“Cecilia’s choices?I’ve seen her reading romance novels at the bookstore.”
He gave a toothy grin.“She brings them in, but she’s not the only one who checks them out.”
“It’s cozy in here.You should get a few upholstered reading chairs or a small sofa.The tables are good for studying or sitting at for a spell, but some people like to curl up when they’re reading.I know I do.”
His eyebrows popped up.“Cecilia suggested the same thing.The books in my tribe were educational, so our library was small and only had tables.If you wanted entertainment, you sat with the elders and listened to their stories.We plan to use this room as a school for our children, but I like the idea of softer furniture.Maybe then people will stay in common areas to read instead of running to their rooms and closing the door.”
“Who will be the teacher?”
“I haven’t thought that far ahead.Lucian has experience, but…” Tak shrugged as if uncertain.
“He’s got his security work,” I offered.
“I was going to say he’s in prison.”
“That too.”Thunder rattled the house as if announcing what was to come.“That’s why I’m here.I finally heard back from the Mageri about Lucian’s case.They were able to locate Marcus Seaborn’s Creator.”
Tak frowned.“I thought Creators only had a say if the Mage was still under their care.Marcus was independent.”
“That does seem logical, doesn’t it?According to the Mageri, a Creator always has say unless their progeny officially severs all ties.In essence, they are the parent of every Mage they put their immortal light into.The Mageri decided if they made every Creator accountable for their progeny’s actions, that would encourage them to choose wisely.It helps control the population so Creators don’t abuse their power by turning unstable lunatics, and they’re more likely to keep tabs on their progeny.”
Tak heaved a sigh.“So now my packmate’s life is in the hands of someone who doesn’t know usorthe situation.”
“Truth be told, I don’t think they should haveanysay once their Learner moves out, but we have no control over Mage affairs.”
Tak muttered something in another language and scooted his chair back.“You’ll have to excuse my manners.I didn’t offer you a drink.”
“I’m fine, but thank you.”
Tak’s tank top exposed the claw marks over his right shoulder.The scars were deep and traveled over the shoulder to his back.Only a large predator like a cat or bear could’ve made those.
“Anyhow, they said his Creator doesn’t want to pursue it,” I said.
He put his hands in his lap.“So does that mean the decision falls on the Council?”
“I spoke with my colleagues, and we’ve all come to an agreement.Lucian has no previous offenses, and Marcus did.He spent time in jail for juicing, and I’ve personally witnessed how unstable he was.The Council agreed to leave the decision up to Lucian’s Packmaster.You can decide if you think he should spend more time in jail or if you even want him in your pack anymore.”
Tak lowered his gaze—the weight of responsibility must have been crushing.
“It’s entirely up to you,” I reiterated.“If you think the time he’s served is enough, that’s fine.The Council will respect whatever you decide.I only have one concern.”
His dark eyes flicked up.“And what’s that?”
I leaned in.“Lucian believes someone else was involved, and I’m afraid he might want to track them down.”
“You don’t want that?”
“No, I don’t.The Council is the law around here, and I’m sure you can appreciate how problematic it is for an outside party with no experience doing detective work to conduct their own investigation.Or manhunt.We can’t have people taking the law into their own hands.You should also consider what it could mean if he were to make unsubstantiated accusations or threats against someone.As long as he remains in your pack, he’s your responsibility.”
I hoped that Tak could talk sense into Lucian.Even though he’d given me his word and a Chitah’s word was solid, I was still uncertain if Lucian’s resentment would lead him down a dark path.
Tak rested his arm on the table and drummed his fingers.“I believe Lucian when he says he didn’t do this.”
“Even though he could’ve flipped his switch?”
“Chitahs don’t black out when they flip their switch.He has no memory of the killing, and I’m not convinced the head wound caused amnesia.”After a deep breath, Tak wiped his eyes.“Lucian won’t make trouble.If he does, I’ll remove him from the pack.”
“That easily?”
