“It is time now, isn’t it?”Her gaze held two twin lilac flames.
He felt the joy radiating through her scales.“Yes.”
They both knew that before this moment, he couldn’t have presented Kai before his parents.However, it was required now that Kai was swelling with the next generation of Drahk.
“We will see you soon.I’m sure Kai will have a lot of questions for you.”
“I recalled carrying you, my firstborn, and all my questions for my mother.”She set her hands on her hips and let out a low chuckle.
Momentarily, he stared away, afraid his mother would not understand his mate’s worries.“Yes, but Kai being human—”
His mother’s hand on his forearm drew his gaze back.“I know, Aodh.I promise to be gentle with her.These are strange times now.”Brenna tilted her head to the side, causing her long locks to slide over her shoulder.“Imagine your mate being someone the great Spirit brought to you without the aid of the serum mark to show her to you.”
“I know.Strange.”Aodh never really considered how he had identified her at first sight.
“She must be one extraordinary female.”
The thought of Kai brought a slow smile to his face as he felt the heat flowing through his scales.
“Cornflower blue...Interesting.”His mother turned and headed toward the front door.“See you in a few days, son.”
Aodh refused to analyze the unique color of his scales.He wasn’t ready to label the feelings growing inside of him for Kai yet; instead, he shifted and took flight toward his office to start his day.
~YH~
“It appears that our day of reckoning has come.”Bleddyn strutted beside him toward the ethereal beings standing together practically shoulder to shoulder.
A fine mist surrounded them, giving the people an ominous appearance, and they stood quiet before Duko and the other Fang Warriors.All the warriors were in wolf form, except Duko, and lined up on most visitors.A dense, vibrant, glossy, green-three-leafed plant with oval-shaped pointy tips covered the ground around the warriors' feet.
Chanin held a palm out to Rudie, his assistant, to halt her progress.It hadn’t shocked him that she was waiting outside the containment building when he, Bleddyn, and Boris exited.Rudie was a bold and brave she-wolf, but he didn’t need her involved if something went awry.
Boris joined the line, creating an even match-up.At the same time, Bleddyn remained at Chanin’s side.
Without the mist and plants, the two groups gathered would have looked like they were about to play a friendly game.However, the heavy tension in the air ruined that effect.
“Iskah, I understand your anger.However, surrounding my pack members with poison ivy is no way to start an amiable conversation.”Chanin plowed a path through the ivy and his Fang Warriors until he was before the Fae Queen.
She stepped close to him but not over into his territory.“There is nothing social about my visit, Chanin, as you know.”
The controlled anger was evident in the tight lines around Iskah’s mouth, and her tone made it clear to him that the Fae was using all her strength to keep the ferocity of her magic reigned in.However, he was thankful for the mutual respect they had built over the years that he could credit for her restraint.
“Yes, I do.First, let me start with an apology.Even though the foul actions were that of some rogue wolves, they still came from those within my territory and who were formerly a part of my pack and blood.”Having to admit any connection to Farkas made Chanin's gut tighten and heat.He couldn’t wait until he had a chance to extinguish his cousin’s existence on earth.
Iskah drew in a sharp breath, but some fine lines disappeared.The ivy also retreated from around his men, drawing back into the soft mist that now only hovered around the feet of the Fae.“Thank you for the apology.I will tell you that I was disappointed with such a situation, and I expected a call from you directly.”
Chanin nodded.“It would have been right to do given the extreme circumstances.However, my second in command is more than capable of standing in my stead.”He angled his head toward Bleddyn, who stood beside him.“I needed to handle something I had delayed for long enough.”
He wasn’t trying to keep it from the Fae Queen that he had gone to retrieve his mate; it wasn’t the reason she had come to his territory, and Morlie was more appropriate to discuss at the next council meeting.
“How are the teens?Still, well, I hope.”
“Yes.Physically, but...it will take some time for them to get past the ordeal mentally.”Iskah shook her head and ran a hand over her hair.“However, did you know some of their blood was withdrawn?”
“I just learned it was something Farkas wanted to do.However, I didn’t know they did it.”Chanin was pissed off again at Valko.A short, deep growl came out.
All the Fae went on guard, and the force of their power pressed against them.It began to lift, and she became a shimmering shield between the wolves and Fae.
The Fangs’ fur rose along the center of their backs.
