by Tricia Barr
Their conversation came to an abrupt end as the door swung open. Oberon entered quickly, then spotted the duo sitting next to each other.
“Oh, Ms. MacLugh, pardon me,” Oberon said. “I was just coming to retrieve Leif.”
“No problem,” Kenzie said, getting to her feet. “I wanted to tell him the good news—after all, he promised he’d help me get in here.” She winked at Leif. “It looks like he kept that promise.”
“Indeed,” Oberon said. “But if you’ll excuse us, Leif’s presence has been requested for a meeting that’s about to start.”
Kenzie nodded, then looked at Leif. “If I don’t see you before you go off on your kraken hunt...” She trailed off and her face grew serious. “Just... take care of yourself, okay?”
Leif gave her a smile of gratitude. “You too. And when I return—”
“Ha! I’m already ready,” she said, then turned around and took several lively steps out the door. “Bring her home, baby!” she threw over her shoulder.
Oberon watched Kenzie prance away, then brought his brown, studious eyes to Leif.
“Kraken hunt?” the gryphon shifter asked.
“It’s a long story,” Leif replied. “But suffice it to say, Kenzie discovered how to bring Gemma back. In order to perform the resurrection spell, she needs Gemma’s brooch. Unfortunately, the kraken is in possession of it.”
Oberon gave him a confused look. “How did the kraken obtain such an object?”
Leif sighed, standing up and walking over to the shifter. “Oberon, there is much to catch up on, but something tells me this meeting I’ve been summoned to is of special importance. It’s not everyday a vampire gets an invitation to a shifter meeting.”
Oberon clapped him on the shoulder. “The first of many I’m sure you’ll be invited to. Shall we?”
“Lead the way,” Leif said, gesturing with his hands toward the door. He followed Oberon out of the office and they began weaving in and out of debris that was still being removed.
“I heard you got kicked out of the school,” he said as they walked the new hallways being constructed.
“I got called back—by Ms. MacLugh, no less,” Oberon replied. “But my time away was well rewarded. I found my life-mate’s family and brought them back here. My niece, June, has been admitted to the school. I think she’ll thrive here.”
“I’m glad to hear you’re not the last of your species,” Leif remarked. “And that you discovered your wife’s family, no less.”
“Yes, but it would never have happened without Delphine’s guidance.” Oberon paused his speech, but increased his walking speed. Leif was well aware of the seer’s death. It had left a shadow on the school, one that might never completely go away. Delphine was one of the school’s originators.
Feeling the need to change the subject, Leif asked, “What’s this meeting we’re heading to about?”
It took a few moments for Oberon to respond. “So much has happened over the past few months, it remains clear that we need to make some changes as a group of shifters. As such, it is time for the shifter world to adapt.”
“So this meeting is about adaptation? How does a vampire play into the mix.”
Oberon said, “We’re about to find out. Here’s the simulation room. It’s typically used for combat training, but we’ve modified it as a conference room.”
They approached a large wall with a control panel next to a large door. It opened as they neared it and as Leif entered, he saw a nice homey room. A fireplace stood off to the side burning brightly, and in the center was a long, light-wooded table. Surrounding it were several shifters—none of whom Leif recognized.
Most of them appeared to be quite uneasy about his presence, but he couldn’t blame them. He didn’t exactly feel comfortable being among people who looked at him as an extreme threat.
“Everyone, this is Leif Villers, one of our greatest allies,” Oberon introduced. “He’s been aiding us for the past fifteen years—at great personal expense, I might add.”
A few of the present shifters’ postures relaxed. Leif could see the trust they had in Oberon, and he was grateful for it.
“I know you never thought you’d be sitting around a table with a vampire,” Leif said, sliding into one of the free chairs nearby. Oberon sat next to him. “Nor did I ever expect to be sitting among shifters. But perhaps, someday, I’ll have earned your trust as an ally.”
Nods of approval swung about the table, and Leif was appreciative of it. Smooth, he thought.
“Well said,” Oberon said. Then, bringing his hands forward, he addressed the group. “Introductions are in order as we discuss the future of the shifter world. Here on the other side of me is Malachai Quinn, a phoenix and lieutenant general of the shifter military.”
Leif stared at the man in uniform, wondering if he had any relation to Evandrus Quinn from the boarding house. Before he could ask, Oberon continued.
“Next to him is Victoria Dracul, a dragon shifter and wife of the late Eduard Dracul.” Oberon’s cadence lost its formality for a moment. “Once again, you have our condolences Victoria.”
She had bags under her eyes—as if she hadn’t slept for a very long time—but she held herself resolute and nodded her head. “Thank you, Oberon,” she said.
Oberon smiled, then continued. “Next is Henry Coltar and his wife, Jane. Both are teachers here at the Dome. Henry is an ursa, and his wife is a human. And finally, there’s the rascally Ren, a kitsune and master technology buff.”
Leif recognized the kitsune, although he looked quite older than the last time they’d met. Ren had used his electric tails to send him flying into a fixture full of candy at the store near La Framboise Island. Back when The Island was destroyed. Leif found himself touching his chest at the memory.
“Still feeling that tail blast?” Ren asked with a half-smile.
Leif snorted. “The memory of it, yes.”
Ren’s smile broadened. “I’m glad I left a mark.”
“That’s quite enough, Ren,” Oberon said. “I didn’t bring Leif here for you to boomerang your ego around the room. We have pressing matters to discuss.”
All eyes turned to the gryphon whose very demeanor and words screamed ultimate leadership. Yes, this was a man of authority Leif could look up to without hesitation. He didn’t flaunt his status like Draven had.
Oberon cleared his throat. “I have gathered you all here to discuss a need to organize an official Shifter Council. This would be an organization that governs the affairs of both the School for the Shifted and the shifter military, as well as all other related shifter business. We’ve caused quite a stir in Chicago with non-shifters, and will have to face those consequences. But life must go on. Classes must continue. The protection of our people is still imperative: the vampires won’t be happy with the loss of Draven. Countless other affairs need to be tended to. Are you all in agreement that such a council should exist?”
Small conversations happened among the group, and Leif sat secluded next to Oberon, wondering how his opinion on the matter would apply. Still, nobody was speaking their mind, so he took the opportunity.
“I know most of you probably wouldn’t look to a vampire for his thoughts. I’d say that the more organized your people can become, the better off you’ll be. It’s my understanding that Oberon was ousted from his position by the military. It begs the question: why did the military have such control over a school?” Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Victoria shift uncomfortably, and he wondered if he shouldn’t have indirectly made a reference to her husband. To recover, he decided to indirectly point a finger at Draven. “Above all, I’ve experienced just how terrible one person in a place of power can become. I think having a council of people to consult with one another on actions and choices will make all the difference for your people.”
The room had grown silent during his spiel. His words elicited several nods from the people surrounding the table, which brought him much needed relief.
> “I agree with Leif, as I believe most of you do,” Oberon said. “As such, I propose we organize the council with members from each species.” He held up a tablet. “I have a list of names of those who I trust would serve well.” He handed the tablet to Leif. “Would you read the names off?”
The action surprised Leif, and he wondered if it was Oberon’s way of trying to include him in the meeting. Still, a quick glance revealed he was not being considered to join the council.
“Of course,” Leif replied, then began reading down the list. “Henry and Jane Coltar. Nadia Candida. Victoria Dracul. Malachai Quinn. Maya Heather. Milo Slegr. Lorenzo Santoni. Queen Anali. Jonathan Barnes. Oberon Rex. And finally, Ren Suzuki.”
Ren burst out laughing. “You want me on the council? I’d be about as helpful as smart clothing without battery cells.”
“Nonsense,” Oberon replied. “You’re our most experienced kitsune, and you’d be a valued member of the council—as long as you could learn to use your quips when appropriate.”
“Impossible,” Ren said, crossing his arms. “My quips are part of the package. I can’t very well just flip a switch and be boring. That would take too much effort. Besides, I don’t want it. My place isn’t in political decision making, but inventing and creation.”
Oberon looked ready to force the issue, but Malachai spoke up before the gryphon could.
“If I might interject, one of our specialists in the military might be better suited. His ingenuity played an integral part on the mission at the vampire school. He thinks objectively, and I trust him with my life.”
“Who?” Oberon asked.
“Haru Torisei,” answered Malachai.
“I second that,” Ren said. “Mostly because it gets me out of a slum of a job. But Haru is a great guy. One of my more brighter students over the years, although not nearly as funny as me.”
“Sounds like he’s the right choice, then,” Oberon said, smiling at Ren.
“Don’t make me reconsider,” Ren threatened.
Oberon chuckled, then looked across Malachai. “What do you think, Victoria. Are you in?”
She nodded solemnly. “I’ll do whatever I can to help represent all dragon shifters.”
Henry and Jane were holding hands, displayed on the table. “We will gladly join the council,” Henry said. “Me as an ursa representative and my wife as a mediator between humans and shifters.”
“Wonderful,” Oberon said. “What do you say, Malachai?”
“I will represent both the military and every phoenix,” the lieutenant general stated boldly. “We will aid the council as they request.”
Oberon nodded. “And I will represent the gryphons, which has particularly more meaning now that there are a few more among us. Maya is still recovering from her healing of Nikolai Candida, but I will extend a personal invitation once she’s ready. Milo Slegr still lives near Lubbock, Texas, but I knew his sister Zabrina quite well. I believe he will be a good fit to represent the werecats. Lorenzo Santoni is a naga, and I got to know him through one of my best friends at The Island. He’s older, but will bring some much needed wisdom to the council, if he accepts.”
“He’s a great guy,” Ren said. Leif half-expected a pun to role off the kitsune’s tongue, but he kept himself serious. “I wish his daughter, Jade, was still alive to fill the role.”
“Me too,” Oberon said, his eyes going distant. Leif wondered what happened to her, and if she was one of the many shifters that had died when Draven toppled the school in South Dakota. Oberon shook the memory off and said, “Who was next on the list, Leif?”
“Queen Anali?” Leif said. He didn’t recognize the name at all.
“Right,” Oberon said, his melancholy tone holding. “Delphine would have been my first choice to represent the merfolk. Her death is a major blow to us. But if you all concur, I believe Queen Anali of Zardani would be an excellent choice for representation. I’ve had dealings with her in the past in terms of recruitment, and she has always shown concern for the Dome. She was also very close to Delphine.”
“She’s a good choice,” Victoria agreed.
Malachai nodded. “I’m on board.”
“I will reach out to Anali, then,” Oberon said. “To represent the hounds, I thought of Jonathan Barnes. His son, Jesse, attends school here, but he has lived and worked among humans his whole life. I think his experience would help our cause.”
Murmurs of agreement abounded from around the table.
“It sounds like we have our shifter council, pending the selected members agree to joining,” Oberon announced. “And as a council, we have three decisions to make right now. The council needs a head, the school needs a director, and the military needs a general. As for the military, I believe the choice is quite obvious.”
All eyes made their way to Malachai.
“If this is the will of the council,” Malachai said, “then I humbly accept the position.”
Oberon smiled. “Let it be known that as of today, by the authority of this new shifter council, Malachai Quinn has been promoted to the rank of General of the shifter military.”
Malachai nodded. “What will become of my classes?”
“We will find replacements,” Oberon said. “I believe Charlotte Stern would be a good option for teaching Shifter Politics. We will find somebody else to teach Phoenix Mastery.”
Malachai nodded again. “I think you should be the head of the shifter council, Oberon. Your diplomacy skills are unmatched.”
Ren laughed out loud, and everybody turned to see what was so funny.
“Oberon becoming the head of the shifter council?” The kitsune’s laughing increased until tears started streaming out of his eyes. “Woohoo, that’s too good, Malachai. I mean, that was the funniest thing I’ve heard in a long time. Somebody give the new general a medal!” Ren laughed some more, wiping at his eyes. Leif couldn’t help but laugh along, for some reason.
“You don’t think Oberon would make a good council head?” Victoria asked, annoyance in her voice. Leif could tell she didn’t think much of Ren, and he wondered if most people had a tough time getting along with the humorous kitsune.
“No, no, no,” Ren replied. “I’m not saying that at all. Oberon would do a terrific job in such a role. But tell me. Can any of you look at him outside of his role as director of the school? Who would replace him there?”
Leif looked at the others, and saw they were taken aback. Technically, Ren had no say in what the council chose because he’d kicked himself off the member roster.
“He’s right,” Victoria said. “Everyone who has ever studied or taught at the Dome has loved Director Rex. And while my husband had his disagreements with Oberon from time to time, he always respected him.”
Oberon cleared his voice. “My niece is a student here at the Dome, and I’d love to be a part of her growth. I know it’s not exactly my say, but if I had the choice, I would remain director of the academy. And I helped create this school. I’m a part of it as much as it is a part of me.”
Henry got to his feet and pounded a fist down on the table like a judge declaring a sentence. “I vote for Oberon’s reinstatement as director.”
“Me too,” Jane agreed.
“So do I,” Victoria added.
“So let it be done,” Malachai said. “Welcome back, old friend. The school wasn’t the same without you, and I think the students will be excited for your return.”
“We’ll see about that,” Oberon said with a laugh. “But I appreciate your words. It’s good to be back.”
Leif looked around at the remaining present council members and couldn’t guess who’d end up as the head. He doubted Jane Coltar would, based on the fact she was human. That left Henry and Victoria, unless they decided on someone who wasn’t present.
It was as if Henry was of the same mindset, though, as he spoke next. “I love my job, and I love how I can hold the same schedule as my wife. While I’m happy to participate on the council, I vote
for Victoria to be the head of the council. Having been married to Lord Dracul, she already has a good idea of what the military is all about. She’s also a mother, and I’ve had her children in my General History class. I know she has a big heart and a capacity for love few of us will probably ever understand.”
Married to a Dracul, Leif could imagine. But he couldn’t give Eduard too hard of a time. He wasn’t like Aline.
“What do you think, Victoria?”
Her cheeks puffed wide as she blew out slowly. “I think you all are too kind. But as long as I have you all to help me, this is something I can do.”
“We’re here to support you however we can,” Malachai said.
Oberon laughed. “And in the meantime you’ll be able to help keep our heads on straight.”
The room fell silent as everybody soaked in what had just happened. Leif shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He felt quite out of place, and didn’t quite understand why Oberon had brought him to this meeting.
The director must have noticed. “One last thing before we adjourn,” Oberon said. “Months ago, I made a promise to Leif. I told him if he aided us with the impossible task of overthrowing Draven, then I’d help him in his quest to find his lost love.” He looked at Victoria. “We owe it to him.”
Victoria gave him a pensive look that seemed to go on for several minutes. “Then we will hold true to that promise. We will help him in his quest.”
Surprise flooded his body like a drug, freezing him in place. He felt his jaw drop all on its own. Who’d have thought the promise he’d made with Oberon in a restaurant months ago would expand to getting help from the entire shifter world?
He stammered for a moment, then finally found the words to speak. “I’ll accept any help I can get.”
Victoria smiled and nodded. “Let us know what you need, and we will do our best to give it to you.”