I couldn’t tell which classification of demon they were, but the way the guys squeezed my hands, I figured they were a threat to me—technically, all demons were a threat to me by hierarchy standards.
We walked through the doors into a room full of people. The newer scent of limestone and sand burned my nostrils, and I scrunched my nose up as I glanced around. There were demons sitting on benches that lined each side of the walkway, I guessed to observe the meeting. The council sat behind a large stone desk, and there were at least a dozen. I knew each one represented a different classification of demon.
I briefly wondered who had taken Rhett’s spot as the Incubus representative. With the way Rhett’s fingers dug into my hand, I figured he knew who it was.
Whispers broke out around us, varying from why they were both holding my hand to what they were doing back, and the comments put the guys on edge. We planted ourselves in front of the council, but none of them spoke.
My hearing was overloaded with the whispers of the other demons, yet both of my mates were still and quiet. It looked as if they were in a stare off with the council.
I cleared my throat and swept my gaze over the council members. “We are fully aware of each whisper being said in this room since we all have advanced hearing. It’s disrespectful not only to us, but to Rowan and the academy itself.”
One of the council members resembled Rhett, and I was hoping it wasn’t his father. But as he stood up, I could feel the pheromones creeping off of him. They buzzed around us, and instead of arousal, disgust washed over me. I swallowed the bile that lurched up my throat.
Rhett’s spine seemed to click in place like a rod as his father spoke.
“I’m terribly sorry about that. Please accept my apology on behalf of all of our people.” Nods came from each of the council members. “My name is Alfred. I’m the Incubus representative of this council.”
“Apology accepted.” I pursed my lips. Why hadn’t my mates spoken yet?
“You’re handling my pheromones very well. The reason for that?” He tilted his head and waited for me to respond.
A low growl erupted from Rhett, and I could see his horns edge out of his skull. I squeezed his hand tighter. “One of my mates happens to be an incubus, and it seems that the only pheromones that truly affect me are his.”
Alfred smirked and moved his gaze over to his son. “Well, I hope Rhett’s careful with his pheromones around you. I’d hate for another incident to occur.”
A snarl left Rhett’s mouth, and I glared at his father. “I can guarantee you I can handle his pheromones.”
“Don’t be so sure.”
“He’s given me everything he’s got, and I handled them just fine.”
His eyebrows shot up in surprise as his sleazy gaze ran down my body. I wasn’t sure if it was because of his nature or because he was just being creepy, but a shiver of disgust crawled down my spine.
Damien let out a growl and stepped in front of me at the same time Rhett did.
“Oh, are you also mated to this woman? She’s a shifter, yes?” He sniffed the air. “Fox.” Another sniff. “But something’s different.Arctic fox?”
I clenched my jaw.
“What she is, is no concern to you,” Damien growled.
There was a beat of silence before he clapped his hands together. “Well, I’m glad you were able to find someone to accept you, even after what happened.”
Damien growled again, and his shadows whipped around him.
My shadow darted out of my chest and slithered around his, calming them in turn. “Excuse me, if I may. I can confirm that I’m an arctic fox shifter. I’m also mated to Rowan, the headmaster of Fate Hollow Academy. He sent us all here with one objective in mind, and that is to discuss the war with the humans. As well as the dragon’s involvement.”
I wasn’t completely sure where the confidence to speak out came from. Maybe it was my way of avoiding a bigger argument or issue that would destroy any chance of them choosing our side. All I knew was that I did not want Damien or Rhett to lose control in front of all of these demons.
Alfred cracked a smile and let out a sinister chuckle as he nodded. “You have something about you that is just…” He paused and licked his lips in a way that made my skin crawl.“Fascinating.”
“Shut up,” one of the other representatives scolded and tapped him on the shoulder.
He pouted and sat down in his seat.
The woman who spoke had beautiful brown hair tumbling down her shoulders with brown eyes that locked on me. “Thank you for attempting to get these men under control, but, unfortunately, when you have incubi in the building, things get a little frustrating.”
Damien snorted.
