Fane tooka seat on one of the couches in his office. Jacquelyn sat beside him and ran a hand down his back. He was tired. He was just in his early twenties, but the alpha felt three times his age.
Those who hadn’t gone with Adam sat quietly on various seats, while others leaned against the wall. “We’re waiting for some people to join us,” Fane told them. “I sent Tyler back to his territory in Missouri. He needs to be ready in case the hybrids make it that far. Their bite is infectious and takes hold quickly.I’ve gotten some reports from Boian that he and Lorna have encountered hybrids in South Dakota where they’re looking for more dormants.” He looked over at Wadim. The historian also appeared exhausted. So did his mate, Zara. “You guys are keeping the dormants safe in a secure location. How are things going?”
Wadim sighed. Zara took his hand and pulled it into her lap. “They’re confused,” Wadim said. “Most are very cooperative. Andora or Cindy help to calm the ones who aren’t. Sally’s mom is good with people.”
Jacquelyn nodded. “She’s always been sweet and caring. She’s a natural caregiver.”
“I will greet them soon,” Fane looked around at them. “I’ve just got?—”
“Everything on your shoulders.” Lilly appeared in the room, brought in by the high fae, Disir. Along with them were Myanin and her mate, the warlock Gerick. “I’d like to tell you it’s going to get easier, but I honestly don’t know if that’s true.”
“I know this has been said before”—Myanin dropped herself in a chair—“but the pep talks in this crowd need some serious work.”
“Where’s Tenia?” Bethany asked.
Fane glanced at Costin to see how he’d respond to the question. Considering Tenia’s mate was Skender, Fane still wondered if his third in command would lose his control regarding their wayward pack member. Costin shook his head subtly. It was so slight, Fane doubted anyone else noticed it.
“She and Skender have joined my warriors in guarding the warlock mountain. And I’ve been sending out hunting parties,” Lilly explained. Fane hated that Jacquelyn’s mom was having to do this all on her own, but her mate couldn’t have asked for a better queen to continue his legacy.
The door to the office opened and several people came in. There was Andora, the Sprite Queen, Cyn and her mate, Thalion, who was the king of the elves, and Gwen, another high fae. Fane waited until everyone was situated before he spoke.
“I’ll be honest.” He ran a hand down his face. “I feel like I need a whiteboard with the missions and the names of those involved to keep up with where everyone is.”
Chuckles and nods of agreement rippled through the group.
“I know we’re covering North America,” Kale spoke up, “because that’s where the Vampire King’s headquarters is located, but do we need to consider those supernaturals in other countries? I’ve been checking in with my alpha. Thus far, they’ve only come across the occasional vampire. But I wonder just how quickly this new hybrid strand will travel.”
Fane nodded. “I’ve been in contact with the other packs, too. Other alphas, such as Ciro and Gustavo, have been as well. We have fae warriors at each pack, and Thalion has sent some of his elfin warriors as well. If things escalate over there, then I will go myself with a group and deal with it.”
“You can’t do it all, Wolf-Man,”his mate said through their bond.
“I know, and I’ve been delegating. But some things require my presence. Not because I’m proud, but because of the power the Great Luna has given me.”Her love and concern flowed through the bond. He never wanted Jacquelyn to worry about him, but that was just as impossible as it would be for him not to worry about her. She made even the hardest days better.
“Are we all here?” Costin had Sally tucked in close to his side, and she looked about ready to fall asleep. Making a baby was hard work, as his mate had repeatedly told him when she’d been pregnant with Slate.
“Yes.” Fane leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees, steepling his fingers just below his chin. “Dillonand I have been discussing the involvement of the human government.”
A wicked gleam sparkled in Myanin’s eyes. “We taking them out?”
“We’ve warned you in the past, Lilly, not to leave her handler at home,” Bethany said dryly.
“She’s a loose cannon.” Lilly shrugged. “It’s better to keep her busy.”
Gerick nodded. “She gets stabby when she has nothing to do.”
“How in the world did you guard the djinn veil if you can’t sit still?” Heather asked.
Fane had learned to let some off-topic conversations take a moment because they often broke up the stress and tension that happened in these meetings.
Myanin shrugged. “I used to be boring.”
“And sane,” Lilly added.
Myanin winked. “Funny, Warlock Queen.”
“I don’t know that she was ever actually sane.” Heather snickered.
“Watch it, blind chick.” Myanin pointed at the healer, as if Heather could see her. “Your disability will not save you from my insaneness.”
