Page 58 of Ember's Claim

“Most of us do,” someone else says. “But we have no rights here.”

A strangled sound escapes Ember’s throat. “Because you’re not wolves?”

A chorus of agreement fills the air.

“My mother was human when she was tormented by Alpha Brayden. He used a supposed debt to the pack as an excuse to torment her. This was only twenty years ago. Some of you may remember him.” Ember fidgets and finally settles on planting her hands on her hips. “I bet even more of you remember my biological father, Carson.”

The few gasps from the older women indicate they do. I’m not sure it’s the right move for her to share her lineage, but that’s ultimately not my call to make.

“Neither was a decent example of how an alpha should lead their pack.” Ember frowns, shaking her head. “I can’t lie and say I understand all the ins and outs of shifter culture or even the hierarchy within the pack. I grew up in a sanctuary city, where all citizens are given the same rights and opportunities. Where my grandmother, Octavia, ensures the safety of every citizen who seeks her protection.”

Sofia turns, raising an eyebrow. I’m not sure if she’s asking if I knew that or indicating that she had no idea.

“If I could give you one thing, I would want it to be that feeling of safety.” Ember glances around. “Does anyone have any suggestions for how to make that possible?”

There’s some low murmuring, but no one seems brave enough to answer the new alpha. Perhaps they learned the hard way with Aimes that those who spoke out were punished the hardest.

“Right, I get it,” Ember says. “I’m a new face, and you have no reason to trust me, let alone to believe I can defend my place as alpha long enough that you want to get attached. So, how about I tell you the first steps I want to take to move the pack in the right direction?”

Several heads nod their agreement, but that’s all Ember is going to get.

“Haven—that’s the town I grew up in—has a sanctuary ward. It allows monsters to live without having to worry about being stumbled upon by humans who don’t know about the supernatural world. The humans inside the ward live among the monsters, just like the humans here live among wolves.” She moves to the long table at the front of the room. Her hands land on the top, and she pushes herself up until she can sit on the edge. “I know several witches with an affinity for wards. I’m going to speak to them and see if they’d be open to setting something up.”

That garners more than a few intrigued looks.

Ember plants her hands on her thighs, bouncing in her seat. “The next step to bringing life back to the pack is simple.” She grimaces. “Okay, maybe not easy, but everyone deserves to feel like they have choices and access to proper health care.” She glances at Sofia. “Unless that’s something you handle?”

Sofia’s hand wobbles. “I’m a midwife, and I deal with acute injuries as needed, but I don’t have access to spells like a witch would. I take no offense to the idea.”

Ember nods. “Okay, good. I have a family friend who is a fertility witch. I’d like to bring her out to the pack for anyone who would like to see her. She can do spells to help boost fertilityfor anyone who wants to conceive, and she does seriously effective birth control spells for anyone who doesn’t want to trust human birth control. Is that something any of you would be interested in?”

That gets the crowd talking, and it no longer feels like Ember is having a one-sided conversation with a captive audience. The women finally begin to engage, and the atmosphere in the room changes dramatically.

I’d say the pack females are cautiously optimistic, but Sofia will gauge things when Ember and I aren’t around. That will provide the most accurate idea of what everyone is thinking.

Sofia grins, bumping her shoulder against mine. “She is rather tactful for being so young. Isn’t she?”

I nod, and my cheeks feel hot. My sister has always been weirdly in tune with picking up on my moods. I’m sure she can tell I’ve got proverbial heart eyes for the new alpha.

“Okay, good talk.” Ember smiles tightly. “If you don’t feel comfortable coming to me directly, maybe you could mention any problems or ideas to Sofia or Anders?” Ember pushes herself off the table in one fluid movement, and I’m a little too obsessed with the way her booted feet hit the floor.

Damn.

My entire body aches with the urge to stomp over and pull her into my arms.

“One last thing,” Ember says, addressing the audience. “You’ll see a sexy dragon with black hair and blue eyes around.He’s mine. Also, the druid, who, if I’m not mistaken, is somewhere in that back right corner.”

Everyone’s gaze slides to where Ember indicated. That is strange. I can never tell where he is unless he touches me while he’s invisible.

Lorcan appears, giving a chagrined smile and a jaunty wave. “Yes, hello. Don’t mind me. Just watching over my mate. She isquite magnificent, isn’t she?” He chuckles darkly. “I believe that was a warning to indicate I’m also hers.” His face breaks out into a ridiculous lopsided grin and, for whatever reason, I have the sudden desire to remove his head from his shoulders.

My lion wants to roar his displeasure, but I stifle the urge as Ember’s line of sight moves to me.

I offer a tight smile and remind myself and my beasts that this is not a race to gain her affection.

“Let’s just add Anders to that group too,” Ember says, clapping. “My wolf just needed me to say that. She will tolerate a lot, as long as you respect her mates. Otherwise, we’re good. Thanks so much for letting me introduce myself, and I meant what I said. Please feel free to share any thoughts or feelings you may have about how you think we can make life better here for every member—human, wolf, or whatever species you happen to be.”

Chapter Twenty-One

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