by CJ Ellisson
Shannon coughed. “Well, if I have anything to say about it, you will not only be a match for our Alpha, but anyone else who comes along.”
Rissa raised her glass. “To influences.”
Every glass touched. “You bet!”
Chapter Thirteen
Time flew by in the blink of an eye. Christmas and New Year’s had come and gone, and though they were cheerful for the most part, a somber note lingered at the core of holiday events. Too many people had lost loved ones to the virus over the past months to ignore.
Decorations gracing the great hall had been taken down, along with the twenty foot Christmas tree that held the spot in front of the vaulted windows where a full orchestra now warmed up for the Wolf Moon Ball.
Streamers in bright, jewel tones replaced the holiday décor; the colors signifying each Were assemblage represented at the Compound. Standards had been hung from the beamed rafters earlier that day, each one depicting a different group’s crest, and the great hall looked regal.
Two hundred people milled as they had two months earlier at the Blood Rites ritual. Only this time, everyone knew more than just Lily’s face and name. They knew her.
The ball was set on such a grand scale that dozens of round tables had been arranged along the room’s perimeter to accommodate the crowd. Each table was decorated in red and gold, the primary colors of the Alpha Council of the Brethren. The gesture was a nod to Sean and his leadership, but also to Lily. On the whole, things looked encouraging, but then again, the night was young.
The room sparkled. From the blood red tablecloths to the long tapered candles and crystal vases filled with sprays of holly and winter flowers. Gold trimmed dinnerware gleamed in the candlelight, as did the crystal champagne and wine glasses at each place setting.
“The room is just beautiful!” Lily exclaimed as she and Sean walked in hand in hand through the arched entry, her eyes scanning the expanse and the stunning decorations.
“No. You’re beautiful,” Sean replied, his eyes glowing with pride and unspoken desire as they swept Lily’s petite frame.
Lily squeezed his hand, and then lifted onto her tiptoes to touch her lips to his. “I’m glad you think so.”
Mitch and Rissa stood toward the center of the dance floor. He chatted away with one of the hunters while Rissa scolded Stephie for turning cartwheels in her party dress.
“Would you look at how cute that kid is,” Sean said with an expression as soft as butter.
Lily met Rissa’s frustrated plea as Mitch caught Stephanie by the arm, swinging her up onto his hip. “I’m not so sure Rissa would agree with you at the moment.”
“I bet that kid would have done headers off the Council table if we hadn’t moved it earlier,” he replied with a chuckle.
Lily laughed as well. “I don’t think she’d stand much of a chance, not with Rissa fussing and Emily standing in as her second.”
Sean’s eyes jerked toward Lily, and she smiled. The young woman to Rissa’s left had sandy hair and blue eyes, just like Sean. She was tall and slender, and when she turned there was no denying the family resemblance. The two women had yet to meet, but Emily’s gaze was nothing short of appreciative when she lifted her champagne glass and winked, giving Lily a nod and a smile.
Sean’s gaze tracked to where Emily stood, his earlier lightness dulled by a sudden sadness in his eyes.
“She looks just like you. Lucky girl,” Lily said, trying to bring him out of this unexpected melancholy.
He shook his head, a wistful smile touching his lips. “She looks just like our mother.” Lifting his own glass, he waved Emily over. “I think it’s time you two met.”
With a smile, Emily nodded before leaning over to whisper something in Rissa’s ear. An ear-to-ear grin spread across the pregnant woman’s face, her eyes bright as she bobbed her head hopefully. Patting Rissa’s arm, the young woman walked across the floor toward where Lily and Sean stood, her sapphire dress floating along her lithe body as she moved.
“You look beautiful, Em.” Sean’s eyes skimmed his sister’s face.
“Thank you, Sean. And you clean up pretty good, yourself.” Without a word she snuck one arm around her brother neck and kissed his cheek, resting her head for a moment against his jaw. “It’s good to be home.”
Her words were no more than a whisper, but Sean’s jaw tightened and he blinked away the wetness shining in his eyes.
“You must be Sean’s sister,” Lily interjected, taking the pressure off Sean so he could compose himself without scrutiny. “I’m Lily.” She held out her hand, relaxed and open.
Emily’s broad smile met Lily’s, and she took the woman’s hand in hers. “I feel like I’d know you anywhere. You’re all Rissa and Stephie can talk about.”
“Likewise,” Lily replied. “…but it’s nice to finally meet you in person.”
They stood in awkward silence before Emily snagged two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter, handing one to Lily.
“So, this place never changes, though I see you finally decided to move that monstrosity,” Emily said, indicating the immense council table with the edge of her glass.
The large table had been cleared, and its crested chairs moved to the wall, each resting under its matching banner.
“I still can’t believe you moved that massive slab. I’d have sworn it was a permanent part of the décor based on its sheer size alone,” Lily added.
Sean grinned. “Though I’d love to take all the credit, I did have some help. Weres have been hefting that table for years, so we’ve got it down to a science.”
Lily took a sip from her glass. “Wouldn’t it be easier to leave it and use it as a high table or maybe decorate it?”
Sean glanced at Rissa watching them intently from the other side of the room. “Your new best friend over there would never let me hear the end of it. She claims it gets in the way of dancing.”
“Dancing?” Lily coughed, nearly choking on the word.
“Yup, and that means you and me. I’m the Alpha of the Brethren, and we open the ball with the first dance.”
Lily swallowed, not wanting to seem like a baby. “I thought that was just at weddings?”
“Nope,” he shook his head, enjoying her discomfort a little too much. “The unflappable Lily Saburi, afraid of a little waltz around the dance floor. Who would have thought?”
“That’s not fair, Sean. You never said a word about being the opening act,” she huffed.
He laughed. “Why else would I be wearing a monkey suit? Have another glass of champagne and relax. It’ll be fine.”
“You haven’t changed a bit, Sean. I love it!” Emily laughed.
He reached out and tweaked her nose. “Yes I have, squirt. I’m older and I’m wiser, and I’m glad you’re home.”
Rissa was right when she compared the ball to Oscar night. Everyone was dressed to the nines. Sean was gorgeous in a classic black tux. The athletic cut tailored perfectly to highlight his broad shoulders and narrow waist. As always, he was clean-shaven, yet his standard military hairstyle was slightly longer on top, giving him a sexy mussed appearance.
Butterflies winged around Lily’s stomach as he kissed her hand and excused himself to speak with a few of the guests. He was stunning, and he was all hers, even if it meant she had to do an impression of Dancing with the Stars to prove it. Emily, too, had gone to talk to a few people she knew, leaving Lily on her own.
“What’s the matter, opening night jitters or leftover indigestion from Mitch forcing you to taste everything at the game dinner?” Jack Cochran asked as he came to stand beside Lily.
She shot him a look. “Does everyone know I’m the entertainment tonight?” she said, feeling herself blush at the lieutenant’s put-on.
“Nah, I just wanted a chance to talk to you. Besides, Sean’s never been able to do the first dance before. By law, it’s got to be with his mate, or at least someone in the running. Be happy. It says a lot about your relationship. Speaking of
which, how have you been holding up? I’ve missed hanging out.”
“Pretty good, I guess, but I’d have thought you’d be tired of me by now.”
He shrugged. “Not entirely, although I was getting pretty good at babysitting the alpha’s lady, even if it isn’t my dream job,” he stopped and looked at her thoughtfully. “But then again, I’ve never met anyone so game for anything.”
Lily’s stomach churned at the word game. “Again with that word. That dinner was an experience I never want to repeat. I know Sean wanted me to get up close and personal with everyone and everything, but that was pushing it.”
Jack snorted, giving her a lopsided smirk. “That’s not what I meant, and you know it, but come on, you didn’t enjoy the Elk Parmesan? What about Mitch’s Bear Fricassee?”
“Quit it, Jack.” Lily said, smacking him on the shoulder. “You’re going to make me lose my lunch, and velvet isn’t exactly easy to clean!”
His eyes swept her face and her dark curls, his gaze appreciative as he trailed her cranberry colored gown and every curve, lingering on the deep v-cut of her off-the-shoulder bodice in a smooth once over.
“I guess I wouldn’t want to do that, now would I?” he murmured.
“Ha! Nice try, but you can sell the smolder to someone else tonight. I’m taken, and you know it. You wolves are all the same. Horn-dogs at heart!”
He sniggered. “I know, but you can’t blame a guy for trying.” He paused, a genuine smile replacing his trademark smirk. “Don’t be a stranger…okay?”
She gave his check a peck. “Not a chance.”
“Not a chance at what?” Sean asked, stepping to her side as Jack walked away in route to a statuesque blonde by the bar.
“Nothing,” Lily said, smiling up at him.
“Is he behaving himself, or do I need to remind him who’s the boss?” Sean said with a smirk, and Lily knew he had seen Jack flirting with her.
“Jack certainly likes the ladies, huh?” she added, gesturing with her drink in the young wolf’s direction. “But he’s harmless enough. At least with me. All bark, if you know what I mean.”
Sean followed her line of sight, a deep chuckle rumbling in his throat. “The blonde is one of Volkmann’s nurses. If you believe the chatter around the Hunter’s barracks, this one’s got him wrapped around her finger.”
“Really?” she replied, impressed anyone could tame the irreverent wolf.
Sean smirked. “Really.” His gaze stayed on Jack, but his face sobered a bit.
“What?” Lily asked, not liking what she was reading from him.
He shifted his eyes back to Lily. “It’s nothing. Remember I told you I sent some of my hunters to help out at the clinic?
She nodded. “And?”
“Well, he and a few of his bunkmates weren’t too happy about being reassigned, but with Parr stirring animosity at every turn; I needed people on the inside to protect Volkmann’s research. With the vaccine proving itself to be a success, the last thing we need is sabotage.”
She glanced at Jack and then back at Sean. “Parr trying to discredit us is one thing, but he wouldn’t stoop so low as to endanger everyone’s lives? Would he?”
Sean sighed. “I certainly hope not.”
From the corner of her eye, she caught Edward standing off to the left of the bar, and staring at Jack with his eyes narrowed.
“What’s the matter?” Sean asked, concerned.
She shook her head. “Nothing. But it looks like putting Jack in Volkmann’s backyard was a smart move after all,” she added, gesturing toward the man’s dagger-eyed stare.
As if Parr knew he was being discussed, he turned his scowl on Lily, her skin prickling from the weight of his gaze. “He gives me the creeps,” she muttered, making a face as she broke eye contact.
With a smile and a nod, Sean raised his hand giving Parr a little wave. “That’s okay. If he wants to play political dodge ball, then bring it on.”
“Sean—”
But before Lily could say another word, the conductor stepped in front of the orchestra and tapped his baton. Sean licked his lips, obviously changing focus. “That’s our cue, love,” he said, grinning at the look of panic on Lily’s face.
As the overture to Gershwin’s, Our Love is here to Stay, poured from the bandstand, Sean tucked her arm in his. Wide-eyed, she walked with him to the center of the floor, mumbling, “This is going to be a disaster,” under her breath, but loud enough for him to hear.
He led her in a circle to the sound of the crowd’s applause, showcasing his beautiful partner.
“I don’t like this, Sean, I feel like a show dog.” she protested through a forced smile.
Flashing a predatory grin, he slid one hand around her waist and pulled her close enough to kiss her cheek. Trust me,” he murmured, and with his fingers splayed across her back, guided her around the floor.
Cheers echoed through the room as Sean twirled her around the floor, her gown swirling in a rush of velvet. Rissa’s faced beamed, and Mitch shot her two thumbs up. The music swelled, and Lily relaxed into Sean’s arms, letting the beautiful strains take her, when in a sudden disharmony of instruments, the music stopped.
Edward approached the podium, and all eyes followed as the man took center stage.
“What’s the meaning of this, Edward? Explain yourself.” The alpha demanded.
“Oh, it’ not me who has to explain—it’s her,” he said with his finger pointed emphatically at Lily.
Sean took a step forward, his displeasure with Edward’s effrontery seething beneath his surface calm. “Edward, this is neither the time nor the place. Any debate involving Lily has been adjourned until after the holidays. Look around, does it look like our festivities are over with?”
Edward sneered. “Yes, yes, the council is in recess. I know. But this is a matter for everyone, something each and every Were should be made aware about the woman you’ve paraded for the past month. She is a murderer.”
Sean inhaled, letting his breath out slowly. “Everyone knows Lily’s the one who ended Jerard’s misery. That’s no secret, Edward. So, why are you rehashing this?” The room was quiet enough to hear a pin drop while everyone waited for Parr’s next move.
The politician shook his head, his expression the perfect affectation of both saddened and hard, but Lily could see the smug satisfaction lurking beneath his faux concern.
“This has nothing to do with your brother’s unfortunate end, and everything to do with the vigilante you brought into our midst.” Parr swung his hand out, gesturing for someone in the crowd to step forward.
An unkempt man burst onto the stage, his face red and blotchy, and his movements awkward. He pushed past Edward, nearly knocking him over. “That’s right. She killed my boy in cold blood,” he cried, pointing at Lily. “Murderer! You murdered my boy!”
The room erupted in shock, and Lily looked at Sean in just as much confusion. “I’ve never met this man before in my life,” she responded, clearly taken aback.
The man was undeniably drunk as he stumbled across the stage, belching into the microphone. “You never met me, but you met my son in Central Park, didn’tcha? And you shot him dead in the head, just because he was a Were, you murdering bitch!”
The man collapsed in a flood of boozy tears, and Parr slid his hand around his trembling shoulders in a perfect show of compassion.
Lily’s eyes flew open as the memory of that night flooded back. Every eye was on her, watching her closely, including Sean. She shook her head, taking a step back.
“He was attacking a jogger, and had the poor woman pinned against an outcrop of rocks. She was trapped and screaming, so I shot him as he lunged for her throat. She ran before he even reverted back to human. It was done in defense of an innocent.”
Sean nodded once, putting his hand out in a show of solidarity. Lily clasped it, stepping to his side, but her eyes never left Parr.
Sean raised his other hand for silence. “Edward, this poor man i
s drunk. It’s apparent he’s chosen to drown his grief in a bottle, and while our hearts go out to him for his loss, he is not from our Compound. We know nothing about him, his situation or his pack.” Sean turned his attention to the man, keeping his tone even and calm. “Sir, can you tell us who you are and where you’re from?”
The man belched again, causing Parr to jerk his face away, earning a few nervous chuckles from the crowd and a scowl from him. “This is no laughing matter, you Cretans!” Parr hissed.
Sean held his hand up once more. “Please, sir, I ask you again, who are you and where do you come from?”
Marcus stepped forward. “I know who he is, boss.” Stunned, all eyes turned toward the burly computer-tech assigned to the Hunters.
“His name is Angus Flanders. He’s from a pack near Indiantown, Florida. A swamp Were,” Marcus continued.
The room buzzed, and Lily glanced around at the frowns and stares, not sure if they were aimed at her, or at Parr’s unfortunate pawn.
“You’re a long way from home, Mr. Flanders,” Sean said, addressing the man directly.
He nodded, brushing his greasy hair back with his palm. “Yesssir. I am. But I need to set things to right. She killed my boy, and where I come from it’s an eye for an eye. I want my due.”
“And what is that, exactly?”
Parr opened his mouth to speak, but Sean interrupted him. “Let the man say his piece, Edward. That’s why you brought him here, isn’t it?”
Angus Flanders nodded, wiping spittle from the corner of his mouth before taking the microphone from Edward. “I want my due, that’s all. My boy’s dead by her hand, and his mama died of a broken heart because of it. That girl owes me for the loss of my loved ones. You give her to me, and we’ll call it even.”
The room exploded. And Sean raised his hand for the third time, quieting the crowd to a hush.
“While I’m sorry for your loss, Mr. Flanders, Ms. Saburi is no more a vigilante than you or I. She acted in defense of another.” Sean glanced at Marcus, and the young man nodded his beefy head, stepping forward. “That’s right. I hacked into the NYPD record archives when I compiled her dossier. Defense of an innocent, definitely. She’s telling the truth,” Marcus confirmed.