Page 121 of Oath of Revenge

“But there’s no need for a treaty with the Growlers. They can help ferret out the daemons, but so can the Robins. It’s what they’re trained for. We don’t need the Growlers.”

Scarlet’s chest itched, and she cleared her throat. All eyes swiveled to her, and she froze. Wulfric squeezed her hand, and she looked up at him. She leaned closer to his ear and whispered, “Dragon Claws.”

He nodded and sat up straight, turning to the table. “The druid Olive can attest to this story, but as you all know, Scarlet’s mother was killed by Growlers thirty years ago.”

Several people nodded around the table, but Wulfric’s thumb stroked the back of her hand, distracting her from their eyes.

“What you might not know is that they weren’t just turned or natural born Growlers. There is a secret division of the Hunters known as the Dragon Claws.”

Whispers flew across the table, and Scarlet saw Ashur frown and nod, saying to the man next to him, “I’ve heard of them.”

Wulfric said, “If asked a few weeks ago, Scarlet would’ve said they were a myth. But she asked the Elders of my tribe about it, and between them and Olive’s own account, we now believe the Dragon Claws were the ones who killed her mother.”

“For what purpose?” someone asked.

Knox shook his head. “We don’t know.”

Ashur rubbed his chin. “But we do know the purpose of the Dragon Claws. They were always rumored to be the king’s personal mercenaries, an elite hidden force who originally belonged to the Hunters but were no longer.”

Scarlet looked at Ashur and nodded. “But when the Hunters began to offer their services for a fee to anyone who could pay, the kings of Busparia kept the Dragon Claws for their own political machinations.”

Her face flamed and her throat closed again. Wulfric squeezed her hand twice, and she took a deep breath.

Eirwyn’s shadows shifted to six Growlers wearing Buspartan army clothing, the medallion on their cloaks clear in the light magic. Scarlet had drawn them a picture, and it had even been in one obscure book Leopol had found in the library.

“So someone—most likely the king—had Scarlet’s mother killed. Olive the druid has confirmed that there have always been sporadic attacks against the druids, which is why there are only three of them left,” Knox said.

Wulfric’s voice grew louder. “This is why the treaty is necessary. Who better to sniff out an elite band of Growlers than other Growlers? We can find them and the daemons, if you’ll help us.”

“Help how? What exactly is in this treaty, then?” someone grumbled.

Eirwyn’s light magic shifted. “I’m so glad you asked. Growlers, both turned and natural born, will maintain sovereignty over themselves, but the Feral Forest will officially be split into a northern and southern kingdom. They will keep their hierarchy of five tribes each with an alpha and three Elders to settle disputes within their sub-territories, but will officially recognize an alpha king. Wulfric, do I understand that you already fill that role?”

“Yes, your highness. Even though we don’t officially recognize my position as higher than any other alpha, I do settle disputes between the tribes. The biggest difference with the treaty is that Growlers would officially be welcomed into the northern kingdom.”

Eirwyn nodded. “Correct, and if we recognize the Growlers as a kingdom, Glathen and Busparia will soon follow. If Growlers wish to settle in our new towns in the Feral Forest, they will fall under the same laws as everyone else. If they wish to swear fealty to the dragon king and renounce their citizenship as a Growler, then they will be allowed to vote as a full citizen.”

“Wait, if they have five alphas, who says the other four tribes will even abide by the treaty?” someone asked.

Wulfric nodded. “That’s a good point, but I met with the other four, and we’re all in agreement. I speak for all of them, but I have also provided signed documentation to the king and queen to prove it. You’re welcome to send delegates to each of the tribes and ask the other alphas themselves, though.”

Several shifted uncomfortably in their seats but all avoided making eye contact with him. It made Scarlet angry, and the hair on the back of her neck stood up.

“I was there, in the Growler camp. He is the alpha and does have authority to make the treaty. Shove your questions of his integrity and honor up your ass. No one disparages my mate and gets away with it.”

The room went silent as all eyes fell on her. The heat of anger froze in her veins, and she felt her flushed cheeks grow cold. Wulfric squeezed her hand twice, and she remembered to breathe.

Then he pulled her hand from under the table and kissed her palm. “Ah, bunny, I adore when you get all fiery and defensive. Say more nice things about me.”

Ashur chuckled, and some others at the table smiled. She scowled at Wulfric, “Don’t push it, wolfie.”

That brought on more chuckles. Wulfric grinned wide, his golden eyes glowing with predatory desire. At whispering behind her, she turned to see Leopol talking quietly to Knox, who frowned and nodded.

When he looked back at the table, he nodded to Eirwyn. “Continue, love. And for gods’ sake, everyone eat before they take the course away again.”

The discussion grew more political and less antagonistic after that, and soon dessert was finished. Eirwyn and Knox led them back into the parlor, but none of them could escape the night yet. As soon as Wulfric and Scarlet settled into the same corner as earlier, Leopol came through the door and walked directly to them.

“The dwarves have arrived and wish to see you,” he said.

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