by Maggie Walsh
Marlo gave her a bright smile as he shook his head. “None taken, Lady Salle. And look at it this way, we know we already have something in common,” Marlo replied as he wiggled his eyebrows.
Lady Salle looked at him in confusion. “We do?”
Marlo smirked as his eyes lit up. “Yes, we all like cock.”
A few gasps rang out again, but Dell couldn't help himself as the laugh bubbled out of him. Lady Salle threw her head back and laughed too, then suddenly there was a chorus of laughter around them.
Lady Salle looked back at Marlo as she raised her hand and gently patted his cheek, then happily said, “That we do, my friend. That we do.” She and Marlo both giggled and Marlo took a step back.
Ridge leaned in, smiling, and placed a soft but respectful kiss on her cheek, then straightened and placed her free hand on his arm just as Dell had with the other one, and the three of them turned toward the Community Center.
“It’s a pity though,” she said as they climbed the stairs.
Dell looked down at her as he inquired, “And what it that, Lady Salle?”
“First, please call me Abigail,” she offered, and he and Ridge both nodded, then she continued, “It’s a pity because all this gorgeous man meat you have around here and not a single one would get hard for a female,” she teased, a twinkle in her eye. Both he and Ridge laughed again as they escorted her into the building.
“Isn’t that always the way, though? Either the good ones are already taken or gay, and in this case both,” she added.
“Mother!” Cyrian chided in shock.
“What, Cyrian? I may be in my mid-fifties but I’m not dead,” she replied.
Cyrian shook his head as he blushed and looked at Dell shyly. The little witch was kind of adorable.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Jude
Dell, Ridge, Julius, Lady Salle, Councilman Vane and Councilman Darby all sat at the long conference table that had been set up in the main room of the Community Center. Once they had all been introduced properly, and were sitting, a few of the pack members who had been chosen to cook meals for the group while they were there, brought in trays of snacks and drinks. Each of the leaders had one guard stay with them in the room, except for Dell who kept Jude and Fane. Tug stood outside the closed doors with some of the other guards that came with each guest. All the rest of each entourage were shown to another room where refreshments were also being served. Legion, Cyrian and Marlo, as well as a few guards were also stationed there.
For a while outside, Jude had thought blood was about to be shed from the witch's actions and show of disrespect for Dell and Ridge, but once he realized the woman was only concerned for her son's wellbeing, as Dell and Ridge had both picked up on as well, Jude couldn’t be angry anymore and understood her coldness and insults. The woman had been testing them. She had been afraid for her son, probably wondering if he had been harmed during his stay with them. But now that the misunderstanding had been cleared up, Dell, Ridge, and Lady Salle, all looked like they were old friends as they talked, laughed, and joked with each other. The two Councilmen also seemed to relax and joined in at times.
The first Councilman to arrive had been Councilman Vale and from what Jude could scent, he thought the somewhat shy male was some kind of feline shifter. Then there was the other one. The Councilman who arrived wearing fur from head to toe and who made them all bristle from his appearance, taking it as disrespect for their kind, but once everyone came inside and shed their outerwear, Jude scented something tropical about the man. When he introduced himself to Dell, then Ridge, he apologized for his gear and explained that being a flying fox, or fruit bat as he was better known, his body couldn’t handle the extremely cold climate.
Now, it seemed the talks were turning to the reason they had gathered, and Jude moved back a bit to stand against the wall, five feet away, behind Dell. It was his job to watch his alpha’s back, not listen in on their conversation. Although Dell did wish for him and the others to keep their ears open during the meetings.
“He did what?” Lady Salle gasped.
“As well as attacking Fane, Silvan attacked one of my omegas. Marlo actually,” Dell repeated.
“That stupid bastard!” Lady Salle exclaimed. “I’m surprised you left his head attached to his body.”
“The only reason I did was because your son implored me to, and I didn’t want him to have to suffer for something his mate did,” Dell explained.
“I thank you for that, Dell,” Lady Salle replied gratefully.
“Where is he now?” Councilman Darby asked. Jude could hear the tightness in his voice and knew the man was not happy about Silvan’s actions either.
“We are keeping him in a locked and guarded shack on the edge of my territory until after our meetings. When Councilman Forbes called me, he asked that I hold Silvan until after these talks and I have honored that, but I must say, I owe Fane his retribution for what Silvan did to his mate,” Dell insisted.
The councilman nodded. “I agree, Alpha York, and I promise you that when the time comes, the Council will hand down the order themselves, and Fane will be given his day of justice.”
“Whenever that time comes, will it harm his mate, though?” Ridge asked.
“I agree. I don’t think Cyrian should have to suffer too. If Fane kills Silvan, as is his right, what will happen to Cyrian?” Dell asked in concern as he sat forward and clasped his hands on the table.
“Now that isn’t an easy question to answer,” Councilman Vale replied. “There are things you don’t know. Things that we need to discuss about... our history,” he continued, and gave Dell a pointed look.
Dell ran a hand over his jaw and Jude knew what that meant. Dell had understood the man and was worried. “Then we need to clear the room, correct?” Dell asked, shocking Jude. He straightened away from the wall and stared at the back of Dell’s head, hoping he would feel Jude’s eyes and displeasure of that statement.
“If there are some in the room that... you understand, Alpha,” Councilman Darby said.
Dell sat back and sighed, then looked around the room, his gaze landing on Jude, and Jude knew instantly what was coming.
“Jude, you’re dismissed.”
Jude stepped forward, his jaw clenched. He knew there were secrets Dell needed to keep from him as alpha, but he was getting pretty damn tired of not knowing things. Like all these mates suddenly appearing. He knew Dell understood why, but any time Jude questioned him, Dell would either clam up, or change the subject. But, leaving his alpha in a room with these powerful people with only Fane as a guard, was something that Jude just couldn’t do. It was his place as second in command to protect his alpha, and also to be informed of everything going on, especially these talks which had the potential to change all their lives, and he argued his displeasure to Dell.
“I mean no disrespect, Alpha, but do you think that’s wise? Fane can step out if you’d like, but I think my... abilities would be better used here.”
Dell stood and came to him, then put both his hands on Jude’s shoulders and leaned in close. Dell lowered his voice as he spoke, “I agree, but what I know is about to be discussed, needs to be handled a certain way.”
Now Jude was pissed, hurt, and insulted. “But it’s okay for Fane to stay?” he hissed softly.
Sadness filled Dell’s eyes as he nodded. “Yes, because he has a true mate, and because he and Marlo were the ones who were attacked, I would like him to stay. I’m sorry that I can’t tell you more or explain properly right now, but I will someday. Right now, I just need you to trust me.”
Jude glared at Dell for a few moments before he straightened his shoulders and raised his chin, then gave a curt nod, and replied through clenched teeth, “As you wish, My Alpha.”
Jude immediately turned and headed for the outer door and left. Closing the door behind him he took a stance beside Tug, who shot him a questioning look, but Jude ignored it and looked straight ahead. The anger inside him began
to build and all he wanted to do was shift and run.
CHAPTER 9
Dell
Dell knew Jude was pissed and a bit hurt, but it couldn’t be helped. Jude didn’t know anything about the Reckoning or the Purge, and Dell wouldn’t risk Jude’s life or possible future mating. Yes, he could have brought Jude on board with everything like his father had done with Marlo years ago and made him take the oath as well, again, like Marlo had, but he hadn’t. Dell had his own reasons for keeping things from Jude. He only wished by doing so that it wouldn’t affect their relationship in the process.
Jude was his best friend and Dell couldn’t do this without him. Maybe he just needed to sit Jude down and tell him everything, make sure he took the oath, and then everything would be fine? But could he risk it? Could he risk Jude’s future like that? If it had been up to him, he never would have told Marlo like his dad had. Dell was too afraid of it coming back to bite them, or him, in the ass. Then again, Marlo had known for years and he still found his true mate, so maybe it would be okay for him to tell Jude.
Dell knew Jude wasn’t happy every time Dell had sent him out of the room whenever he needed to discuss the situation with others, like Bo and Jag, then Tug, Raiden, and Alex, and now Fane and Oberon, but it couldn’t be avoided. Nevertheless, this time had been the worst. As far as Jude was concerned, it was his job to stand by Dell’s side and be a part of all negotiations and also to watch Dell’s back. So, by Dell sending him away now and allowing Fane, who was new to their pack, to stay, to Jude it was a slap in the face and disrespectful to his position. Yet Dell knew the others wouldn’t see it that way, not in this situation.
They needed to get these meetings over with, so things could get back to normal around here, then he would sit down with Jude and explain things to him. No, that wasn’t right. Jude was his second, damn it, and as such he should be part of all of this. If something was to happen to him, it would be up to Jude to step in and take over, so the man should know what the hell was going on.
Dell sighed heavily, the sound catching Ridge and Caleb’s attention. Caleb stood and came to his side, then knelt down beside him. “What’s wrong, brother? And don’t tell me nothing, I can see the stress in your eyes. Do you think these talks are a bad idea? Do you think we should walk away?”
He smiled at his little brother. Caleb was one of the best people he had ever had the privilege of knowing, and to have him as his brother was on honor to Dell. Caleb knew him better than anyone, except for Jude. Caleb could see he was struggling, and came right to him to make sure he was okay. Dell looked to Ridge and saw the same concern in his eyes as Caleb had, as Ridge watched them. He was a very fortunate man and alpha to have such wonderful people by his side. Such a magnificent support system. That support always starting with Jude.
Dell looked back to Caleb and smiled as he reached out and cupped his brother’s face. “No. I think we need to see what these people want and go from there, but I need to take care of a mistake first before we proceed.”
Caleb gave him a knowing smile. “You mean, Jude.”
Dell chuckled. That was his brother. Dell couldn’t get anything past Caleb. His smile widened as he nodded.
Caleb moved in closer and lowered his voice so only Dell could hear him. “I agree, Dell. Jude needs to be a part of this. It’s where he belongs. If he is going to do his job properly, he needs to know everything. You and I both know he can be trusted with anything, so tell him about the Reckoning and the Purge and have him take the oath.”
“But what if it affects him finding his mate? I’m afraid of risking it, Caleb.”
“It didn’t have any effect on Marlo finding his mate. I say go for it, Dell. If you need to hear someone give you the okay so that it makes you feel better, then here it is, big brother. It’s okay,” Caleb said, and placed a hand on Dell’s knee, giving him an encouraging squeeze, then stood and patted his back as he moved around him and went back to his seat.
Caleb was right. For some reason, hearing someone tell him it would be alright took a great weight off his shoulders, and he knew what he had to do. Dell took a deep breath, then pushed back from the table and stood. “If you’ll all excuse me. I’m sorry for the delay but I need to take care of something,” Dell addressed everyone at the table, then walked away.
He opened the door and stepped out. Tug stood to the left of the door and Jude to the right. Dell could feel the anger rolling off Jude, and saw it in the way he held himself, stiff and tight, his jaw clenched and eyes filled with heat.
Dell stepped in front of Jude and waited for the man to look him in the eye. He knew Jude was pissed and would try to keep his gaze from Dell’s, but he also knew it wouldn’t last long. Finally, Jude’s gaze met his, and Dell gave him a sad smile. “I’m sorry. It was not my intent to anger you, hurt you, or insult you. I know you’ve been struggling with me keeping things from you, but I have had my reasons―”
Before Dell could finish, Jude interrupted as he hissed low, “And as your second, your beta, it is my job to know these things, otherwise I can’t do my job properly.”
Dell nodded. “I know, and you’re right. I should never have sent you out of the room. It was wrong for a lot of reasons. One being that we are trying to show these people how united we are and that we’re not weak, but by asking you to leave, I did the exact opposite. You belong right there at that table with me, discussing whatever it is we are about to learn. I want you there by my side, Jude. I need you there. Please, come back inside with me and take a seat at the table by my side where you belong,” Dell asked.
Jude stared at him for a moment. Dell watched as the anger and hurt slowly drained from Jude’s eyes, and he smiled. “Thank you.”
Dell returned the smile. “You’re welcome.” Dell grabbed Jude’s arm, stopping him before he took a step, and got serious as the smile fell from his face. “You’re going to hear things in there that I haven’t told you about yet. I know now that I should have, but just know that I had my reasons. One being that I was afraid for you. For your chance at finding your true one.”
Jude’s eyes widened, then he frowned. “I don’t understand.”
“I know, but you will, probably within the next few minutes. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, but as I said, I have my reasons. I only hope that when today’s discussions are over that you’ll meet with me privately and let me explain.”
“Of course I will, Dell,” Jude said, with conviction.
Dell smiled again. That was Jude, always ready to stand by him. “Thank you. Can I ask you a favor?”
Jude smirked. “Of course. Anything, you know that.”
“I know everything you hear will come as a shock, and I’m sure because I sent you out here to begin with that our guests see it as you not knowing about a few things, which is true, but... if something is said about... The Reckoning or the Purge, could you hide your shock and make believe you know what we’re talking about? I don’t want them to think there is any dissention in our pack. Especially not in its leadership.”
Jude’s frown deepened as his eyes filled with confusion and worry, yet he nodded his agreement. “Okay, but won’t the fact that you sent me out, as you said, already clue them in that I don’t know?”
Dell chuckled. “Probably, but we’ll deal with it as things come up. I’m sure one of us can come up with some kind of story. Even if we need to tell the truth if it comes to that. Just... Just be prepared to hear things that will affect you greatly, and probably blow your mind.”
“Okay. Thanks for the warning. Should we go back in now?”
Dell chuckled. “Okay. Let’s go.” Dell turned and caught Tug’s eye. The big man smiled as he nodded, then looked away. Dell shook his head as he gripped the doorknob and opened the door. Did everyone know he should have said something to Jude sooner? Geez.
Dell walked back into the Center with Jude by his side, then sat in his chair, Jude taking the open chair to his left. Dell looked to Caleb, and his brot
her smiled at him, giving him a nod.
“So, now that we’re all here, how about we get this meeting started?” Dell asked as he sat forward and clasped his hands on the table.
Councilman Darby gave him a confused look, but didn’t comment. He cleared his throat and began, “As some of us know, there are some serious things going on in our world, and much more is to come. Let me start by saying thank you to you, Alpha York, for first agreeing to these meetings, for the care and respect you have shown Cyrian Salle, and for your hospitality to us. And to you as well, Alpha Heart for agreeing to join us. What we need to discuss are some very disturbing matters that are going on in the paranormal world. As representatives of the Council, Councilman Vane and I have been given the honor of coming to meet with you. I wish it had been done sooner and under different circumstances, for more pleasant reasons, but unfortunately because of the deplorable actions of Silvan Delchev these proceedings have become necessary.”
Councilman Vane added, “In all honesty, Alphas, if Silvan Delchev hadn’t done what he did and broken many of our laws, we probably wouldn’t be here right now, but the Council would have approached you both at some point in the near future. The actions of Delchev only sped up our timeline, which in the long run may have actually worked in our favor.”
“Really? And how is that?” Ridge asked. Dell could hear the hesitation and cautious curiosity in his brother-in-law’s voice.
“There are a lot of things going on in our world, things that you may not be aware of, or haven’t been until you met Leader Valerian. Because of these life or death situations, the Council has been having many meetings on how we are to proceed in any given situation. Which is why we would have contacted you both. We understand that those of our kind living in remote places, such as this, have been living outside the horrors that have been taking place all over the planet for our kind. The both of you and a few others in remote regions may be the salvation of the continuation of paranormals now and after the Reckoning and the Purge,” Councilman Vane replied.
