This man commands the audience.
“Do you know what this is about?” I whisper to Mor.
“I have an idea,” she murmurs back.
But speculation isn’t necessary because Owen provides the answer.
“We’re here to form a protection force for Folk Haven.”
39
Mor
There’sa moment of shocked silence, then a rolling wave of voices after Owen’s announcement.
He lets people chatter. Lets the idea simmer.
If everyone in this yard is on board, this potential protection team has a variety of heavy hitters.
Levi Abadi, monster council representative, descends from the leviathan—yeah, that’s right,theleviathan. Plus, he’s got witch blood.
The entire Mythic Council lineup is pretty impressive.
In addition to Levi, there’s Juan Greymark, the second most powerful werewolf in the original Folk Haven wolf pack. Jack would knock him down a peg if he ever committed to joining. But he’s still a lone wolf, and maybe that’s why he’s attending this get-together too. Ame is at his side because most everyone knows her magic is fucking scary if she ever wants it to be.
I spot at least three more wolves. Jack’s dad, Baron Moonson, leader of the Folk Haven pack. Griffith, bartender at Local Brew and a kind of ambassador between the Folk Havenpack and the newly minted, as of two years ago, Lake Galen pack. Their alpha is also here, Veronica, a petite white woman with long blonde hair and an edge of violence in her eyes.
Selena—witch council member and head of the local coven—sits on a low tree limb as she observes the group.
Moira—selkie, Of the Fin council member, and Levi’s mate—cradles her rounded belly and sits in a lawn chair with the monster just over her shoulder. I don’t know that selkies are particularly intimidating mythics, but Moira’s from one of the town’s founding families, and therefore, she wields a great deal of political and social influence. Plus, Samantha—chief of police and mermaid—stands near her.
Lastly from The Council, there’s Georgiana, also a holder of great influence and a voice that could render anyone in this yard into a forgetful, reeling mess. And tonight, she seems on edge. Her eyes flicking to Bo and then away and then back again.
I don’t like that.
However, I’m not about to brawl with the siren at this meeting, as much as I’d like to follow through on that promise of a tit punch. Bo turned her down, and unless she tries to use her council seat to manipulate or intimidate him, then there’s no reason for me to step in.
Though, if Georgiana tries to grope Bo again, I can’t say what I’ll do exactly.
But I’ve got a library full of options and a protective streak urging me to utilize some of the nastier spells I’ve come across.
There’s a scattering of other mythics, including Mayor Nightson, though the griffin seems fine with standing back for the moment and hearing Owen out. I think her preference for listening to her constituents is one of the reasons she keeps getting reelected.
“To be clear”—Owen’s voice reclaims the crowd—“what I propose is not a secondary police force.” Owen nods towardSamantha. “We wouldn’t be patrolling our neighbors. No authority to simply attack anyone we suspect is a threat.” Owen spreads his arms. “Think more along the lines of emergency responders. Prepared to go into action if the town calls on us.”
“This seems dramatic,” Juan says. “What looming threat do you expect to face?”
“Sorcerers, for one.”
The entire gathering tenses at the mention of humans who are not only aware that mythics exist, but have found ways to siphon their magic for their own uses.
Everyone is blatantlynotlooking at Jack. The wolf knows better than anyone in this town how twisted those wielders can be.
“Sorcerers are rare,” Georgiana says, voice prim. “More likely to burn themselves up with stolen magic than actually be able to wield it. And even if one were to approach Folk Haven, that’s what the wards are for.”
“Selena,” Owen calls on the coven leader, “how are the town wards holding up?”
I already know the answer to this. She’s been by the library multiple times, searching for a solution.
