Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 203 Lucas: Council (II)

"We need a show of force," I say, meeting each alpha's gaze in turn. "A coordinated effort to secure our borders and protect our people. Every pack needs to increase patrols, double up on security. We need our best trackers on the ground, searching for any signs of vampire activity. We need to know which cities to keep an eye on. We need to find out who's involved.

And we need to know where to defend."

I turn to Alpha Talon, holding his stare. "Whispering Pines will be the first to fall if Blackwood does. It's in your best interest to help us hold our line. If you can send more scouts, more enforcers, it would go a long way in establishing a solid defensive wall against their efforts."

He scoffs, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed over his chest. "And what do you expect us to do? Abandon our own territory to play guard dog for you?"

It's hard to bite back the retort on the tip of my tongue. "No. But we need your cooperation and your vigilance."

There aren't enough warriors to be counted on in the Blackwood territory. Westwood is already spread thin to cover both packs, and too many untrusted Blackwood wolves remain.

We're going to have to do something about that, too.

Alpha Twilight Ridge clears her throat, drawing my attention. "And what of Twilight Ridge? What would you have us do?"

"We need your scouts," I say plainly. "Your pack is known for knowing your enemy. Your scouts have more experience than any other pack in the area. We need reconnaissance. We need to know what they're planning. With Westwood and Blackwood under obvious surveillance, we need someone else to break our stalemate.

We've been unable to establish an intelligence system in their cities."

She nods slowly, considering. "And in return? What do we get for putting our necks on the line?"

bargain with these old wolves. Always

my voice even. "The knowledge that

faint smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. "Pretty words, Alpha

"An alliance, then. A promise of aid if Twilight Ridge ever finds itself in need. My word as an

my gaze for a long moment, but

A silent veto.

Aspen?" I ask, turning to Clayton. "Can we count on your

course. Aspen stands with Westwood,

his feelings for Ava, Clayton has stepped forward as an alpha—a Council member—should. He's helped more than strictly

him in the face every

even those thoughts are distant these days, crushed between the mountain of stress that Blackwood and their vampire friends have brought to

Xavier says, his deep voice cutting through the tension. "All in

own. Xavier raises his a moment later, his expression

Alpha Twilight Ridge remain

note of resignation

raise, slow and

note of triumph in his voice. "We move forward with

smile spreading across his

incredulous. "What Blackwood vote? Blackwood is gone. Westwood controls their

his elbows on the table. "Maybe so. But their vote still stands. And I say

before I realize it, my chair clattering to the floor behind me. My words come out