"But shouldn't we at least consider it?" Calvin asked.
I heard a chair screech against the wooden floor and I winced. "It isn't your place to question your alpha." I recognized Gabriel's growling voice and I snuck a glance at Cassiel. He looked just as confused and panicked as I did.
Both Nathaniel and Getty started arguing at the same time, but their insults silenced after a few seconds. When I felt the floor beneath me vibrate from footsteps I nudged Cassiel urgently in the ribs.
He got my message and we started to stand, but we were too late.
Michael loomed over us superiorly and I found myself cowering under his gaze. His expression was too intense for words. It scared me; not that I'd ever admit that.
"Elaine, Cassiel, go upstairs." He told us warningly.
I opened my mouth, but the look in Michael's eyes stopped me from saying anything. At that moment I was rudely reminded of who Michael was. He was our Beta; the muscle behind the Alpha's commands.
"Sorry sir." Both Cassiel and I whispered as we passed him on our way up the stairs.
Chapter Ten
"You're brother's mean." I grumbled under my breath as I closed Cassie's bedroom door. I leaned against the wooden frame and felt the shame, of being caught by Michael, twist up my insides.
Cassiel grunted, "Which one?"
The light laugh that built in my throat died when I saw Cassiel drop to his knees a few feet away from me.
I narrowed my eyes at him, confused, as he got down on the floor. He was on his stomach with his ear pressed down on the oak floor. I rolled my eyes at his idea. "That's not going to work."
"It's not with you talking." The smirk on his lips wasn't angry, it was challenging. With a light grin I mimicked his position and pressed my ear, as far as humanly possible, on the floor.
At first all I heard was the humming of the air conditioning. I closed my eyes and relaxed against the uncomfortable wooden surface. I calmed my breath so that I was barely aware I was breathing. I had to be silent if I wanted to hear anything.
Cassiel and I stayed like that for ten minutes, and heard nothing but the muffled drone of someone's faraway voice.
"I told you." I rested my chin over my folded arms. I was disappointed. I kind of hoped that Cassiel's amateur plan would have worked.
Then I saw Cassiel flinch, "Check again." He hissed.
I was scowling in disbelief as I put my ear against the floor once again. At first I didn't hear anything, but I waited. As soon as my ears adjusted I heard my father's roar.
"I won't stand for that!" I winced when I heard the anger in my father's voice.
"Quentin," Michael warned. His tone sent a shiver down my spine. I never could understand how he could be so demanding, yet so understand at once.
"I mean no disrespect, Alexander, but we can't trust the London alpha. He has shown us nothing but questionable leadership." My father did not back down. He obviously didn't like the idea of Leo becoming a new elder any more than Nathaniel.
There was some movement, but I couldn't be positive of what caused it.
"You're only judging him by what happened with Elaine!" Calvin jumped into the conversation. There was a moment of silence before Calvin added, "I'm just saying that we shouldn't rule out Leo completely. I think he'd be a good addition to our side."
Something about his tone told me that one of the higher ranking members (which could only be Alex, Michael, Nathan, or my dad) must have given him a threatening look. He was more docile than before.
"You don't know anything!" Nathaniel growled aggressively, "You weren't there when he tried to take Elaine from this pack!"
I felt sorry for Calvin when I heard Nathan's tone. He wasn't holding back. I could hear the pure rage in his voice. I'd admit that it scared me a little. Nathaniel wasn't someone you wanted as an enemy.
"We were fighting in the war! It's not our fault that we weren't here when it happened!" Getty's voice boomed up the stairwell. I cringed. That had been a bad move made by the redhead.
Getty wasn't a young werewolf, but he wasn't old either. My guess was that he was older than Gabriel by a decade, if that. That wasn't much in the werewolf community. However, even though Getty was young, he held a very important position in the pack. He was our doctor.
"Elaine's safety is a top priority!" When Morris's angry voice reached my ears I went rigid with shock. I couldn't believe that he was actually defending me. It was weird, actually.
Morris was my father's right hand man. He was a tall man, with large broad shoulders, almost black eyes, and scars covering over half of his body. Once, during a training session, he took off his shirt and I saw that one of his scars ran from the blade of his shoulder down past his waist.
He was a changed werewolf; like Sean. I didn't know when it happened, or where, or even who did it. I did, however, know that it wasn't done by anyone in our pack. My guess was that it was done by our enemy, because he dedicated his entire life to destroying them.
It wasn't that we didn't get along very well, we just never talked. He wasn't a social person and tended to spend all of his time training or counseling in the anger management rooms.
"Nathaniel," Alex took command of the room and the argument halted. "Stop viewing Leonard as a threat and tell me what you think of him, as an Alpha."
I waited patiently for the eldest Durand brother's answer. Nathaniel would know better than to snap out an answer to his father. He'd think it over and wait until his anger was under control.
"Leo is a qualified Alpha." Nathan said evenly, "He knows how to command a group of people and is able to keep his wolves under control in the city." There was a pause before he added, "He has the tendency to become flighty, so I'm not sure how well he'd do on the battlefield." Translated: that meant Nathan thought that Leo would be the first to call a retreat.
I could practically feel the tension that was building up in the dining room as silence took over. Everyone was thinking, and that included me.
I wasn't sure how I felt about Leo becoming an elder. I didn't see how that would change our relationship with him. It wouldn't mean he'd come to live here or anything. So, I didn't see much of a problem. Leo and I got along well. I understood his desire for a strong pack; which was why he had wanted me in his pack to begin with, and I knew he was a good Alpha.
"We'll reconvene tomorrow before the run. I'll make my announcement then." Those were Alex's final words.
Chairs screeched against the wooden floor and I heard the light vibration of footsteps as the high ranking pack members left. I sighed heavily, but stayed where I was. I had a hunch that Alex would say anything to just my parents, or at least Michael.
"Elizabeth, you've been very quiet." My hunch had been right on the button!
"It wasn't my place to contribute to this argument." My mother told him confidently, "The decision is yours and yours alone. Nothing any of us say will change that."
I heard a long sigh, "I'm sorry for my outburst, Alexander." My father said after a moment.
"It's fine, my friend." Alex told him.
A few minutes of silence went by and I rolled over so I was lying on my back. The ceiling fan above me was spinning slowly. I followed its movement with my eyes. After a few rotations it felt like the room was spinning, so I dropped my gaze.
"If dad doesn't choose to ask Leo, who'd he pick?" Cassiel broke the silence.
"There are eight council members. One is dead. Two already reign. There are five, counting Leo, to choose from." I recited as if reading from a book.
Cassiel and I laid there in silence for a few more minutes, before I shot up. Someone was coming up the steps. I could tell that Cassiel had heard it too, because he turned around and watched the door expectantly.
"We're heading home, baby girl." Josh called through the door.
I pushed myself up; suddenly exhausted.
"I'll see you tomorrow." I smiled at the blond as he went back to lying on his stomach.
He
closed his eyes, "Try not to get into too much trouble."
I frowned playfully at him when his eyes blinked open. "Why would I get into trouble?"
"I know you. You'll start digging for information and won't stop until you found something or are locked in the anger management room." Cassie knew me so well it was scary.
"I'll try my best." I told him before slipping out of the room.
Josh was leaning against the wall beside the door frame. His face was sullen and tired, and I saw worry etched into his facial features when I met his gaze.
"Are you coming?" I asked when I got to the stairs. He was still watching me from his place along the wall. With a rough sigh my brother pushed himself off the wall and hung his arm around my shoulders from behind.
"Did you miss me?" He muttered jokingly. He sounded worn out, and must have been dying to get home to his bed. Even though they weren't gone that long this time around, they still slept on the ground. That was enough to make anyone cranky.
I grinned, "More than you realize."
"That's my girl." He massaged my neck for a second before jogging down the stairs. I followed him, a little reluctantly. I wasn't sure what waited for me once I got to the dining room.
Michael wasn't one to hold a grudge, but I knew he was always in a funk for a few days after coming home from the battlefield. I knew to watch my step, especially now that he had reason to be suspicious of me. Not only had I been spying on him and the higher ranking members, but I also had something to hide from him.
I peaked into the dining room before going inside. No one seemed to be waiting to pounce on me, so I relaxed.
"I'm sorry, Alex. I know we shouldn't have snooped, but it's the only way to get information around here." I told him lightly. Alex was now half sitting on the dining table. His chin was parallel with the floor, and his jaw was clenched in thought.
His eyes flickered over to mine, and I received one of his rare smiles.
"You are too conniving, sometimes, El." He told me jokingly, but then added seriously, "But you need to learn to be patient. You will learn who the next elder will be at the same time as everyone else. You understand?" The only hint of his weariness was the French accent that had leaked into his voice.
I frowned lightly, "I know."
When he stood I dropped my chin so it was slanted towards the floor.
"I'll see you all tomorrow." Alex told us as a goodbye.
I gave him a small wave as mom laced her fingers through mine and tugged me towards the front door.
"Goodnight!" I called back to the Durand brothers. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Gabriel flick his hand in an almost unnoticeable wave. Nathan and Michael only grinned lightly in my direction.
I saw dad grip mom's other hand and I smiled. They had been together for centuries, and still loved each other like when they first met. I hoped I found someone like that for me.
"We're home!" Josh announced happily from behind us. He couldn't have been more than a step or two away from me, but he yelled anyway.
I laughed and saw the corners of mom's lips tug up in a lazy grin.
We said goodnight to each other before heading up to bed. Once I was in my room I let out a long sigh of happiness. I couldn't believe that my family was finally back. The pack was back!
It took me almost two hours to fall asleep. I just couldn't ease the anxiousness that had taken over my muscles. I had a feeling. I didn't think anything bad was going to happen… just something.
CL
The next morning I woke up with the delicious smell of lemon bars consuming my room. I slipped out of bed and started out of my room, but my reflection in the mirror stopped me from leaving.
The bruises were barely visible now, but that was just to me. With werewolf senses anyone else in this house would spot them immediately.
I stared at myself for a few minutes before going into my bathroom. My concealer, which I had never used until yesterday, was sitting on the edge of my sink. I grabbed it and gently dabbed the liquid over the light purple spots along my jaw line.
My hands felt heavy as I did it. I knew it was stupid to try and hide behind this makeup forever. And now I knew that it had been stupid to keep them a secret. I had a reason for doing it, but it wasn't a good one.
I wanted to look like an adult. I wanted to be treated like something other than the pack's baby girl. The only way I knew how to change the way I'm perceived by everyone was to take care of my own problems.
I just wasn't doing that well at it.
When I went out into the hallway I couldn't help but smile. The smell of those lemon bars was enough to make even Gabriel, who never showed emotion, smile.
I didn't bother to change, so I went downstairs in my navy shorts and oversized gray t-shirt that I had stolen from Josh years before.
Mom was cooking sweets, which only meant one thing.
"Don't you think it's weird that you come home just in time for the run?" Tonight was the first phase of the full moon. I grinned excitedly when I saw a batch of lemon bars already out of the oven.
I reached across the counter, but my hand was swatted away.
"You can have some once they're cool." Mom warned me playfully.
I stared at her with my jaw hanging open. "You're kidding right?" Sometimes I didn't think my mom realized that I wasn't four years old anymore. She was going to make me have a real breakfast instead of a sweet!
She shook her head, "I made pancake batter."
That changed everything. I perked up and glanced around the kitchen before I saw the covered up glass Pampered Chef mixing bowl. The batter was smooth and waiting for my skilled cooking skills to make them into pancakes.
I wasn't going to brag, but I made the best pancakes in the house. Mom made best mashed potatoes known to man, but her pancakes were either too burned for recognition or gooey in the middle.
Mom and I moved gracefully around the kitchen. We never once bumped elbows.
"Hey mom," I gulped down my fear as I poured some batter onto the steaming flat no-stick pan.
I had thought about how this conversation would go all night. I knew what I would say, and I had an idea of how she'd react. The only problem was getting it out. I still wasn't sure if telling anyone was a good idea.
"Yes El." Mom drawled her words out, just like I subconsciously had.
I took a deep breath, "I have something to tell you." Before she could ask I added, "It is not good news, but I want you to know that I'm handling the situation."
I dared to glance over at my mom. Her eyes were glued on me. I saw that my serious tone had made her go rigid with expectations. She looked like she was ready to jump in the middle of a fight.
"Listen, it's not a huge deal or anything," I tried my best to sound nonchalant about the whole thing, "but Sean and I have had a few falling outs."
"What does that mean exactly?" Mom voice was strained.
I slowly turned, but kept a portion of my attention on the last three pancakes that were on the stove. There were two plates full of pancakes on the table. When mom said she made batter, she hadn't been kidding.
"Well, he's threatened me a few times." I trailed off, not sure what to say next. Mom's eyes glanced behind me. I followed her gaze, but I didn't see anything, so I continued, "He's also hit me."
Then, with the napkin that was sitting on the counter beside me, I wetted it and gently wiped off the concealer.
My mom's eyes went hard and I flinched as I waited for her outburst. But it didn't come. What I did hear was the front door slamming shut. It practically shook the whole house.
I swung around, but turned quickly back to mom when I heard her let out a frustrated groan. "Who was listening?" I was trying very hard not to freak out, but it was hard.
"Josh." She told me without hesitation.
"Why didn't you stop me?" I threw my arms up before turning. I was about to bolt after my brother, but mom grabbed my hand. "Let me go, I have to stop him!" My voice was hig
h with panic.
Mom shook her head and I stared at her in amazement, "You're lucky I'm not going after that kid." She was seething as she spoke about Sean.
"Mom, come on." I begged.
Again, she shook her head. "You're brother's doing his job. He's protecting you and this pack."
"How is beating the s…" I quickly stopped the swearword from coming out of my mouth, "crap out of Sean helping the pack?"
"This pack doesn't need anyone who's hurting another packmate. If he's been hurting you than he deserves his punishment." Her tone remained steady and logical, but I saw her anger in her hazel eyes.
I narrowed my eyes, "Isn't it Alex's job to hand out punishment?"
Finally, mom let me go. I wasn't sure if it was because what I said made sense, or because she heard the determination in my voice.
I took off running once I got out of the house. When I got onto the lawn I stopped. I had no idea where to look first.
Then I heard it.
A howl, full of rage, pain, anger, and frustration filled the clearing. I swung around to the direction it came from, and took off towards it.
I pushed a branch out of my face and ran into the woods. I wasn't on a path, but it didn't matter. I just kept running. I dodged trees, leapt over rocks, and kept breathing through my nose in attempt to keep my breathing even for as long as possible.
"Josh, will you knock it off?"
I heard Sean before I saw him. I stopped and changed direction slightly. I continued to run, until I saw his panicked face through some trees.
On instinct I slowed to a walk and quickly scanned the area. I didn't see my brother, at first. Then, once I looked down, I saw him.
Josh was on all fours; in his wolf form. His fur was mostly black, except for his face. A mask of white and brown fur wove around his eyes and muzzle; creating the perfect frame for his gold eyes.
I was tense as I walked into his view. My brother barely noticed me, but Sean did.
"What the hell is wrong with him? It's like he's gone rabid!" Sean boomed.
Josh viciously snapped at the air and lunged forward. I stepped in between him and Sean and Josh barely missed taking a bite out of my leg.
Howl (Howl Book 1) Page 14