Page 12 of The War is Coming

“It just keeps getting better and better,” Mateo said.

“It does,” Atticus agreed.

Puff blushed. It does. Come over here. He said, leading them to the golden table and dropping their hands. He picked up the dagger and brooch and held them out to Mateo and Atticus. I saw these and just knew they were meant for you. I hope you like them.

“Puff, this is stunning,” Atticus says, taking the platinum brooch.

I thought you could wear it on your suit lapel.

Atticus rubbed his thumb over it. “I can indeed.” He pulled Puff into a kiss before pulling back and holding it out to Puff. “Pin it on me?” He asked softly.

Blushing again, Puff took the brooch back and pinned it to Atticus’ lapel.

“That looks amazing, Atticus,” Mateo told him, touching his arm.

It really does. Puff agreed. He looked at Mateo and handed him the knife.

Mateo looked at the knife and pulled it out of its sheath. He looked up. “Puff, this is stunning as well.” He touched the blade reverently before putting the knife away. He pulled Puff into a quick kiss and touched his cheek. “Thank you, Puff.”

Puff smiled. I’m glad you both like them. If you see anything in here you want, just let me know, and it’s yours.

“Thank you, but all I want is you two,” Mateo said, looking at them both.

“The same,” Atticus added.

Puff blushed again. Apparently, I have more hoards around the world. We can discover them together soon.

“And I can show you mine,” Mateo said.

“And you can see mine as well,” Atticus said.

That would be nice. But now we should go back upstairs, as I have king stuff to do.

“Then we will come and help you,” Atticus told him.

Mateo put the knife into his belt and held out both hands.

Puff and Atticus took them, and the three left the basement.

Tudor was sitting in the library with Alex, Donovan and Dane, surrounding the table Dane had claimed as his.

“Ready to start your king lessons?” Donovan asked, smiling at Tudor.

“Not really but I know I need to learn everything but I keep hoping I’ll wake up and you’re still king and I can just be Alex’s mate,” Tudor replied.

“That ship has sailed, sweetheart,” Alex said with a laugh, patting Tudor’s thigh.

Tudor sighed. “Yeah,” he said softly.

“You’re an amazing king already, Tudor,” Dane said, looking at him. “The way you’ve dealt with the last few days. The compassion you’ve shown, going to see the families of the fallen, you were a credit to all gargoyles.”

“Thank you it was hard but I’m glad I didn’t embarrass the family.”

“Tudor, you could never embarrass the family, the pack, or the gargoyle race,” Donovan told his son.

“Thanks Dad, Dane,” he replied softly.

Alex picked his hand up and kissed the back.