FULL NOVELXO Chapter 2 ~ Besides, You’re My Mate
Adrianna stood at the witness podium, in front of the shifter council.. waiting to address them. Councilman Jerry Hicks, a wolf, tells her to state her business.
She cleared her throat, looking at each member, she had a clear view of eleven men.. a twelfth man sat in the corner.. away from the others.. and she couldn’t see him, as the shadows of the room didn’t allow it.
She spoke into the microphone “Gentlemen, I am Adrianna Mosley. My father is the Alpha of our pack, Luna Lake. Three weeks ago, our pack was attacked by hunters.. they killed sixty of our people and abducted my father.
I am here today, to ask the council for aid. I have searched diligently over grids of land, trying to locate him, but have come up empty. My trackers are not skilled enough to be able to pick up the trail after a hundred miles.
As much as it pains me, I must ask for assistance. Our statutes read it is council’s duty to provide aid to any and all packs in times of need. I am invoking my right, as acting Alpha, to request that help.”
The council whispered amongst themselves a minute.. then ask Adrianna to step into the hallway while they confer. She walked out into the corridor and found a seat.
As soon as she vacated chambers, Hicks said “We can’t get involved. According to the treaty with the humans, if we go hunting, we risk an all out war.” Council Henry said “If we don’t, we are violating our own laws.. that girl was held captive for five years, by humans! She is under duress.. knowing what her father might be enduring.” But Hicks dug his heels in and said “Regardless, that girl is a hybrid of Goddess only knows what, and dangerous. She will put our people in harm’s way!”
Adrianna was called back in.. and by the looks on the councilmen’s faces, she knew she was about to be denied. Figures! She should have known!
Councilman Hicks intones “Council only involves themselves when circumstances demonstrate the threat is to three or more packs. As of right now, only your pack seems affected. Therefore, we are prepared to install an interim Alpha, in order for you to continue the search with your trackers”
Adrianna sneered “You won’t help me look for my father.. but see this as an opportunity to take his pack? Is that what I am hearing, councilman? I am being refused council’s assistance? You are comfortable enough to allow these hunters to possibly attack other packs.. other species and abduct them? Have you NO idea what the hunters are doing to all species?”
Hicks slammed his gavel down “Enough, Miss Mosley! You do not come in here and disrespect the council! We have a job to do, and we follow protocol! Now, do you accept the interim Alpha, or do you leave?”
Adrianna snarled “Alpha Mosley, to you! Do NOT even think to send an interim Alpha to MY pack. A job to do? Riding your high horses.. sitting on your fat asses, isn’t doing Your job, Councilman! It is being an apathetic jackass! I am leaving.. and I am withdrawing Luna Lake’s support of this council! You people are a joke!”
She was storming to the door, when a deep voice growled from the corner “STOP” and she whipped around. A man said “Alpha Mosley, my name is Alpha Evander Arconium, and I will offer my assistance in locating these hunters.. and your father. I don’t need council’s aid.”
Adrianna asked “Why? Why would you go against the council? You’re one of them.. and obviously, it isn’t politically correct to actually help shifters… their jobs are just to be pompous, judgemental asses.”
Evander stepped into the light and grinned “I sit the council.. strictly to represent my dragons. They do not control what I do.. or say. I believe these hunters are a very real threat, and I want to help you take them down. Color me bored.. needing a little action, maybe? Besides, you’re my mate..