by Jo Penn
Delia had two children, Randolf and Terrance. Randolf worked for the Witch and Wizard Council, as did his mate and Mason’s mother, Bessie. Where Randolf was relaxed and a good diplomat, Terrance had been full of energy and powerful. Terrance mated a vampire, a powerful, higher-up one, and had Xavier. But Terrance was a gambler and used his magic for his greedy purposes, resulting in being disowned by the coven, breaking Delia’s heart. When Terrance was killed years ago for his bad dealings, Xavier’s vampire mother, a cold, aloof creature, kept Xavier with her, never letting Delia see her grandson. She’d been a self-serving bitch, that vampire, but with Xavier, she had doted. There were a few family members in the vampire coven who kept Delia updated. Xavier was happy and healthy, and fortunately, not evil like his mother.
But when she’d gone crazy and tried to sell Xavier to the old vampire coven king, who took a liking to him, Xavier had dealt with them all harshly, as had Delia, who stepped in. The king was overthrown, a queen taking his place, and she was the loveliest creature Mason had ever met. She was also Xavier’s aunt on the vamp side and had a few children, one of which now led the Durand vampire coven here in Milson City.
“So, Dad, what brings you here?”
Randolf smirked. “Really, Mason, are we going to play dumb?” He tutted. “Come now, son, everyone is talking. I am here as your lawyer and to advise you. Firstly, before you destroy Milson City in your tizz, you need to get all those potions and spells off yourself.” Randolf turned deadly seriously. “We need to stop you from doing something very foolish.”
* * * *
Drax was dressed formally, as were Urian and a few other members of their pack, Urian’s second, Tripp Croggen, and the pack’s advisor, Tomas Grant. They considered including Luka, as he was their interspecies public relations officer, but decided that might be seen as trying to fix a divide, which they wanted to avoid anyone from thinking there was one. They did have a little wolf here, still a pup as he was under thirty, Ran Aston, formerly Markson. The pup had a gift for calming others and could keep court proceedings and Alliance meetings calm and rational.
When he first arrived in Milson City a few months back, Ran’s wolf spirit was nearly depleted, and he was being hunted by a crazed ex-Alpha along with his mate, mostly human Deakin Myers. Wolf shifter law stated Ran must be part of a pack and taken care of until he turned thirty, when shifters were said to be fully in control of their gifts and shifts. Drax had become Ran’s guardian and adoptive big brother, which also meant he acquired manic, little part-sprite Deakin Myers. Then the valley’s deadly Avenger returned from one of his missions, taken one sniff, and claimed both as his mates.
Drax was happy with that. Avenger Vicus Aston was one of the best creatures he’d ever met and took very good care of what was his.
Two days ago, Drax and Mason were summoned to appear today for a High Council meeting to do with their mateship situation. Drax hadn’t seen or heard from Mason in three days, but he had updates from Delia, though even she was fairly closemouthed, and the entire coven was basically in seclusion. All duties unless urgent were cancelled until further notice.
From the little he was told, Delia pulled rank on Mason, and the High Council was involved in this mateship fiasco. Drax wasn’t sure that was a good thing. He didn’t like everyone knowing his business, nor would Mason. But his mate had done this, so here he was at the Sanchez Compound, possibly neutral ground, possibly to stop either pack or coven going for each other if they didn’t like the decision.
And Drax was prepared just to grab his mate and be done with it if he didn’t like the outcome.
Urian, ever the optimist, was sure the High Council would adhere to the mate rules.
Drax was unsure how his problems with Mason had come to this. Once, they’d been close, he’d been able to relax and be himself, not always having to be the tough wolf Enforcer, and another side of Mason had come out, tender and affectionate, so very giving and supportive. They would make a great team if only Mason didn’t hold a grudge and actually gave Drax some of his time.
That was Mason’s kind though. They were the grudge holders and found a way to pay you back. Drax guessed he was paying now. He had been trying to do what was right but conceded he didn’t give Mason much of a choice. He wouldn’t be making that mistake again. Hell no, apparently a ticked-off wizard was worse than a feral wolf!
Witches and wizards came down the hall from the opposite side. All were dressed in cloaks, expressions superior. Great. After all the years of forming solid relationships, they were reduced to this.
Mason was surrounded by coven members, Drax’s gorgeous mate ignoring him completely, pale blue eyes, frosty, and fixed away from Drax and his pack. Before the two groups reached each other, Prince Caspar Morgan of the fae stepped into the hall directly between them. As Drax’s brother-in-law, they were family, and he liked the fae leader, especially how he kept Drax’s younger brother Luka on a tight leash. Metaphorically, that is—no wolf tolerated a real leash.
“I have been called in to address both coven and pack attending today. There are rules, simple, clear, precise. If they are broken, the punishments will be severe. First rule. Once at the compound, this is considered neutral ground. There will be no fighting of any sort. If necessary, my fae will keep you separated and locked down with magic, or the Sanchez tigers will step in and lock you in their cells. Are we clear?” Cas looked at first the pack, then the coven.
Urian growled low at their group. They nodded. The coven nodded one at a time, looking bored.
“Good. Next. Lord Mason Armstrong may take one creature of his choosing into the meeting. Enforcer Drax Charmers may take one creature of his choosing into the meeting. The remaining pack and coven are to wait here.” Cas looked between them and pointed. “Coven that side, there are chairs.” He glanced at the pack. “Wolves and bear, that side. Let’s keep from attacking each other and having to explain how the Sanchez compound got wolf and magic creature blood on the walls.”
“We will adhere the rules, Your Highness.” Tripp inclined his head. “We are friends with the Armstrong coven and wish only to resolve any issues. And for our pack Enforcer to have his mate.”
A coven member snorted.
Mason glared at the witch. “Obey the rules.”
Yeah, usually Mason was all about rules, good to see he was taking this seriously.
“We are ready for them, Your Highness,” a voice called from inside the room behind Cas.
Cas reached out and drew their little wolf, Ran, close. “As Drax will be distracted, I will cover you with protection magic. Inside, Emile will be your protector.”
Ran looked to Drax, who nodded that it was fine. As Cas was mated to Drax’s brother Luka, who doted on Ran like a real little brother, Cas was very protective of the little wolf also. He covered Ran in protection magic and then guided the wolf inside.
“Thank you for your support. Please feel free to return to the coven,” Mason instructed his group.
“We will wait for you, Mason.” Jack, one of Mason’s assistants, moved his group aside and took their seats.
Mason stepped into the room past Cas, no one going with him. Drax frowned and looked to the coven members.
“Why has Mason not chosen one of you to assist him?”
“His was chosen by Lady Delia,” Cas informed after the coven members refused to respond. “I will be around if there are any disturbances, but I have a few fae watching and guarding here.”
Urian waved to the pack, and they took their seats. Drax walked into the large conference room he had been in many times before, usually for strategy and information exchange meetings with the Sanchez pride and Alliance members. He did a quick glance around, greeted those he knew, and bowed. He was introduced to the High Council senator, a vampire. Drax guessed this was to be impartial.
What surprised him was Prince Emile Sanchez seated at the end of the table. Emile was from the same litter as Drake, the Crown Prince of the Sanchez pr
ide, and about fifty odd years older than Drax and Urian, who was Drax’s second for this meeting. He was also surprised to see Sebastian seated a few down from Emile. The tiger gave a grin but quickly covered it when he was shot a sharp look of reprimand from prestigious Emile. No one wanted to tangle with that feline in an argument, and he was a pretty damn good fighter, too. Drax might be tough and powerful, a brilliant fighter, he was also a smart fighter and yes, he would take on Emile and a dozen felines, wolves, fae, vamps, any creature, but only when necessary.
Or if he were pissed off.
Taking their seats, he found himself directly across from Mason, who had his father on one side, Lady Delia on the other.
“Thank you for coming and adhering to the rules laid down by Prince Caspar of the fae. I am Senator Rolf Dickenson. A number of days ago, High Council members and I met with Prince Emile Sanchez and a few others, including Lord Randolf Armstrong. As we are all aware, mateship rules have a tendency to override all others. There are exceptions to this, of course, and each case may be different. The High Council takes the time and consideration to study all the information provided and reach a conclusion that is just and benefits both parties involved.
“Having said that, we believe the Renegade troubles we are all involved in are having repercussions that are causing a great deal of disturbances among all paranormal groups. This has resulted in Alliances between factions, which have surprised us, such as the felines and wolves who have a very solid relationship here in Milson Valley. At the same time, there is fighting between ones who should join forces against those who seek to damage and destroy us. The High Council has also seen an increase in the amount of mate issues. Prince Emile approached us with concerns over these issues and reminded us of the rules regarding mates.” Rolf Dickenson steepled his fingers, studying first Drax, then Mason.
“I have not met either of you, yet I have heard astoundingly good things about both. How much each has given to not only their individual kind, but paranormal and human, as well. I am grieved, as is the Council, that such issues have risen in what should be a joyous event. Having a mate is our most precious gift.” Rolf Dickenson paused and looked at Drax. “I read you wished to protect your mate, Enforcer Drax. That is just and right. At the same time, I see Lord Mason’s reservations and issues over a decision you made for you both. And the fact Lord Mason is wizard with immeasurable strength in his own right. There is a divide occurring already in Milson Valley I have been informed, when there should not be.
“Because of this, the Council has implemented a new control board that will deal swiftly with mate issues in the future. Rules have also been adjusted to reflect these changes. Prince Emile has instigated this and rightly so. As you are aware, he is a Council member and diplomat for all of paranormal kind. He investigates and brings about changes to laws and policies where necessary. Prince Emile was very disturbed with what has happened, and what occurred previously when his own brother was subjected to a refusal by his human mate. Thankfully, that was resolved quickly, with the aid of Lord Mason.” Senator Rolf eyed Mason quizzically. “Which only brings us to the conclusion the Lord Mason is suffering from not having his mate, which resulted in, unfortunately, an extended wizard…tizz. Such a peculiar term for this mating reaction.”
“Prince Emile is officiating the meeting. I am merely here to assist and report back to the Council that the problem is resolved. Your Highness.”
Drax was dumbfounded. Well, shit, okay, good and bad here. Emile was a friend, close, but the bastard was pedantic, arrogant, and a stickler for rules. Nothing got by him. Which Emile showed by reflecting on some of what had occurred between Mason, Drax, and now their respective kinds for the next ten minutes. Finally, the feline moved on.
“I have set up a new board that deals with these mate issues. I will be overseeing, but my cousin, Lord Sebastian, will be in direct charge. As he is so close to Enforcer Drax, he rightly handed the matter to me and has advised impartially. This matter is resolved quickly. With Lord Randolf and Lady Delia’s support and guidance, Lord Mason has agreed to the terms laid out by myself.”
Drax frowned. What the hell?! Did he not get a say at all?
“The first rule of mateship is they claim, or merge, whichever is the creature’s way. Issues can be dealt with by a mediator when they arise. Sebastian will arrange one or officiate himself. We understand that mateships are no different than marriages and can have difficulties, but we also understand mate bonds provide mates with insight and feelings that assist. I will not go on about these. We are here to decide on this particular mateship. Lord Mason is aware his claim has been rejected.”
Drax didn’t show it, but he was relieved. He was of the opinion he would need to grab Mason and just claim his wizard. Without the potions and spells Mason had been providing the last five years, Drax’s need to claim was becoming difficult to fight back, his natural wolf need rising to dominate.
“Because of the issues with this mateship and the impact it has on coven and pack, also pride and Alliances here in Milson Valley, we have taken this very seriously and placed rules,” Emile continued. “Sebastian advised on Enforcer Drax’s behalf while Lord Randolf and Lady Delia on Lord Mason’s. You could consider this a contract of mateship.” Emile actually cracked a small smile momentarily. “I have provided a brief list of rules. These will be reviewed by Sebastian in one month. The highlights are as follows. Enforcer Drax will move to the Armstrong coven and reside with Lord Mason. They will provide a united front for Milson Valley, the High Council, and other paranormals.
“Lady Delia has specifically stated Lord Mason requires guarding. He is often a target as he holds a high position with the coven and his official duties with the High Council. The Sanchez pride agreed to provide a trained guard, who will also take up residence at the Armstrong coven. Would the Starters pack be willing to provide a guard, Alpha Urian?”
Uri inclined his head. “Gladly. Despite the magic of the coven, I have stated a few times over the years they also require guards. I will supply two to begin with, more once we establish what is necessary for security.”
“Thank you, Alpha Urian.” Delia smiled.
“Most welcome, Lady Delia.”
“Now that the fae guild has arrived, they will also supply a fae guard. As we know, we exchange skills this way through our Alliance. The coven provides a great many to all of us, healing a large portion as well as potions and spells. It is right we provide more security for them. Next, Lord Mason’s duties are not to be interfered with, but they will be dispersed across the coven as he has numerous, and mates must provide time for one another. This also goes for you, Enforcer Drax. You will have a second assigned to you and will give an adequate amount of your duties.” Emile looked between them. “There will be no fight with magic or physically. No more potion using to hide mateship and claiming, nothing that interferes with a true mateship. Enforcer Drax, you will be assigned duties for the coven and will protect and assist Lord Mason.”
Drax was fine with that and gave a nod. He wanted to be as close to Mason as possible, and constantly.
“There was a comment made by yourself that prince mate Xavier Dalton Armstrong mentioned, Enforcer Drax, that your equipment had been tampered with resulting in a few accidents and incidents. These need to be investigated and security assigned to you if needed.”
Drax curled his top lip, but he cut himself off quickly when he saw Uri shake his head. Right, fair enough, but he didn’t want anyone trailing him around, getting in the way. He protected, not the other way around.
Then a thought struck him. Well, damn. Is that what Mason felt? Probably, he was magically strong, but still, Drax protected. Though to get his mate, he’d put up with a few guards around, maybe turf them out a window when he had enough.
He knew Mason, knew beneath the leader and powerful creature to the man deep inside. Drax knew what made Mason tick, what his mate needed and wanted. He would give everything to get his mate back,
fully, have that tender, giving side of Mason once more.
“An important rule,” Emile said firmly. “No separation. You go everywhere together. Do not part. The only exception to this is if one of you is injured or if Enforcer Drax has to perform one of his Enforcer duties for the Alliance and that particular duty places Lord Mason directly in danger. And if this is the case, as we know, what harms one can harm the other. Enforcer Drax is to perform this duty with his assigned second, or Alpha Starters. If necessary, the Alpha’s second, Tripp Croggen.” Emile studied Drax a moment. “I was wishing to put a suggestion to you, Drax. I have said one creature to back you up, but I would prefer two and am inclined to enforce this. As a suggestion, I would like you to work with the Sanchez Enforcer. I would suggest a team of two be assigned to you and one to be a panther shifter we have. And the other to be Tripp’s brother Trekk, who is currently a police officer, a position he is above.”
“I agree on a team of two for Drax, but not Trekk. I have plans for that lazy bear. I have another bear much more suited to Drax’s type of work.” Uri smirked. “And as Alpha, I insist.”
Drax quirked a brow at Uri. “Insist?”
Urian laughed. “Yes, my friend, I know you can whip my ass, but I am Alpha, you still report to me on some levels, and your safety I need and want. So this I insist upon.”
Emile stared hard at Drax. “These are not times to be a lone wolf, Drax. And do you wish to harm your mate by getting injured, or worse?”
Drax had to admire Emile. The man got right to the point at hand. “Well said, Emile, Urian. If you both insist.”
“That we do.”
“They follow my rules.”
“Of course, we expected nothing less.” Emile shrugged arrogantly. “Let me be clear. We do not force fated mates to bond. We simply, and specifically, provide them with the opportunity and assist in resolving whatever issues cause them to refuse to mate, or be hesitant. We do this by ensuring they are together, so as to strengthen their fated bond. We also provide counselling and healing if that is what is required. It can be a long process and gives time for fated mates to move past whatever it may be that was holding them back from the mateship.