Page 20 of Quick on the Claw

Zak nodded, still slightly dazed. He hadn’t expected the kiss to affect him so profoundly. It was as if every nerve in his body had come alive at once, singing with joy at finally connecting with his mate.

“I’ve wanted to do that since the moment I saw you,” he admitted, his thumb tracing her cheekbone gently.

Tiffany’s cheeks flushed pink, but her smile didn’t waver. “I’m glad you finally did,” she said softly.

They stood there for a moment, neither wanting to break the spell. Finally, Zak reluctantly stepped back, though he kept hold of Tiffany’s hand.

“I should let you get some rest,” he said, bringing her hand to his lips for a soft kiss. “But perhaps we could continue this... discussion... tomorrow?”

Tiffany nodded, her eyes bright with anticipation. “I’d like that very much. I really loved our time together today.”

Zak chuckled at the Earth expression. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. Perhaps tomorrow we could?—”

He was cut off by a commotion down the hall. Draven appeared, his expression grim. “Your Majesty, I apologize for the interruption, but there’s an urgent matter that requires your attention.”

Zak sighed, frustrated at the timing. “Of course. I’ll be right there.” Turning back to Tiffany, he gave her an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, duty calls. But I hope we can continue this tomorrow?”

Tiffany nodded, her smile understanding. “Of course. Goodnight, Zak”

As she disappeared into her room, Zak turned to Draven with a frown. “What’s happened?”

“It’s Rickon,” Draven said as they walked briskly towards Zak’s study. “He’s called an emergency meeting of the advisory council. He’s pushing for a vote to restrict human access to certain areas of the kingdom including the educational facilities.”

Zak felt a surge of anger. “He can’t do that. He doesn’t have the authority. I’m the king here,” he roared.

“I know that, Zak. But he’s gathered enough support to make it a problem,” Draven replied. “We need to address this now before it gets out of hand.”

As they entered the study, Zak’s mind was racing. He needed to shut this down quickly, to assert his authority and protect Tiffany’s position in the kingdom. But as he prepared to face the council, a part of him couldn’t help but long for the peaceful moments he’d shared with Tiffany earlier.

With a deep breath, he steeled himself for the battle ahead. He was the king, and he would do whatever it took to protect his people – all of them, human and shifter alike. And maybe, just maybe, he could win Tiffany’s heart in the process.

Zak strode into the council chamber, his golden eyes blazing with determination. The kiss with Tiffany still lingered on his lips, fueling his resolve. He would not allow anyone, least of all Rickon, to threaten the future he envisioned with her.

The room fell silent as he entered, the councilors rising to their feet in respect. Zak’s gaze swept over them, noting the mix of nervous and defiant expressions. Rickon stood at the far end of the table, a smug smile playing on his lips.

“I understand there’s been a call for an emergency meeting,” Zak said, his deep voice resonating through the chamber. He didn’t bother to sit, instead remaining standing at the head of the table, his powerful presence demanding attention. “Speak.”

Rickon stepped forward, his voice oily with false concern. “Your Majesty, we’ve called this meeting out of grave concern for the security and cultural integrity of our kingdom. The influx of humans, particularly their involvement in educating our youth, poses a significant threat to our way of life.”

Zak’s jaw clenched, but he kept his expression neutral. “And what evidence do you have to support this claim?”

“Evidence?” Rickon sputtered. “Surely you can see the danger, Your Majesty. These humans know nothing of our customs, our history. How can we trust them with the minds of our children?”

A low growl rumbled in Zak’s chest, causing several councilors to take a step back. “Are you questioning my judgment, Rickon? Do you believe I would allow any threat to our people to enter our kingdom?”

Rickon paled slightly but pressed on. “Of course not, Your Majesty. But perhaps in your... eagerness to embrace new ideas, you’ve overlooked potential risks.”

“Enough,” Zak snapped, his voice sharp as a whip crack. He let his eyes shift, allowing a hint of his panther to show through. The golden irises turned to slits, a reminder to all present of the power he held. “Let me make something perfectly clear. I am your king. This is my birthright passed down through generations of Larkana rulers. The blood of kings flows through my veins, and with it, the wisdom and strength of our ancestors.”

He began to pace, his movements fluid and predatory. “My father, King Yerik, prepared me for this role my entire life. He taught me to lead with courage, to govern with wisdom, and to always put the needs of our kingdom first. I will not dishonor his legacy by allowing fear and narrow-mindedness to dictate our path forward.”

Zak stopped, planting his hands on the table and leaning forward, his gaze intense. “The humans we have invited here are not a threat. They are an opportunity. An opportunity for growth, for learning, for strengthening our kingdom. Tiffany is not just a teacher; she is a bridge between our worlds. Her knowledge and perspective will enrich our children’s education, not diminish it.”

He straightened, his voice softening slightly but losing none of its authority. “We cannot isolate ourselves from the universe around us. Change is coming whether we embrace it or not. As your king, it is my duty to lead us into this new era, not cower in fear of it. This is the vision my father had for our kingdom, and it is the future I intend to build.”

His eyes searched the faces before him. “If any of you have legitimate concerns, I am always willing to listen. But I will not tolerate baseless fear-mongering or attempts to undermine my authority. Is that understood?”

A chorus of “Yes, Your Majesty” echoed through the room. Even Rickon, his face a mask of poorly concealed frustration, nodded in acquiescence.

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