Warriors of Poseidon 04 - Atlantis Unmasked

Atlantis and see if we‟ve had news from Tiernan and her fellow journalists. The movement to enthrall the shape-shifters is sweeping the country; not only that, but we have recently had news that the same is occurring in Asia and Europe. Maybe even Africa.”
     
    Christophe rolled his eyes. “Sure. That ‟s the only reason you want to get in touch with Tiernan. It‟s not like you went bat-shit crazy and almost dropped her and banged her on the spot when you first met her or anything.”
     
    “Christophe—” Alexios began, but Brennan held up a hand.
     
    “As you know, I have no memory of this occurrence. In any event, I would suggest we return to Atlantis immediately and refrain from further pointless discussion on this or other issues until we are in possession of more facts.”
     
    “I‟ll second that,” Alexios agreed. “Lucas—”
     
    But Lucas‟s gaze was turned inward; he stood straining toward the east, his head lifted into the wind. “It‟s time. Honey is ready to go into labor. I have to get back to her. Now.”
     
    “Are you sure? Do you need us? Is there anything we can do?”
     
    Lucas shook his head and grasped Alexios‟s proffered hand. “No, my friend. This is a time for Pack and celebration. We‟ll talk again soon. I give you my bond as alpha of the Atlantis Unmasked - Warriors of Poseidon 04
    Page 42 of 314
    Yellowstone Pack that we will work together on this. The bloodsuckers don‟t have a chance against the combined might of Pack and Atlantis.”
     
    Lucas grinned fiercely, again more wolf than man. He threw back his head and called out a long, undulating howl. “Until then, Alexios. Right now, I‟m going to be a father.”
     
    With that, Lucas took off running in a blur of speed. Before he hit the tree line he was already fully wolf. Alexios watched him for a moment, silently wishing him well, and then turned back to Brennan and Christophe.
     
    “I think it‟s time for us to go as well. We can do nothing more here.”
     
    “And these?” Brennan said, gesturing toward the fallen shifters, who had returned to their human forms in death.
     
    “Lucas will take care of them. For us to do anything with their bodies might violate pack law.”
     
    “Let‟s get out of here then,” Christophe said. “It‟s still early enough to find a top-notch ale and a woman with a big, round ass who is willing to do very nasty things to me.”
     
    Alexios shook his head. “Seriously, Christophe, you need help. In the worst way.”
     
    Christophe laughed. “That‟s what I‟m talking about. The worst way.”
     
    Brennan gestured with one hand, and the familiar ovoid shape of the portal began to form in the air. When the iridescent shape had lengthened and widened enough to allow them to pass into Atlantis, their first sight was of half a dozen portal guards crouched at full battle readiness, swords and spears aimed directly at them. The soldiers all wore the silver and cerulean blue of the Atlantean royal guard, and the sight of them was Atlantis Unmasked - Warriors of Poseidon 04
    Page 43 of 314
    certainly enough to give pause to any who dared to try forcible entry. Not that the portal had ever once opened to an enemy in more than eleven thousand years.
     
    As far as they knew.
     
    Alexios drew his daggers and stepped forward but didn‟t cross over yet. “Status?”
     
    Captain Marcus bowed and then gestured to his men to stand down. “Lord Alexios. Be welcome.”
     
    Alexios sheathed his daggers as the portal guards lowered and sheathed their own weapons. “Status?” he repeated, eyes narrowing.
     
    “Apologies, my lord, but it is happening,” the steely-eyed veteran said, breaking into an uncharacteristic grin. “Lady Riley has gone into labor, and the heir to the throne of all Atlantis is even now making his or her way into the world. I believed that increased security at this time would be prudent.”
     
    Behind Alexios, Christophe let out a whoop. “It‟s about time. Now maybe Conlan can quit walking around with the stick shoved up his—”
     
    “Thank you,” Alexios said. “We‟d better get to the palace, then.”
     
    He waved his arm and first Brennan, then Christophe headed through the portal. As Christophe passed him, Alexios grabbed his arm in a very unfriendly grip. “Say anything like that about our high prince again, and it will be my boot up your ass,” he growled quietly so that no one else would hear.
     
    Christophe yanked his