The High Elder’s throne room was beyond magnificent. The cavernous space was filled with light and plants of every kind. The central focus of the room was a giant tree, growing through the floor and lending shade and a sense of peace to a room that had seen arguments, marriages and even battles on the odd occasion. But Cathair noticed nothing in the room. He was too busy glaring at the High Elder. The stately man didn’t look any older than Cathair; his long fair hair contrasted sharply with his bright red robe, his current peaceful expression unruffled by Cathair’s anger.

“You want me to do what?”

“You heard me quite clearly, Cathair.” There was a time when Cathair believed the Elder spoke with the voice of an angel. Not today. “You are to take a message to the pack at Cloverleah. This message is vital to their existence and indeed the very existence of all paranormals on earth. You must not delay.”

“I got that part. But what’s all this about staying with the pack? I can understand them needing to be warned of the danger, but why don’t you send me to the source of danger and I’ll take care of it myself.”

“Surely, you have not grown so arrogant as to ignore the warnings from a seer?” A slight furrow appeared between the Elder’s bright blue eyes. “The danger faced by Cloverleah is far greater than any ever seen before on earth. You, with your susceptibility to evil forces and darkness, would be helpless without the pack’s support behind you. They must be warned. You must stay with them.”

The Elder was right in one respect. All species had a weakness. Shifters were volatile and didn’t live as long as other paranormals. Vampires were hampered by their need for blood. The fae were cut off and arrogant and were dying out as a consequence. Elves, as beings of the light, one step below angels so Cathair had learned, struggled in the face of true evil. It weakened them and while they couldn’t die, spending eternity as a vegetable wasn’t fun.

“They are facing true evil? This pack on earth?”

“Dark enough to ruin the lives of all paranormals who call earth home.” The Elder was deadly serious.

“Should I take a team, one of our squadrons? Surely, if we faced this darkness together…?”

“This event has been a long time coming and the events have to play out,” The Elder interrupted him. “You won’t be bored. Cloverleah is a unique pack. Entirely male, most of the pack is true mated. Their mix of powers can have only occurred with the Fate’s intervention. The seers have decreed it is time one of us joins their battle and you are our representative. It is a great honor.”

The Elder knew just what to say to make Cathair obey, but he had to try one last time. “Elder, I am not disputing my orders. You’ve had my unfailing loyalty for one thousand years. But please explain to me why I have been chosen? This is my home.” I have obligations….

“And there is no reason you can’t come back for visits when the danger has passed. But for now, you belong in Cloverleah. That is all I can tell you.”

“Is this because I’m unmarried?” Cathair said quickly. “I know I haven’t done my duty, but Junior Minister Lansden has expressed an interest. I can….”

“Junior Minister Lansden is currently enjoying dinner with Pathos, the head of the guard. I’m sure they’ll be very well suited. Far more than you two were. Cathair, my son,” the Elder let his political mask fall, “this is not a punishment. This is your destiny. It’s time for you to fill it.”

“I never imagined my destiny would mean leaving my home. To live on earth….”

“Is something you used to dream about as a child.” It had never been easy for the High Elder, mixing his duties with raising a boisterous son, but the man had done his best. Something Cathair acknowledged even when his heart was full of doubt. “I will miss you, my son, but your talents are wasted here and you were never meant to form a marriage with someone like Lansden. That’s why you were never forced after that humiliating debacle with Jorge. You were always meant for more.”

Cathair hung his head. He wouldn’t fight with his father. “How long before I leave?”

“Two days. We’ve had to arrange passage for you through the Cloverleah wards. Their land is tied up tighter than a nun’s knickers as the humans would say and it’s only right we respect that.”

“What an unbearable way to live.” Cathair wasn’t sure how he’d cope, stuck in one place for too long.

“And yet they have formidable powers, the strongest of which is the love they have for each other. This will be good for you.” His father, the Elder, sometimes Cathair wondered which side of the man who raised him was speaking. “Your mother would love to see you at dinner tonight.”

“Of course. I’ll just go and change.” Cathair cast a glance down at his dusty pants and top. “Father.” He bowed his head, clicked his heels and strode out of the hall. Two days. Two days and I have to leave and make my home in a wolf pack. What the fuck are the seers thinking?