Tangled

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 forContent property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

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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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The tods slowly considering Andin er? What do we get for putting our necks on the line?

I resist the urge to growl Always a bargain with these old wolves. Always looking out for their own interests above all else.

"The safety of your pack I say struggling to keep my voice even. "The knowledge that you're doing your part to protect our way of life. In't that enough?"

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

the

I take another breath, forcing 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, but doesn't respond.

A silent veto.

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

He nods without hesitation. "Of course. Aspen stands with Westwood, as always"

2018 Lucas Coun

Gratitude helps ease the frustration within me. Despite his feelings for Ava, Clayton has stepped forward as an alpha-a Council member-should. He's helped more than strictly necessary.

IfI didn't want to punch him in the face every time I think of him and Ava together...

But even those thoughts are distant these days, crushed between the mountain of stress that Blackwood and their vampire friends have brought to my door.

"Then let's put it to a vote," Xavier says, his deep voice cutting through the tension. "All in favor of Alpha Westwood's proposal?"

Clayton's hand shoots up immediately, followed by my own. Xavier raises his a moment later, his expression grim, and my heart jumps. Finally, Progress.

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

"All opposed?" Xavier asks, a note of resignation in his voice.

Two hands raise, slow and deliberate.

"The motion is carried." Clayton says, a note of triumph in his voice. "We move forward with Alpha Westwood's plan."

But Alpha Talon shakes his head, a sly smile spreading across his face. "Not so fast. You're forgetting the Blackwood vote."

I stare at him, incredulous. "What Blackwood vote? Blackwood is

gone. Westwood controls their territory now."

He shrugs, leaning forward to rest his elbows on the table. "Maybe

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203 Lucas: Council (11)

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

I'm on my feet 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 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 I have inside information. Maybe I know something you don't."

I can feel my control slipping, my wolf clawing at the edges of my mind, desperate to break free. This is insanity. Pure, unadulterated insanity.

The Council's going to fall, because I'm going to kill this

motherfucker with my bare hands.

"This is absurd," I snarl, my hands curling into fists at my sides. "The

Blackwood vote is irrelevant."

But even as I say it, I can see the satisfaction in his eyes, the smug curl of his lip. It doesn't matter what I think; he's just here for the power play. Posturing Neutral party? Fuck neutrality. He's nothing more than a snake. Just like Blackwood, only his real self had hidden in plain sight,

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203 Lucas Council (0)

overshadowed by Blackwood's antics.

"Enough, Xavier says, his voice cutting through the chaos like a knife. "This bickering solves nothing. The Blackwood vote is null and void. We move forward with the original tally." Alpha Talon opens his mouth to protest, but Xavier silences him with a glare. "I said enough. The decision is made. Westwood has the majority. We will lend our support, as agreed." Alpha Twilight Ridge nods, and Alpha Talon grimaces. "Fine."

I let out a breath, my shoulders sagging with relief. It's not a perfect solution, not by a long shot. But it's something. A step in the right direction.

And right now, that's all I can ask for.

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