“No.” Seath’s voice was strong.
“There’s nothing wrong with suppressors, Seath.”
“He’s had enough meddling with his body and brain, Luke. I won’t have it.” Seath sighed. “Unless that is what he wants, of course. I’m not going to make decisions for him.”
Luke sighed. “He wants to avoid them, for the same reasons, but he would listen to you if . . ..”
“No, then.” Seath’s word was final in tone. “If I am not here, you think he won’t be struggling with the heats?’
“I think your proximity triggers them.”
Seath tried not to puff up at Luke’s words, but he couldn’t quite hide it. He didn’t like that Lycan suffered, but knowing he caused the heats hit at some long ingrained part of him that wanted to own the person the goddess made for him. He wanted to be owned back, just as strongly.
“The way I see it,” Luke continued, “is that you take your regular Quarter Day. That would run until just after his next heat. That gives him two, the one oncoming and the next, time to run their course. You take care of Pack business and be back in time to plan the coven Serepta wants to reconvene around Samhain.”
Seath sighed deeply, connecting to his wolf. His wolf was wary of this idea, not liking the part where he had to leave his mate. But, his wolf also understood doing what was best for his mate. And that, the latter part, would always win over his wolf. Every time. It would be a hard month to be away.
“I need to go to Greene, also.” Something else that was past time.
“We have the portal dust to spare, Seath. It’s time.” Caine agreed.
Resigned, Seath walked over to the desk so he called in Jamie and Briar by using the phone on his desk instead of the mind-link. It was silly, but he needed to keep his wolf in check, and the less wolf he was right now the better. If his wolf had his way, he would be tearing Jason apart right now.
He had not wanted to go to Greene and force the Prince Donovan issue until Lycan acknowledged the connection they shared. But, it no longer mattered. His wolf was too far gone for the omega. He would have been useless as anyone else’s mate and it was starting to show. Taured had spies in the Pack, he knew that. So, if he couldn’t keep himself in check, he was going to need Greene. If he was going to tackle Quarter Day, he might as well visit Zurin as well and check in at the Council.
“How close am I to being ready for Quarter Day?” He asked the owl shifter when Jamie appeared.
“You could leave today, Alpha. We would just need to prepare your personal effects, the business files are ready.”
“Very good, Jamie. I will leave tomorrow morning.”
If Jamie was surprised, he didn’t show it, but quickly went to make whatever last minute preparations were necessary.
“I need to leave for Quarter Day, Briar,” Seath said, turning his attention to the Enforcer as she entered the room. “I need you to stay here.”
Briar came to attention, almost startled, her long braid swinging after her. “Legate, I always . . .”
“I know, Briar, but Ineedto know that things are secure here. I am leaving you in charge as the Pack’s second. Luke and Caine can help as your cabinet. Caine can move between us if there is a secure message.” With vamp speed on land or in the air, Caine could be anywhere, and back, in no time at all. Vampires didn’t need portal dust.
“What about your safety, Legate?”
Seath understood Briar’s concern. He always traveled with security. And usually that was Briar herself.
“Pick three of your best, those who need the experience, and I will take them.”
“Very good, Alpha,” she said, and then disappeared. Seath watched her leave and then prepared to be away from Lycan.
Chapter fifteen
Quarter Day
Ifithadn’tbeenfor his wolf knowing this was for Lycan’s health, he never would have left. Something his wolf reminded him of as he made his way out of the Pack House.
Even knowing how the Pack House protected Lycan, how Lycan protected himself, and how it was for the best, his feet still felt like lead trying to leave the next morning.
He heard from Luke that Lycan’s heat had burned hot and then out over the afternoon and into the night as Seath and Jamie had made plans for the Quarter Day rounds. While his wolf lamented not sharing even a false heat with his mate, he knew it was for the best.
Luke had been clear that Lycan was sharing his longer heats in omega-play; which was exactly what Lycan needed as he healed.
