Page 63 of Smoke and Moon

Dragons eternally.

A palpable roaring vibration filled the space as each leader repeated the words around the table as they stared at him.

Aodh’s chest filled with pride as he took in all the moss-green and violet hues of the markings of the leaders gathered.Bright flames of the same colors fully encompassed more than a few of their eyes.Aodh had done a lot in the years since he’d been Mckenna.He tried to ensure he always placed the Thunder’s needs first and did all he could to bring them out to the harsh world laid at their dragon’s feet.His people supported him and showed their faith with every move he made; however, the pride he’d felt about his role before paled compared to the moment he was in.

His beast stretched and bellowed inside of him, setting Aodh’s core ablaze with his gratification.

He thought about his child, who was growing up within Kai.It had stressed him for over two decades that he could not find a mate and provide the way for his Thunder to enlarge.In some shifters, and with humans, the ability for others to breed did not rest solely on the shoulders of the leader, but it was how it worked for his kind.And every year that passed where his suite remained empty of a mate and a nest could not be created for his hatchling, it tore away another piece of his pride.

With Kai at his side and his seed planted, it restored his faith in himself.His dragon was deserving of this recognition.

Briefly, Aodh stared down to the other end of the table to Keahl, the wise one in the room.

Keahl smiled and gave a short nod of approval.

Aodh held his hand high.

The thumping and cheering stopped, but the illumination of the leaders’ scaled markings remained.

“I appreciate the words of support.”He lowered the hand and placed it over his chest.“Drahks are one, and I feel the strength in our connection this day.”

He took a moment to glance around the table and meet each person’s gaze.“I’m anxious to sense that more of you here as well as others in the Thunder have been blessed by the Great Spirit, soon.”

Various leaders smiled and nodded.Not all would conceive.A few leaders were older Drahk and had young adults in Eilidh’s age range.Then, there were a couple like Liekki not mated.

Aodh glanced at his brother, who assumed his normal relaxed, devil may care posture in the chair.Often, his brother’s behavior with different Drahkelles or multiple females simultaneously did not appear as if Liekki wanted to settle down anytime soon.

“Now to the business at hand,” Aodh began.“There is a strong chance we may have a wolf invasion.”

The leaders, colors now muted, sat up straighter in their seats and gave him their attention.

Edjer leaned forward and set his elbows on the glass top.“When you say invaded, are we talking about many wolves or only the alpha?Liekki shared the situation with me that occurred during the council meeting.”

Aodh nodded at Liekki for briefing the security leader during his and Kai’s claiming time.Aodh briefly explained it to the others present then he shifted his gaze back to Edjer.“Just the one, I’m sure.Chanin is not trying to present a war.”

“What would bring him into our territory?”Hugo’s face drew taut, and his radio kept a low crackle on his hips.

“The desire for a woman.”The corner of Liekki’s mouth curled into an awkward smile, and his eyes brightened with wicked humor.He continued, “The length a male will go to claim a mate.”

Aodh understood Chanin’s desperation, and so could most of those in attendance who had mates.He looked away from his brother.Again, the thought went through his mind about whether such a web of need would catch Liekki and consume every part of his being someday.

“Yes, Chanin’s mate has been declared to be Morlie.”Aodh met Hugo’s gaze.

“An Alpha’s mate?”Incredulity filled the voice of Idalia, the leader of the growers.

Admani’s face twisted with confusion.“If this was revealed at the preternatural council meeting, why didn’t the Alpha take her then?It would’ve been less hassle for him, and we wouldn’t have to concern ourselves with countering an invasion.”

Taking a moment to meet each of the leaders’ gazes, Aodh saw they all had the same bewilderment showing in some way.“It is a complex situation.This is the first time a marked human was awake before the council and during the detection process.Thankfully, they granted leniency.”

There were a few nods, but Aodh also picked up on several murmurs about humans given choices.Aodh understood the naysayers’ point of view.The human government had shown they needed to be contained and dictated to, or they would take every kernel of opportunity and pollute it.“However, as preternatural entities, we need not try to control or manipulate the human people who came to us in need under the same guise, or we could become just as self-serving as the human rulers.”

“We will do our part here to honor it,” Aodh informed them.

This time, everyone affirmed his words.

“If the wolf alpha does breach our borders, what do you want from us?”Edjer asked.

“Follow protocol, but no fire attack.Apprehend Chanin with the least amount of force and notify me.He is an alpha but ally of sorts.”

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