Page 13 of Visions, Paws, and Claws

“This is good,” Horvan admitted. “Depressing but good.” The blue dots were the two camps they’d raided and shut down, one in Montana, the other in Texas.

Only two. And no idea how many more there were.

The twenty-three red dots were the shifter schools still to be closed down. The two black dots were the ones they’d already raided, in Boston and Croatia.

A row of green pins stood in a clump at the corner of the board, waiting to be placed on the map.

Waiting to show the locations of the camps.

Saul snorted. “Depressing is right. What’s the good in knowing where all these schools are if we’re not in a position to do anything about them? We’re not recruiting enough men.”

“Patience. We’ve got a whole new load of wannabes coming for assessment and interviews on Friday.”

Saul scowled. “At this rate, if they have a pulse, they’re in.”

Horvan knew better. Saul was ex-Delta Force, and he wouldn’t accept anyone who couldn’t live up to his own high standards.

He’s the best man to vet the potential recruits.

Even though sharing command had been Horvan’s idea, it had taken a while to get used to the reality. He and Saul would bust heads now and then, but they’d compromise in the end. And Saul was still one of the finest humans Horvan had had the privilege of knowing.

He was on a very short list.

Vic Ryder came into the office. “Aelryn wants a meeting. He’s on Zoom.”

Horvan grunted. “Well, God forbid we keep him waiting.” He went over to his desk and stabbed the keyboard. He didn’t really mind Aelryn’s manner, but he had a feeling he knew what was coming.

He thinks we’re losing this battle too.

Except it wasn’t a battle—it was a war of epic, horrendous proportions.

Aelryn’s long dark hair fell past his shoulders, and his glittering eyes focused on the three of them as Vic and Saul stood behind Horvan.

“Gentlemen, we need an army, and we need to be recruiting heavily now.”

Horvan nodded. “We’re on it.”

Aelryn’s brow furrowed. “But you’re one team. Weallneed to be on board with this, and unfortunately there are those who don’t believe that the situation is as grave as we’re making it out to be.”

“So not all the Fridans are singing from the same hymn sheet,” Saul observed.

Aelryn’s lips twitched. “Aptly put, Mr. Emory. But I do have an idea how we can… change their minds.” He paused. “We need someone to go to the team leaders directly. Someone who’s seen what the enemy is capable of.” Another pause. “Someone they already know and respect, whose word they would believe.”

Horvan smiled. “I agree. And that means there’s one obvious candidate.” He swiveled in his chair to stare at Vic. “Isn’t there?”

“No.” Saul moved to stand behind Vic, his hands on Vic’s shoulders.

“You know it makes sense,” Horvan reiterated.

“No.”

“I agree with Horvan.” Aelryn smiled. “And I think this is where I withdraw gracefully to let the three of you sort this out. Let me know of your decision.” The screen closed.

“Not gonna change my mind, Horvan.” Saul gripped Vic’s muscular shoulders, and Vic grimaced.

“Hey, easy there, okay?”

“This isn’t Saul the ex-Delta talking,” Horvan remarked. “This is the Saul who doesn’t want either of his mates out of his sight.”

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