by Harper Wylde
Theo’s nod was terse, his phone forgotten as the group pushed to their feet, Ryder’s hands gentle as he set me aside. Wide awake, I couldn’t help but wring my hands, letting the heat from my now alert Phoenix fill my fingertips so that I was ready for anything that might come. Theo was typing rapidly on his phone before shaking his head. “I don’t recognize the car, but they have to be high level. They aren’t making an attempt to be subtle, they’re casually driving to the door. I need to place these damn cameras better; I can’t see into the vehicles well enough to identify the driver or passenger.”
Hiro paced towards the door, his fists clenched at his side and jaw tight. “Could it be Ciarán?” He threw the question over his shoulder towards where Killian and I now stood against the wall.
Kill shrugged, sending a helpless glance around as he grimaced. “I honestly don’t know. I don’t think he’d be dumb enough to bring someone else through after we emphasized the wards. Hell, we still don’t know how he keeps slipping through the wards without setting off the alarms in the first place. You can never tell with him.”
Damien’s hands were gentle as he framed my face. “Don’t worry, Nix. We’ve all got this.” I smiled at my protective Gargoyle. Even though they knew I was on edge—and I knew they were just as nervous about my well being—they did not try to force me to hide. They believed in me enough to let me stand by them, even in the face of a potential threat.
“Shit.” Theo dropped back into his chair, his phone falling into his lap as he massaged his temples. “It’s Ishida.”
I froze, barely breathing. “The Councilman? Is there more than one of them?” Nerves rode me as I wondered what they could be here for. Where they here to sanction me against my attempted intrusion of their medical building? Or was it something more sinister than that? I couldn’t get over the memory of hearing one of them addressed before I was kidnapped, even though my thoughts and memories of the whole event were jumbled and confusing.
Hiro snatched Theo’s phone, finagling the settings for whatever he was looking for before he blew out an exasperated breath. “Ahmya’s with him.” Tension eased out of the guys’ bodies before they all groaned and muttered. Hiro glanced at me, noting my still rigid posture as I prepared for an upcoming fight. “It’s not formal Council business, Nix, or he wouldn’t have brought Ahmya. He would have had a team and wouldn’t have put her at risk.” I tried to relax the way they were, but I didn’t have their confidence. Even if it didn’t have anything to do with my attempted break-in, anything to do with Ahmya could only be trouble.
None of us moved to appear casual, instead we chose to gather as a group at the door. Remember, stay calm, Nix. Keep your answers simple and don’t give any more detail than absolutely necessary. We have no way of knowing which Council members knew of your kidnapping, and it is quite probable he is coming for entirely different reasons. Damien’s mental voice was warm though the anger and strain were evident. I nodded my understanding, flashing a grin. My Phoenix hissed at the idea of that girl stepping foot into our home or being near our men, and I had to agree.
We all plastered on smiles and kept our mental walls drawn tightly around us while Damien answered the door. “Councilman Ishida. Ahmya. Welcome. Is there something we can help you with?” I nearly grinned before schooling my face back into a polite smile. Damien had definitely grown up near politics—I never would have guessed from his tone or expression that he was anything but happy to see the Councilman and his daughter. He ushered them into our living room, shooting a warning glance at a silently fuming Killian and a stiff Hiro. “Hiro, would you grab drinks for them? I’m sure they’re thirsty after their drive.” We all tried to appear casual as we took up spots around our home, waiting for the Councilman to get to the point.
“You all have a lovely home.” Ahmya’s voice was simpering as she reached out to try and touch Damien’s arm. I bit my tongue to avoid hissing at her, and Damien smoothly stepped away from the movement to help Hiro arrange the tray of drinks and cookies he’d brought in.
“Thank you.” Theo’s voice was cooler than could be considered welcoming, but I could tell he was attempting to be placating. “Did you need help with something, Councilman? I would have come to meet you at the lodge.”
Councilman Ishida waved a hand in dismissal as he sipped his coffee. “No problem at all, Theodore.” Theo winced but didn’t correct him. “I would like an update on that database you’re working on, however, that wasn’t the intent of my visit today.” His attention turned to me, and I forced my muscles to stay relaxed. “Nix. We haven’t heard too much from you since our last meeting. I hope you enjoyed the party we threw.”
“Yes, sir. It was a lovely party. I met quite a few people.” Not that I had enjoyed the party itself after the drugs I was sure I had been fed, but I had enjoyed that night—not that he needed to know that.
He smiled patronizingly at me, and I could see where Ahmya got her attitude from. “Very good. Now, I know Gaspard has been here already to speak with you about the Gala.” I nodded in confirmation though he didn’t appear to need nor want my attention. “We mentioned to you in our last meeting about your responsibility to bear children.” His attention turned towards my men. “I know we’ve spoken with all of you about all of this before as well. You’re all getting older. None of you have yet to bear a child, and it’s important for all of you.”
He focused first on Hiro, setting down his coffee cup so he could spread his hands in appeal. “Hiro, your family is full of extremely strong kitsunes. I know you were disappointed that your powers were not of the offensive variety, but there is so much hope for your bloodline. You need to mate with another strong kitsune family and bear as many children as possible.” He shot a not so subtle look at his daughter before continuing. “You know there are few celestials left. The more kitsune children who are born the better.” Ahmya leaned forward, her breasts straining against the collar of her jacket as she tried to gain his attention.
“I’m aware, Councilman.” Hiro’s voice was chilly but his face remained calm. Ahmya slid closer to him and I wanted to claw at her, my Phoenix’s anger heating my blood and bringing a flush to my skin.
“Theo. Krakens aren’t that rare but your bloodline is strong. You know we’d still prefer you mating with a higher ranking shifter to lend your strength to their offspring, though as always the choice remains yours. Your work with the Council is incredibly important and requires your constant dedication.” Theo only nodded his acceptance, but I wanted to snarl at the slight, and I breathed deeply through my nose, trying to keep a hold on my temper. From Ahmya’s smirk in my direction I could tell she knew the effect this conversation was having on me.
Easy, Nix. Damien’s voice flowed over me, an edge creeping in. We’ve all had these conversations before. Normally, we pretend to be attentive and accommodating. You’ve changed everything. They’re testing the waters. Don’t let him rattle you.
I can’t help it. He’s being an ass. Talking down to them like that. I wanted to rage. I couldn’t stand seeing my men being disrespected this way. This culture was messed up; run by a twisted, corrupted monarchy that was entrenched in patriarchy and classism.
“Ryder. You’re the only ceraptor that the Council is aware of in existence. You need to pair with a strong bloodline shifter and produce as many children as possible. We need to ensure the existence of ceraptors before your species dies out entirely. If you aren’t ready to mate, you know there are plenty of appropriate shifters to care for your children.” Ahmya turned her attention to Ryder now, batting her eyes as her father reached out to pat her thigh, and I wanted to gag at the insinuation, the subtle movement from the Councilman as he tried to link Ahmya to the idea in Ryder’s mind. From Ryder’s grimace I knew he saw the movement for what it was.
He shook his head as he looked at Damien. “Damien, my boy, I know your father has impressed upon you the importance of settling down. Your family’s bloodline is one of the strongest t
hat has ever been seen, and the mental powers found in your lines are unusually strong. You’re being groomed for a seat on the Council just like your father and his father before him. It is imperative for Council members and their families to show the importance of families and the procreation that is so necessary to ensure the continuation of our culture. You have to protect that. It is your duty.” His voice was firm, a scolding parent exasperated by a wayward child. I ground my teeth together, wanting to throw this ridiculous, pompous man from my home.
“Nix, you’ve already received this lecture.” I jolted as his attention turned back to me. “You have not been fulfilling your duty as a rare shifter, especially one new to our world, and involving yourself in shifter culture or reaching out to the Council in regards to potential matings. Gaspard has several options picked out for you already, and I highly advise you to take as many approved mates as you can.” I tried to smile at him and Ahmya snickered at my discomfort. His use of the word ‘approved’ wasn’t lost on me, and the animalistic need to claim the men I loved rose within me. “You seem to have a propensity for finding trouble and ignoring cultural laws that have been in place for hundreds of years. You need a mate to take you in hand and ensure you’re aware of your place in this society and allow you to raise your children in peace.” I bristled, biting my tongue hard to keep my mouth shut while around me I felt my mates stiffen. Now my animalistic side wanted to throw him out on his ass for his rude remarks. Screw animalistic… so did my human side.
Silence, all of you. Theo’s voice was harsh. He is well aware of what he is saying and the response we are having. He’s expecting a reaction and to get more dirt than we want to give—don’t let him win. We all sent mental assent, though it was obviously grudging.
“If you absolutely refuse to mate, I suggest you join us up at the compound and try to find suitable lovers so you may begin bearing children. You are quite obviously fertile.” I nearly started at that proclamation. Was he admitting that they had tested me? That they had messed with me? I couldn’t quite tell if he was simply referring to my age and my body type, or something more. “Many shifters from the party expressed an interest in you, and yet you seemed to have disappeared early. I assume we didn’t quite emphasize your duty well enough. Unless you’re already carrying?” His eyes fell to my abdomen and I blushed, fighting against crossing my arms to cover myself.
“Killian.” Killian tensed behind me, his hands gripping tightly to the back of the chair I was sitting in. I knew this would be the hardest test. Kill did not like being dictated to by anyone, even his own brother.
Keep it cool, Abra. I tried to send enthusiasm through our mental link. I felt his fingers relax slightly, heard his deep breath as he fought for control. I knew he would do his best to keep a hold on his temper after everything that had happened.
“Your powers have not developed as strongly as the Council had hoped. You showed such promise with your abilities for premonition. Your illusions, though, are some of the strongest that have ever been recorded amongst Puca shifters. It would be wise of you to lend that strength to other Pucas and see if your ability will pass to other Puca offspring. Maybe they could develop it in a way that you were never able to accomplish.” I saw sparks go off behind the Councilman’s head and sent more warmth through my link.
“Brother dearest!” Everyone jolted as Ciarán appeared from the top of the stairs. How the hell had he gotten up there? I swore he hadn’t been in the house while we had been relaxing. In fact, he’d been gone all day long. Damien’s wince drew my eye, and I was sure that Ciarán’s mental static or inane music was turned up at maximum volume.
“Brother?” Councilman Ishida bristled at the lack of attention being afforded to him, and Ciarán’s apparent inability to recognize him.
“Councilman, this is Ciarán O’Connor.” Damien tried to keep his voice mellow, but I knew he was far more stressed with the addition of troublemaking Ciarán into an already tense meeting.
“Ah, Killian’s younger brother.” The Councilman and Ahmya both apparently dismissed him as beneath their attention as they turned their focus back on us. “As I was saying, Killian, there is a possibility that you could pass on your gift to a child.”
“Of course there is!” Ciarán bounced down the stairs, humming to himself. “Well, that’s what statistics say. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be a bunny? I sure would.” He sprawled across my lap, shooting a grin at his brother when he growled.
“He didn’t mean being a bunny.” The word was a sneer, falling from Ahmya’s lips and I fisted my hands under Ciarán to avoid punching either him or Ahmya. “He meant his ability for prophecy.”
“Kill has a philosophy? Huh.” Ciarán scowled at his brother. “Kill, that’s not nice to keep a secret. If you have a different way of thinking you should just tell us.” He shot his dopey grin at a scowling Ahmya. “He really is so quiet about it.”
Councilman Ishida scowled before focusing on Killian instead. “Is he right in the head?”
“Oh no, sir, I’m left brained.” Ciarán nodded seriously. “Killian’s the one who’s good at math. Wait, that’s Theo.” He paused for a moment, pursing his lips. “Hm, maybe that means he’s left in the head. I can never keep those two straight.” He held up his hands in front of his face, forming “L’s” with his pointer fingers and thumbs. “I can never remember which way this works.”
Councilman Ishida sniffed haughtily. “Can we continue this conversation without the simple element?” Ahmya laughed, the sound braying and high in the quiet room.
Ciarán nodded vigorously, as if in complete agreement. “Oh, definitely. Very good idea, Councilman.” He kept his eyes on Ahmya, his expression seeming to soften and become sympathetic. “There are cookies in the kitchen, hunny. Cookies.” He spoke loudly, overemphasizing his words. Ahmya and the Councilman froze, staring in utter shock at the still sympathetically nodding Ciarán while the rest of us ranged from an overly amused Hiro trying to prevent his laughter to a completely shell-shocked Killian who was gazing at his brother in abject horror, green eyes wide and mouth agape.
“You, dare.” Councilman Ishida hissed the words, his fists tight as he stared at the still lounging Ciarán. Ciarán simply blinked at him, his large lashes casting shadows over emerald eyes.
“Well, she doesn’t have to have cookies if she doesn’t want them. I make very good cookies, but I have to admit that Damien’s are little bit better.” Ciarán shot Damien a sleepy smile. “I need to get him to show me how to make them. I really like cookies.”
Ishida shoved up from the couch, glaring, swirls like fog spinning around his hands. “I don’t care about the damn cookies. You dare to speak to a Council member in that manner and expect me to be complicit in it?” His voice thundered around the room and my Phoenix hissed. I wanted to cringe back from the male anger that was escalating but kept my eyes intently on a fuming Ahmya who had waves of heat emanating from her already. I knew my guys would hesitate to attack a female, no matter how badly they deserved it. I, however, had no such reservations.
Ciarán fell from my lap, nearly slamming his face into the table before catching himself as he gaped at Ahmya. “You’re a Council member? Congratulations! I hadn’t heard they were finally letting females on the council, and an unmated one at that! Wonderful, wonderful.”
“I’m not a council member, he is.” Ahmya spat the words at him, her hands clenched in fists as if to contain her flames. I was surprised that a shifter who had grown up so privileged apparently still struggled to control such an explosive, dangerous power. I slid myself from the chair, centering myself more in front of Ahmya as I took up a casual stance between Damien and Hiro.
Ciarán cocked his head, plopping down and crossing his legs underneath him as he studied the pair. “Then why did he say I spoke to a council member? You are a very confusing lot.” He waved a hand, apparently oblivious to the danger he was putting himself—and us—into. “We really should stay on track, now.
You were here to speak to my brother about having babies.” He rocked back and forth, a grin widening his face as he shook a finger at a seething Killian. “I’ve lectured him on it too. I suggested he keep Nix, but then I decided maybe I’d put a bid on her myself.”
“You bid on a phoenix?” Ishida gaped, shaking with rage. “You have no standing to. You would never get approved.”
He simply blinked at the Councilman. “Why not? I’m of proper age to bid. I’m not of high enough rank to interfere with her bearing phoenixes. Plus, she’s really cute.” He wiggled his eyebrows at me and pursed his lips in a friendly kiss.
“You can’t bid on her if I take you into custody, fool.” Ishida snapped the words, grinding them out through a voice thickened in anger and deepened by his alter.
“You’re going to take custody of me?” Ciarán brightened, jumping up as though to shake his hand. “I always wanted a new daddy!” Ishida groaned and waved his hands, wrapping Ciarán in bands of fog. Ciarán studied the bands, completely unphased by being contained. “Neat! I usually prefer women in the bedroom, I didn’t know you meant that kind of daddy.” Ahmya groaned, burying her face into hands that emanated a subtle glow.
“Gross. Killian, control your idiot brother.”
“I wish I could.” Killian groaned the words, shaking his head.
“Excuse me, Councilman.” Theo’s cool voice had all of us turning our attention to him in shock. “May I ask what you are binding him for?”
“I’m taking the fool into custody. He’s a danger to himself and others.” The words were a snarl.
Theo stood, pushing his glasses up his nose as he spread his hands. “Well, he is most definitely a fool, and a loose mouthed one at that. However, being a fool isn’t an offense for which you can bind him and drag him to the Lodge for.”