Page 48 of Stolen Mate

CHAPTER 19

DEREK

As they pulled up to the dock, Zak, Sienna, Lara, and Annie were waiting. Deke jumped off the other boat, catching Annie up in his arms and kissing her soundly. Their relationship may have gotten off to a rocky start, but Derek knew of few couples who were more closely bonded.

Zak’s face was grim. There was more news, and it wasn’t good. Derek tied off their boat and then stepped onto the dock, holding his hand out to help Tess.

“What’s happened?”

“The Council was closer than anyone thought. They’re up in Mystic River, and they are demanding we appear before them.”

“That’s bullshit,” growled Deke.

“What the cave lion said,” echoed Derek.

“That’s all fine and good, but if nothing else, we need time to get our people in position. If we can placate them just a little, we may be able to buy them that time. Jax convinced them that as Mystic River is bigger, it’s a better place to hold this little pow wow.”

“But we and Henry are from Otter Cove. We have more of the people on our side,” said Derek.

Zak nodded. “But we don’t believe it’s just the Council, and I’m not convinced that it’s just the Shadow League. If it is, Colby has intelligence that says the League is far bigger than anyone thinks. In any event, the object of this first gambit is to buy the rest of the resistance some time. Wyatt,” he said turning to his second-in-command, who was hanging back, “I’m leaving you and Deke in charge. Derek and I will head over to Mystic River.”

“I think you should take an escort,” said Wyatt.

Zak shook his head. “No. We don’t want them to think we’re concerned about this at all. Colby thinks this thing has gotten far more out of hand than they, or even Henry, thought it would.”

Annie nodded. “Deke thinks that Henry’s ultimate goal would be to force Tess and Derek back into Akiak. He has no heir, so to speak, and with Tess under his thumb and under threat of execution, he could force Derek to capitulate, which would in fact weaken you.”

“Your mate has a keen grasp of the events as they are being presented. I’m not sure she isn’t right,” said Zak.

Derek nodded. “Agreed. Henry is just Machiavellian enough to think it would work, but too stupid to realize the last thing he wants is Tess and I up at Akiak sowing seeds of discontent. In fact, I’m not sure that wouldn’t be a good thing.”

Zak grinned. “That’s a discussion for another day.”

“Why not just have Derek challenge the sonofabitch for leadership?” asked Deke.

“That isn’t beyond reason, either, although I would be the more recognizable candidate as alpha. Derek has made his home in Mystic River; Akiak is here in Otter Cove.”

“The community here grows by the day as polar bears learn what’s happening here and wander in seeking Zak’s protection,” said Sienna. “Akiak may end up being needed, and if so, Henry will have to be dealt with.”

“In any event, we’ve been summoned,” said Zak, “and I don’t particularly want to give them an excuse to launch an attack, although with Keiko’s patrols here and in Mystic River, that might prove far more difficult. Wyatt? I think we’ll be safe enough surrounded by Keiko’s people.” Zak turned to his brother. “Let’s go see if we can’t figure out what these bastards are really up to.”

Derek nodded and gave Tess a deep and passionate kiss. “Two things before we go. First, Lara, I’m Derek. It’s good to have you with us. I told your sister, and I’m telling you in front of witnesses, you have my protection regardless of your decision to be turned or not. Second, Zak, Tess has agreed to be formally bonded to me.”

“Oh, goodie. I get another great sister-in-law. Now if I only had a fated mate in my hip pocket for Lara,” said Annie, gleefully.

Tess’s sister blushed deeply. She was going to have to get over that and quickly with Annie as some kind of sister relation.

“It won’t be the celebration she deserves, but it’ll strengthen our claim to both her and Lara.”

“That’s not very romantic,” said Lara.

“Trust me, little sister,” said Tess, “Derek is all about the romance, but he’s right, we can celebrate later. Right now, we need to do everything we can to be a thorn in Henry’s side.”

“In that case, somebody go fetch Maurice,” said Zak.

“Who is Maurice?” asked Tess.

“He’s our uncle,” explained Derek. “To be precise, he is our sire’s younger brother. Henry banished him a long time ago.”

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