Page 62 of Magical Midlife Conclave

Aljoe formed a line with his rogues, Aurora second in command. Both of them postured like alphas. Some of the rogues did, too. The latter wanted to make a statement to various packs in attendance that had turned them away for being too powerful. They’d found a place that wasn’t concerned. In other words, they’d leveled up.

“We almost nailed it,” Edgar said from their middle. “A few more tries and this line will sing.”

“We’re in a cluster of confusion,” Ulric whispered, with Jess’s crew for now so they didn’t get left out. They weren’t big enough for the guardian lineup. “This is hardly almost nailing it.”

“Like the perfect doily, it just takes years and years of practice,” Edgar replied.

“Shhh,” someone said.

Jess took a deep breath but didn’t apologize. There really was no point.

They started walking, all of their crew in tailored suits with pocket squares denoting their magical type. All of them wore dress shoes or heels, jewelry or other embellishments. They were broadcasting their confidence that they wouldn’t need to shift.

All of the visiting gargoyles were the same, some suits nicer than others, depending on the wealth and status of the cairn. They hadn’t known to wear purple pocket squares, unlike the gargoyle cairns already in the convocation.

Shifters had their own customs. The visiting alphas and enforcers not in the convocation had unbuttoned suit jackets and loosened pants. They didn’t wear shoes or any accessories. They were ready to battle at a moment’s notice, fearing unprompted challenges.

Those in the convocation, however, fit in with Austin and the gargoyles. They’d taken a little convincing and were going out on a limb to trust Austin’s word, but they stood apart with their laces and buttons done up, adorned with shifter-colored pocket squares. It was clear who was already united and their confidence in doing so.

Austin planned to make sure they received the payoff they were promised.

No red carpet led across the parking lot to the bare stage. Not even a plant gave the space a little life.

People backed away from their progression, the shifters closest. They’d feel the power assembled as it walked by. That was lucky. They were the ones who needed the most proof. The gargoyles just wanted an assurance they’d be able to fight.

Most of the shifters watched with blank faces and various postures, showing their hierarchy within their pack. Aggression pulsed from more than a few, and a couple were fighting their beasts, Austin could feel it. That meant trouble. They felt the power and wanted to answer with force. They’d need to be subdued.

Adrenaline clouded the air and skittered along Austin’s nerve endings; he felt the rising threat from those around him. And ignored it.

Jess didn’t.

She took Austin’s hand, what many would mistake for weakness. She probably looked like she needed comfort. And honestly, she did, but not in the way they’d assume.

He could feel her gargoyle thrashing within her. The expectation or anticipation of battle brought her beast to the surface. It was struggling to get out and answer the call. She’d also want to subdue them, knowing they wanted to dominate Austin and she wanted to protect and fight for her mate.

Alpha protocol said he should shrug her off, especially as a co-ruler. Jess shouldn’t be so expressive, not ever, and especially not in a gathering of this magnitude.

He entwined his fingers with hers. This was the first example of his being different—willing and unapologetic about breaking shifter custom. They’d get used to it or they’d get out. Jess would probably be the one to show them the door.

He didn’t make eye contact with anyone, looking straight ahead. Jess was supposed to do the same, as were their people, but he could see her smiling at someone out of the corner of his eye.

“Oh, look,” Indigo murmured. “Kingsley! Aurora, your dad is here.”

“Hi,” Cyra called. “Remember me?”

“We’re not supposed to notice people,” Hollace told her.

“Well, that’s rude. Oh, look, Indigo, there’s Drew!”

“Drex,” Indigo replied. “He was really sweet. Very good patient. He looks good in that suit.”

“Shhh,” someone said, and Austin couldn’t tell if it was the same person as before.

“Ah sure, let them at it,” Niamh drawled. “Maybe they’ll get challenged. Pity I forgot my cooler.”

“You’re making a mockery of the miss,” Mr. Tom admonished her.

“She’s well used to it by now with ye hangin’ about in those ratty tuxes,” Niamh replied.