Free Ferris Braden [Beyond the Marius Brothers 6] by Joyee Flynn

proud.”
“Thank you,” I whispered. I turned and hugged him, not caring who was around or that we were dealing with the aftermath of the shit hitting the fan.
“Ferris, are there any wounded? Riley’s on the other side of the portal in case he could help but I wouldn’t let him come over,” a vampire warrior asked when we broke apart.
“No, there were only a few but Queen Magdalena helped the ones that were able to be saved,” he answered quietly.
“How many more are here?” I asked, running fingers through my hair as I tried to figure out what to do next. Then I looked back to Ferris. “Who was I supposed to talk to about sanctuary again?” Then I glanced back to the warrior. “I’m so sorry. I’m Prince—” I froze and started to shake. “I mean, King Rylan. My father was killed in the battle.”
“I’m very sorry for your loss, your highness,” the man said gently as he bowed.
“Thank you. You can call me Rylan when it’s just us. I’m not into the whole formal thing unless I’m there representing my people like I was tonight.” I rolled my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose. “Which you weren’t at. Sorry, I’m kind of all over the place and trying not to have a nervous breakdown.”
“Elena Marius is who the Queen suggested,” Ferris reminded me. “This is one of her sons, Micah. Riley is his mate.”
“Mother’s on the other side of the portal with Riley. She’s trying to keep him back and my father is trying to keep her back. She might not be a warrior but she is badass all on her own and wicked strong.”
“Well, there’s no need to fight now anyways,” I whispered as I glanced around the room, making sure not to take in my parents lying there. “It’s over so it should be safe for them. But I’ll go back through the portal to speak with them.”
I headed in that direction, not waiting to see if they followed. I just had to keep moving. If I kept moving, nothing would overwhelm me. I repeated that mantra in my head, knowing full well I didn’t even believe it.
Once in my father’s study, I stepped back through the portal, ignoring the intense squeezing feeling on my whole body. And then the nausea as I stepped back into Bas’s house. It was his face I saw first.
“Are they—?” he started to ask, his eyes filling with tears when I shook my head.
“My parents didn’t make it. Half of the people in the palace were killed,” I answered, swallowing loudly. “Your grandmother is sealing it with magic but I feel we still should find sanctuary. It’s not safe. Once the demons find out that they didn’t get what they wanted, they’ll be back.”
“What did they want?” a gorgeous woman with kelly-green eyes asked and I saw they were the same as Micah’s. This had to be his mother.
“Us,” I whispered. “They killed those who fought back but I’m sure the goal was to take as many of us alive as they could.”
“But why?”
I glanced around and saw all the people standing there. “I will tell you, but not in a group.” She nodded her understanding but there were so many questions in her eyes.
“I’m so sorry, Ry. Whatever you need, okay?” Bas said quietly as he hugged me. I bit back a sob and took the comfort. My people needed this kind of support and I made a quick decision.
“We need sanctuary and as King of the margays, I’m officially requesting permission to join your coven. We’ll find land and rebuild but no more thinking we can handle this threat on our own. Your doctor can proceed as we discussed and we will be an asset to your people.”
“I’ll convene the High Council first thing in the morning but as the head of it, I grant you sanctuary,” Bas replied formally. Then he winced. “But it can’t be in my house. I’m at full capacity.”
“We have dozens of rooms open in our guest wing and your people are more than welcome to them.” Elena gave me kind eyes, just as my mother’s. I wasn’t even thinking when I walked right over to