Lucy listened to the proceedings, her stomach in knots. The case seemed to swing back and forth in favour of Lycan Link and then back to Armand and Daniel. Beside her, Reno was leaning forward, his elbows on his knees and his chin on his clasped hands. His eyes were narrowed and, from the look on his face, she had a feeling he was seeing ghosts from the past.
When the Speaker called for a short recess, Reno gave his head a shake. Sitting up straight, he looked at her and her companions. “Your men are holding up well.”
“The case they are presenting against Daniel is strong.” Tessa spoke in her quiet, faintly accented tones, her face a study of worry. “Back home, I’ve overheard him mention hacking into Lycan Link but I’m sure it was never for illegal purposes. That woman is twisting things around to make him seem guilty.”
“That’s her job…the bitch.” Melody reached out to take Caleb.
Lucy pressed a kiss to Caleb’s head before relinquishing him. Thankfully, he’d fallen asleep after nursing. “Armand and Daniel did nothing wrong, surely the court—I mean, High Council—will realize that.”
“Machado has scored some points and I’m sure he has more tricks up his sleeve.” Reno stood and stretched. “I’m going to step out into the lobby and grab a coffee. Do any of you want anything?”
They declined and Reno left. Several people cast looks their way, whether it was because they’d been sitting with Reno or because she and Jenna ‘smelled’ human, she wasn’t sure. Armand was also casting looks her way. He didn’t appear pleased to see her, but she didn’t care. She’d stand by him no matter what.
“How are you holding up?” Jenna came to stand beside her.
“Fine.” She gave a brief smile, still not sure how she felt about the woman.
Jenna glanced towards Armand and then back at her. “We haven’t had much time to talk but I wanted you to know that nothing happened. Between me and Armand, I mean. I kissed him once—part of my cover—and he didn’t respond. He’s totally devoted to you.”
“Oh. Thanks for telling me.” Her smile was more genuine this time. “I…um…did wonder. When we broke up, I told him to find someone else—”
“All the while hoping he wouldn’t, of course.” Jenna folded her arms and gave her a knowing look.
“Yeah. Something like that.”
“Well, rest assured you’re the one he wants and I really hope the two of you can make it work. He’s a nice man and he deserves to be happy.”
“I hope we can make it work, too.” She paused then gathered her courage. “Can I ask you something?”
“What?”
“Is it hard? Being the only human in a group of shifters, I mean?”
She shrugged. “Shifters are people just like everyone else but, yes, there are some difficulties. I told you about my mother, how she distanced herself from friends and family?”
“I remember.”
“And then there’s the shifting part. Lycans enjoy going for pack runs; my mother could never join in. Of course, bears are a different species.”
“Armand used to disappear into the woods a lot. He’d say he was going hiking or camping.”
Jenna nodded. “Well, that’s something you can probably do together.”
She had more questions to ask but the recess was over and everyone was returning to their seats. Sitting down, she put thoughts of the future out of her mind and concentrated on the current proceedings.
Machado addressed the Speaker, “If it pleases High Council, I’d like to call forward a witness, Jeffrey Tinley.”
Jeff the chef? Lucy hadn’t noticed him sitting near the front. So, he was a shifter too? She hadn’t considered that point but now recalled how Kathy had called him a coyote and he’d referred to her as a fox. She wondered if Kathy was there and studied those gathered. No, but was that Gin sitting two seats over from Jeff? Good heavens, she’d been surrounded by shifters all that time and never even realized it!
The Speaker nodded and Jeff took the stand.
Machado began to question him. “Mr. Tinley, you were working undercover at the King’s Plate in Chicago, is that correct?”
“Yes, sir. My job was to befriend Kathy Crevan.”
“Ms. Crevan is a fox-shifter, correct? And,” the counsel referred to his notes, “she’s currently in a high security facility awaiting trial.”
“Yes, she’s quite outspoken in her contempt for Lycan Link and is suspected of being a member of a subversive group. It was hoped I could gain access to the core leadership of the group and then reveal their plans and location to Lycan Link.”
The Speaker interrupted. “For the sake of clarity, the subversive group you refer to is the one formed by the exiguous shifters?”
“Yes, sir.” Jeff nodded. “The FSE.”
“Very well. You may continue, Counsel Machado.” The Speaker folded his hands.
“Mr. Tinley, in your time undercover, did you ever encounter these men, Armand St. John or Daniel Scott Phillips-Rhodes?” Machado pointed to them.
Jeff craned his neck to see before answering. “Only the dark-haired man but never the other one.”
“And when did you see the dark-haired man, Armand St. John, to be specific.”
“The last week before the case ended.”
“You’re sure? He was never a customer at the King’s Plate? Never attended any of the FSE meetings?”
“No, sir. He would definitely have been noticed if he’d been there.”
Machado turned to the Speaker. “I present to High Council the fact that bears have never been considered exiguous shifters and Mr. St. John is not a member of the subversive group but rather a victim of circumstance who inadvertently stumbled into this case.”
Counsel McGuire stood up. “Mr. Speaker, this is all conjecture. Mr. St. John could still have been part of the FSE. There are members of the more prominent shifter groups who have some sympathy for the exiguous ones. The fact that Agent Tinley didn’t see the defendant could simply mean Tinley had not infiltrated the FSE as deeply as he believed or that Mr. St. John was highly skilled at staying under the radar.”
The Speaker nodded. “Point taken.”
Lucy clasped her hands tightly together. “This is complete and utter nonsense,” she muttered. “It’s all my fault. If I hadn’t called Ryne when I was mugged, Armand wouldn’t have come looking for me and gotten involved.”
A few nearby observers turned to look at them.
Reno shook his head at her, a finger pressed to his lips.
“I don’t care. Armand and Daniel are probably going to be charged with some non-existent crime.”
More heads turned their way.
“Be quiet or you’ll be thrown out of the room.” Reno hissed the warning.
“But I—”
The Speaker banged the gavel and she looked up to find him glaring directly at her with a sour expression. “Ma’am, if you’re so eager to talk perhaps you’d like to come up here and address High Council?”
She ignored the sarcasm in his tone and stood up. “Yes, I would!”
Gasps filled the room and there were flashes as reporters took her picture. Tessa tried to pull her back into her seat, but she shook off the grasp. A quick glance showed Caleb sleeping in Melody’s arms, so she stepped around Reno and marched down the aisle to the front of the room.
“Lucy, I don’t want you here.” Armand stood and growled the words at her.
“Too bad. I’m going to have my say.” She folded her arms and jutted her chin.
Armand hesitated only sinking back into his seat when Ryne stood up and whispered urgently to him. He continued to glare at her, however she ignored him and faced High Council. “I’m Lucy Chalmers. Um, I mean Chandler… Well, the name thing is complicated but what’s important is that I want to tell you the real story of what happened.”
“She’s a human,” Counsel McGuire surged to her feet, protesting. “Humans aren’t involved in these matters! They aren’t even part of our world and have no right to be here. How did she even get past security?”
Lucy ignored the last question, not wanting to get Reno in trouble and tackled the rest of the woman’s statements. “For your information, I’m going to be part of your world once you set Armand free and we can pick a wedding date or whatever your kind call the ceremony.” She gave her hand a negligent wave. “And as for not being involved, it was my box of tampons that started it all. You can’t get much more involved than that, can you?”
A murmur swept over the room and the Speaker signalled for silence before clearing his throat. “A box of tampons, you say? I don’t believe that’s a topic we’ve had brought before this council before.” He leaned back in his chair. “Please continue.”
“Thank you, sir. That’s so kind of you.” She gave him her best smile, the one that always ensured she got a big tip, and began to explain.
It took some time with both sides asking her questions and Jeff the chef corroborating certain parts. To her surprise, it turned out Gin was an ordinary human and, like Jenna, worked for Lycan Link. Her task had been watching Jeff, unbeknownst to him, to ensure his loyalty. The tale of who knew what was more twisted than a nest of snakes but eventually everyone on High Council seemed to understand the sequence of events.
When she was done, she took a deep breath. “So you see how it happened? They were just trying to help me, and we handed the information over to you as soon as we could. Or at least we thought we’d handed it over but since this Soldoti isn’t really one of you, I guess we didn’t. That’s hardly our fault, though. Right?”
“True.” The Speaker nodded. “And I commend you on the style of your oratory. It was both entertaining and informative.”
“Thank you.” She smiled sweetly at him. He was a condescending old goat, but she tried not to hold it against him. Likely no one had ever taught him better. “I was on the dean’s list at college and at the top of my communication courses.”
“Indeed? Well,” he cleared his throat, realizing he’d been chastised in the politest way possible. “I believe we’ll be able to make a decision on the facts as they were presented. Unless anyone else would care to add something?”
Caleb chose that moment to wake up and coo loudly. Everyone turned to look at him, smiles tugging at the corners of their mouths.
The Speaker tapped his gavel. “High Council will confer over lunch and present our decision when we reconvene at...” he consulted his watch, “two o’clock.”
Armand sat with Daniel and Ryne eating the boxed lunch that had been brought to them. The sandwiches were dry but at least he and his friends had been allowed to share a meal, albeit with two Enforcers posted outside the room and a one-way mirror preventing them from having any privacy.
“I still can’t believe Lucy did that.” He took a gulp of milk to help wash down the sandwich.
“You should know by now she’s spirited.” Ryne peered suspiciously between the slices of bread.
“Yes, when she lived in Stump River. But she was different in Chicago, quieter, more careful in her actions.”
“That’s like Tessa. Marco said she was full of life back in Spain.” Daniel ate his food, seeming not to notice or care it was subpar.
“Home turf, it brings out a person’s confidence,” Ryne said.
“Lycan Link Headquarters isn’t Lucy’s ‘home turf’ though,” Armand pointed out.
“But you’re here.” Daniel rummaged in the container the food came in and pulled out an apple. “Home is where the heart is.”
“Cheesy, however Daniel’s right. Lucy might be human but we’re her pack and subconsciously she knows we have her back.” Ryne dumped the debatable sandwich back in the box and munched on the small package of store-bought cookies instead.
Armand mulled over what they had said. It was true. He and Lucy and Caleb, it didn’t matter where they lived, as long as they were together it would be home.
Unless we are in detention, his bear grumbled.
That was a sticking point. If he was found guilty, he couldn’t expect Lucy to spend her life alone, visiting him on weekends in a detention centre. Nor could they live a life on the run, especially not with a child. He shoved his chair back and stood up, beginning to pace the room. If the trial didn’t go in his favour, there was one option, but he was reluctant to use it.
“Relax,” Daniel dusted the crumbs from his hands and leaned back in his chair. “Lucy did a great job defending us. High Council will make the right decision, I’m sure of it.”
“Are you?” He raised a brow. “You were a bundle of nerves earlier.”
Daniel nodded. “I know. Machado was trying his best but getting nowhere. Lucy came at it from a new angle.”
Ryne nodded. “She can be very persuasive.”
Armand rubbed his chin, hoping they were right. Truth be told, he hadn’t heard half of what Lucy had said. He’d been too busy fuming over the fact that she was there, addressing the Lycan High Council, no less. His plan had been to keep her as far away from the murky mess as possible and instead she’d landed right in the middle of it. If she said the wrong thing, there could be negative consequences for her. After all, Lycan Link had twisted things enough to make him and Daniel seem involved. Who was to say they wouldn’t do the same thing to her?
“Mel must have told her you’re a bear shifter,” Daniel commented interrupting his thoughts.
“True,” he nodded, his surprise over seeing Lucy in the council chambers having obscured that fact. “I’ll have to thank her. I wasn’t sure how to broach the topic.”
“When I told Melody, she thought I was bat-shit crazy.” Ryne chuckled reminiscently.
An Enforcer opening the door ended their conversation. It was time to return to the High Council chambers. Armand’s stomach knotted. His future with Lucy would be decided in the next few minutes. Beside him, Daniel’s lunchtime bravado seemed to have faded. His shoulders might be squared but his clenched jaw told a different story. Ryne was little better, his fingers beating a nervous tattoo on his thigh that belied the cocky expression on his face.
As they entered the room, they all glanced over the faces that packed the gallery, looking to the back where their women were seated. Lucy gave him a nod and Mel did a thumbs up. Tessa’s lips formed a nervous smile before she busied herself with the baby. Yeah, they were anxious as well.
Taking their seats, they waited for the arrival of the High Council.
Ryne leaned over, speaking quietly. “Kane texted me a few minutes ago. He said he contacted several members of High Council who he knows personally.”
“And this might turn the balance in our favour?”
“Maybe. He figured it couldn’t hurt to share the concerns being expressed by a number of prominent Alphas. The last thing High Council wants is a bunch of pissed off Alphas, especially given the chaos Lycan Link seems to be in these days.”
Ricardo Machado had been listening in and nodded. “This is a pivotal case and High Council will treat it with kid gloves. The outcome will set precedents for the future as to how territorial rights are handled with respect to gathering evidence and arrests. If the charges stick, some will feel it indicates Lycan Link’s rights supersede an Alpha’s autonomy. If the charges are dropped, well then the matter is still open for future debate.”
Armand didn’t particularly care about precedents at that moment. He noticed the door opening to admit the men that held his fate in their hands.
The formalities of rising and then sitting were taken care of, as well as the clerk re-reading the charges against them followed by the Speaker making some general statements. Armand was barely paying attention. Forget the posturing and all the mumbo-jumbo. He inhaled deeply and then blew out slowly, drawing on his last remaining fragments of patience.
“We ask Daniel Scott Phillips-Rhodes, to please stand.”
Daniel stood, and Armand leaned forward, now listening intently. He’d been the one to involve Daniel. If there was a punishment dealt out, he’d request it be applied to him rather than the young man. When he’d mentioned this to Machado earlier, the counsel had said that wouldn’t be possible, but he’d ask anyway.
“Mr. Phillips-Rhodes,” the Speaker addressed Daniel. “We have spent some time reviewing the evidence against you. As well, we have examined your background, scant though it may be. Your IQ scores are remarkable. There has been no disciplinary action applied to you in either of the packs to which you’ve belonged. You briefly attended the academic strand of the Academy where you achieved exemplary grades in math and computer science. However, you left after the first year.”
Daniel nodded. “That’s correct.”
“Why was that?”
He shrugged. “I wasn’t learning anything I didn’t already know.”
“I see.” The Speaker glanced at the other members. “You would rather work as a rogue hacker.”
“Yes. Well…not exactly rogue.” Daniel stumbled over his answer. “I like doing things my own way but I’m not out to harm anyone. Sir.” He added on the last word after Machado nudged him.
“Someone of your ability has great potential to help…or hinder Lycan society. While High Council has not found you guilty at this point in time, there is concern as to which path you might choose in the future.”
It took a moment for the words to sink in and then a smile began to appear on Daniel’s face. “Not guilty?”
“That is correct. However, we will be making certain recommendations to your Alpha as to your future. For someone with your skills to have too much free time on their hands could be a recipe for disaster.” The Speaker shifted his gaze to Ryne. “Mr. Taylor, before you leave today you will be required to set a date for a formal meeting on this matter.”
Ryne gave a brief nod. He didn’t seem impressed with being told what to do but held his tongue.
“You may sit down, Mr. Phillips-Rhodes.”
Daniel sank into his seat and the clerk called out the next name. “We ask Armand St. John to please stand.”
Armand rose to his feet, legs spread, hands clasped behind his back; chin up so he could look the speaker squarely in the eye.
“Mr. St. John,” the Speaker began. “You are not a Lycan.”
“That is correct.”
“And, as such, being in possession of our security codes could be deemed espionage. While we were given a convincing explanation of how these matters unfolded, we still have some reservations that, having stumbled upon this situation, you didn’t attempt to use it for your own gain, passing on copies of the codes either for monetary or financial gain. You made one backup copy. Who is to say you didn’t make more?”
“I didn’t make extra copies, nor did I pass the information on to anyone.”
“So you say, but what proof is there of that?” The Speaker asked. “With the formation of the Affiliation Office several years ago, species have begun to unite and, as is to be expected, each has a different agenda. Some groups are keen on forming an alliance. Others are more reluctant. Some even feel they are being overlooked or treated with less respect than they deserve. Some openly refute the idea and seek to undermine the work being done.”
He didn’t say anything when the Speaker paused.
“What category do Ursas fall into, Mr. St. John?”
“I’m not sure, sir. I don’t involve myself in politics.”
“Really?” The Speaker waited a beat and then shuffled his papers. “Let me enlighten you. Based on what we have been able to learn, the Ursas have thus far been a rather silent group in the negotiations, rarely sending a representative to the meetings. However, there has also been no evidence of their involvement in subversive activities; a fact which plays in your favour.”
That sounded promising, but he didn’t dare get his hopes up too soon.
“A lack of evidence doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of guilt.” Counsel McGuire spoke out.
“You are out of order, Counsel. Please refrain from commenting.” The Speaker gave her a reproving look then returned his attention to Armand. “The point Counsel McGuire made is valid, however, and one we have considered. It troubles us that you tried to seek out the perpetrators of the crime on your own. As a non-Lycan you were over-stepping your boundaries.”
He opened his mouth to speak but then closed it. He’d not implicate others by saying why he’d tried to track down the owner of the USB.
“You are a tight-lipped individual, Mr. St. John. It can be an honourable characteristic…at times. However, today it may not be to your benefit.”
Damn, that didn’t sound good.
The Speaker was about to continue when there was an audible curse from the back of the room and the sound of a chair being shoved back. He turned to see the man who had been sitting beside Lucy striding towards the front.
“Now just a damned minute.”
“Mr. Smith.” The Speaker addressed the curser, his expression less than pleased. “We meet again. I must admit I’m surprised it’s been so many years. You seemed destined to be a repeat offender.”
“Cut the cr…” Smith seemed to catch himself and cleared his throat. “I mean, if I may address High Council, sir?”
“Please. We can’t wait to hear why yet another individual has decided to interrupt our proceedings.” He folded his arms and leaned back in his chair. “Oh, and Mr. St. John, you may resume your seat. Based on past experience, this may take a while.”
Armand sat down and Machado leaned close, whispering a quick explanation that this person was the Reno Smith with whom Ryne had been in contact when the whole situation began.
Reno cleared his throat and began to speak. “I’m the one that asked the bear to do some footwork with regards to the security codes found on the thumb drive. We weren’t sure who we could trust or who was leaking the information. Keeping it under wraps for as long as possible seemed best. A few key individuals within Lycan Link were informed but that was it.”
“This was while Director Higgins was still working at Lycan Link?” McGuire questioned, earning a stern look from the Speaker.
“It was.”
McGuire spoke again, sliding a glance at the Speaker, no doubt wondering how far she could push the rules. “And yet you didn’t feel he should be told?”
“Er…no. Higgins was a…um…busy man.” Reno weighed his words.
“So, when he saw the Ursa’s name on the report he was unsure of his credentials.” This time it was one of the Elders on the High Council speaking.
“Something like that.” Reno shoved his hands in his pockets and then quickly removed them.
“But you know Mr. St. John well?” Another Elder asked. “Perhaps you’ve been friends for years?”
“Ah…not exactly.”
“And yet you trusted him to carry out investigative work on behalf of Lycan Link?” McGuire questioned yet another point.
Before Reno could speak, Ryne stood up. “I can vouch for Armand.”
The Speaker pinched the bridge of his nose. “This proceeding is becoming a three-ring circus.” He took a deep breath and waved at Ryne. “Very well, have your say. Everyone else has.”
“Since I arrived in Stump River, I’ve known Armand to be honest and reliable. Everyone in the community knows it. He’s been to my house numerous times. If I can trust him around my mate and pup, there’s not much higher recommendation, is there?”
“While it is true one of an Alpha’s primary duties is to ensure his pack’s safety, the word of one individual can hardly be deemed as a guarantee of the man’s trustworthiness.” The Speaker folded his hands. “Please take your seats Mr. Taylor and Mr. Smith. But, Mr. Smith, at a future date we will be discussing your decision with regards to how you conducted the investigation of the security breach. While we support the concept of uniting all shifters, you were precipitate in including a member of the Ursas in this situation.”
Reno gave a twitch, rather like a suppressed shrug. The Speaker raised an eyebrow but made no comment.
Machado leaned close to Armand. “I strongly recommend we pull a certain rabbit out of the hat at this time. Unless you want to be charged with meddling in affairs you had no right to.”
Armand looked at the counsel who met his gaze with a steady one. Damn. Obviously, the man had dug deep in the short time he’d had to prepare for the case. He made a face before giving a reluctant nod.
“It’s for the best,” Machado whispered. “Having a charge hanging around your neck isn’t how you want to start your new life with your mate and cub.”
Before he could reply, Machado rose. “Mr. Speaker, I would like to present one more piece of information.”
“The counsel for the defence has already had his opportunity.” McGuire issued a complaint.
Machado gave a tight smile. “And you’ve taken liberties by questioning these unexpected witnesses, so I’d say we’re even.” He turned to face the Speaker. “I believe this one fact could greatly impact the final decision.”
The Speaker glanced at his fellow council members before nodding. “Very well.”
Machado nodded his thanks and pulled a large tattered book from his briefcase. “I’d like to read an excerpt from the Book of the Law.” He paused, carefully opening the tome to a bookmarked page. “It says, Lycans have the right to sovereignty, to manage their own affairs, without the influence or interference of other species.”
“I’m sure High Council knows the law as well as anyone, and this particular passage is the basis for their concern over the Ursa’s involvement.” McGuire sank back in her chair with an overly loud sigh.
Ignoring the comment, Machado set the book down. “However, over the years there has been a growing unity between shifter species. In 1934, communication channels were opened with the panthers. In 1963, the Fae Queen formally acknowledged the existence of Lycan Link. Baby steps but significant as each builds on the other. Most recently, the Affiliation Office, with the input of numerous Others, penned and presented an addendum, one which was ratified two years ago. It states,” he paused, extracted the sheet of paper that had been serving as a bookmark, and cleared his throat.
“Due to increasing globalization and general species interconnectivity, the need for a trans-species, multi-level policing service has become essential. Combining services will not only lead to greater efficiency and cost savings but will allow each group to benefit from the various strengths and areas of expertise the others might hold. While the exact structure and form of this police service is still evolving, we acknowledge the right of other species to assist in law enforcement provided Lycan Link and the governing body of the other species in question are in agreement.”
Machado set down the page he’d been reading from. “Mr. Smith has served as a spokesman for Lycan Link on numerous occasions and asked for my client’s assistance. I believe that fulfills the requirements.”
McGuire stood. “We concede Mr. Smith has spoken for Lycan Link in an official capacity on numerous occasions. However, it doesn’t address the trustworthiness of the Ursa. Nor did a member of the bear clan royal family condone his involvement.”
“Given that Mr. St. John is second in line to the throne, the Ursa prince, or Regulus as his people say; it would be rather like giving oneself permission to sneeze, don’t you agree? And questioning the honour of the Ursa royal family...” Machado shook his head while making a tutting sound.
Armand slunk lower in his chair as he felt all eyes turn towards him. Damn. He’d lived under the radar for years and had hoped to do so for many more. He wasn’t suited to be royalty, never had been. In fact, he had indicated his intention to abdicate the position if it ever became his. His older brother could have the dubious honour while he enjoyed his peaceful life in Stump River.
“Mr. St. John, is this true?” The Speaker addressed him. “I thought the current Ursa Rex, or monarch, was Le Jean.”
He stood and nodded, answering in his mother tongue. “Oui. Antoine Le Jean c’est mon père. He is my father.”
“You changed your name?”
“I anglicized the surname.” He wished he dared turn around. What was Lucy thinking? He’d hoped she wouldn’t find out, at least not for some time.
The Council was conferring, speaking in hushed tones. He tried to read their body language, but they were a dour-faced group that gave few clues as to what they were thinking. One minute turned into another and then still more. Finally, they resumed their seats, eyes fixed on him.
“In light of this new information and in order to maintain good relations between Lycans and Ursas, High Council has decided to dismiss the case against Armand Le Jean, also known as Armand St. John. Case closed.”
The room erupted in conversation while he blinked, trying to process what had just happened.
It was over?
They hadn’t said he wasn’t guilty, but it didn’t really matter. All he cared about was that he could finally talk to Lucy and hold Caleb. Turning, he tried to locate them in the crowd.
Most of the people in the gallery were leaving while Lucy, Melody and the others were walking against the stream to reach the front. He kept his eyes fixed on them, barely aware of Daniel and Ryne at his side. Machado was trying to gain his attention and he forced himself to look at his counsel.
“I’m sorry we had to share your secret, Mr. St. John, but it was the only way to guarantee the outcome we wanted.”
“I…” Before he could reply, the counsel for Lycan Link, McGuire, approached.
“Congratulations, Mr. St. John and Mr. Phillips-Rhodes. Well played, Ricardo.” The woman gave them the briefest of smiles.
“Thank you, Fiona.” Machado shook her hand. “You’ve had a hard go of it lately, given the current state of Lycan Link. Perhaps next time you’ll have a more…agreeable case.”
She shrugged. “I’m paid to take whatever case Lycan Link assigns me and present it to the best of my ability. Whether the charges are personally agreeable to me or not doesn’t factor into the job.”
Armand had no interest in the woman’s ethics and returned his attention to Lucy and the others. They had almost reached the front. About to go meet them, someone tugged at his arm.
“Mr. St. John, could I get a statement from you please?” A reporter stuck a microphone in his face.
He bit back a growl. This was another thing he disliked about being a royal; having to weigh his words when answering questions from pushy press. With an inner sigh, he schooled his features into a polite but distant expression…
Reno remained in his seat, letting the chamber empty out rather than joining the throng. He leaned back, legs crossed and watched the scene unfolding near the front.
Jenna Lewis was talking to her sister, Gin, and he eyed them with interest. Pack-raised humans; it was an angle he’d never considered. Sharp of Fielding to put them to use. Completely undetectable from the general human population, they were an effective tool for gathering intelligence from unsuspecting Lycans. He wondered if the captain would try to get mention of them stricken from the official transcripts of the proceeding.
Brad Owens slipped into the seat beside him.
“Hey, Reno. You just couldn’t sit back here and be quiet, could you? You had to let High Council know you were in the room and try to rile them up.”
“Knock it off, Brad.” He gave his friend a dirty look. “I couldn’t let them blame the guy.”
“Yeah, you always have to be the one on the white steed charging in to save the day.”
“And where were you when Phillips-Rhodes was being buried up to his neck?”
“I planned to be here but got held up in a meeting. I barely made it in time to see you go into action.”
“Let me guess, this meeting was with the new clerk in archives.”
“Nah, it was about a possible security breach.”
“A breach?” That caught his attention.
“Yeah. An alarm went off for sub-level thirteen but—”
“There is no sub-level thirteen.” He mentally reviewed the buttons on the elevator but they stopped at twelve.
“Technically there is, but it was closed over a quarter of a century ago due to structural instability; something to do with a tremor and water leaking in. Anyway, it’s sealed off and no one can go down there so when a security alarm for that area started pinging, it caused quite a stir. We traced it to an electrical short, probably moisture.” Brad gave a one-shouldered shrug. “We’re going to send a maintenance team down to sub-level twelve and see if they can access anything through the flooring.”
“Interesting.” He thought he knew the building inside and out. Were there any other unknown areas? He made a mental note to check the archives for an original blueprint of Lycan Link someday.
“But back to more important matters.” Brad nodded towards the front. “Fiona McGuire.”
“Lycan Link’s counsel?”
“Yeah. She’s been chilly towards me ever since she arrived here, but she has to warm up eventually. After all, who can resist me?”
“Well, since she just lost her case, I don’t think this is the time to approach her.”
“She might need cheering up, who knows?” Brad gave him a crooked grin and headed towards the front where Fiona had just finished packing her briefcase.
Reno debated staying to watch Brad get shot down by the prickly counsel. Nah, he’d leave the guy with some dignity…for now. Tomorrow was soon enough to tease Brad about his love life.
What he should do was head to the High Council’s table and talk to the Speaker. He shifted his gaze to the front of the chamber and noticed Ryne Sinclair was still there. The Alpha had his arm slung around his mate’s shoulders while they talked to Ricardo Machado. The young girl, Tessa, was standing near Daniel and must have said something to him for he suddenly grinned. Young love; Brandi would be all dewy-eyed at the sight but it made him shake his head.
Did the two youngsters know what they were getting in to? Love, real love, was never easy. It was a journey filled with twists and detours, unexpected bumps and break downs. To make it work required stern stuff; patience and compromises and lots of forgiveness. But the good times…oh yeah, those made up for the hardships along the way. And…
Shit.
He stopped and rolled his eyes at himself. Was he turning into some kind of sap? What happened to the hard-edged, rule-breaking rogue he used to be? He stood, rolled his shoulders and shoved his hands in his back pockets then once again considered if he’d search out the Speaker or not.
The man had said they’d need to discuss his actions but, on the other hand, why go looking for trouble? He shrugged and made his way towards the door. Yeah, that was more like it. There was plenty of work that needed his attention more than High Council having its nose out of joint over a minor point of protocol. Plus, Brandi had said she hoped to make a stopover between cases.
Brandi.
The very thought of her brought a smile to his lips and he left the chamber, happily closing the door on Lycan Link in favour of spending time with the woman who was his mate, his love, his life.
Armand struggled to remain patient with the reporter’s tedious questions. Lucy was standing a few yards away with Caleb, nervously biting her lip while she waited for him to be free.
“Mr. St. John?” The reporter prompted him.
He realized he had no idea what the question was and, quite frankly, didn’t care. “I’m sorry, I have pressing matters I need to attend to. Contact my father if you want an official statement.”
With that, he brushed past the reporter and hurried to where Lucy was waiting. He swept her into his arms, pulling her as close as possible given that Caleb was between them. “I’m sorry you had to wait.” He muttered the words, his lips pressed to her temple as he savoured having her near.
“I didn’t mind waiting. You’re an important man and—”
“Nothing is more important than you. Never forget that.” He pulled back and stared into her eyes.
“Oh, Armand! That’s so sweet of you.” She looked up at him, her eyes shimmering. “And you’re important to me. I was so worried for you!”
“And I was worried for you. You shouldn’t have been here. If—”
“If she hadn’t been, you could have been in big trouble.” Melody interrupted as she passed by making a beeline towards where Jenna stood on the far side of the room.
“Humph.” Begrudgingly, he admitted Melody was right. A stirring near his chest caught his attention and he looked down to see his son staring up at him. “Caleb.” He breathed the word and then reached out to brush his hand over the dark curls that were so like his own. His hand was enormous next to the small child, his fingers trembling as he stroked the soft skin of the baby’s cheek.
“Would you like to hold him?” Lucy stepped back and held the baby out to him.
He nodded, awkwardly taking Caleb in his arms. The small bundle felt so light and fragile and yet there was such a rightness about cradling the baby close, breathing in its scent. There was a feeling in his chest, a warmth that seemed to be expanding until it filled his entire being.
“Isn’t he perfect?” Lucy leaned against his arm, gazing down at the baby.
“Oui.” He cleared his throat. “Yes, he is.”
“I can’t wait until we can go home and be a real family. ”
“Home? ”
“To Stump River. ”
“What about Chicago? I’ve put the bar up for sale and—”
“And I’m taking it off the market. You love that bar and the forest. ”
He shook his head. “But you love the city. And the people in town will have a lot of questions. You don’t look that different. Someone will realize who you are. ”
“Probably, but we’ll think of something.” She shrugged and glanced towards the front of the room where the others were standing. “Ryne always seems to come up with a way to fix these kinds of things. Or maybe I can say I had amnesia. I have spent a lot of time trying to figure out who I really am. ”
“I knew who you were the first time I saw you. You were perfection and that will never change, no matter what.” He used his free hand to reach out and brush his knuckles over the curve of her face. “You’re my sweet, beautiful Lucy. That’s all that matters. ”
“And yet…” She paused and seemed to be choosing her words carefully, “it took you years to finally make your move.”
“I suppose I was afraid.”
“Of me?”
“Oui. Non.” He sighed. “I suppose I doubted my ability to keep you. I feared you’d grow tired and move on to someone else.”
“I’d never do that!”
He shrugged. “I don’t have much to offer. I live in the middle of nowhere. I like to ice fish and play darts. I look like un sauvage more often than not.”
“Well, you do have that prince thing going for you,” she teased. “But I think I prefer your ‘wild man’ look to a crown.” She reached up and gently brushed a stray curl from his face.
“I’m glad. The Ursa royal family doesn’t live in a palace but there’s still a certain image that needs to be maintained, functions to attend that require suits and ties and tight-fitting shoes while one makes meaningless conversation.” He plucked at the uncomfortable suit he was wearing. “It’s not for me.”
“It sounds boring.”
“To me it is, but you liked living in a big city, maybe you—”
She shook her head. “Armand, give it a rest. I don’t care where we live as long as we’re together.”
He saw the determination on her face and the corner of his mouth curled upward. His Lucy could be as fierce as a shifter when she needed to be…which brought another consideration to mind. “We do need to talk about me being a shifter and the fact that Caleb will likely be one as well. He glanced down at the child in his arms. “There is a lot of secrecy involved. It’s like we live behind a veil of lies but it’s necessary to keep us safe.”
“Mel and Jenna explained that to me and I’ll do whatever is needed. I admit it’s going to be hard to keep Roxi at a distance though. We’ve been through a lot together but she sees everything—”
“About Roxi…”
“Yes?”
About to explain that her roommate wasn’t quite so ordinary, someone bumped into him from behind. “Never mind. I’ll tell you later. Let’s get out of here.”
She nodded and he put his arm around her, pressing a kiss to her scar then guiding her to the front where the others were talking. He wasn’t sure how they were going to get home but, as she’d said, Ryne always did seem to have a way of fixing things.
Inside, his bear grumbled happily. It had known all along this was how things were meant to be. Its silly human had just taken forever to figure it out!
A home, a mate and a cub. Could life be any more perfect than that?
~ FIN ~