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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What do we get for putting our necks

resist the urge to growl Always a bargain with these old wolves. Always looking out for their

even. "The knowledge that you're

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

the

of aid if Twilight Ridge ever finds itself in need. My word as an alpha that Westwood will stand with you." She

A silent veto.

to Clayton. "Can we count

course. Aspen stands with Westwood,

2018 Lucas Coun

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

to punch him in the face

days, crushed between the mountain of stress that Blackwood and their

let's put it to a vote," Xavier says, his deep voice cutting through the tension. "All in favor

my own. Xavier raises his a moment later, his expression

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

Xavier asks, a note of resignation

hands raise, slow and

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

across his face. "Not so

stare at him, incredulous. "What Blackwood vote?

Westwood controls

forward to rest his

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203 Lucas: Council (11)

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

"Can't I? Seems to me like the Blackwood vote is up for grabs. And I'm grabbing it." Clayton stands as well, his jaw clenched tight. "That's not how this works. The Blackwood vote goes with the majority. You can't just choose it arbitrarily." Alpha Talon spreads his hands, a picture of innocence. "Who's to say it's arbitrary? Maybe I have inside information.