“We want you to fill that role,” he finally said.
Chael’s expression didn’t change. He didn’t move or react for almost a full minute.
“Why?” he asked.
“You are a true leader,” Lupine replied. “As evidenced by your entire pack supporting you, coming all this way, after what Rufus did, making you choose like that. Your pack pays one of the most significant amounts in taxes. And, we...” He paused again, looking to the rest of the council again. “Believe that you can help successfully lead our population into the next generation.”
Lupine looked proud once his speech finished. A second later, the pride fell away when Chael said, “No.”
Without explanation, he nodded at his pack and then held out a hand to me. “We’re done here.”
“What?” I asked, standing, Henry right beside me.
The other council members grumbled.
“Why’re we leaving?” I asked, with his hand on my back, walking us to the door.
“Chael, don’t walk away like this,” Lupine called.
“At least hear them out.” I stopped, grabbing hold of his arm.
“Maybe our alpha queen is right,” Raffa added.
Chael paused, looking between his betas. He paused at Chance, and I knew they communicated silently.
“Whatever your brother’s saying, I agree,” I told him through our own bond.
Chael turned to me with that telltale love shining in his eyes. A few of the other shifters commented, asking him to remain, but he kept his gaze on me.
“This could be a good thing.”
He shook his head. “They want to use me, and possibly you, through me,” he replied to only me. “I just agreed to stay on as alpha to my pack. I’d have to go back on my word if I sat on the council. We would have to leave them all and move up here.”
My heart sank at the idea of leaving our beautiful commune and home behind.
“What if…”
“Chael, this is a great opportunity not only for you but also for your pack,” Lupine interjected. “Think of all the good you could do from the council to benefit them.”
Chael’s lips tightened. “How do I know this isn’t a setup? You know my mate is a seer, and I know how you’ve treated seers in the past. You lock them up and force them to do your bidding.”
Lupine shook his head. “That was in the past. We are not all who you think we are. We’re not like Rufus. Our intent is to protect our kind, same as it’s always been.”
“Doesn’t there need to be a vote?” he asked. “All council members are voted in. How can I take Rufus’s seat without an election?”
“These are extenuating circumstances,” another voice spoke up.
“Yes,” Lupine added. “In the event of treason or misconduct, when a council member is removed from duty, or…” He cleared his throat. “Dies, we as the remaining council have the right to appoint his replacement for an interim. After the interim period, the newest member is put to the vote by the shifter population as a whole, and if they win, their position stays. That’s code thirty-three, sectionBof the National Shifter Alliance Constitution.”
“How long is the interim period?” Chael asked.
“Twelve moons.”
One year.
I squeezed Chael’s arm. “You’re perfect for this,” I whispered, knowing that his ability to care for his pack could extend to all shifters if given a chance.
An expression of deep concentration passed over his face.
