Page 94 of Shiny Things

“He did. Smacked her on the ass, twice, grabbed her arm, demanded her attention, and said a lot of highly inappropriate things to her. It wasn’t a single incident either. He did it at two different events she was working in as many days.”

“He can rot in hell as far as I’m concerned,” Clarence announced.

“Clarence!”

“Don’t you admonish me, Castor. Imagine if it were your little girl he’d done this to.”

A guttural kraal erupted from Castor. He cleared his throat and forced his fisted hands to open.

“Perhaps the safe return of Joe Montgomery is not quite as high on our list of priorities as we originally thought.”

I tried hard to keep the mask on my face in place and show no emotions, but I took a bit of sick pleasure in hearing this.

“That may not be a bad thing because there is strong evidence that he willingly left with them.”

I knew that wasn’t entirely the case. He’d been scared, probably because of the witch after seeing what she did to me and Kim. But I also liked to believe that it was because he saw a glimpse of how strong my powers were and the lengths I would go to ensuring my mate’s safety. My words to him hadn’t been empty threats.

“At this time, we’ve found no sign of Joe, the Collector, or the witch helping him within Ravenden territory,” Michael explained. “It is likely they fled the area feeling the pressure of a full Congress after them. I understand it was quite the scene.”

“Like something out of a horror movie,” Baine added, causing everyone to chuckle and the mood in the room to lighten.

“We’re working with Vance Thornton and Dan Grimes to begin properly training your first responders. If you wish to establish a specific team to focus on Ravenden security, now would be a good time to begin that process as well.”

“My youngest son, Dean, has expressed an interest in overseeing something like this. If no one has any objections, I would like to see what he can do,” Dad surprised me by saying.

I had no idea Dean was interested in doing anything with his life and truly hoped this wasn’t something he was being pressured into, like how had tried to force me into working for the Council from the second I graduated high school. But I didn’t say that in front of everyone.

The Council readily agreed as they almost always did when my father suggested something.

“Great. We’ll get started right away. I assume he’ll be picking his own team?”

Dad picked up his phone without answering and seconds later Dean walked in. He was sporting a suit and fresh haircut. I almost didn’t recognize him. When had my baby brother grown up? I’d just seen him last night, and he still had his shaggy hair and boyish gait. It was as if he had transitioned overnight, but when he saw me and grinned, it was clear the kid was still in there.

Introductions were made.

“I was just asking if you’ll be choosing your own team or if that is something that will be assigned by the Council or require additional help from us,” Michael said.

“That responsibility will be mine. I’d like to hear more about how you guys work and what needs you cover for your Pack. I’m here to learn all I can to discern what needs we may have here and what talents I should be looking for.”

Michael looked impressed by his answer. “Smart move. We’ll help however we can.”

Dean was still young, but he was smart. He’d graduated college in just three years and seemed to be struggling to find his place in the Congress. Maybe this was it.

Once the meeting was over, Ryan and I jumped and ran to talk to Dean.

“Looking good, bro,” Ryan said approvingly.

I groaned. “He looks like a little stuffy clone of you.”

Ryan laughed. “There’s nothing wrong with looking nice. You could take some pointers from the kid.”

Dean chuckled and that cocky grin of his spread across his face, lighting up his eyes.

“I can give you the name of my stylist if you’d like. She works all hours.” He winked at me.

I scowled back at him. It wasn’t that I didn’t know my youngest brother had turned into a bit of a Casa Nova on his return home, but he still spent a great majority of his life playing video games and was still living at home with our parents, so it was a bit hard for me to believe the rumors.

“How’s Kim doing this morning? Did we completely freak her out by all showing up like that?”

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