Page 5 of Smoke and Moon

Aodh understood the wolf alpha’s plight and somewhat sympathized with him.No, Drahks were not affected in any way by the human’s destructive weapons, but he still cared about the weight of the lack of growth of his Thunder.They didn’t need a marked one to help build their numbers but for his dragon to choose a mate and breed.Kai.

Aodh kept his thoughts to himself.His dragon was starting to unfurl for her very slowly.

“Gentlemen,” Iskah paused.Soon, everyone resumed their seats and composed themselves.“We all know everyone has been affected somehow by the situation we have found ourselves in for well over twenty years.We must have patience and respect and ensure we are strong and ready for whatever comes next.”

Aodh agreed with the judiciary’s words.Besides having to move to one territory, the Fae didn’t suffer in any way.Like the mage traits and reptilian durability that sustained his kind, their Fae powers protected them somehow.

A collective sigh went around the hypaethral as each leader and their seconds restrained themselves and resumed appropriate conduct.

The Fae set her forest-green gaze on him.“Aodh, your report.”

“I’ve discovered my mate, and I’m confident breeding for all those mated in my Thunder will begin soon.”Aodh kept his information short.

“Hm.”Liekki's curious grumble was low, for his ears only.However, in a group such as this, Aodh knew everyone had heard it.

Aodh didn’t spare his brother a look.

Drahks were more fierce and formidable than all other entities, and now that he had Kai, he refused to come to another meeting and have his Thunder appear inferior to any group, even if he had to force his beast to come face to face with Kai by refusing to shift after his night flight.

Are you willing to risk her?

He gripped the edge of the table and ignored his beast.This wasn’t the first time they’d had an internal war over Kai.

“We must all continue to grow the numbers.Fortify our resources and borders.”

“Why the urgency?”Armaros inquired.

Iskah glanced to her left, meeting the Vampire’s gaze.Then, she turned and connected with each of them.“The elements are shifting.Something is brewing on the winds blowing from the west.”

Even though his territory was west of Fae lands, Aodh understood she wasn’t referring to them.

“The humans have something in the works.”

As Iskah continued speaking, one of the trees outside the clearing stretched forth its branches until they hung over the roofless top, shading the Fae queen with its leaves.

“We cannot underestimate them.”

Chanin shook his head.“With all our packs, sleuths, and thunders in our territories, humans can’t take any of our groups.”

“Mark my words.”Iskah leaned back and folded her hands in her lap.

“We’ve all heard what is happening on the Asian continent,” Aodh reminded them.“We would be fools to think the humans behind their great wall are not plotting and planning.”

“Is this why the transport truck has not brought us a marked one?”Armaros pressed his palms flat as he leaned forward.“Do they suspect we are not devouring their sick ones?”

“Are they withholding in an attempt to starve us out?”Marceline asked, even though she was aware that seconds were only there for observation and continuity of each group in case something happened to the leader.

Iskah raised a hand and waited for all to be silent.“I don’t know why a human wasn’t at the drop-off point outside their walls.When Keijo and I arrived, the humans had already nailed a message to a tree.”A notable shiver ran through the Fae queen.“It stated there would not be a sick one until the next designated date.”

“That is weeks away,” Chanin growled.The Lupine appeared to be using all his self-control to remain in his seat.

Aodh felt the heat of his brother’s gaze on his back.Liekki probably wondered about the same thing Aodh considered, the humans had lost Morlie and were looking for another.

Were they also looking for her...Kai?

“I say we request they bring us more than one marked one at a time.Or we withhold the healing serum from them,” Armaros suggested.

“This arrangement had been going on for some time.”Iskah began, “Perhaps a negotiation—”

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