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?"

to growl. Always a bargain with these old wolves. Always looking

say, struggling to keep my voice even. "The knowledge that you're doing your part to protect our way of life. Isn't

a brow, a faint smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. "Pretty words, Alpha Westwood. But we both know that's not how this

breath, forcing myself to think past the anger, the frustration. "An alliance, then. A promise of aid

my gaze for a long moment, but doesn't

A silent veto.

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

hesitation. "Of course. Aspen stands with Westwood, as

frustration within me. Despite his feelings for Ava, Clayton has stepped forward

face every time I think of him

those thoughts are distant these days, crushed between the mountain of stress that Blackwood and their vampire

deep voice cutting through the tension. "All in favor of

shoots up immediately, followed by my own. Xavier raises his a moment later, his expression grim,

Alpha Twilight Ridge remain still, their

a note

raise,

carried," Clayton says, a note of triumph in his voice. "We

smile spreading across his face. "Not so

him, incredulous. "What Blackwood vote? Blackwood is

leaning forward to rest his elbows on the table. "Maybe so. But their vote still stands. And I say it sides

it, my chair clattering to the floor behind me. My words come out more growl than English. "You can't just claim their vote