Page 98 of Magical Midlife Conclave

People laughed.

“You should see the gargoyles battle. They are absolutely fearless.” Kingsley started describing what he’d seen in his territory. He also talked about the garhettes, just as tough and fearless as their male counterparts.

Drex turned to face the bartender and ordered a champagne. Once done, he glanced over.

“You’ve got ’em,” he murmured. “Kingsley has been talking in the right ears, saying the right things. He’s good at political networking, and you and Jessie are great at backing up his claims. Nessa has been chatting and flirting, and it’s having a very positive effect, strangely. Thank God Tristan is a gargoyle, huh? Not possessive in the same way. And then that showing today.” He inclined his head subtly. “The conclave is what you needed, as much of a pain in the ass it is. People need to see. Everyone needs to see you guys in action. Now they have. The flight training. The challenges. The effectiveness that a withering mage has without breaking a sweat.” He paused and faced the bar again. “I’m not telling you your business, but Armendale is trouble. He’s the type of shifter I didn’t want to come into my territory. He shouldn’t be here. Guys like that, when desperate…”

He let the comment linger.

Austin nodded. “I agree. Always feel free to speak openly.”

A smile crossed Drex’s face. “I remembered that about Jessie, but I thought my memory must’ve been mistaken about you. You’re a different sort of alpha, Austin Steele. A damn good one. If you don’t mind my saying, being that I am a huge fan of Kingsley for saving my life…you’ve done your family proud.”

Drex got his champagne, rapped his knuckles on the bar, and turned away to the others.

Austin was so damn thankful to have his family here now, still having his back. Kingsley was the straight-A student, and Austin was the rule-breaking black sheep, but together they worked. Together they could do things they couldn’t do alone, just like Austin and Jess. Like the territory and Ivy House.

“I hear the Elder has challenged Jessie.”

It took a moment for Austin to corral his thoughts into the moment. Nina was looking at him, having asked the question. Everyone was waiting for the answer.

No, not a question. A warning disguised as a statement.

“Yes,” Austin said, and he let his wariness show. “Obviously, if it were up to me, I’d say no. Earlier today, I would’ve run in and ripped your brother off my mate, too. But it’s not up to me. I’ll hate it, but I’ll honor her decision. Jess hasn’t told me what she’s going to do.”

“She touches other people freely,” Ron said, running his fingers through his newly black hair.

“She was a Jane. Now she’s a gargoyle. She’s expressive. She knows my limits, and I ensure I allow Jess her freedom.”

A few people exchanged looks.

“Yes, this is the Black Sheep Barazza you’ve all heard about,” Kingsley said, light and easy. “He’s not the same man anymore. I would know. His butler gives him flak to his face. His mate’s very powerful crew are wild and insane and totally handled by her. She ignores his telling her to stay out of trouble, and he ignores her doing things a normal shifter would kill someone over. He’s proving his control. You’re watching him prove his leadership ability and potential. He’s grown up. It’s time we let him.”

Austin’s chest tightened. He didn’t deny his gratitude at his brother’s praise.

But then Drex started in.

“He’s proving more than that, but no one is talking about it.” He stepped forward and reiterated things he’d told Austin to his face when they’d first met, about Austin’s confidence and humbleness, about his community’s loyalty and his desire to look after others.

Before Austin could incline his head in thanks, Nina stepped up.

“I never thought my brother would find a place to settle. You know why. When he told us of that first meeting with Austin and Jessie…and Fred—he couldn’t stop telling the story about Fred—I didn’t believe it. I honestly thought all the time in the wilderness, fighting basajaunak, had shifted something in him mentally. I get it now. It wasn’t solely them. It was the love and support of this territory. Yes, they are powerful. Yes, they are battle ready. But at their heart, the convocation is family.”

“Okay.” Austin put up his hand. “Thank you.” He put it to his heart. “I’m not sure I’m deserving of—or comfortable with—so much praise.”

“People usually reserve it for Jessie,” Kingsley said. People chuckled.

“Truth.” Austin grinned at his brother and then addressed the rest. “Yes, I’m the black sheep, and while I am a changed man, as Kingsley says, I still retain that title. I don’t do things like a normal shifter. I can’t and maintain this setup. You’ve seen why. I’ve learned to adapt. To be flexible. To nonchalantly smile in public. And yes, I’ve found a family here. And yes, my grandma Mimi is shoving me out of all my properties and taking over management. Like this one, which is perfect, and I can’t fault her over…an annoying situation, because I’m a control freak.” More chuckles. “Anyway, thank you for the kind words. And the vote of support.” He hesitated. “Usually I’d say, ‘But please, you must be hungry, let’s eat,’ except, unfortunately, this group is larger than we anticipated. I just need to duck into the back to speak to Mimi⁠—”

A familiar throat-clearing sound dragged Austin’s gaze toward the corner of the room. Mimi stood just beside the door to the kitchen with her hands clasped professionally in front of her. Speak of the devil.

“Ivy House will be hosting tonight.” She hesitated, which was like normal people pulling at their collar uncomfortably. “Preparations are underway there. As I understand it, much of the community will be there to mourn and support the pack who lost a member earlier today. The occasion will be calm and peaceful. If any trouble arises, I am told the basajaunak will gleefully practice drop-kicking people. They aim to claim the honor of the farthest kick. I only received word about this a half-hour ago…when my supplies were confiscated.”

“It’s the garhettes.” Ron with the black hair pointed at nothing in particular. “I’m telling you, there is no way to say no to them. It’s impossible.”

“One wonders how you ever became an alpha,” Mimi told him.

Ron squared his shoulders. “Says the woman who has no food for dinner.”