Page 32 of Forbidden Devotion
“A full report is being prepared, but essentially yes. Injuries on both sides and at least one fatality, the wolf Jordan Millerson. Did you know him?”
Mitchel recognized the name. His hand shook. “I know his family. Shit, Ramsey, we have to stop this before it gets worse.”
“Exactly. Come to Rocky Mount immediately. We need all hands on deck. We’ll convene as soon as the majority arrive and plan our next move together.”
“I understand. I’ll be there soon.”
“Be safe, Mitchel.”
Mitchel hung up. A sense of dread gripped his spine. Skirmishes with vampires? After so many years of peace? If they didn’t get this under control right away, the consequences could be devastating.
Thoughts swirling a mile a minute, Mitchel experienced a pang of pure dread. His hand flew to his wrist. Shit. He couldn’t be seen by the council like this.
Not with fresh fang marks on his skin.
CHAPTERTWELVE
Article by Supernatural Times Reporter Keller McCray
Fighting Breaks Out Among the Species. Will This Mark the Beginning of the Third Great War?
Intense debateover the possible nullification of the Edict of Secrecy has come to physical violence, as many in the community had predicted.
Preliminary reports indicate that a verbal altercation escalated to a street brawl early this morning at approximately 4:00 a.m. in Oak City. One fatality has been recorded. The name of the victim is being withheld until the next of kin can be notified. All that is known at this time is that the deceased is a young male werewolf who perished at the hands of fledgling turned vampires.
It’s unclear which species initiated the shocking incident. The Peace Accord that’s been in place since the end of the Second Great War is under threat from both sides. Modern civilization cannot withstand another supernatural war.
Widespread apprehension infects the community like the plague.
The public is being urged to remain calm during these trying times. Do nothing to further the unrest. Keep informed of the latest developments here, and report any suspicious activity posthaste.
* * *
Mitchel
The setting sunflared orange and purple over the horizon as Mitchel pulled into the sprawling compound at Rocky Mount. Dozens of cars filled the gravel and dirt lot, meaning the emergency session might have started without him. He yanked down on the cuffs of his sleeves to be sure to hide the puncture marks and hurried inside.
Security waved him in from the lobby. “Down the main hall to the Cedar Den. I’ll let them know you’ve arrived.” He turned his attention to his phone.
“Have they started yet?”
“No, Ramsey was waiting for you.”
“Thanks.” Pressure coiled in his chest at the thought of Ramsey holding for his arrival. His uncle wanted Mitchel to follow in his footsteps, take on more and more responsibility, but that would mean leaving the campus pack someday. And he liked it there.
He blazed a trail to the Cedar Den and found Josh seated alone on a bench just outside. Mitchel paused long enough to say a quick hello.
“Terrible news, huh?” Josh rose, and they shared an embrace.
“The worst.” Mitchel gave his friend a warm squeeze, then released him. “I was afraid of something like this happening.”
“We all were. And Jordan. He was just a kid. His poor family.”
“I can’t imagine.” Mitchel knew intimately the pain of losing one’s family. He wouldn’t wish it on his worst enemy. “What are you doing here? Why aren’t you with your family?”
“Ramsey asked me to come. Whatever message you all agree on, I’ll be designing the marketing campaign to push it out there.”
“I’m sorry we keep interrupting your life with alpha business.”
