Beasts at the Gates

"Quick! Block the gates, and don't let Julian and the others in." Richard, still nursing his old wounds together with Lauren, was the first to freak out.

The butler looked miserable at his words. 'Stop Mr. Blackwood? As if we could,' he thought, wanting to say something but holding back. He glanced at Mateo, waiting for him to make the call.

Mateo, his grip tight on his cane, looked like he wanted