to Madison, and she quickly walked over and took it.
    “What do you mean that oily bastard is coming here!” Rebecca demanded, getting the story from Ashby
    between sobs.
    Kate turned to Rian.
    “RiRi, can you take my boys to Baby Central and watch over them? I’ll be standing with Gabriel and
    Ashby and I don’t want them anywhere near that son of a bitch.” Kate growled.
    “Can you take Lucian too?” Sebastian asked, handing the baby over to Damian.
    “Please?” Ashby asked, unable to wipe his tears with his son in his arms. Gently, Rex stepped forward
    and took tiny Arthur. Talon scooped up Landon and Lucas and Kaden helped Rian with Merrick and
    Matthew.
    “Don’t worry about these little guys. Nothing is going to come near them.” Rian growled and nuzzled
    Merrick’s cheek. Beau joined the lions in Baby Central to guard the door.
    Quietly, the group made their way outside into the cold, winter’s night. Inside, Ma and Pa kept things
    lively as the children headed in. Once the door to the diner was closed and they saw Pa’s silhouette through
    the frosted glass, they walked to the town square.
    Baron, Salsiby and three wolf shifters waited for them in the middle of town. Baron’s mouth was drawn
    in a tight line.
    “Professor.”
    “Baron.” Connor nodded.
    Baron turned to Gabriel and bowed.
    “Prince Gabriel, I am truly sorry for what I have to do.”
    Gabriel’s eyes had shifted to black.
    “It is not your fault. Neither myself nor my coven bear you any ill will.”
    Baron straightened.
    “Where is the feral? Can you hurry it up please? I would like to get back to celebrate this monster’s
    execution with Alpha Devon. After tonight, shifters everywhere will be safer.” Salsiby’s smile was smug.
    Connor took a step forward only to see that Caleb, Aleks and Liam had done the same thing. Gabriel
    remained exactly where he was but his black eyes began to smolder, turning to a dark red.
    “Careful, Gabriel, or we may have to put you down as well,” Salsiby jeered.
    David and Daniel stepped in front of their prince, growling low, their claws extended.
    “That is Prince Gabriel to you. As for putting me down, I welcome you to try.” Gabriel’s fangs
    lengthened.
    Behind them they heard multiple car doors shut. Baptista and most of the coven got out of their vehicles
    and surrounded Rhys. Slowly, in a stately manner, they walked forward to the center of town. At first
    Connor thought it was because they were acting as an honor guard but as they got closer he could hear