Isaiah braced himself for the unknown. Word had apparently spread fast that a human had been transformed. What did this mob want? Isaiah needed to prepare for the worst. If they expected to eliminate his mate, they would never succeed. Not on his watch.
With every fiber of his being, he knew Heather was his. The fact that they hadn’t taken the final step to make that truth a reality was simply semantics in his eyes. He would never let anything happened to her, if he had to spend the rest of his life on the run.
In his peripheral vision he spotted several bears bounding into the clearing in front of his home. His hackles rose as several more appeared from the other side. And then he took a deep breath as relief washed through him. His own family. Among them were his mother, father, brother, and sister. But also present were at least a dozen cousins, aunts, and uncles.
He’d been distracted enough inside his head not to notice their approach. He needed to get his head out of his ass, stop feeling sorry for himself, and pay more attention to his surroundings.
As his family surrounded the front porch of his cabin, they turned to face the clearing, their postures rigid. That he hadn’t thought to expect their arrival in support of a key member of the pack was an obvious sign he wasn’t thinking clearly.
“Son.” His father spoke into his head as he glanced toward him.
Several of his closest cousins did the same, nodding in his direction, but remaining in bear form to face whatever was headed their way.
A thick tension filled the air. Not a single branch rustled in any direction. The stillness was daunting, nature’s way of announcing the arrival of an enemy.
When they came into view over the crest of the clearing, Isaiah permitted himself one moment of fear before he chased it away and honed in on every sense he had to feel out the emotional sentiments of the arriving crowd.
Henry and George calmly stepped between the enormous bears in Isaiah’s family to reach the other side of them and put themselves between the unknown and the Arthur pack.
In human form they both lifted a hand in the air to stop the approach of the leaders of the assembled grizzlies.
Henry spoke first in a booming voice that made the land around them vibrate with its force. He didn’t bother with telepathy. “Stop where you are and state your intentions.”
The front line of shifters came to a halt in the face of the two members of the Arcadian Council. Several men shifted and stood in human form to face their elders.
One of them stepped forward from the group and stopped three yards from Henry. “We heard there was a human conversion. We’ve come to ensure the council is taking appropriate measures to secure the safety of our species.”
Henry didn’t flinch. “You doubt the Arcadian Council?” he bellowed.
The front man flinched but held his ground. “We’re merely here to seek information, sir.” He glanced around, lifting his nose to the air. “I sense the woman is not here. You’ve moved her. Please, tell us your intentions.”
Henry nodded. “You yourselves have done more to put our species in danger than the one innocent woman who was transformed against her will. She was safe here, peacefully learning our ways under our supervision until you forced our hands with your irrational mobilization. Storming from miles away, uniting as you have, tells me you folks are led by an unfounded fear.
“That you would allow yourselves to be seen by countless humans by swarming across the land gives me cause to arrest all of you and have you sent to the Northwest Territory for questioning. How do you explain yourselves?”
A second man stepped forward. “Sir, we mean no disrespect.”
Henry took another step forward also, closing the gap between him and the newly appointed speaker. “You disrespect my authority and that of the entire Arcadian Council by your presence. You have shown me that you doubt the council’s ability to make decisions. You have made fools of yourselves. And I’ll report each and every one of you to the entire council upon my return.” He glanced around the group.
Isaiah shuddered to realize Henry was easily memorizing every single being who had come to the clearing, and there were at least three dozen. Most of them were men in their thirties. The Arthurs were severely outnumbered. If this mob wanted to take them down, they could easily do so.
But the Arcadian Council would have every one of their heads on a stake if they took action.
The council had not been questioned like this in over a century, perhaps longer. In Isaiah’s lifetime, he had not heard of a dispute that had escalated to this level.
The reality was that every man standing in defiance on Isaiah’s property had already been reported to the alpha leader of the council. Eleanor. Eleanor had been the alpha in charge for two decades. She had a firm stance on uprisings and was known to bring any member of the North American bear shifters to his or her knees at her feet to account for their actions.
She was fair in all things, but her actions were swift and final.
Isaiah forced his posture to relax. The presence of two members of the council here today would ensure no war was waged against the Arthurs. He could sense the tension ebbing with every passing moment.
Henry spoke again. “As you can see, you’ve made a grievous error coming here today.”
“We meant no disrespect, sir,” the second man to approach stated. “Please inform us of your intensions so that we may return to our land and lessen the fears of our pack members.”
Movement to the left of Henry caught Isaiah’s eye. He watched as George stepped forward to align himself with Henry. George was the alpha of the two. His intention to speak was telling. He didn’t mince words. He spoke louder than Henry, but in a calm voice that caused every member of the mob to take a step backward. “Your actions today reek of deep disrespect. Do not insult our intelligence.”
The man who’d spoken of the intentions of his mob gasped, taking another step back.
“It has been noted that each and every one of you acted in haste to seek your own vengeance for a perceived crime against our species. You knew not what you would be facing here today. But you have acted in error. Your hasty mistake won’t be forgotten by our council. This uprising will haunt you for the rest of your lives in everything you do.”
A collective gasp covered the clearing.
George continued. “I suggest you turn around now before the damage is more severe and return to your respective lands. A challenge to the Arcadian Council like this won’t be tolerated.”
“Sir, we had no knowledge of your presence here today. Had we known—”
George cut the man off. “Had you taken a moment to consider your hasty actions, you would have realized that any rumor that had reached your ears as far away as Québec had also come to the attention of the council and been handled.”
“Of course, sir.” The man’s voice waffled. “Our apologies.”
“Noted.” George did not back down.
Henry spoke again. “Our decisions regarding the transformation of a female human are none of your immediate concern. You won’t be returning to your lands armed with any more information than you had when you arrived.
“What you will return with is the understanding that, as has been the case for over two centuries, the Arcadian Council will handle this matter. Your input is not necessary or requested at this time. Should that position change, you’ll be notified, as has always been our practice.”
The two men standing near the front of the mob bowed their heads and turned to face the assemblage. They made several hand signals, indicating the members should retreat, and followed the bears out of the clearing.
For several minutes, Isaiah stood rigid on his porch, waiting for every one of the unwelcome visitors to get out of communication range. Until that moment, no one in his family, nor Henry or George, moved a muscle.
When the mob reached a verifiably safe distance, Henry was the first to turn around.
The Arthur pack members shifted into human form and
gathered at the bottom of the steps to the porch.
Isaiah’s father, Bernard, extended a hand toward first George and then Henry, shaking each firmly. “We thank you for your presence here today.” He notably did not thank the council members for anything specifically regarding Heather, as that had not been determined. He simply thanked them for their support.
Henry spoke again. “We won’t tolerate an uprising of this sort for any reason. Violators will be handled swiftly.”
Isaiah shuddered inwardly, knowing those who stepped on his land today would be investigated and punished for their insubordination to the council. Their actions would not be tolerated.
“We must go now, Bernard,” Henry continued. “We have an arranged meeting point with Lawrence and Charles.”
Isaiah held his breath, willing himself not to lose his cool while he waited to be addressed more specifically. And his reward was worth it.
George lifted his gaze toward Isaiah. “You’ll be joining us I presume?”
Isaiah nodded, his insides flipping over. He stepped down from the porch, glanced toward his parents and siblings, and shifted into his more natural form less than a second behind the council members who would lead him to his mate.
Chapter Fourteen
Heather paced the short distance back and forth across the sitting area of her hotel suite. She had not relaxed a single moment since Lawrence and Charles led her to the room, insisting that she remain inside until told otherwise.
It wasn’t as though she had other options. Any move in any direction would catch the attention of the two shifters, as well as untold countless others who might be in the vicinity.
An hour ago, Lawrence had arrived, leading a hotel employee who delivered a variety of foods intended for her lunch. Most of the offerings remained untouched on the tray across the room. Heather was too stressed and concerned about her future to eat.
Her stomach was in knots, twisting around to keep her in a constant agitated state. Where was Isaiah? How long would she have to stay here?
She was relieved they had only driven about an hour from his home before stopping and securing adjoining rooms. She was also irrationally glad to be alone and not forced to endure countless minutes that turned into hours in the presence of the daunting alpha leaders of her new species.
She had sensed no intended harm. They seemed to be in a holding pattern instead. Waiting.
She shivered, wrapping her arms around her body against the irrational chill. She knew exactly what the council was waiting for. And it wasn’t simply a matter of allowing Isaiah time to catch up—though she seriously hoped that was also the case. No. They were waiting for her.
The entire continuity of the bear shifting species rested in the decisions Heather needed to make. Her actions would set a new tone among the shifters. Her choices would need to be dealt with. And it was obvious they would be handled swiftly.
First and foremost, she obviously needed to swear allegiance to the council. No one needed to verbalize that for her to understand the consequences of ignoring the fact. Failure to do so would not end well.
Secondly, she needed to join a pack in order to be guided by them in the ways of her new people. She could choose to join Isaiah’s family unit or another. But unless she wanted to travel to the Northwest Territory while she made her decisions, she had few options.
She had a job waiting for her in Alberta. Traveling a great distance for an indefinite period of time would ruin the prospect and probably cause her to be blacklisted in her field of study.
Geology, and specifically glaciology, was her life’s ambition. She would not let this opportunity slip away over something as simple as a scratch that transformed her into another species. She nearly chuckled at the absurdity of her thoughts and how far she had come in the understanding of her new world since thirty hours ago.
Isaiah’s parents and siblings had been kind, warm, and accepting. If they would have her, she would join them in a heartbeat. That decision was a simple one.
She was also fully aware of the more precise need to bind herself to another bear shifter. It clearly made the council uneasy for her to remain unprotected without the necessary communication she would have with her mate after the binding.
There was no doubt in her mind she would allow Isaiah to claim her. But the pressure to do so immediately made her uneasy. It wasn’t a decision she took lightly. No matter how powerful the urge to permit him to bind her to him for eternity reigned when she was in his arms, her mind was clearer when she was not touching him, or worse—deep in the throes of passion.
She would not be rushed.
Now all she had to do was convince the council of her good intentions in the meantime.
A knock at the door made her flinch, and she rushed across the room to look through the peephole. She didn’t feel Isaiah’s presence or that of any other bear shifter, so she was hesitant.
She was shocked to find a woman outside her door. An older woman. Tall and regal. She had an air about her that sent a shiver down Heather’s spine. “Heather?” The woman’s kind voice reached her easily. Though it was spoken out loud, what Heather heard was a combination of the soft voice and the telepathic communication.
Instinct told Heather this woman didn’t pose a threat, and she opened the door.
The older woman smiled and lifted a hand. “Pleased to meet you, my dear. I’m Eleanor.”
Heather shook the newcomer’s hand and then held the door open wider for her to enter.
This woman wasn’t simply regal, she was formidable. The air around her crackled with power. It filled the room, radiating through the space.
“I trust Charles and Lawrence provided you with everything you needed during your stay here?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Heather let the door shut and turned to face her guest.
“Forgive me for making you wait. It took some time making arrangements to meet with you.” Although Heather guessed her age to be in her mid-seventies, she was obviously in perfect health. Her hair was a mixture of gray and white—almost silver—and it was gathered at the back of her head in a loose bun. Not severe. Just convenient. Her eyes were a similar shade of gray. Mesmerizing. Intense. They hinted at the sparkle of silver.
“I understand.” She understood nothing so far, but it seemed prudent to respond as she did.
A smile spread across Eleanor’s face. “May I?” She pointed at a loveseat that sat at an angle in the sitting area of the suite.
“Of course.”
As Eleanor lowered herself to the edge of the sofa, Heather rounded the matching armchair and took a seat facing the woman. “I’m sorry. I don’t know who you are.”
“Of course not, dear. I’m the Alpha leader of the Arcadian Council. The four men who have been standing guard over you for the past day and a half are members of my council. There are forty altogether. I spared four to ensure your safety. I see they succeeded in their mission.”
Heather nodded, her mind reeling with the knowledge that the leader of the council was a woman. She shouldn’t be so shocked now that she’d met the woman. If she thought Lawrence and Charles were foreboding, she was mistaken. Eleanor didn’t simply fill a room, she filled a province. Undoubtedly everyone she would permit to sense her in the entire territory was aware of her arrival.
“I see. Nice to meet you.”
“I can sense your unease, and let me reassure you Isaiah is on his way here as we speak. I expect his arrival soon.”
Heather relaxed inside, even though she had no particular reason to trust this woman. She simply did.
“The situation at Isaiah’s home has been averted. The crisis is over. Those who saw fit to defy my authority and take matters into their own hands will be dealt with.”
“I see,” she repeated. What did that mean?
There was no doubt Eleanor could read her every thought. After all, Heather had no ability to block or intentionally project anything wandering around in her mind.
&n
bsp; Eleanor smiled again. “You have no need to worry, my dear. I can sense your very nature. You’re a warm and caring individual. Your soul is clean and pure. You’ll be a welcome addition to our species. In time you’ll acclimate to our ways.”
Heather nodded, having no idea what else to do.
“Allow me to apologize for the actions of one member of the community who made the decision to go against the supreme laws of our land, risking exposure to the outside world by intentionally forcing you to transform. His punishment will be severe.”
Heather licked her lips. “Thank you.”
“As I’m sure you’re aware, our key problem now is ensuring you understand the serious nature of your conversion. We’re a species that has remained hidden from nearly every human on earth for centuries. It is rare that a human is brought into our community.”
“I understand.”
“I hope you also understand the precarious position I’ve been placed in to determine the best course of action with regard to the welfare of my people and your integration among us.”
“Of course.” Heather gripped the arms of the chair with her fingers.
“Under the circumstances, since you have met the Arthurs and seem amicable toward them, I would suggest you return to their care for the foreseeable future. They have agreed to nurture you and guide you in our ways.”
“I appreciate that, ma’am.” She had to force herself not to exhale in relief.
“However, I need your word that you’ll keep our existence close to your heart. Failure to do so would be detrimental to yourself and anyone to whom you revealed the details of our species.”
“You have my promise.” No one would believe her anyway.
Eleanor chuckled lightly. “You have a sense of humor. I like that.”
Heather winced at the blatant invasion of her mind. She needed to learn to control that post-haste.
“You’re right. You’ll want to practice blocking others as well as projecting your own communication to the Arthurs. In time you’ll be able to speak with them silently as if you were born into the family. However, you’ll never be able to block me from your thoughts, so don’t stress over the inability.”
Grizzly Mountain (Arcadian Bears Book 1) Page 15