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

her and hugged her, which she returned. “You’ll be alright. We’ll help you find your way, son.”
Bas cleared his throat, getting both our attention. “Councilwoman Marius, this is King Rylan of the margays.”
“A pleasure, Councilwoman,” I chuckled, still holding on to her. It was strange but almost as if I was soaking up her strength.
“Likewise, your highness.” I moved out of her arms and she gave me a sad smile. “I heard you’re mated to Ferris. He’s a good man.”
“Thank you, Elena,” my mate said with a bright smile. “I’m sure you heard that from everyone who was at the vineyard. We met our other mate, a wonderful fae warrior named Onah, when Rylan and I went back to Darcy’s house to talk.”
“That seems like ages ago,” I mumbled, shocked at how much could happen in one day. “We didn’t even get to finish claiming each other. And now I’m basically a father. What do I know about kids? How am I going to keep everyone safe? I haven’t even taken my oath as—”
“Breathe, baby,” Ferris whispered and suddenly I was in his arms, being held tightly as I shook. “You can do this. My strong kitty can do anything, okay? I saw how good you are at all of this today. Onah and I will be here for you every step of the way. You’re not alone.”
“But they’re gone.” I was fighting so hard to keep the sobs in. I couldn’t break yet.
“I know and I’m so sorry. We’ll help you grieve tonight and we have lots of friends who know tons about babies. Paolo will be just fine.” I nodded and let him go, turning back to Elena, smiling when she was ordering a bunch of men with the same eyes as hers about getting cars over for transport and rooms to be made ready for my people.
“And lots of food and let’s get a bunch of alcohol in the dining hall,” she added. “These people will need several stiff drinks after what they’ve been through.”
“I could use one or a dozen,” I agreed, rubbing my tired eyes. “I need to set up a mandatory conference call with all the heads of our packs. They need to know what’s happened and that the old ways won’t keep us safe.”
“Is there someone who can do that for you?” he asked gently.
“Yes, my father’s—” I bit my lip and shook my head, the body of my father’s advisor popping into my head. “No, he was killed.”
“Okay, we’ll figure it out,” he said gently. “Let’s go back and start getting people through the portal.”
“Yeah, good plan.” I thanked Elena and Bas before stepping back through the portal, ignoring the annoying side effects of it. I was just grateful there was such a thing as a portal and the Queen had opened one for us.
I winced as I saw warriors collecting the few dead in the study, picking up body parts because they were ripped to shreds. I turned away and took several deep breaths through my mouth, the stench of death overwhelming. Ferris guided me out into the hall and I saw over a dozen people from the palace ready to go and packed as they had been told to do.
“I found us sanctuary with the Marius family. She is a High Councilwoman for the East Coast coven in America, which is where I met my mates. She has offered us rooms in her home and we will be protected. She has sons who are warriors and the house is guarded. It’s temporary until we get word if they’ll allow us into their coven permanently.”
“You want us to move to America and be part of a vampire coven?” Benjio growled. “Are you mad?”
“What other suggestion would you offer?” I shot right back. “We have no local allies. The next pack or coven is several hundred miles away. The palace was built centuries ago and the location picked because it was remote. That got half of the people here, including my parents, killed. If Queen Magdalena hadn’t opened the portal for her warriors to come help, you’d all be dead. We’re alone and vulnerable here. We can’t continue as we have.”
“Are they nice?” Cynthia asked as