Page 13 of The Dark War

“What kind of situation, Marcus?” my voice rang out.We literally signed the treaty a few weeks ago, and now they already need more help?

“King Osirus’s Parliament, as well as his Court, has been compromised. He wants to do a full takeover by chasing out his Court and Parliament and starting anew. His small band of supporters wants our help, reinforcements if you will.”

“Dumb bastard fae planned this,” Kane grumbled, helping me get up from the ground. “He signed that treaty knowing damn good and well this was going to happen. He could have had the decency to warn us. We’ve got enough problems.”

Aaaaand here comes Kane’s tension back again.

“Did you hear that, Marcus?” I linked.

“Yup, loud and clear. I’ll prepare the meeting room.”

Our romp through the forest started out to be playful and fun, but now that it had quickly gone sour, my terrible attitude was back. Having a beautiful baby just upstairs and now a mate that was both frustrated with the new treaty already having to come into play within just a few short weeks had him stewing.

Anytime a treaty of this magnitude was signed, there was always a chance we would have to answer its calling. As much as Kane believed Osirus had this planned all along, I couldn’t say for sure. On several occasions, Osirus has written there were problems with his Court, but never stated he would need our help so desperately.

Since my parents were off talking to outlying tribes, I was the person to speak to in their absence. I didn’t want that to happen, but I didn’t have much choice. Mother frequently told me that this time would come. I just wished it wasn’t so soon after my daughter was born.

Marcus sat next to Kane on the right side of the large conference room table. August, our gamma, held many piles of papers containing maps, trails, and recent budget inquiries from the Cerulean Moon Kingdom castle. “For you.” August held out the papers. I blew my breath out through my nose harshly, not excited to be dealing with accounting.

The top warriors, Sean and Carson, sat at the end of the table. I remembered them because they protected Melina from that awful werewolf, Esteban. But where was Rex?

Sitting on Kane’s lap, he pulled me closer to his body, his head resting on my chest. I only patted his head.

My poor alpha.

Marcus stood up, dusting off his chest, holding a clipboard, and clicking a pen over and over. “First item of business is… where the fuck is Rex?”

Nudging Kane, I whispered, “I didn’t put the ‘f’ word on the agenda. He added that.” I pointed to Marcus.

Kane only chuckled, patting my back with his enormous hands.

“He’s missing,” August spoke up. “Rex asked to leave three days ago. Alpha approved, but he was supposed to return today. He hasn’t shown up yet.” Kane growled angrily, running his hands through his hair.

“He has until sundown, then we will send out the trackers.” Sean and Carson looked at each other. Their eyes showed concern as they realized their friend, the leader of the group, was now in trouble.

Marcus cleared his throat, interrupting the worried staring contest between the two friends. Sean shook his head, looking into his lap. “Now for the real reason we are here. We have received word that King Osirus has requested our help. The fae Parliament and Court have been trying to raise a coup. Osirus has known this for some time but has waited for his mate to give him the extra motivation. They have yet to mate, but she has been sent to the Isle of Dragons for her safety. Now he needs us to help overthrow the Court speaker, Cosmo.”

A young female omega rushed into the room, looking up and down at the table. Once she spotted me sitting on Kane’s lap, she raced to me, her hands trembling. “Luna.” I grabbed her hands. The omegas and I had gained a wonderful friendship, seeing each other as equals with work around the pack house. Anytime I had a free moment, I was in the kitchen helping them prepare meals and showing them minor tricks on how to make a dish more flavorful. Now that Evelyn was here, I barely had time to visit.

“Luna, I’m sorry to interrupt. There was a message from the speaking mirror from Alaneo.” The entire table sat up straight, listening to her. Her eyes were petrified at all the high-ranking werewolves staring. Pulling on her hand, I had her eyes look into mine.

“Just look at me and breathe.” Her heavy breathing subsided.

“Alaneo gave more reasons for why they need the extra forces. Cosmo has his own soldiers, and magic is involved. Rex tried to kidnap the future queen, Melina!” the omega word vomited all over me. Sean and Carson slammed their hands on the table.

“Lies!” they screamed. “There is no way he would do that!” The table erupted into arguments, yelling across the table and more growls. Concentrating, I tried to emit calm from my body, using the techniques my mother and the sorceress tutor had taught me. Kane’s body relaxed first. Watching the table, Marcus, along with August, sat back in their seats, and other high-ranking warriors sat down as well until Sean and Carson stood, stunned.

“It’s Luna’s aura. She emits calming and healing properties in the air. Now, sit.” Marcus ordered Rex’s friends. I hadn’t used my power much because of my pregnancy, but I was definitely going to use it now.

“Now, let’s talk about this calmly,” I spoke. “What do you mean Rex tried to kidnap Melina? He’s shown only friendly protectiveness over her.”

The omega continued to hold my hand, her hair swaying down her back. “Alaneo said there was an enchantment, and now he fears witches might be involved!”

Chapter Six

Kane

“Witches?”Iquestioned.Bergarianhad a low number of witches since the War of the Shifters. They were considered a dying breed. Now they huddled in small covens all throughout Bergarian, not hailing to any kingdom but lived as small individual covens that protected each other. They never dared hail allegiance to one kingdom or another to give the upper hand.

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