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?"

growl. Always a bargain with these old wolves. Always looking out for their own interests above all

to keep my voice even. "The knowledge that you're

mouth.

to think past the anger, the frustration. "An alliance, then. A promise of aid if Twilight Ridge ever finds itself in need. My word as an

for a long moment, but

A silent veto.

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

without hesitation. "Of course. Aspen

Ava, Clayton has stepped forward as an alpha—a Council member—should.

the face every time

crushed between the mountain of stress that

vote," Xavier says, his deep voice cutting through

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

Twilight Ridge remain still, their arms crossed over their

note of resignation in

raise, slow

motion is carried," Clayton says, a note of triumph in

head, a sly smile spreading across his face. "Not so

"What Blackwood vote? Blackwood is gone.

But their vote still stands. And I say it sides with me and

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