Iskah slowly raised a hand, and the shield dropped instantly.
“Heel,” Chanin commanded his warriors.“Forgive me.I lost myself.My cousin is causing all this, which is personal to me on many levels.”
“It is understandable.”Iskah, who never flinched at his response, proved why the council had elected her as the judiciary.More than five centuries old, even if she appeared around forty in human years, she wasn’t given to hot, raw emotions like most shifters.
Iskah continued their original conversation, “As you know, we do not participate in the serum exchange with the humans.”
The reminder grated some along Chanin's nerves, only because it was a haughty reminder that the Fae did not experience any ill effects from the catastrophes.Besides, their unprecedented pain and dulling of their earth powers as the natural environment shifted drastically.The quakes, hurricanes, and extreme global tsunamis took over a year to cease.But the Fae were among the first to right themselves when it did.
“Yes.”
“Our powers, even in the smallest form, should not be gained or wielded without understanding and proper training.”Iskah tipped her head and met his gaze.“If the humans get their hands on it.It could be disastrous in ways none of us could comprehend.”
This time, Chanin swallowed back the growl that began.This situation was more extensive than he’d imagined.
“Knowing this, maybe we can get more information from Valko.”
“Valko?”Iskah tilted her head, her brows pinched.
“One of the rogue wolves.So you know, all the others have been taken care of except for Farkas, their leader.”He balled his hands up into fists but released them fast so as not to cause another interaction between the two groups.“We have scouts and teams out searching for him.He won’t hide for long.”
“Alright.”Iskah nodded.“I want to see this Valko.”
Chanin saw the darkening of the Fae’s features as the ground rumbled slightly beneath their feet.
A few wolves stared at the ground, sidestepped, and snapped their teeth.
Usually, feeling the earth shift a little under Chanin’s feet would have made him uneasy, but he knew Iskah’s energy was causing it, so he was nonplussed.Just like his growl earlier, he understood sometimes it was hard to restrain the emotions that rose quickly to the surface.
He thought of Iskah’s question, even though he made a point to personally handle it in most circumstances when it came to doling out discipline or interrogating wolves in his pack.
However, their situation wasn’t usual, and Valko wasn’t one of his.He, Farkas, and all the other rogue wolves chose to be an enemy of the Omega Pack.
“I’ll allow it.”Chanin declared.If such a violation were brought against two innocent ones in his Pack, he would want the individual brought before him to exact his punishment.Perhaps she could draw more information from Valko.
“And those from my court?”She gestured toward her people, still holding the line from the Drakh territory.
“They are welcomed on Lupine territory.I’ll ensure they have refreshments and a safe place to wait until we finish.But you may only choose your second to come to the meeting with you.”
“I will respect your authority on your land.”She gave a short nod, then turned and walked over to Keijo, her Consort and mate, and the others.
Chanin walked back to his men.
“Are you sure it is a good idea to have her within striking distance of Valko?”Boris was the first to speak when they all gathered around Chanin.
“Or on our land after what a wolf took from them.Should we treat them as hostile?”Duko glanced over his shoulder at the Fae with their curved swords on their sides.
“Yes, having her see him is best in this circumstance.Valko’s actions, just like Farkas’s, were not honorable.If I did not allow this meeting, I’d disrespect the laws and agreements we all must live by as we occupy this continent.”Chanin glanced around, met the eyes of all the shifters, and ensured they heard his words.“I will not have dishonor among us.”
“Yes, Alpha,” Boris responded as others nodded.
“Duko, they aren’t to be considered hostiles but our guests.I am leaving the protection of the Fae in the Fang Warriors’ hands.Escort them to Raul’s and have food and drinks brought to them there.”Chanin placed a firm hand on Duko’s shoulder, giving him a slight shake.“I trust no harm will come to anyone.”
Chanin gave the second in command of the Fang Warriors a stern look.
“At your command, Alpha.”Duko walked away to the wolves to speak with them.When he approached, the others shifted back to human form.Bare, with only their green scarves around their necks.
The Fae courtiers moved as one as they stepped onto wolf land.Chanin wasn’t sure if the Fae courtiers were squeamish about nudity, but if they were, they were in his territory now and would have to adjust to it.
