Page 5 of Awakening Storm

Venn pressed his lips together and shook his head slowly, clearly disappointed in Aidan. But they didn’t understand what it was like to be all alone at all times.

Nonetheless, worry seeped into Aidan’s chest. He swallowed. “What? Has there been action with you guys?”

“If you wereon time, you’d know we’ve already been through that,” Lachlan growled.

Aidan clenched his teeth. Had he known his brothers were going to be so testy, he might have skipped the meeting altogether.

Ian sighed. “There has been much going on in all the worlds, Brother. Even if there is no clear danger at present, it may be the calm before the storm. With the Age of Atonement—”

“I know,” Aidan interrupted. “We must be diligent.”

“So then why were you traveling to the mainland?” Ian inquired.

Takeshi barked, as if he knew Aidan was about to mention him.

Brandt’s mug came closer to one of the screens, filling the entire thing. “What was that? Did you get a new pup?”

Aidan smiled as his brother’s all leaned toward their screens. “That’s why I was on the mainland.”

“What breed?” Lachlan asked, his earlier frustration falling from his voice. Then they all started asking him questions. They knew how hard Aidan had taken the loss of Sora, and it meant a lot that they were trying.

“Akita,” Aidan answered, picking up Takeshi again and showing them.

“Uh, umm, very cute.” Ian cleared his throat. “Now can we get back to our meeting?”

Takeshi barked again and wriggled out of Aidan’s arms, only to start pulling on the leg of his pants. Aidan laughed and then shrugged.

“I guess that’s a no,” Ian said, resigned. “Well, keep your eyes open and reach out should anything change.”

“I will,” Aidan promised. “Be careful, Brothers.”

They each nodded in turn, and Custos disconnected them one after the other.

“Now,” Custos grumbled, “get that creature out of my tree.”