by Dana Archer
“Xane and Connor have three Council enforcers, along with two Council members, detained at Corey’s house. They’re requesting both of you to meet them within the hour, or they’ll begin searching our lands for Vlad.”
“The Council members are Brock and James?” Xander asked.
“Yes.” Dante looked from Vlad to Xander. “And you do know that James is rumored to be a member of the Purist movement, don’t you?”
“No.” A tic showed on Xander’s jaw. “I didn’t.”
Vlad fisted his free hand. They didn’t need a male on their lands or in their section of West Virginia who supported the old ways. Their relationship with Gwen wasn’t the only nontraditional mating in this area. Both the Kagan and Jager packs, along with the Alexander pride, had embraced love, not tradition, in their choice of mates.
“What is the Purist movement?” Gwen asked.
“A bunch of idiots stuck in the past.” Xander ran a hand over his head. “I’m more concerned about their official purpose for coming here.”
Dante supplied the reason. “To retrieve Vlad and take him in for questioning.”
Gwen pushed to her feet and adjusted the shirt she’d put on before they’d finally drifted off to sleep. Her automatic instinct to hide her mate mark would come in handy. Until they soul-bonded to her, the fewer people who knew the status of her mating, the better.
“They are not taking Vlad anywhere. They have no right. I checked with Shifter Affairs yesterday while I was there. The most the Shifter Council can do is ask him to clarify his report, which he is under no obligation to do. His statement has been filed, and Vlad’s involvement in Molly’s case is closed. He’s no longer an agent.” Gwen curled her fingers around his wrist as if she could keep him locked to her side. “He’s an American citizen and is protected as such. Unless evidence is presented to Shifter Affairs, the Shifter Council can’t charge him or single him out for any convoluted discipline they might come up with.”
“Legally, that’s true.” Dante inclined his head. “But the Council doesn’t always follow the rules. Many elders think they’re above them.”
Xander stepped in front of Gwen. “Why did you go to Shifter Affairs?”
“Do I need a reason?” Gwen asked.
“Yes. A valid one. I can’t think of any that would justify exposing you to shifters outside the pack. You told us of Elias. We were handling it. That’s why we left you for the day.”
Gwen squared her shoulders as if preparing for a fight. The skin by her eyes pinched, and her breathing roughened. Vlad had witnessed the signs while in the parking lot of the gas station a couple nights ago. She’d lost her temper, then fled for the safety of the convenience store. Vlad didn’t want to see an argument break out between her and Xander, but he did want Gwen to learn how to hold one without running from them.
Above all things, Vlad didn’t want her to run. He wouldn’t lose her a third time.
“I was with Dante. I was in absolutely no danger.”
“Until we are soul-bonded, we will worry about you, no matter where you go or what you do.” Vlad skimmed his fingers over her thigh, drawing her gaze to where he touched her and giving her an opportunity to breathe and not react on her emotions. He’d be the first to admit this wasn’t easy for him to do. If he’d been able to focus on Gwen, the episode with Connor would never have happened.
Gwen exhaled, and the tension in her shoulders eased. “I wanted to open an official case for Eli. I know how Shifter Affairs works. Doing things legally binds the government into fighting for us. Favors and behind-the-scenes investigations have a way of backfiring badly.”
She glanced at the ground. “I also wanted to meet with Hannah in a neutral environment since Xander hasn’t met her mates yet. I need a friend who can guide me into this new life, and after meeting Corey, I didn’t think any of your pack mates would volunteer for the job.”
“You have Lena. I would think your sister would be the best choice to go to for advice.” Xander’s omission of Gwen’s assessment of Corey’s helpfulness reflected Vlad’s thoughts. Corey wasn’t exactly known for her compassion. She could be as cold as Dante at times.
“Lena’s mated to a feline shifter. Pride life is different than pack life.” Gwen shrugged. “Or so I’ve heard. And…”
“And?” Xander prompted.
“Lena and I aren’t close enough to talk about the things I need to know. We haven’t been for years.”
Likely since Vlad stupidly slept with Lena instead of taking the time to figure out why he’d been drawn to Gwen. “Then, that should change. Eternity is a long time to spend stepping hesitantly around family because of past regrets.”
“I know.” Gwen nodded.
“I can arrange a visit this week,” Dante offered. “Devin mentioned that Lena has been asking to spend time with Gwen.”
Xander grunted. “Yeah, it’ll be good for Gwen to work things out with her sister. Make it happen.”
“Done.” Dante pulled out his phone and started texting. “I’m assuming you’ll want me to get Gwen off our pack lands while you meet with the Shifter Council members.”
“Yes.” Xander pulled Gwen into his arms. “Don’t worry about Vlad. We’ll handle it.”
“Will you tell me what they say?”
“It won’t matter what they say.” Xander hardened his tone. “I won’t allow them to take Vlad or hurt us in any way.”
“But—”
Vlad pulled Gwen from Xander’s embrace, then kissed her deeply. Her taste flooded his senses. Her warmth beckoned him. And her scent reminded him of home.
He wanted to lay her down and love her again. Practical matters came first, however. “Let us find out what we’re up against before you unleash your protective claws, my female.”
Gwen grinned against his lips. “I like that.”
“What? Protecting your male?” Although it wasn’t necessary, Vlad liked knowing she cared enough to finally fight for him.
“Hearing you call me your female.” She slipped her arms around his waist. “I’ve wanted to belong to you for so long.”
“Now we have forever.” Vlad whispered the words into her ear.
“You won’t if you keep the Council waiting. If they can prove you’re avoiding them, they are within their rights to bring you in for questioning.” Dante voiced one of the many loopholes the Shifter Council used to manipulate the laws in their favor.
Gwen shoved from his embrace and stood. “Dante’s right. We can talk later.”
Dante motioned her forward. “Let’s move, then. We can head back to town and finish shopping. We ran out of time for that shoe store anyway.”
She snickered. “Then expect to spend all morning slumped in a chair while I browse. I love shoes.”
“Can’t wait.” Dante’s bland tone lacked enthusiasm or annoyance. He’d view protecting Gwen as a job, no matter what they did.
The moment they disappeared into the house, Xander turned to him. “We’ll shift and run over there. I want them off our pack lands as soon as possible.”
Vlad couldn’t agree more. He opened himself to his gray wolf and bolted into the woods.
The five-minute run from his house to Corey’s didn’t give Xander long enough to plan his conversation with the Shifter Council. Not knowing their true reason for this visit made it more difficult. The only thing he had going for him was the obscurity around his relationship with Gwen and Vlad.
Only those loyal to him knew of their importance. He included the Jager alpha and his mates in that circle. Although Xander hadn’t met Hannah’s mates, they had as much to lose as he did if the Purists decided to make examples out of Xander, Vlad, and Gwen.
He set the concern aside. Until he knew more, he couldn’t counter or eliminate the threats to them.
Xander kept pace with Vlad, but as they neared the clearing around Corey’s house, Vlad fell back. An alpha always faced the threats to his pack first, while the dominants strategized to attack the weakness of those
they hunted. The relief Xander had experienced several times since entering into this three-way relationship teased the edges of his mind. Vlad would stand by him, not fight him for leadership.
With a thought, Xander directed his wolves to focus on the world in front of him. There was no need to divide their senses by worrying about what might creep up on them. Vlad would ensure nothing did.
One with his black wolf, Xander quickened his pace before skidding to a stop within view of the front porch. Connor and Xane stood on either side of five outsiders. The sight of Corey, though, drew his attention.
With her leg bent and foot flat on the railing, Corey sat on the banister, her deadly gaze locked on Brock, not the three enforcers or James, the single shifter rumored to be a Purist member.
Her deliberate stare and pose told Xander two things: Corey didn’t fear their visitors, and she wanted Xander to know who was really running this show, not necessarily who was the biggest threat.
Considering Royals generally supported other Royals, Corey’s judgment of Brock surprised him. It also set him on edge. Xander tightened his control over his rampant instincts that wanted to attack and force the males from their lands. Conversation would uncover Brock’s motives. Violence would set him on a path that might endanger his loved ones. Striking a Council member without justification was a crime. Being pissed off didn’t count as a defense.
On a controlled exhale, Xander conjured Gwen’s image and held it close for a long heartbeat before letting it slip into the recesses of his mind. The reminder of his mate had worked last night in the face of his angry pack mates. It would have to be enough to maintain his control today.
A pair of sweatpants landed a couple of feet in front of him. Xander tugged on the sweats Xane had tossed, then faced the five males. He ignored all, except Brock.
Tall and built, Brock might’ve passed as any wolf shifter with his average, rugged looks, along with his dark hair and tanned skin, but it was his eyes that set him apart. Deep orange and luminous, Brock’s eyes would never come close to resembling a human’s without the aid of contacts.
With his gaze locked on to the Royal wolf shifter who was old enough to have met most of the founding fathers of the shifter groups, Xander demanded, “Why are you here? You weren’t scheduled to arrive until this afternoon.”
“I became aware of rumors involving your pack, so I made the decision to come out earlier.” Brock’s lip quirked slightly as if fighting a smile. “I’m honored you are able to accommodate me on this short notice.” He glanced at Corey, who narrowed her eyes. “Even if I was left to wait standing on the porch of an unmated female’s home.”
The deliberate jab was likely meant to shame Corey. According to the old ways, unmated females lived with a guardian who acted as a protector. Those females who didn’t were considered unworthy and impure. They weren’t good enough to be protected.
The Winchester pack had never followed those strict laws. Every member was important, no matter where or who they lived with. The most their pack had done was assign males to watch over their women in times of danger. Elias had been one of those protectors. The best of them. Gods, Xander couldn’t wait to get him back.
Corey rested her head against the support beam at her back. “Now, you know, it wouldn’t have been proper for an unmated female to invite an unmated male into her home. People might get the idea in their heads that I’m shopping for a mate.” She flashed Brock a grin. “And I sure wouldn’t want anyone to think I’d want you in my bed on a regular basis.”
“Just on an irregular basis, then?” Brock smirked. “If that’s the case, I can fit you in on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month for sex. My last lover who held that timeslot took a mate.”
Corey wriggled her nose and shot daggers at the ancient male. “Sorry. No can do. That’s my knitting night, and I can’t miss a session. I’ve got quite a few baby blankets and booties to make over the next few months.”
“Your loss.” Brock hopped the banister and moved in a direct line toward Xander. A foot away, Brock stopped. “Rumor has it that you abandoned your pack for four months so you could search for a human female you believe is your true mate.”
“What I’ve done is none of your business or the Council’s.”
Brock dipped his head slightly in acknowledgment. “But in this case, you are misguided.”
“How so?”
“The female you are rumored to be infatuated with is said to be Gwendolyn Burnett, the human woman who fled with Molly across the country.” Brock paused as if waiting for Xander’s confirmation. No way would he admit to anything without knowing the reason behind the question.
After a moment of icy stares, Brock continued. “By week’s end, the Shifter Council will likely charge Gwendolyn, along with Vladimir, with Molly’s death. If found guilty, both will be incarcerated in a shifter-run prison.”
“Not happening.” Vlad stormed forward. Hands fisted and a murderous expression on his face, Vlad’s frustration and hatred couldn’t be denied.
It also couldn’t be acted upon.
With a hard shove, Xander rammed into Vlad’s shoulder, stopping him from making a mistake that could land him in a shifter prison sooner than if he were convicted of murder.
Vlad’s curse cut through the morning air. Xander ignored it and focused his anger on Brock. “All members of my pack and the Alexander pride are exempt from any wrongdoing associated with Molly’s attempted kidnapping. Any bid to bring fabricated charges against either Vlad or Gwen will be blocked.”
“Actually, they won’t.” James, the skinny, green-eyed wolf shifter rumored to be a Purist, chimed in with amusement in his tone.
Xander whipped his head in the male’s direction. “And why is that?”
“The exemption you filed protects you and yours from deaths caused in the attempted rescue of the shifter cub. It does not protect you or the members of your pack from Molly’s death.” A demented smile spread over James’s face, leaving no doubt to his intentions. He wanted to harm Xander’s loved ones. “And as was reported, the poor child died during recovery. Her death must be avenged. Without a murderer to convict, those persons whose actions contributed to her death will be punished.”
Fury slithered through Xander. No one threatened his partner or his mate. Sharpened nails slid from the ends of Xander’s fingers. A growl built in his chest, and his wolves’ anger turned into a deadly frenzy only the blood of their enemies would appease.
Not being able to act on it made it worse.
Reining in his wolves, Xander invaded James’s personal space, towering over the other male. The faintest scent of fear drifted to Xander from James. It incensed Xander’s wolves, making the need to punish James greater. It couldn’t happen. Not here. Not with witnesses who’d take his actions back to the Council.
Xander fisted his hands. The sharpened claws pierced his palms. His blood—the blood of the Winchester pack’s alpha—dripped onto the soil. Each drop sent a wave of energy through their pack lands. Every member of the pack would feel the fury Xander felt. They’d come, seething with the same anger Xander experienced.
James glanced from the blood dripping from Xander’s knuckles to his face. The same fear Xander scented showed in the male’s eyes. Seeing it did little to appease Xander. Nothing would, except for the other shifter’s death or the renunciation of his threat.
Xander stepped closer until a hairbreadth separated his body from James. “The child died as a result of the Council’s greed. Not from any action taken by Vlad or Gwen.”
The growl to his voice resembled an animal’s more than a man’s. He could do little to mask it. His wolves moved just under his skin. They were so close, their heartbeats added to his. Any shifter within hearing distance would be able to pick up on their added rhythm and know only his control stopped them from bursting free.
James swallowed hard. His lip quivered. The stench of his fear built, souring the air. The male didn’t look away, thoug
h. He raised his chin. Confidence in his threat no doubt granted him courage. Or stupidity. A flick of Xander’s finger could end the male’s life. They both knew it.
“Not according to the male we detained in Alaska. Baldi from the Ulgran clan admitted to capturing Gwen. He also told us under interrogation that the human female ordered the child to shift. Doing so shattered her soul and led to her death. If anyone is to blame, Gwen Burnett holds full responsibility, but since Vlad cited in his report that he failed to warn Molly’s adult guardian of the danger shifting posed in the child’s case, he too must be held accountable.”
A hard slam against Xander’s mental shields stopped Xander from responding. The power behind the punch to his psyche reverberated through him, drawing his wolves’ rage inward to the invader who thought to open a pathway between their minds.
Xander pivoted on his heel and faced the male who wanted to speak to him. The warning look in Brock’s eyes held a threat of its own. The Shifter Council elder didn’t want anyone to know he had something to say to Xander, privately. As a single shifter, James wouldn’t know of a Royal’s ability to open their minds. Neither would the three enforcers, all single shifters, standing nearby.
“Details, Brock. I want to know if what this male says is true. Now.” Xander cracked the doorway between their minds, giving the other Royal the chance to speak. “And make it fast. My pack is gathering in the woods as we speak.”
“Molly is alive, and the Leon spirit merged with her, making her its host. I know it. You know it. But the singles only suspect it.”
Xander blanked his thoughts and reinforced the barrier around his innermost feelings. This male he’d allowed access to his mind would not steal information from him without a fight. “I do not know what you are talking about. I only know Molly died.”
Brock’s snarl echoed within their shared pathway, yet his features remained impassive. “This is not the time to act stupid. I’m here to help the child.”
“If you wanted to help Molly, you could’ve—”
“I didn’t know about the child until it was too late. I’m here now. And I need to find her to do so. Until she’s brought before the Council and the other Royal elders see with their own eyes the aura of the goddess surrounding her, the child will be in danger. The first chance the singles get, they’ll take the girl’s head. With the proof that she has been chosen by the Leon spirit and the goddesses to lead a pride, she will be protected and revered.”
