Chapter 163
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Brian's car was stopped at the entrance to the estate. The guards were apparently given an exact order not to let him or Ruslan in.
"This is my home!" - Snarled Bri in the face of an insolent guy in uniform, baring his fangs. - "Try to stop me, and you'll find out on how many small pieces I can rip your asshole!"
The guard immediately recoiled to the side, and Brian, without waiting for permission, pressed the accelerator, slamming into the gates that had already begun to close.
"You're somehow too tense lately." - stated Ryan, grinning from the next seat.
"Have you not heard yet?" - answered Bri, looking at a friend.
" About what?" - Asked the guy, raising his eyebrows in surprise.
"Risa is pregnant." - Brian related with a sigh. Ryan's eyes widened immediately.
"Congratulations, bro!" - The guy responded with genuine joy in his voice.
"Twins." - after a short pause, added Bri.
"OU! Well then, patience to you." - just as sincerely wished Ryan, smirking.
Brian sighed heavily while parking in front of the porch. Twins in shifters families were born exceptionally rarely. And in the family of Alpha almost never. It usually meant that parents should stock up on a sedative for themselves and a room with soft walls for kids. And maybe even some titanium muzzles...
On the porch, they were already met by a whole detachment of young guards shifters. As soon as Brian got out of the car and headed for the entrance with a confident step, they all immediately strained, lining up. Their faces showed that they were preparing for a hard fight. But as soon as Ryan appeared after his cousin, their faces immediately turned pale. Even until now, in Wintertown, the stories about the adventures of these two were related as some kind of legends. So those two were like rock stars for many young teenagers.
Brian stopped in front of the tallest guy and looked him straight in the eye, forcing him to grimace and look away.
"Mr. Brian." - the security guard said hesitantly, trying not to face the angry shifter in front of him. - "We have an order. Mr. Ian forbade you to enter the Assembly. Only Alphas can pass."
Brian slightly narrowed his eyes and then suddenly transformed completely. The guy was petrified, looking with huge eyes at the newly acquired Alpha form of Brian. The werewolf was now standing a full head above him, and bright yellow eyes clearly reflected what would happen to the fool who dares to stand in his way.
The guard turned a pleading look at Ryan, but the guy only smiled broadly in response, showing two rows of razor-sharp teeth.
"Do you really want me to transform too?" - He said with a grin, licking his lips with a forked tongue. His tail jumped from behind, stretching to the nearest boy as if on its own.
The guards immediately splashed to the sides, making way for this abnormal duo.
The meeting had already begun in the main hall, and Bri along with Ryan hurried inside.
Ian thought of everything. In the center on a small platform was located the central round table. Only this time the chairs were not placed around it, but inside the circle. So that councilmen could sit facing the rest of the assembled representatives of their packs, prides, and clans.
The main seat for the Head of the Council, Ian cautiously left without a chair, as if hinting that the Head would not come anyway. So why extra furniture?
All council members have already taken their seats, casting wary glances at each other. Many have already heard various rumors hovering in the air, and now the situation seems to be heating up to the limit.
When the Alphas settled into their seats around the main table, the advisers looked at each other. Usually, in the absence of the Head, Mr. Boyle was the first to take the floor as a representative of loners. So none of the species remained offended.
A broad-shouldered man has already begun to rise from his seat, but at that moment he was cut by a powerful voice, spread throughout the hall.
"Dear guests, members of the Council, Alphas. I apologize for interrupting the tradition. But as the owner of this estate and a long-term member of the Council, I would like first of all to greet all those gathered and thank you for your presence." - Proclaimed Ian Winterbourne, rising from his seat. - " I took the floor today first because I want to immediately bring up a hot issue, which for sure made many here worry unnecessarily. About me, the Night Watchers and my pack in recent times appeared a lot of rumors. And I am ready to answer any questions before the meeting to close this topic once and for all."
The attendees began to buzz, looking at each other and whispering.
First one to rise from her seat was Mrs. Stormbridge.
"I have a question." - She announced pulling the attention to herself. - "I think I will express general concern by asking about your daughter, Ruslana. Many here should already have seen at least one article from the human's media in which her name is being discussed as the bride of a particular person, the owner of the WGARM corporation, Mr. Gregory Wells. We all know that 13 years ago she was declared as a Ralph Benne's Mate. Can you explain to us all what this means?"
This statement caused a real uproar in the hall. Apparently, everyone was waiting for this particular issue. Ian raised his hand up, calling for silence.
"Yes, I understand the general concern. This incident is really my huge mistake." - He said with a sigh, taking a heavy look around and stopping his stare at Daniel Benne, who barely restrained himself so as not to jump from his place. - "You all know that the Winterborn pack is quite young and spontaneously formed. I did not ask people to follow me. But over time, the pack has grown to enormous size. Veronika, my longtime friend since a human orphanage and life partner, has never been my true Mate. Therefore, for me, the connection of two hearts, illuminated by the Moon, has always remained a mystery. I made the mistake of believing that my daughter's affection for the son of Adam Benne is the very union. But how could I understand that this is not so? We do not live in a fairy tale! Magical symbols do not appear on our backs, arms ... anywhere. We have no magic crystals or all-knowing shamans. If you want to blame me for this, then I will not protest, and I am ready to accept any punishment. As Alpha and a father, I let my daughter down. And very happy that at least now she was able to find her true Mate."
Judging by the eyes of others, the words of Ian touched many. Mrs. Stormbridge was ready to move on to the next question, as the doors to the hall opened. A tall, white werewolf in Alpha form appeared on the threshold. Following him, another young man with blond hair and tenacious green eyes entered the room. Copper-green scales gleamed on his face, and a lizard-like tail hung from under a long jacket, wriggling at every step.
"Then can you explain to us, father, how did it happen that this bastard Ralph warmed you a seat in the Council in exchange for giving him Ruslana? Do you need a f*cking magic crystal to guess that this is freaking wrong to sell your own daughter?!" - The white wolf growled, transforming his face. Those shifters who were sitting closer to him gasped, recognizing Brian, the rest began to rise from their seats to see better the speaker.
Ian flinched for a split second, seeing the form in which his son had appeared. But he quickly pulled himself together and answered with a sigh.
"Bri, I understand you're upset. But it is not always worth it to believe the rumors. Think about it calmly, how could Ralph influence the decision of the Council to make me a member? Do not be silly. Such issues are decided by voting. Now that you, too, became an Alpha and my worthy successor, you should refresh your knowledge in such matters."
Brian could not resist and burst out laughing.
" Successor? You sick bastard!" - He growled, calming down a bit. - "I acquired this form when even my wolf admitted that you are no longer a leader for him. You are a selfish bastard who uses the members of the pack for your own goals. You have nothing sacred. You're even ready to sell your family for the sake of power."
Ian winced, hearing the outburst of curses coming from his sone and opened his mouth to answer the accusations, as another Alpha rose from his seat on the other side of the hall, drawing everyone's attention.
"Benne Pack in my face takes partial responsibility for what happened." - His rough, low voice sounded, forcing those present to lower their voices instantly. Although Daniel Benne was still young, even now his thick, powerful aura made people around him listen carefully to his words.
He glanced around the audience and fixed his eyes on Ian, just as at the beginning of the meeting, and pulled several sheets out of his jacket.
"Everybody knows that the Benne pack owns the largest chain of weapons and hunting gear stores. This allows us to be the first to receive information about new hunters among humans. Therefore, among the shifters, we are rightly viewed as information merchants." - He said, expanding the documents and reading out what was written out loud. - "Within a few weeks, about a month before the annual meeting of the Council, 13 years ago, at the request of Ralph Benne, seven councilmen were given detailed information on all possible hunters located on or near their territories... Free of charge. Plus, each of those mentioned in this list has received some goods from the nearest stores belonging to the Benne pack. Like for example traps, alarms, and security systems. As a gift. All details appear in these documents along with the names of the recipients. Now, why do you think he made such a grand gesture? Ralph never was known as such a good fellow, to shower people with onesided affection."
Daniel walked right up to the main table, slamming a pile of documents right in front of Ian.
An indignant murmur passed through the ranks of the Alphas, and some members of the Council became much paler.
"These are just empty accusations. Even if Ralph made such generous gifts to the Counselors, why did you decide that this was somehow related to me? In those years, the guy still believed that he would take the place of Alpha of the pack, so it was entirely possible that way he tried to warm himself a seat on the Council." - Ian retorted without batting an eyelid.
"Oh? Is that so? Then maybe you can just as smoothly explain why you threatened me when I asked to take me from Ralph a year after our union? And why do you keep the mother in the basement for several days?" - Sounded a strong female voice from another part of the hall. Everyone turned to the incoming girl who supported the blonde woman. Ian gritted his teeth, squinting and flashed menacing eyes at the unlucky guards who were following them. Those two at first stumbled, but Mr. Dots casting a glance at Veronika, who, although swaying from weakness, diligently tried to walk herself, and sent the master a furious stare. Mr. Beckett tsked and straightening up, caught to Lana, guarding Veronika on the other side.
"My wife has not been feeling well lately ..." - began Ian, leaving the table and approaching them.
"Stop lying!" - shouted Lana, interrupting him. - "Mom is in such a state because, in an attempt to free Brian and Risa from the basement in which you placed them, she broke almost all the bones, turning in chains! You crazy freak ready to make any sacrifices! And for what? "
Going to the table, Lana fished out a stack of papers from behind her bosom and threw it so that it spread all over. The audience began to catch the sheets, intrigued by such a start. But as soon as they got a grasp of what was written there, people's eyes became as big as saucers. Lana, meanwhile, sat Veronica on a chair and turned back to her father.
"Give me back my Greg! Now!" - She demanded in a tone full of threat. And in the same second in her head, sounded a cold, familiar voice: "If you finish this phrase, you won't see your beloved ever again!".
Ruslana started and stepped back. Ian continued to drill her with an icy gaze in which she could clearly read that this was not an empty threat. Her heart sank, and the throat seemed to be stuck. What to do? What if they do not find him in time? What if this bastard has time to give the order faster?
Thousands of thoughts made her head spin. She reached out again to that little piece of heart that always belonged to Greg. Panic made her hands shake.
"Please!" - She whispered barely audible, trying to feel at least something. - "Greg!"
Seeing as the girl stepped back and turned pale, Ian could barely suppress a winning smirk and turned to the Council.
"It seems to be just a minor problem in paradise. These humans are so flighty sometimes! Do forgive my daughter's temper." - He said jokingly and began to collect the papers nearest to him. - "Now let's get to the main point. I actually wanted to talk about this plan to the Council as my report. But..."
"No!" - Lana roared, transforming. Ian barely had time to turn around, as an outraged she-wolf, overcoming the distance between them with one leap, jumped at him, slashing at him her clawed paws in a fury.
"It seems the show started without us." - whispered Tony, turning to Greg, who halted on the threshold.
"Shh! Lana has had too much stress lately. Let her enjoy the moment." - Greg replied with pride as he watched his girlfriend tear out a bunch of blond hair from her father's head.
"You spoil her too much." - Paul stated displeased. - "By the way, her wolf form now looks a little different."
"What's the difference." - Greg shrugged, smiling broadly. - "My mighty she-wolf is gorgeous in any form. Especially when fighting for our family and me!"
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Brian's car was stopped at the entrance to the estate. The guards were apparently given an exact order not to let him or Ruslan in.
"This is my home!" - Snarled Bri in the face of an insolent guy in uniform, baring his fangs. - "Try to stop me, and you'll find out on how many small pieces I can rip your asshole!"
The guard immediately recoiled to the side, and Brian, without waiting for permission, pressed the accelerator, slamming into the gates that had already begun to close.
"You're somehow too tense lately." - stated Ryan, grinning from the next seat.
"Have you not heard yet?" - answered Bri, looking at a friend.
" About what?" - Asked the guy, raising his eyebrows in surprise.
"Risa is pregnant." - Brian related with a sigh. Ryan's eyes widened immediately.
"Congratulations, bro!" - The guy responded with genuine joy in his voice.
"Twins." - after a short pause, added Bri.
"OU! Well then, patience to you." - just as sincerely wished Ryan, smirking.
Brian sighed heavily while parking in front of the porch. Twins in shifters families were born exceptionally rarely. And in the family of Alpha almost never. It usually meant that parents should stock up on a sedative for themselves and a room with soft walls for kids. And maybe even some titanium muzzles...
On the porch, they were already met by a whole detachment of young guards shifters. As soon as Brian got out of the car and headed for the entrance with a confident step, they all immediately strained, lining up. Their faces showed that they were preparing for a hard fight. But as soon as Ryan appeared after his cousin, their faces immediately turned pale. Even until now, in Wintertown, the stories about the adventures of these two were related as some kind of legends. So those two were like rock stars for many young teenagers.
Brian stopped in front of the tallest guy and looked him straight in the eye, forcing him to grimace and look away.
"Mr. Brian." - the security guard said hesitantly, trying not to face the angry shifter in front of him. - "We have an order. Mr. Ian forbade you to enter the Assembly. Only Alphas can pass."
Brian slightly narrowed his eyes and then suddenly transformed completely. The guy was petrified, looking with huge eyes at the newly acquired Alpha form of Brian. The werewolf was now standing a full head above him, and bright yellow eyes clearly reflected what would happen to the fool who dares to stand in his way.
The guard turned a pleading look at Ryan, but the guy only smiled broadly in response, showing two rows of razor-sharp teeth.
"Do you really want me to transform too?" - He said with a grin, licking his lips with a forked tongue. His tail jumped from behind, stretching to the nearest boy as if on its own.
The guards immediately splashed to the sides, making way for this abnormal duo.
The meeting had already begun in the main hall, and Bri along with Ryan hurried inside.
Ian thought of everything. In the center on a small platform was located the central round table. Only this time the chairs were not placed around it, but inside the circle. So that councilmen could sit facing the rest of the assembled representatives of their packs, prides, and clans.
The main seat for the Head of the Council, Ian cautiously left without a chair, as if hinting that the Head would not come anyway. So why extra furniture?
All council members have already taken their seats, casting wary glances at each other. Many have already heard various rumors hovering in the air, and now the situation seems to be heating up to the limit.
When the Alphas settled into their seats around the main table, the advisers looked at each other. Usually, in the absence of the Head, Mr. Boyle was the first to take the floor as a representative of loners. So none of the species remained offended.
A broad-shouldered man has already begun to rise from his seat, but at that moment he was cut by a powerful voice, spread throughout the hall.
"Dear guests, members of the Council, Alphas. I apologize for interrupting the tradition. But as the owner of this estate and a long-term member of the Council, I would like first of all to greet all those gathered and thank you for your presence." - Proclaimed Ian Winterbourne, rising from his seat. - " I took the floor today first because I want to immediately bring up a hot issue, which for sure made many here worry unnecessarily. About me, the Night Watchers and my pack in recent times appeared a lot of rumors. And I am ready to answer any questions before the meeting to close this topic once and for all."
The attendees began to buzz, looking at each other and whispering.
First one to rise from her seat was Mrs. Stormbridge.
"I have a question." - She announced pulling the attention to herself. - "I think I will express general concern by asking about your daughter, Ruslana. Many here should already have seen at least one article from the human's media in which her name is being discussed as the bride of a particular person, the owner of the WGARM corporation, Mr. Gregory Wells. We all know that 13 years ago she was declared as a Ralph Benne's Mate. Can you explain to us all what this means?"
This statement caused a real uproar in the hall. Apparently, everyone was waiting for this particular issue. Ian raised his hand up, calling for silence.
"Yes, I understand the general concern. This incident is really my huge mistake." - He said with a sigh, taking a heavy look around and stopping his stare at Daniel Benne, who barely restrained himself so as not to jump from his place. - "You all know that the Winterborn pack is quite young and spontaneously formed. I did not ask people to follow me. But over time, the pack has grown to enormous size. Veronika, my longtime friend since a human orphanage and life partner, has never been my true Mate. Therefore, for me, the connection of two hearts, illuminated by the Moon, has always remained a mystery. I made the mistake of believing that my daughter's affection for the son of Adam Benne is the very union. But how could I understand that this is not so? We do not live in a fairy tale! Magical symbols do not appear on our backs, arms ... anywhere. We have no magic crystals or all-knowing shamans. If you want to blame me for this, then I will not protest, and I am ready to accept any punishment. As Alpha and a father, I let my daughter down. And very happy that at least now she was able to find her true Mate."
Judging by the eyes of others, the words of Ian touched many. Mrs. Stormbridge was ready to move on to the next question, as the doors to the hall opened. A tall, white werewolf in Alpha form appeared on the threshold. Following him, another young man with blond hair and tenacious green eyes entered the room. Copper-green scales gleamed on his face, and a lizard-like tail hung from under a long jacket, wriggling at every step.
"Then can you explain to us, father, how did it happen that this bastard Ralph warmed you a seat in the Council in exchange for giving him Ruslana? Do you need a f*cking magic crystal to guess that this is freaking wrong to sell your own daughter?!" - The white wolf growled, transforming his face. Those shifters who were sitting closer to him gasped, recognizing Brian, the rest began to rise from their seats to see better the speaker.
Ian flinched for a split second, seeing the form in which his son had appeared. But he quickly pulled himself together and answered with a sigh.
"Bri, I understand you're upset. But it is not always worth it to believe the rumors. Think about it calmly, how could Ralph influence the decision of the Council to make me a member? Do not be silly. Such issues are decided by voting. Now that you, too, became an Alpha and my worthy successor, you should refresh your knowledge in such matters."
Brian could not resist and burst out laughing.
" Successor? You sick bastard!" - He growled, calming down a bit. - "I acquired this form when even my wolf admitted that you are no longer a leader for him. You are a selfish bastard who uses the members of the pack for your own goals. You have nothing sacred. You're even ready to sell your family for the sake of power."
Ian winced, hearing the outburst of curses coming from his sone and opened his mouth to answer the accusations, as another Alpha rose from his seat on the other side of the hall, drawing everyone's attention.
"Benne Pack in my face takes partial responsibility for what happened." - His rough, low voice sounded, forcing those present to lower their voices instantly. Although Daniel Benne was still young, even now his thick, powerful aura made people around him listen carefully to his words.
He glanced around the audience and fixed his eyes on Ian, just as at the beginning of the meeting, and pulled several sheets out of his jacket.
"Everybody knows that the Benne pack owns the largest chain of weapons and hunting gear stores. This allows us to be the first to receive information about new hunters among humans. Therefore, among the shifters, we are rightly viewed as information merchants." - He said, expanding the documents and reading out what was written out loud. - "Within a few weeks, about a month before the annual meeting of the Council, 13 years ago, at the request of Ralph Benne, seven councilmen were given detailed information on all possible hunters located on or near their territories... Free of charge. Plus, each of those mentioned in this list has received some goods from the nearest stores belonging to the Benne pack. Like for example traps, alarms, and security systems. As a gift. All details appear in these documents along with the names of the recipients. Now, why do you think he made such a grand gesture? Ralph never was known as such a good fellow, to shower people with onesided affection."
Daniel walked right up to the main table, slamming a pile of documents right in front of Ian.
An indignant murmur passed through the ranks of the Alphas, and some members of the Council became much paler.
"These are just empty accusations. Even if Ralph made such generous gifts to the Counselors, why did you decide that this was somehow related to me? In those years, the guy still believed that he would take the place of Alpha of the pack, so it was entirely possible that way he tried to warm himself a seat on the Council." - Ian retorted without batting an eyelid.
"Oh? Is that so? Then maybe you can just as smoothly explain why you threatened me when I asked to take me from Ralph a year after our union? And why do you keep the mother in the basement for several days?" - Sounded a strong female voice from another part of the hall. Everyone turned to the incoming girl who supported the blonde woman. Ian gritted his teeth, squinting and flashed menacing eyes at the unlucky guards who were following them. Those two at first stumbled, but Mr. Dots casting a glance at Veronika, who, although swaying from weakness, diligently tried to walk herself, and sent the master a furious stare. Mr. Beckett tsked and straightening up, caught to Lana, guarding Veronika on the other side.
"My wife has not been feeling well lately ..." - began Ian, leaving the table and approaching them.
"Stop lying!" - shouted Lana, interrupting him. - "Mom is in such a state because, in an attempt to free Brian and Risa from the basement in which you placed them, she broke almost all the bones, turning in chains! You crazy freak ready to make any sacrifices! And for what? "
Going to the table, Lana fished out a stack of papers from behind her bosom and threw it so that it spread all over. The audience began to catch the sheets, intrigued by such a start. But as soon as they got a grasp of what was written there, people's eyes became as big as saucers. Lana, meanwhile, sat Veronica on a chair and turned back to her father.
"Give me back my Greg! Now!" - She demanded in a tone full of threat. And in the same second in her head, sounded a cold, familiar voice: "If you finish this phrase, you won't see your beloved ever again!".
Ruslana started and stepped back. Ian continued to drill her with an icy gaze in which she could clearly read that this was not an empty threat. Her heart sank, and the throat seemed to be stuck. What to do? What if they do not find him in time? What if this bastard has time to give the order faster?
Thousands of thoughts made her head spin. She reached out again to that little piece of heart that always belonged to Greg. Panic made her hands shake.
"Please!" - She whispered barely audible, trying to feel at least something. - "Greg!"
Seeing as the girl stepped back and turned pale, Ian could barely suppress a winning smirk and turned to the Council.
"It seems to be just a minor problem in paradise. These humans are so flighty sometimes! Do forgive my daughter's temper." - He said jokingly and began to collect the papers nearest to him. - "Now let's get to the main point. I actually wanted to talk about this plan to the Council as my report. But..."
"No!" - Lana roared, transforming. Ian barely had time to turn around, as an outraged she-wolf, overcoming the distance between them with one leap, jumped at him, slashing at him her clawed paws in a fury.
"It seems the show started without us." - whispered Tony, turning to Greg, who halted on the threshold.
"Shh! Lana has had too much stress lately. Let her enjoy the moment." - Greg replied with pride as he watched his girlfriend tear out a bunch of blond hair from her father's head.
"You spoil her too much." - Paul stated displeased. - "By the way, her wolf form now looks a little different."
"What's the difference." - Greg shrugged, smiling broadly. - "My mighty she-wolf is gorgeous in any form. Especially when fighting for our family and me!"
Brian's car was stopped at the entrance to the estate. The guards were apparently given an exact order not to let him or Ruslan in."This is my home!" - Snarled Bri in the face of an insolent guy in uniform, baring his fangs. - "Try to stop me, and you'll find out on how many small pieces I can rip your asshole!" The guard immediately recoiled to the side, and Brian, without waiting for permission, pressed the accelerator, slamming into the gates that had already begun to close. "You're somehow too tense lately." - stated Ryan, grinning from the next seat. "Have you not heard yet?" - answered Bri, looking at a friend." About what?" - Asked the guy, raising his eyebrows in surprise."Risa is pregnant." - Brian related with a sigh. Ryan's eyes widened immediately."Congratulations, bro!" - The guy responded with genuine joy in his voice."Twins." - after a short pause, added Bri."OU! Well then, patience to you." - just as sincerely wished Ryan, smirking.Brian sighed heavily while parking in front of the porch. Twins in shifters families were born exceptionally rarely. And in the family of Alpha almost never. It usually meant that parents should stock up on a sedative for themselves and a room with soft walls for kids. And maybe even some titanium muzzles...On the porch, they were already met by a whole detachment of young guards shifters. As soon as Brian got out of the car and headed for the entrance with a confident step, they all immediately strained, lining up. Their faces showed that they were preparing for a hard fight. But as soon as Ryan appeared after his cousin, their faces immediately turned pale. Even until now, in Wintertown, the stories about the adventures of these two were related as some kind of legends. So those two were like rock stars for many young teenagers. Brian stopped in front of the tallest guy and looked him straight in the eye, forcing him to grimace and look away."Mr. Brian." - the security guard said hesitantly, trying not to face the angry shifter in front of him. - "We have an order. Mr. Ian forbade you to enter the Assembly. Only Alphas can pass."Brian slightly narrowed his eyes and then suddenly transformed completely. The guy was petrified, looking with huge eyes at the newly acquired Alpha form of Brian. The werewolf was now standing a full head above him, and bright yellow eyes clearly reflected what would happen to the fool who dares to stand in his way. The guard turned a pleading look at Ryan, but the guy only smiled broadly in response, showing two rows of razor-sharp teeth."Do you really want me to transform too?" - He said with a grin, licking his lips with a forked tongue. His tail jumped from behind, stretching to the nearest boy as if on its own.The guards immediately splashed to the sides, making way for this abnormal duo. The meeting had already begun in the main hall, and Bri along with Ryan hurried inside. Ian thought of everything. In the center on a small platform was located the central round table. Only this time the chairs were not placed around it, but inside the circle. So that councilmen could sit facing the rest of the assembled representatives of their packs, prides, and clans. The main seat for the Head of the Council, Ian cautiously left without a chair, as if hinting that the Head would not come anyway. So why extra furniture?All council members have already taken their seats, casting wary glances at each other. Many have already heard various rumors hovering in the air, and now the situation seems to be heating up to the limit. When the Alphas settled into their seats around the main table, the advisers looked at each other. Usually, in the absence of the Head, Mr. Boyle was the first to take the floor as a representative of loners. So none of the species remained offended. A broad-shouldered man has already begun to rise from his seat, but at that moment he was cut by a powerful voice, spread throughout the hall."Dear guests, members of the Council, Alphas. I apologize for interrupting the tradition. But as the owner of this estate and a long-term member of the Council, I would like first of all to greet all those gathered and thank you for your presence." - Proclaimed Ian Winterbourne, rising from his seat. - " I took the floor today first because I want to immediately bring up a hot issue, which for sure made many here worry unnecessarily. About me, the Night Watchers and my pack in recent times appeared a lot of rumors. And I am ready to answer any questions before the meeting to close this topic once and for all."The attendees began to buzz, looking at each other and whispering. First one to rise from her seat was Mrs. Stormbridge."I have a question." - She announced pulling the attention to herself. - "I think I will express general concern by asking about your daughter, Ruslana. Many here should already have seen at least one article from the human's media in which her name is being discussed as the bride of a particular person, the owner of the WGARM corporation, Mr. Gregory Wells. We all know that 13 years ago she was declared as a Ralph Benne's Mate. Can you explain to us all what this means?"This statement caused a real uproar in the hall. Apparently, everyone was waiting for this particular issue. Ian raised his hand up, calling for silence."Yes, I understand the general concern. This incident is really my huge mistake." - He said with a sigh, taking a heavy look around and stopping his stare at Daniel Benne, who barely restrained himself so as not to jump from his place. - "You all know that the Winterborn pack is quite young and spontaneously formed. I did not ask people to follow me. But over time, the pack has grown to enormous size. Veronika, my longtime friend since a human orphanage and life partner, has never been my true Mate. Therefore, for me, the connection of two hearts, illuminated by the Moon, has always remained a mystery. I made the mistake of believing that my daughter's affection for the son of Adam Benne is the very union. But how could I understand that this is not so? We do not live in a fairy tale! Magical symbols do not appear on our backs, arms ... anywhere. We have no magic crystals or all-knowing shamans. If you want to blame me for this, then I will not protest, and I am ready to accept any punishment. As Alpha and a father, I let my daughter down. And very happy that at least now she was able to find her true Mate." Judging by the eyes of others, the words of Ian touched many. Mrs. Stormbridge was ready to move on to the next question, as the doors to the hall opened. A tall, white werewolf in Alpha form appeared on the threshold. Following him, another young man with blond hair and tenacious green eyes entered the room. Copper-green scales gleamed on his face, and a lizard-like tail hung from under a long jacket, wriggling at every step."Then can you explain to us, father, how did it happen that this bastard Ralph warmed you a seat in the Council in exchange for giving him Ruslana? Do you need a f*cking magic crystal to guess that this is freaking wrong to sell your own daughter?!" - The white wolf growled, transforming his face. Those shifters who were sitting closer to him gasped, recognizing Brian, the rest began to rise from their seats to see better the speaker.Ian flinched for a split second, seeing the form in which his son had appeared. But he quickly pulled himself together and answered with a sigh."Bri, I understand you're upset. But it is not always worth it to believe the rumors. Think about it calmly, how could Ralph influence the decision of the Council to make me a member? Do not be silly. Such issues are decided by voting. Now that you, too, became an Alpha and my worthy successor, you should refresh your knowledge in such matters." Brian could not resist and burst out laughing. " Successor? You sick bastard!" - He growled, calming down a bit. - "I acquired this form when even my wolf admitted that you are no longer a leader for him. You are a selfish bastard who uses the members of the pack for your own goals. You have nothing sacred. You're even ready to sell your family for the sake of power."Ian winced, hearing the outburst of curses coming from his sone and opened his mouth to answer the accusations, as another Alpha rose from his seat on the other side of the hall, drawing everyone's attention."Benne Pack in my face takes partial responsibility for what happened." - His rough, low voice sounded, forcing those present to lower their voices instantly. Although Daniel Benne was still young, even now his thick, powerful aura made people around him listen carefully to his words.He glanced around the audience and fixed his eyes on Ian, just as at the beginning of the meeting, and pulled several sheets out of his jacket."Everybody knows that the Benne pack owns the largest chain of weapons and hunting gear stores. This allows us to be the first to receive information about new hunters among humans. Therefore, among the shifters, we are rightly viewed as information merchants." - He said, expanding the documents and reading out what was written out loud. - "Within a few weeks, about a month before the annual meeting of the Council, 13 years ago, at the request of Ralph Benne, seven councilmen were given detailed information on all possible hunters located on or near their territories... Free of charge. Plus, each of those mentioned in this list has received some goods from the nearest stores belonging to the Benne pack. Like for example traps, alarms, and security systems. As a gift. All details appear in these documents along with the names of the recipients. Now, why do you think he made such a grand gesture? Ralph never was known as such a good fellow, to shower people with onesided affection."Daniel walked right up to the main table, slamming a pile of documents right in front of Ian. An indignant murmur passed through the ranks of the Alphas, and some members of the Council became much paler."These are just empty accusations. Even if Ralph made such generous gifts to the Counselors, why did you decide that this was somehow related to me? In those years, the guy still believed that he would take the place of Alpha of the pack, so it was entirely possible that way he tried to warm himself a seat on the Council." - Ian retorted without batting an eyelid. "Oh? Is that so? Then maybe you can just as smoothly explain why you threatened me when I asked to take me from Ralph a year after our union? And why do you keep the mother in the basement for several days?" - Sounded a strong female voice from another part of the hall. Everyone turned to the incoming girl who supported the blonde woman. Ian gritted his teeth, squinting and flashed menacing eyes at the unlucky guards who were following them. Those two at first stumbled, but Mr. Dots casting a glance at Veronika, who, although swaying from weakness, diligently tried to walk herself, and sent the master a furious stare. Mr. Beckett tsked and straightening up, caught to Lana, guarding Veronika on the other side."My wife has not been feeling well lately ..." - began Ian, leaving the table and approaching them. "Stop lying!" - shouted Lana, interrupting him. - "Mom is in such a state because, in an attempt to free Brian and Risa from the basement in which you placed them, she broke almost all the bones, turning in chains! You crazy freak ready to make any sacrifices! And for what? "Going to the table, Lana fished out a stack of papers from behind her bosom and threw it so that it spread all over. The audience began to catch the sheets, intrigued by such a start. But as soon as they got a grasp of what was written there, people's eyes became as big as saucers. Lana, meanwhile, sat Veronica on a chair and turned back to her father."Give me back my Greg! Now!" - She demanded in a tone full of threat. And in the same second in her head, sounded a cold, familiar voice: "If you finish this phrase, you won't see your beloved ever again!". Ruslana started and stepped back. Ian continued to drill her with an icy gaze in which she could clearly read that this was not an empty threat. Her heart sank, and the throat seemed to be stuck. What to do? What if they do not find him in time? What if this bastard has time to give the order faster? Thousands of thoughts made her head spin. She reached out again to that little piece of heart that always belonged to Greg. Panic made her hands shake. "Please!" - She whispered barely audible, trying to feel at least something. - "Greg!"Seeing as the girl stepped back and turned pale, Ian could barely suppress a winning smirk and turned to the Council. "It seems to be just a minor problem in paradise. These humans are so flighty sometimes! Do forgive my daughter's temper." - He said jokingly and began to collect the papers nearest to him. - "Now let's get to the main point. I actually wanted to talk about this plan to the Council as my report. But...""No!" - Lana roared, transforming. Ian barely had time to turn around, as an outraged she-wolf, overcoming the distance between them with one leap, jumped at him, slashing at him her clawed paws in a fury. "It seems the show started without us." - whispered Tony, turning to Greg, who halted on the threshold."Shh! Lana has had too much stress lately. Let her enjoy the moment." - Greg replied with pride as he watched his girlfriend tear out a bunch of blond hair from her father's head. "You spoil her too much." - Paul stated displeased. - "By the way, her wolf form now looks a little different.""What's the difference." - Greg shrugged, smiling broadly. - "My mighty she-wolf is gorgeous in any form. Especially when fighting for our family and me!"
