Amber lay awake, naked as usual next to James. The date went startlingly well. He took her dancing, and they quickly learned he had two left feet. He bought her flowers and was very good at matching colors and had a bouquet of light blues, pale yellows, and violets. That's when she fell for him harder than she knew was possible.

No one had ever bought her flowers before and if that was the end of the date, she would have been more than happy. Instead, he took her to the Broken Tile, and despite its name, it was the fanciest place she had ever been.

They must have been warned that she was demi-human as the servers swept them away to a VIP room the moment they arrived. Jamie had paid for everything and James even shared the wine with her. He may not have eaten, but she savored their conversation until he brought up a few truths.

He wasn't human. He was a race that Mother called the Valiant. God-like beings that commanded the Forsaken and wielded the soul as weapons of power. They were the ones that led the war on Earth after the humans struck at the Underworld.

Not only did the humans fear them, but the Underworld also rose up and found a way to kill them. Their children were experimented on and then killed. His parents were likely dead after having given him away to his false parents. He didn't know why he was given away, but it likely saved his life.

Mother believed he was the last remaining Valiant. He also mentioned that until his soul turned gold, he hadn't even stepped onto the path of true power. Now he had more control over his soul and could guide and nudge any of them from across the city. She had already felt that and had pushed him away more than once. The others had as well, but they were all still drawn to him.

If she hadn't fallen for him before her change, she would have thought he influenced her. But she knew he was her person before she even asked to be changed.

Rubbing her eyes, she felt James stir by her side. She had too much to think about and she was trying not to wake her mate.

Does it matter that he is something beyond human? How will the others react? How are the vultures and panther doing?

Closing her eyes, she tried to force herself to sleep. Come the morning, she had more work to do. She would be taking her first real step in taking over the demi-human district. After handling Pom, she would be moving on to helping the children. Once she passed information off to Jamie, they would eliminate the King of the Night that ran the demi-human district.

Mender would help James save the children while she took over for the king and cracked down on the underbelly of the city. She would have to prove her strength and that would very little room for dates and romance.

Rolling onto her side, she wrapped her arm over James and scooted until her stomach was against his back. Curling into him brought her the comfort she needed to fall asleep.

***

Shadow Paw the Stalker moved from his temporary den as the sun rose. The burning winds of the night flares faded away until they were no more and he had numerous stops to make.

First and foremost, he checked on the bond to his master. The one known as James was still alive and slightly sexually frustrated. It appeared as though the nekorian was still sleeping naked next to him.

Once he was sure his master was safe, he moved to the nearby dens that were dug under the trees. His followers were starting to stir and it was up to Shadow Paw to direct them. They had very little food left and it was the day of the hunt. He would take the lead, but the new followers needed to prove themselves.

Strength filled Shadow Paw, pushing him to new heights as long as he was connected to his master. The Valiant didn't even know about the bond and Shadow Paw couldn't talk to him. At least, not yet.

Growling into a den, he felt the startled yelps of a pack of wolves. The black furred animals quickly raced out and stood at attention. They were smaller than Shadow Paw, but he knew they would grow once his master took over.

"You need to hunt today, new bloods."

The pack leader stepped forward. Shadow Paw thought he was named Striker the Swift. "We are ready, Shadow Paw."

Nodding, Shadow Paw regarded them for several moments. He may only be a panther, but he was stronger than anything but the vultures in the forest. "Bring enough for everyone. I'm putting my trust in you. That doesn't mean just meat."

Standing up taller, Striker nodded. "It will be done, Shadow Paw."

Using his head, he gestured to the forest. "Go."

The pack of five wolves took off at a run, tearing up the loose dirt before disappearing from the thin clearing. With determination practically rising from their fur, Shadow Paw knew they would succeed.

Moving on, he stopped by a family of Horned Rabbits. They were cute and cuddly and just what master's mate would love. They were more mascots than anything.

"How are you this morning?" Shadow Paw asked.

The father known as Hopper bowed low until his head was touching the ground. "We are well, Shadow Paw."

Sniffing the air a few times, Shadow Paw turned toward the south. "There are a few wild vegetables nearby that you haven't found yet. Feed your young."

Hopper stood up and chittered at his family. "They are scared of predators."

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Snorting, Shadow Paw turned back to the father. "You have nothing to fear. I will go with you once I finish my rounds."

Bowing again, Hopper's ears laid flat. "Thank you."

Before he could move on, Shadow Paw heard the flutter of powerful wings shifting the leaves of the canopies. Elder Strong Beak landed on the branches overhead.

"Elder," Shadow Paw said in greeting.

"You are waking the others. Good."

Panning his gaze over the other four dens, Shadow Paw nodded. "I am. It is time to start training the others to work together. We have much to prove to the master."

The Elder bobbed his head. "We do. My family is already circling the city if needed. Our master is frustrated, both mentally and physically. The Fenrir left him."

"She needed to," Shadow Paw stated. "She was not his true mate."

"He will accept that in time." Pulling in his wings, Strong Beak sighed. "It has been many long months since I met the master. During that time, he has been broken emotionally many times."

"He will grow stronger." Shadow Paw knew it was the truth. The one known as Amber would protect his heart and mind when the time came.

"I will leave you to your work," Strong Beak said before hopping into the air.

Shadow Paw bowed once before turning to the next den, he had many to wake and many more to gather. His master would have the forces he needed once he finished in the mortal city.

***

James woke slowly, his mind protesting against the intrusion of the sun through the windows. A tail was draped over his side, while slender arms and hands held him. He felt Amber's warmth against his back as he purrs woke him further.

"Awake?" she asked.

"Yeah," he said softly. Rubbing his eyes, he wiped away the lingering traces of sleep before resting his fingers over Amber's. The nekorian felt amazing as she brushed her soul against his. He didn't want to get up and start the day with her in bed.

She must have realized the same thing as she let him go and slid out of the blankets. Walking to the foot of the bed, she stretched a few times, making sure to show off her body before getting dressed.

Once she had pants on, he started to calm his racing heart at seeing her. He wanted to do more than just sleep next to her. He wanted to know what it would be like to lay with her and mingle his soul with hers.

"Soon," she said. Stepping up to him, she rested her hand against his cheek. "I promise you'll have me soon. It's hard for me too."

Running a hand through his hair, he nodded. "You're right. We both have work to do today. I'll be in the tavern if you need me."

Leaning in, she kissed him as passionately as she had the night before. He couldn't help but grab her waist and pull her against him, making the woman squeak.

Pushing away from him, she quickly slipped out of the room before it became harder for both of them. With her gone, he calmed himself before getting dressed. He was frustrated with everything that had happened lately. First, Luna broke up with him and it felt like his heart was torn in half. Amber mended that quickly, just by coaxing his soul and showing him her love. Then there was sleeping with Grace to fill the void that he was feeling. He didn't regret it and would likely spend more time with her until he left the city. But the more he was around Amber and the fact she wasn't holding back her feelings anymore, the more he realized how much he was missing.

Locking his door behind him, he spread out his soul and felt his team was in the dining room. They didn't necessarily need to eat, but good food was still good food. Something he couldn't enjoy all that often.

Joining them, he noticed Amber was missing and was already partway across town. Luna patted a chair for him, and he practically fell into it, earning looks of concern from his friends.

"What's the plan today?" Mender asked, quickly drawing attention away from the mood.

"Amber is going to get information from a client," James stated. "Jamie will help her from there. Both of them can blend into the world to gather information. Once Amber is free, she is going to scout out the manors and the children. Once we know the path we need, you and I'll make a plan."

"What about us?" Luna asked while pointing to the Elson brothers and Linda.

"Luna, I want you to work with Linda and help her set up a workshop. Something tells me that it isn't going well."

Linda scoffed. "You have no fucking idea how hard it's been!"

Cocking his brow, James prodded her with his soul. She was furious. "Luna will help you. As for the Elson brothers, they need to learn more about construction and earth magic limitations. We need to build the goodwill of the people."

"Understood," Bronson said. Pushing his empty plate away, he elbowed Boris before standing. "We are heading out. Work starts early."

Linda jumped up and kissed her boyfriend before crossing her arms. "You're taking me on a date later."

"I am?" Bronson asked.

James and Luna sucked in a breath. Jamie winced before saying, "poor choice of words…"

Eyes wide, Bronson watched his girlfriend start to grow angry before quickly saying, "I know the perfect place! I'll have it all set up by noon!"

Relaxing, Linda nodded. "That's better. I'll be wearing a flowery dress."

"Okay?" Bronson murmured.

Jamie hissed out a slow breath. "She wants you to match her…"

Stepping back, Bronson looked over the group. "James, a little help?"

Shaking his head, James turned away. "It was nice knowing you."

Linda started to tap her foot. "Are we understood?"

"Yes, ma'am…" Bronson mumbled.

Growling, Linda poked him in the chest. "Dinner will be perfect, won't it?"

"Yes!"

Suppressing his laugh, James quickly stood and walked away. Jamie joined him before he even left the inn.

"That was intense," Jamie said with a loud laugh.

James could only nod. "Ready to knock out more water devices?"

"Way ahead of you! I have ten done already."

Not wanting to question her afternoon from the previous day, he entered the tavern and found a very happy Grace waving him down. With a growing smile, he headed straight for her.

"Hey, handsome." Handing over an ale, she leaned forward enough to tease him with her cleavage. "I'll be going on break soon."

"How soon?"

Jamie rolled her eyes as she stepped up next to him. "She's hinting that she's ready when you are. Use her place this time."

Chuckling, James took his ale. "I have to get some work done before your break. Around noon I'm going to be very busy for the rest of the day."

"We all will be," Jamie stated. "Now, help me make more devices before you get swept away by the skunk."

Ignoring his sister, he asked, "have you been taking care of your tail?"

Smirking, she pulled her tail around to her front. "Oh, no…I think it needs to be washed…" Spilling ale on it, she made sure he knew exactly what they would be doing on their break.

Jamie grabbed his arm and pulled him away. "Work first! Play later!"

Laughing, he sat down at his usual table and started pulling out pipes. Carving the runes, he matched Jamie's pace with enchanting and combining everything. "When do you think we'll do more toilets?"

"I don't know." Setting aside a device that was covered in silver veins, she started another. "I'm curious about what else we can make. The demi-humans don't get much electricity as its all saved for the humans. That means their food spoils quicker."

Mulling over the thought, James continued with his enchanting. "A fridge of some kind…"

"That's what I was thinking." Jamie set down another device. "I'll talk to a smith today and get a fridge designed and made. We can experiment on it. It's going to be large though."

"That's fine." Looking out the window toward the inn, he added, "Bunny could use a good fridge."

Falling into a rhythm, James continued to match Jamie's pace as they finished device after device. Now that they knew how to create them, it became as easy as breathing. He wanted to finish quickly so he could get into the manors and do what he needed to.

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