Page 39 of Quick on the Claw

Zak’s jaw clenched, a low growl rumbling in his chest. “This is a closed council meeting, Grixxar. You weren’t invited.”

Rickon stepped forward, his voice oily and placating. “Sire, perhaps it would be beneficial to hear Lord Grixxar’s perspective. After all, he does represent a significant portion of our kingdom.”

The other council members shifted uneasily, exchanging wary glances. Zak could feel the tension in the room, thick enough to cut with a claw.

Grixxar, emboldened by Rickon’s support, launched into his tirade. “We need to discuss your... unconventional choices, Zak. This dalliance with the Earthling, these progressive policies. They’re weakening our kingdom.”

Rickon nodded eagerly, adding fuel to the fire. “Indeed, Your Majesty. These Earth creatures, they’re barely more than animals. Their technology is laughable, their customs primitive. To even consider one as a potential queen... it’s an insult to our proud lineage.”

Grixxar sneered, his eyes glinting with malice. “Not to mention the danger they pose. Who knows what diseases they might bring? What corrupting influences? We’ve managed just fine without them for centuries. Why start mingling with lesser species now?”

With each word, Zak felt his anger rising, a molten tide threatening to overflow. His vision tinged red at the edges, his inner panther clawing to be released.

“Lesser species?” he growled, his voice dropping to a dangerous octave. “Corrupting influences? You speak of things you don’t understand, cousin. The Earthlings have much to offer our kingdom - new perspectives and innovative ideas. Tiffany alone has done more for our education system in weeks than you’ve done in years.”

Rickon scoffed, apparently oblivious to the dangerous glint in Zak’s eyes. “Education? What could a primitive Earthling possibly teach our superior youth? How to wage constant war? How to pollute their planet beyond repair?”

Something inside Zak snapped. He surged to his feet, his eyes blazing with an inner fire that made even the bravest council members flinch. When he spoke, his voice was a low, feral growl that seemed to vibrate through the very stones of the chamber.

“ENOUGH!” he roared, his fangs fully elongating, claws extending from his fingertips. “I have tolerated this insubordination for far too long. I am your king, and you will respect my authority!”

He turned his burning gaze on Rickon, who visibly wilted under the intensity. “You, Rickon, have consistently undermined my decisions and worked against my vision for our kingdom. This ends now.”

Zak’s gaze swept the room, meeting each council member’s eyes, lingering on Grixxar’s now pale face. “Let me be perfectly clear. If any of you - any of you - attempt to undermine my authority again, you will be removed from this council. Permanently. And if I hear one more word demeaning Tiffany or any other Earthling, you’ll answer to me personally. Do I make myself clear?”

The silence that followed was deafening. Grixxar’s face had drained of all color while Rickon looked as if he might faint at any moment.

“This meeting is dismissed,” Zak snarled, his voice still carrying the edge of a panther’s roar. “Get out. All of you.”

As the council members scrambled to leave, Draven lingered behind, a mixture of awe and amusement on his face. Once the room had cleared, he let out a low whistle.

“Well, that certainly put Rickon and Grixxar’s panties in a twist,” Draven chuckled.

Zak blinked, momentarily thrown by the odd phrase. “Their... what?”

Draven grinned sheepishly. “Oh, it’s something I picked up from Sia. Apparently, it’s an Earth expression for getting all worked up.”

Despite the lingering tension, Zak laughed. “Ah, I see your cute little mate is expanding your vocabulary. Speaking of which, congratulations. Are you certain she’s the one?”

Draven’s face softened, his eyes taking on a dreamy quality. “Absolutely. She’s perfect, Zak. Smart, funny, adventurous... I’ve never met anyone like her.”

Zak nodded, understanding completely. “I know exactly how you feel. That’s how it is with Tiffany.”

“We’re lucky men,” Draven said, clapping Zak on the shoulder.

“That we are,” Zak agreed, the last of his anger dissipating. “Now, let’s go find our mates. I think we could both use their calming presence after this... eventful meeting.”

As they left the council chamber, Zak felt a renewed sense of purpose. With Tiffany by his side and loyal friends like Draven supporting him, he could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

EIGHTEEN

Tiffany’s eyes widened as they crested the hill, the fairgrounds sprawling before them in a riot of color and sound. Vibrant banners in shades she’d never seen before - iridescent purples, shimmering blues, and colors that seemed to shift as she looked at them - fluttered in the warm breeze. Glowing orbs floated above the crowds, casting a warm, ethereal light that made everything seem magical.

“Oh, Zak,” she breathed, squeezing his hand, “it’s beautiful.”

Zak’s face lit up with boyish excitement. “I haven’t been to the fair in years,” he admitted, his voice tinged with nostalgia. “Not since I was a cub. My father used to take me every summer.”

As they entered the fairgrounds, the scents hit them first - a tantalizing mix of sweet and savory that made Tiffany’s mouth water. Strange, melodious music filled the air, punctuated by the happy shouts and laughter of children.

---