Page 26 of Visions, Paws, and Claws

“Oh Gods. They’re breeding an army, aren’t they?”

Vic sighed. “That was our conclusion too.”

It seemed they were finally on the same page.

There were shots of the camp in Bozeman, the terrible conditions in which Horvan’s team had found those left there by the Gerans. Hashtag explained in a voice-over how he’d found the camp, and that it had been hidden by manipulating images.

The faces of the inmates told a story all on their own, but Hashtag had included headgear video footage from when Crank had questioned those soldiers who’d been captured. Their words left no doubt as to their beliefs.

Their utter disdain for humans.

Vic stopped the video and turned to face the table.

The silence was oppressive.

Yates choked back tears. “Oh my God. That was….”

“Horrific?” Vic suggested. “I’d agree with that analysis too. Saul Emory is my mate. Well, one of them.”

Welland froze. “Mates? I thought that was another rumor.”

“Aelryn has found one of his two mates.”

Danes’s breathing hitched. “Two?”

Vic nodded. “I have two mates—and they’re both human. The guy questioning the soldiers? He’s one of them. And before you ask, no, I have no idea how this works. I simply accept it.” He paused. “So… now you know what we’re up against. The kind of shifters we’re up against. That only leaves one question. Will you be a part of the coalition?”

One by one, the leaders gazed at Welland.

At last he spoke. “After seeing that? Of course.”

Vic wanted to sag with relief, until he realized it was only one meeting down and many more to go.

“You were right.” Yates’s voice was flat. “We needed to know this. I assume you’re meeting with leaders all over the world to share the same message.”

“That’s the plan.” One that daunted him, if Vic thought about it for too long.

“Then we’ll spread the word. Hopefully that will pave the way for you.” She flushed. “It might also eliminate the kind of reaction you got from us.”

Vic figured that was as close to an apology as he was going to get. He couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome, however, and he knew he had Saul, Crank, and Hashtag to thank for it.

Way to go, boys.He’d find a way to show his appreciation to his mates when he got home. He smiled to himself. That was a no-brainer. As for Hashtag?Maybe we should see about getting him laid.

Vic removed the drive. “Thank you for coming. And I’d say I was sorry for putting a dent in your day, but I’m not.”

“Dent or not, this has been a wake-up call.” Welland gestured to the USB drive. “Could I have a copy of that presentation?”

“Certainly.”

Welland shuddered. “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I need a drink after that. And I don’t care what time of day it is.”

Vic liked the idea, but he had a long way to go.

“I’ll pass on the drink. I’ve got a flight to catch.”

And two mates to thank.

Chapter Six

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