Chapter 148

Julian

"Cassie has just arrived." Next to me Ian whispered but he didn't need to have bothered. The moment she stepped into the building I knew she was close. My wolf had lifted his head and let out a small howl. Calling her closer to me.

Lifting my head from the papers strewn across the table around me I smiled as she stepped into the room. Scarlett right behind her, carrying a child who seemed to cling to  her like some kind of monkey.

I waited until Cassie returned my smile before I cleared my throat. Everyone around this table was someone important. A warrior, a leader. The highest ranking individuals of Scarlett's pack but I had been putting off starting this meeting until Cassie had arrived.

Her smile was forced but her eyes were soft as she took a seat at the far end of the table.

"Now everyone is here , we can start."

An elderly man to my left frowned. "This is a war council, is it not?"

"It is-" I glanced up at  Ian. Who stared at the man until the elder lowered his eyes to the table and grew still.

"Hallen." Ian said quietly but his voice shook with anger. "He is head of alpha Scarlett's council."

I nodded my head. "Yes this is a war council Hallen."

"Then the women should leave." He didn't even try and and mute the anger in his voice.

Old fart was getting on my nerves and I was having difficulty in not letting it show on my face.

"I don't understand what you mean?" I said evenly.

This time he turned his head towards the women. "They don't belong here. It's a place for men to discuss strategy." He shook his head. "No offence meant queen Cassie and luna-"

"Alpha." Cassie said sharply and my eyebrows shot up into my hairline. Behind me I felt Ian bristle.

"I beg-" Hallen began to say. Tripping over his own tongue. "I didn't mean any offence your majesty."

"And yet I have taken offence." She said in her quiet angry voice. Turning my head I grinned up at Ian. Who was staring at my wife like a proud father.  I guess in a way I was proud as well that she wasn't afraid of saying what she thought but most of all I was relieved that her displeasure was aimed at someone else for once.

"You will give us the titles and respect we deserve." Cassie looked him right in the face.

"I did. I mean I thought I did. It's just-"

Again she cut him off. "Scarlett included." She snapped.

"Luna." He bowed his head in mock submission. It was the wrong thing to say. Cassie was out of her chair so quickly she seemed to fly towards him. Her hand closed around his throat.  Not cutting off his airway but threatening to.

"Her title is alpha."

My eyebrows lifted even more. Behind me Ian chuckled. "Oh she's angry angry. Poor man."

I didn't think he was a poor man at all. I thought he was getting just what he deserved.

"We have never had a female alpha. She is Luna." He croaked. "My king, please control your woman."

Laughter burst from my lips. Like a man as weak as me could ever control a fire cracker like Cassie. She would have my balls if I tried. Leaning back in my chair I found Scarlett's eyes.

"I think my queen has everything under control actually." I chuckled. "And as for Scarlett's position in this pack. Scarlett were you born here? Or did you come after your mating ceremony?"

"Why is that important your highness?" Hallen spluttered.

Ignoring him I waited for Scarlett to answer me.

"I was the only daughter of the alpha and Luna of this pack your highness." She said quietly.

"So this is your pack." I nodded my head. "You are alpha. And you are free to retire any of your council members who you don't think will work for you and your interests."

Scarlett's eyes widened and then she shook her head. "Hallen and his family have served mine for generations. If he can follow a woman then-"

"I can alpha. Forgive me."

"Cassie my love I think you can let go of him now."

I chuckled. She stood up but continued to glare at him. Her full lips thinned.

"I don't trust him." She muttered. "I'll be watching you closely."

I caught her wrist before she could disappear to the other end of the table again, pulling her onto my lap. Instantly I felt better with her weight against me. Closing my arms around her I let my chin fall onto her shoulder. Letting her sweet smelling hair tickle my senses.

"So does anyone have any ideas of how we can send word to the wolves that will be loyal to us?" I asked getting back to the matter at hand now my wife had flexed her claws a little.

"It's not just the battle we have to discuss. I want to talk to you about putting through an adoption program before we head into full out war."

Twisting her on my lap I stared at her. Taking in the determined look on her face. "I think that's a great idea. Shall I leave that with you?"

She shook her head. "I think Scarlett would be the perfect person to be the figure head of it. She knows her pack and they love her. I think I would be of more use elsewhere."

My eyes narrowed. She was up to something. I could see her mind moving a million miles an hour.

"What are you thinking my love?" Reaching out I touched her silky hair, pushing it behind her ear so I could smooth my fingers down her soft cheek.

"It's just an idea."

"Tell me."

"We can't know for sure who to trust within our own people.  But that doesn't mean we can't gather our allies. We know the Lycans are but there are other shifter communities." Her eyes turned up to stare at Ian. "I think we should go and ask the cat shifters for help." She said quietly. "We can start with Yannas people."