Page 40 of Forbidden Devotion
Mitchel took a deep breath and stood silent, listening to his uncle’s words of comfort. One day it might be his responsibility to conduct pack ceremonies such as this. Could he rise to every occasion the way Ramsey did? Could he be that pillar of stability when the packs needed guidance? Pressure wormed its way into his chest.
His father had been alpha among alphas. His uncle weathered that burden now. But the next generation? Who could say?
CHAPTERFIFTEEN
Article by Supernatural Times Reporter Keller McCray
Convention for Peace Event Scheduled This Weekend in Oak City.
All supernaturals are encouragedto attend this weekend’s unprecedented convention promoting peace and prosperity among the species. Activities will take place this Saturday, beginning at sundown at the Oak City Assembly Hall. Lodging is available at several participating partner facilities nearby. If you need help finding accommodations, the Vampire Council has offered their travel agency’s service free of charge.
Speakers from both sides of the Edict of Secrecy legislation will make their cases for a continued armistice. They’ll address their faction’s concerns as we move into this ever-progressing technological era. Special topics of interest will have breakaway discussions the following day for those wishing to delve deeper into the issues.
Citizens are urged to be present at these peace talks. Come with an open mind and an eye toward the future. You can be part of the solution.
If you are unable to attend, the event will be live streamed through Supernatural Times’ website. Please join us virtually.
Following the presentation, a complimentary cocktail bar and a catered meal will be available in the ballroom. Festivities sponsored by the Vampire Council.
Let’s put aside our differences. Come to this historic event and help the continued peace among supernaturals to prosper.
* * *
Mitchel
He closedhis spiral-bound notebook and laid the pen atop it. Hand-written first draft, done.
Years had passed since Mitchel had delivered a speech, and he’d never done so outside of school or an alpha meeting. Certainly never before the members of the Vampire Council. Speaking in front of a mixed group that included vampires had him intimidated, but nonetheless his presentation was written, practiced, and ready to go. He’d do his best.
Thankfully, the full moon was Thursday night, and he could run off the nervous jitters with his pack. He’d felt cooped up preparing his speech. A good sprint through the woods would do wonders for his spirit. He always looked forward to the full moon, and this one would be particularly special because he’d invited Sinclair to come along.
Their laws forbade humans from witnessing their shifts or celebrating the full moon with them, but there was no such rule concerning vampires. Probably because no wolf in his right mind would invite a vampire. If such a thing had been done before, he could find no record. He’d checked, though, and it wasn’t banned. Taboo maybe, but not banned. And besides, Sinclair had already seen him shift, and he’d thought it was neat.
But he wouldn’t spring such a thing on his pack out of the blue. Though they were all more comfortable with Sinclair lately, Mitchel wasn’t sure how they’d feel about sharing the tradition with an outsider, much less a vampire. His safest bet was to start with the easygoing and level-headed Nathan. If he could be swayed, the others would follow.
Mitchel cornered the wolf in his favorite spot, the kitchen. His appetite made him easy to find. “You’ve all been getting along fairly well with Sinclair lately, right?”
Nathan glanced up from his food and shrugged. “Yeah, he’s okay, I guess.”
“Good.” Mitchel took the chair across the table. “Listen, I need to ask you something.”
Something flickered in his eyes, but he kept right on eating. “Um, sure. What’s up?”
Mitchel ran his fingertips over the old grooves of the beat-up table, mapping its contours as he gathered his words. “I want to include Sinclair in our full-moon run. He doesn’t get outside enough. He’s lonely, and I don’t think he’s made many friends.”
Those reasons were true, but they weren’t Mitchel’s main reason. Selfishly, he wanted to get to know Sinclair, to share an experience, though he wasn’t ready to admit as much yet.
Nathan stopped eating and stared. “You can’t be serious. Isn’t there some kind of rule against that or something?”
“Nope, I made sure. No such rule. Look, I know it’s unprecedented, but I need you on board. The others look up to you. They’ll accept this if you do. Besides, Sinclair won’t bother anyone. I’ll look out for him personally.”
“Fine, okay, you know I support you—” Nathan tilted his head a fraction, brows climbing—“but what is the deal between you and Sinclair?”
Mitchel didn’t bother trying to hide his shock. Why would Nathan suspect anything was going on between them?
When he didn’t answer right away, Nathan straightened. A slow smile spread on his face. “Eleanor thinks you’re boning him.”
“She told you that?”
