by Petra Landon
“I’ll try” she assented with a sigh, his words hitting home to her. Duncan was right, she knew in her heart. She just had to work harder at not allowing the gossip to get to her.
Duncan searched her expression. “Don’t take what Markham said to heart. For what it’s worth, Raoul’s not the easiest of men to get along with, and his Pack is fully aware of that.” The last was said with a smile.
It elicited an answering smile from Tasia, a shaky smile but the first one since her conversation with Maartje. “But they are gossiping about Hawk and me” she concluded, trying to make light of the matter.
“I can’t deny that one. This is juicy stuff — you can’t really blame the Shifters for it. An up-and-coming young Shifter who’s also my Second, and the mysterious Wizard who’s considered Pack, with all its inherent privileges, by an Alpha who dislikes her kind. You can’t make this up, Tasia, you know that.”
Tasia smiled a little more easily. “When you put it that way, it’s hard to disagree with you.”
“Good” Duncan said approvingly. “Just remember to treat this as harmless white noise.”
There was a warning rattle of the heavy door before the Shifter sentry opened it to peer in.
“Hawk’s here to meet with you, Were-Alpha. Shall I send him in?”
Duncan glanced at Tasia, leaving the decision to her. She acquiesced without hesitation. Hawk, she trusted implicitly, and she felt much better after the pep talk from Duncan. For the first time, Tasia found herself wondering whether Hawk was aware of the extent of Pack gossip about them.
“Send him in and keep the door closed, please” Duncan directed.
Hawk strode in, his face reflecting curiosity at the sight of Duncan and Tasia in a huddle in the Pack Room.
“Tasia had a tete-a-tete with Maartje this morning, over a cup of coffee” Duncan remarked in his unflappable way.
“Maartje” Hawk exclaimed, plopping himself down beside Tasia. “Why?”
Tasia turned to him. “She seems to believe that I might be able to influence Sara and you to attend Atsá’s annual shindig.”
Hawk’s dark eyes widened as his jaw slackened in shock. His expression turned more ominous. “Did she threaten you, Tasia?”
“No, just tried to persuade me that it’d buy me some new friends in the Pack” Tasia said easily. The conversation with Duncan had given her a fresh perspective on the whole affair, a way of looking at it that calmed her soul for the moment.
Hawk continued to look thunderous, not mollified in the least by her answer. “Come on, Tas. This is me you’re talking to — I know you. You wouldn’t be talking to Duncan about this if it didn’t bug you.”
The soft shush of a door opening behind them went unnoticed by Tasia and Hawk, the two people with their backs to the Alpha’s Room; Tasia because her auditory senses were merely human, and Hawk because of his preoccupation and sudden burst of rage. The Alpha strode out to glance around the Pack Room, zeroing in on the threesome engaged in discussion in one corner of the vast room.
“Tasia didn’t ask to speak to me, Hawk. I asked to speak to her” Duncan pointed out. “Joaquim informed me about the conversation. He was concerned that it might bug Tasia, as you put it.”
“What did she say to you?” Hawk demanded with single-minded persistence. “Tas” he reiterated, more coaxingly, as she remained silent.
“She made some assumptions about us, Hawk. Nothing new in itself” Tasia said softly. “We talked about this, right? We’re good” she reiterated.
Hawk remained unconvinced. “We are, so this makes me think there was more.”
“Duncan.” Hawk turned to his Were-Alpha imploringly as Tasia hesitated.
“This is Tasia’s decision, Hawk. I just wanted to make sure that she was okay” Duncan said firmly.
“It’s nothing, Hawk. Much like Justin Markham, she said it was common knowledge that my relationship with the Alpha is fractious. And that I might find myself in need of new allies when I’m out in the cold without the protection of the Pack.”
“As if” Hawk muttered in disbelief, even as Tasia’s words brought the man striding towards them to a halt, an astonished expression on his face.
Duncan, the only one to note the Alpha’s presence, made sure to keep his focus on the pair before him. Raoul needed to hear this conversation, in Duncan’s opinion.
“Alph’s not going to kick you out, Tasia” Hawk asserted firmly.
Duncan’s poker face had Hawk realizing there was more. He turned to Tasia. “What else, Tas?”
“She said that any Shifter who chooses to mate outside the Pack needs the Alpha’s permission. And that she might be able to exert some influence on the Alpha, if it came to that.” Tasia’s words were reluctant.
Hawk looked thunderstruck, his expression no less gobsmacked than his Alpha’s behind him.
“What nonsense! As if Alph ever lets anyone influence him on such matters” Hawk muttered. He understood what had disquieted his friend — speculation and gossip about her, not the Alpha’s reaction to any of it.
Hawk placed an arm around her affectionately. “Sorry, Tas. I know how hard it is for you in the fishbowl of a Pack Lair. Ignore Maartje — she’s just playing politics with someone she considers a naïve opponent. Don’t you worry, you’ve got me, Sara, Duncan, and even Joaquim and Evgeny on your side” he added lightly.
“I’m okay, Hawk” Tasia directed a reassuring smile at him. “Duncan explained it to me. I’ve just got to grow a thicker skin about this stuff, that’s all.”
“You know what the real irony is here, Tas? I was actually contemplating accepting Atsá’s invitation this year.”
Raoul strode forward to join them, startling Tasia. “Atsá might be unaware of Maartje’s attempt to manipulate the witchling, Hawk.”
“Raoul’s right” Duncan chimed in. “This is not Atsá’s style.”
Tasia remained silent. Hawk glanced from his Alpha to his Were-Alpha with a disbelieving expression on his face.
“He’s an old man, Hawk. And, desires a rapprochement” Duncan said quietly. “Do you know why I put forward Sara’s name for the taskforce with the other were-packs?”
“Why?” Hawk looked curious. He had wondered at his Were-Alpha’s decision. Duncan always made sure to protect Sara from the taunts and harassment of Shifters from the other were-packs.
“Atsá has declared Sara off limits to his Shifters.”
An expression of astonishment crossed Hawk’s face. This was big. “Why now?” he asked.
“Like I said, he’s genuinely ready for a relationship with his grandchildren, Hawk. Maartje has followed Atsá’s example to hand down a similar directive to her were-pack.”
“I see” Hawk murmured thoughtfully. He didn’t care about such things for himself. Very few Shifters would dare challenge him, but Sara was a different matter altogether. She was more vulnerable than him, much more.
“What do you think, Tas?” He turned to her, his faith in her obvious. “Should I accept the invitation?”
“I don’t want to influence you on this, Hawk.” Tasia was hesitant.
“You’re my friend, Tas. And I’m asking.”
“Do what you believe is right, Hawk. But I’d keep your decision independent of Maartje’s conversation with me this morning.”
Hawk looked surprised by her words.
“If I hadn’t told you about it, what would you have done?”
Hawk reflected on the question. “I’d probably have gone, if Sara was agreeable.”
“Then, I think you should both go. It’s not like going to his party will signal to Atsá that you’re willing to forget or forgive the past.”
“I second Tasia, for what it’s worth, Hawk” Duncan added.
“I’ll think about it” Hawk said slowly. “What about you, Tas? Will you come, too?”
Tasia cast an uncertain glance at the Alpha, whose gold eyes seemed intent on her. “I don’t want Maartje to assume I influenced you
into the decision, Hawk” she admitted hesitantly.
Hawk shrugged. “So, we both take other dates to the party. That will confuse her no end” he retorted.
“That’s an excellent idea.” Duncan shot a twinkle-eyed glance at the Alpha watching Hawk and Tasia silently.
Tasia directed an affectionate smile at Hawk. “I bet I know who you’re going to ask to the party.”
“Do you now?” Hawk grinned. “Can’t keep any secrets from you, huh?”
He glanced at Duncan in mock affront. “Now, I’ve two women in my life I can’t keep anything from.”
Tasia chuckled softly. She’d already guessed who Hawk had his eye on. She rather thought Sara had, too.
Hawk waggled his eyebrows at her. “Who’re you going to take?”
Tasia’s face fell. “I don’t know anyone here that well.”
Duncan shot another look at the Alpha, who was watching the exchange with a small furrow on his brow.
“Evgeny” she announced suddenly. “I’ll ask Evgeny.”
“Evgeny” the Alpha exclaimed abruptly, coming to life.
Hawk looked at his Alpha, bewilderment clouding his face. “What’s wrong with Evgeny, Alph?” he inquired, clearly puzzled by the reaction.
“Yes, Raoul” inquired Duncan limpidly. “What’s wrong with Evgeny? He’s a good lad.”
“Perhaps, the Alpha thinks Evgeny already has a date for the evening. But I checked with him and he doesn’t have an invitation to the party” Tasia explained uncertainly, equally confused by the Alpha’s reaction.
“Evgeny is perfect” Hawk enthused. “That should help confound Maartje. Also, I’ve a feeling he has a crush on you, Tas” he teased.
“No, he doesn’t” she responded composedly. “But he’s very sweet. I like him.”
“A word of advice” the Alpha said suddenly. “Don’t ever say that to poor Evgeny. It’ll kill any ardor he has.”
Duncan chuckled softly and Hawk grinned. Tasia flushed in response. The Alpha continued to observe her, as if puzzled by the whole situation.
“What the hell was that about?” Raoul inquired of Duncan later in the privacy of the Alpha’s Room.
“Maartje saw an opportunity to reconcile Atsá with his grandchildren and grabbed at it with both hands” Duncan explained placidly, making a beeline for the solitary chair before the Alpha’s big desk.
Raoul perched on the edge of his desk. “The witchling appears an easy target to any Shifter with an agenda to push.”
“That was to be expected, Raoul. Now that the Shifters are starting to realize that Tasia might be here for the long haul, they’re bound to sit up and pay attention to her.”
Raoul contemplated his friend. “She told me bluntly that if she’s to be more than a flash in the pan for the Pack, she can’t run to me every time someone says something she doesn’t like.” His lips twitched in wry amusement. “I’ve been told to keep my distance and let her handle her own affairs with the Pack.”
Duncan’s eyes twinkled in response. “That one has a core of steel in her, my boy. She’d never have survived the enormous pitfalls she faces everyday, otherwise. A little experience with the Pack under her belt and she’ll make a formidable adversary. She’s a quick learner and she understands people well.”
“She certainly has a staunch advocate in you” the Alpha noted.
“I’ve liked Tasia Armstrong from the very beginning. At first, because I suspected that she’d be good for Sara, an alternative to the testosterone-laden Shifters Sara detests. She’s also been surprisingly good for Hawk. The boy has calmed down and learnt to let go of things.”
Duncan had one more reason for desiring the young Wizard’s inclusion in the Pack. He hoped like hell that Tasia would be the making of the boy he had watched over so zealously since Raoul’s dark days. Her presence had already wrought changes in him, in ways small and big. Duncan had been overjoyed by the small signs he detected. Raoul was starting to engage with other Chosen and pay more attention to the Pack than he had before. Duncan, for one, was determined to encourage this. If it meant easing Tasia’s road in the Pack, he’d pave it with gold. Plus, Duncan rather liked the young Wizard.
“It’s nice to have someone to steer through the maze of Pack politicking” he said aloud. “But there’s something you should keep in mind, my boy. Tasia has a hard time with gossip about her. It goes against everything she’s believed her whole life. And while she might have trouble with subtle machinations, she knows how to handle people who’re blunt with her about what they want. From what Joaquim told me, she handled Maartje with aplomb. Gave almost nothing away and heard Maartje out without dropping even a hint of which way she’d eventually lean. Maartje had to have come away from that confrontation puzzled and wondering what Tasia would do.”
Raoul stared at his friend, attempting to understand the subtext of what Duncan was trying to tell him.
“That’s quite a feat for anyone faced with a shrewd and experienced opponent like Maartje” Duncan remarked.
Raoul arched an eyebrow. “Is there a reason you’re singing her praises to me?”
“The point I’m attempting to make is that gossip disturbs her. And, it’s fairly mild gossip at that. Imagine her reaction if the whispers in the Pack ever get more vicious, say, a different kind of speculation about the Alpha and her” Duncan warned pointedly, his brown eyes candid. “Watch yourself, my boy.”
Raoul cursed under his breath. He never paid any heed to gossip. Plus, he had a thick skin. But he understood Duncan’s warning well enough. If he wanted to change the witchling’s perception of him, he’d have to take Pack gossip into account.
“You don’t intend to withdraw Pack status from her, do you?” Duncan pressed home his advantage.
“No.” The Alpha shook his head adamantly.
“That’s the other gossip spreading like wildfire, as you heard. That you might decide you’ve had enough one of these days and kick Tasia out in the cold.”
“What gave rise to this?” Raoul asked incredulously. He’d always been one to keep his thoughts and opinions close to his chest. How the hell had this ridiculous rumor gained ground within the Pack, he wondered.
“She did walk away from us rather publicly before, Raoul” Duncan pointed out. “And your dislike of Wizards has never been a secret. Plus, I suspect those like Markham are busy fanning the flames for their own agenda. I’ve even had to field an inquiry from Jason on this.”
“LaRue?” Raoul exclaimed, astounded by the revelation. “What the fuck!”
“He resides at the Lair. As does Sienna. You can’t expect them to be oblivious to the gossip, Raoul. Sienna’s worried that Tasia might end up friendless, if you dump her. So, Jason made a discreet inquiry about your equation with Tasia.” Duncan’s lips twitched. “I had the distinct impression that they were leery of asking you.”
“With good reason” Raoul retorted. “My equation with her or anyone else isn’t any of their damn business.”
“Sienna is very fond of her” Duncan said placidly. “I understand where Jason’s coming from, so I tried to set his mind at ease.”
The two Shifters stared at each other. They went back a long way with what seemed like a lifetime of experiences and shared memories between them.
“With a little finessing, this gossip could prove to be a godsend” Duncan remarked. “Use it to your advantage, my boy. If they’re busy gossiping about the upcoming break-up, they’re unlikely to pay much attention to anything else between you two.”
This time, it was the Alpha’s lips that twitched. “Anything else you’d like to advise me on, Duncan?” Raoul inquired in some amusement.
To him, this side of Duncan was a revelation. Raoul’s short-lived romantic entanglements in San Francisco had played out outside the Pack. Duncan, vaguely aware of them, had steered clear. Raoul didn’t quite know what to make of this new Duncan.
“I’d advise you to move fast, Raoul” Duncan retorted promptly, his eye
s twinkling. “The latest gossip has Hawk asking you for permission to take a non-Pack mate, if you take my meaning.”
Chapter 4
The Lombardi Vampires come to town
“I’ve news for you” Jason directed at the Alpha as he stood surrounded by his Shifters in the Pack Room.
“Azevedo?” Raoul inquired.
“No, the other matter you asked me to look into” Jason said discreetly with a pointed glance at the crowded room.
The Guardian had dug up something on Anderson, Raoul realized in surprise. That was fast work by Jason. Raoul excused himself to escort Jason into the Alpha’s Room, the small sound-proofed room set aside for his use.
“Tell me that you know who Anderson was looking for so desperately here in San Francisco.” Raoul invited the Wizard to take a seat with a sweeping gesture of his hand. “Come on, LaRue, make my day.”
“Sorry, Merceau” Jason grinned in response. “I’m still working on that. But I do have some other news that might make your day anyway.”
“Let’s hear it, LaRue” Raoul invited with a half-smile. The Guardian was an easy man to like, and Raoul was slowly discovering, much to his surprise, that he enjoyed Jason’s company.
“Correct me if I’m wrong, Merceau. Anderson hired rogue Shifters to assault low-level female Wizards in San Francisco. He was attempting to uncover a Wizard he believed was hiding in this city. Eventually the rogue Shifters, who had an axe to grind with Tasia, gave her up to Anderson to get rid of her.”
“Yes.” Raoul nodded. The rogues had played their employer by using him to get rid of a thorn in their side. And the Alpha had used that to convince Anderson he had the wrong Wizard, even though Raoul suspected that, through a twist of fate and coincidence, the Guardian had inadvertently zeroed in on the Wizard he was hunting.
“For the past year and a half, similar assaults on female Wizards in eight cities have been carried out — New York, Boston, DC, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia and Los Angeles.”
“What?” The Alpha looked astounded by the news.