Tangled

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Unshift 203

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

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knowing your enemy Your scous fare more expetere than any then he ass. We test semasance. Menee ko

what they're planning With Westovi and Bacorood under úviors surveilance, we need some une else to break our

valemate Weve been made therapist an eligence system in

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er? What do we get for putting

growl Always a bargain with these old wolves. Always looking out for

to keep my voice even. "The knowledge that you're doing your part to protect our way of life.

brow, a faint smirk playing at the comers of her mouth. "Pretty words, Alpha Westwood.

the

breath, forcing myself to think past the anger, frustration. "An alliance, then. A promise of aid if Twilight Ridge ever finds itself in

A silent veto.

I ask, turning to Clayton. "Can

without hesitation. "Of course. Aspen stands with Westwood,

2018 Lucas Coun

ease the frustration within me. Despite his feelings for Ava, Clayton has stepped forward as an alpha-a Council

to punch him in the face every time I think of him and Ava

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

a vote," Xavier says, his 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, and my heart jumps. Finally,

Talon and Alpha Twilight Ridge remain still, their arms crossed over their

note of resignation in

raise, slow

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

sly smile spreading across his face. "Not so fast. You're

at him, incredulous. "What Blackwood vote?

Westwood controls their territory

rest his elbows

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203 Lucas: Council (11)

stands. And I say it sides with me and Alpha

to me like the Blackwood vote is up for grabs. And I'm grabbing it." Clayton stands as well,