Tangled

Unshift 203

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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we get for putting

with these old wolves. Always looking out

my voice even. "The knowledge that

comers of her mouth. "Pretty words, Alpha Westwood. But we

the

myself to think past the anger, frustration. "An alliance, then. A promise of aid if Twilight Ridge ever finds itself in need. My word as an alpha that Westwood will stand with you." She holds my gaze for a long moment,

A silent veto.

to Clayton. "Can we count

"Of course.

2018 Lucas Coun

his feelings for Ava, Clayton has stepped forward as an alpha-a Council member-should.

face every time I think of him and Ava

of stress

to a vote," Xavier says, his deep voice cutting through the tension. "All

followed by my own. Xavier raises his a

Talon and Alpha Twilight Ridge remain still, their arms

Xavier asks, a note of resignation in

raise, slow and

triumph in his voice. "We move forward with

spreading across his face. "Not so fast.

incredulous. "What Blackwood vote? Blackwood

controls

leaning forward to rest

287

203 Lucas: Council (11)

But their vote still stands. And I

it, my chair clattering to the floor behind me. My words come out more growl than English. "You can't just claim their vote for your own." But he just smirks, unfazed by my outburst, his eyes flaring yellow for just a moment. "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