Jacques squirmed and Kenneth appeared surprised. Henry decided to work on him first. “Well, Beta Kenneth?”
“I wouldn’t know, my Alpha. Byron was on duty today, not I.”
“That’s not right, Kenneth. Your days this week were today and Friday,” Jacques interrupted.
“The memo said next Monday and Wednesday. Byron was there and we read it together. I swear on my honor that it is true.”
“Jacques, I see that not all traitors have been rooted out. Find out who they are immediately, and bring them to me. Jacques?”
“Yes, my Alpha?”
“I will be in Invarnash tomorrow to meet with you and have a talk with my wayward daughter. Disobedience will not be tolerated. Good evening, my Betas.” Henry terminated the feed before either man could respond. He rose from the chair, went to the giant bay windows and stared at the twinkling Ohcale contemplating his next move.
Chapter 40
Kattcha watched her son fidget for the majority of dinner and wondered at the cause. She couldn’t ignore the irritated looks Britta was shooting in Donil’s direction either. Britta only behaved that way when she was on a personal crusade. Kattcha pondered all of this while engaging in light banter with Ahdum and Mahriah.
She and her husband Gustav had met the Newsomes when Gustav tracked and captured a rogue Were killer back in 2195. Ahdum had been a hot shot law enforcer with an impressive conviction record and ambitions of becoming a Tri-Ruler. With Gustav’s help and the backing of the Were Council, Ahdum succeeded. He was the first person they went to when a Were committed a very public crime, especially if it involved humans.
“…. So Kattcha, do you think Winning Images is ready for The Derby?”
“Perhaps. He is your best gelding at the moment. He’s also the fastest. Besides, I have faith in my daughter's jockey skills. If anyone can coax a win out of a horse, it’s Mya.”
Ahdum laughed. “She is fiery, but that seems to work best with my horses. Back on Earth, they would have called Mya a horse whisperer.”
“I’ve heard the stories of people who seemed to know what horses thought and felt.”
“Of course, who knows the truth? That was in another place and time,” Donil cut in. “Wow, look at the time! Mother, we really need to get going.”
Kattcha frowned. Donil was being unusually rude. “I wasn’t aware of any deadline, Son.”
“Something important slipped my mind. Mrs. Newsome, excellent food as always. Mr. Newsome, I’ll see you tomorrow then? Ten o’clock, bright and early.”
“Yes, ten is fine, Donil. I’ll have the Trial Court Attorney meet us. We can go over your evidence at that time.”
::Mother, I’ll tell you after we leave, I promise.::
::I’m holding you to that, my lad.::
“Thank you, sir. Good night, Britta.” Donil stood.
“Whatever. You’d better remember to do a lot of groveling,” Britta primly reminded him.
“I will, Britta.”
::Groveling? Donil, you have some serious explaining to do!:: Kattcha snapped at him as she rose from her chair.
“It was a great meal, Mahriah. Next time, I’ll make sure Mya comes. My daughter is good with horses, but her social skills are lousy.”
Ahdum laughed. “Yes, I’ve seen that up close. Have a good night, Kattcha, Donil.” He escorted them to the front door and watched as they got in their vehicles.
Kattcha closed her door and started the truck. She waited until Donil drove away before giving a final wave at Ahdum. She took her time on the return trip as she considered the evening’s conversations. Unsaid things were going on between Donil and Britta and she would get to the truth of the matter at home. Added to her worries was Mya’s brooding. Kattcha grimaced when she thought about the public confrontation between her children during the monthly family dinner.
~***~
Two nights ago, Pheasant Grove
“Mya! Donil! Hurry up and finish setting the table. You know the rest of the family will arrive on time and expect to eat without having to wait!” Kattcha hollered down the hallway before returning to the kitchen with an exasperated sigh. She loved her two eldest children but sometimes, like now, she wanted to take a switch to them for lollygagging around.
“Calm down, Mother. I have it all under control,” Donil assured her as he sauntered in, arms full with tablecloths.
“Don’t just stand in the doorway, Lad! Go put them on the table. Besides, I think I hear your grandparents' car pulling up.”
Donil bowed and chuckled while nimbly dodging the wooden spoon Kattcha threw at his head. Kattcha whistled and went back to cooking. Twenty minutes later everyone, forty family members in all, had arrived and sat outside, enjoying the afternoon sun.
Food was handed out, conversation flowed and laughter filled the air. Kattcha noticed Donil picking at his food.
::Is something wrong, Son?::
::Nothing that time won’t cure. Please, Mother, be patient. I may need your peacemaking skills after my announcements.::
She heard the determination in his tone and worried. ::Donil, please, do not be rash.::
::It’s all right, Mom. This is one time that I’ve thought things through completely.::
Apprehension filled Kattcha as he stood and raised his hand for silence.
“My family, I once again welcome you and thank you for coming to this dinner. I have a few announcements to make, so here we go. Mr. Newsome has made Mya head jockey of his racing team.”
The clapping was loud, along with shouts of congratulations. Mya blushed and smiled broadly.
Kattcha grinned. She knew Mya had coveted that position for two years now. It was good that she finally got it.
“After careful consultation with my mother and my grandparents, I’ve decided to court my mate. And that mate is Laylah Le Croix.”
Silence descended as the Silentshadow family stared in shock, dumbfounded by Donil’s words. Mya recovered first, jumping to her feet, her face red with rage.
“You, what!”
Donil turned to gaze at her. “I’m going to court Laylah Le Croix.”
“But, but, you can’t do that!” she wailed.
“Yes, I can, Mya. I am Alpha here. My word is law,” Donil sternly reminded her.
::Tread carefully, my son. Your sister is hot-tempered. We don’t need her going off on some innocent.:: Kattcha wasn’t surprised by Donil’s decision, only disappointed. Laylah was a nice young lady, but that wasn’t the point. She’d hoped her son would see past his hormones and realize the danger in pursuing Henry’s daughter.
Mya’s outburst released the others from their silence as denials, angry mutterings and pleadings from the family filled the air. Kattcha watched Donil stand his ground and she felt pride. She listened to Mya’s agitated pleas that Donil be sensible and forget the brat.
“Enough!” Donil roared, silencing them all. “This is not open for debate!”
“You’re right, it’s not open for debate, but you’re an idiot, Donil Silentshadow! She is a Le Croix and the only things they do well are lie and survive. What’s a few backstabs among friends? That’s their motto. Do you wish to disgrace us by bringing that kind of filth in our home and bloodlines?”
Kattcha knew the moment the words left her daughter’s mouth that it was the wrong tone to take with Donil.
“Excuse me, Mya. You think we’re better because of a mostly pure bloodline. That's simply not true. Laylah is nothing like her father. In fact, she’s the complete opposite. And even if she wasn’t, she is my mate. I’ve felt the bond.” Donil stopped because chaos broke out.
People were on their feet shouting. Some advised calm; others settled for giving Donil disapproving glances.
Kattcha feared that this would happen. The family had never forgiven Henry Le Croix for turning on them thirteen years ago. She stood and a hush settled on the group. She eyed each one before turning her gaze to her son.
“I give my full suppo
rt to my Alpha, Donil Silentshadow. I pledge it as his mother and as a member of this family.” Calmly, she stared at each member one more time, driving her point home.
When Hans and Ruby rose, she was relieved. Hans’ approval alone would have been enough to quell any dissent over the Alpha’s choice. Adding Ruby’s support effectively sealed the deal. Proudly Kattcha regarded her in-laws and waited for Donil’s next move.
“Thank you. Now, on to a more pressing matter. Zina has returned.” Donil held up a hand to forestall any outburst. “The threat to our family and my mate must be addressed. Laylah has to be protected for it is she that Zina seeks. Our enemy wants to strike at Henry and mistakenly believes that the way to do this is through his daughter.”
“Why do you say Zina is mistaken?” snarled Mya.
“Because, my sister, Henry cares nothing for his daughter. And he has done the unthinkable — denied Laylah knowledge of her heritage.”
Everyone was speechless.
“You can’t be serious? The very idea is ridiculous! We all know the oh-so-mighty Henry is all about a strong power base. Having his heir firmly on his side would be a necessity. Not to do so would be stupid and Henry is anything but,” sneered a stocky man, with dark brown hair.
“True, Matt, but even Alphas make costly mistakes. Or have you forgotten the part you played in Zina’s plans thirteen years ago? The only thing that saved you from the Council’s wrath was the blame I took for you, Cousin, and the fact you helped set Zina up for the fall.”
Kattcha cleared her throat and gave Donil a pointed look. Wisely, he took the hint.
“Listen, I wanted to apprise the family of the situation. We are working on solutions to our problems. Until then, no one do anything crazy and we should be fine.” Donil stared at each person until they submissively lowered their heads. “Now, let’s eat!”
Kattcha felt a pang of loss as she watched Donil be the man she and her husband had dreamed he would be. Her son was no longer a child. Gustav would’ve been proud. After a while, the uneasy atmosphere gave way to laughter and relaxation as the shock of Donil’s announcements wore off. Everyone seemed happy, except for Mya, who sullenly helped serve dinner before disappearing into the house.
Kattcha shook her head and thought about her daughter’s increasing ire at the Le Croix family, and Laylah in particular. She needed to check that misguided hatred before harm befell Mya.
Chapter 41
Present, 2220
Kattcha sighed and thought about her son. Donil owed her an explanation about his behavior at the Newsome’s home and Britta’s cryptic remarks. She turned off the car, got out and took a cleansing breath of night air. She froze when she caught a whiff of a familiar scent.
“This is becoming a bad habit, Stefan. One that I won’t encourage. Showing up unannounced, very rude.” Kattcha watched Stefan emerge from the shadows with a genuine smile on his face.
“Come now, Kat, you know that games are a feline’s forte.”
“Maybe for some, but this feline is getting too old to play them. Speak your mind, Wolf. I’m tired and would like to sleep.”
“Always loved that about you, Kat. Forthright and dependable. I need to speak with Donil as well.”
Kattcha considered Stefan’s request and decided to hear him out. “Come inside. My son is in the study hoping to avoid his nosy mother.” She chuckled and led him in the house.
They went straight to the study. Kattcha gestured for Stefan to wait and then entered first. Donil grimaced, no doubt imagining what she would scold him about. To forestall his excuses, she spoke first. “We have a visitor.” Turning, she shouted, “Stefan, hurry up and get in here. We don’t have all night.”
“Sheesh, woman, announce my presence to the world!” Stefan growled.
Kattcha smirked. “Serves you right. Every time you come by and want something, I end up with gray hairs.”
“Well, if it makes you feel better, blame it on Henry’s indifference and the Council’s refusal to assist me. Oh, hello, Donil.”
Donil had risen and was glaring at their visitor. Kattcha grinned as her son tried to intimidate the other male. Donil was very powerful, but Stefan was seasoned at winning power plays. The tension rose and her nose caught the smell of increased testosterone mixed with the sharp tang of Alpha power from both men. She regarded Stefan more closely. He had never had the feel of Alpha power like Henry. Perhaps time had caused it to emerge in him. An interesting thought, and something to watch for.
“Did you forget, Little Kitten, about our e-comm conversation?” Stefan goaded as he watched Donil’s face.
“Conversation? He called you, and you didn’t tell me?” Kattcha glanced at her son and saw him flush in anger.
“Yeah, I was letting him know I had information about Laylah and the Council. I also came to warn your brash son to lay low and not bother my niece because Henry will react badly.”
“You saw Laylah today? Donil, you promised to be cautious!” Kattcha gave her son her full attention, disappointed that he was behaving rashly.
“Mom, I was there to pick up Britta for the dinner tonight. Laylah happened to be there at the same time. That’s it. I didn’t plan anything. Oh, and Jacques showed up too,” Donil hastily amended when Stefan coughed.
“Donil Vince Silentshadow! I raised you to use your head! Not go off and do stupid things that could get you killed!”
“You know what? I’m getting tired of everyone questioning my judgment. I know what I’m doing! You act like Henry is some monster who will destroy Laylah if she’s seen with me. He may be a cold, ruthless, self-centered egomaniac, but I can’t see him harming her.”
“See, you proved your mother’s point,” Stefan snorted. “You can’t be that naïve, Alpha Silentshadow. Henry is all about power and control. Laylah is a possession. And like any object, she can lose value and be traded for something worthwhile.”
“Meaning?” Donil’s tone lowered and he gripped the desk hard enough that it creaked in protest.
“If you continue to pursue her, Henry will move her out of your reach permanently.”
Kattcha’s breath caught. “He won’t kill her! Even he wouldn’t go that low. She’s more valuable alive. I wouldn’t put it past him to put Laylah in some isolated place out of spite.”
Stefan looked unhappy. “I don’t know, Kattcha. My twin becomes more unfeeling by the day. No, that’s not true. He does feel, just not the kinder emotions. And having Zina around complicates things.”
“He’ll never help Zina!” Donil’s adamant denial was immediate. “Zina killed Helena and we all know how Henry felt about his wife. I agree Zina’s return is a cause for concern, but I think more for Laylah than the rest of us. Zina wants Henry and, to her, Laylah is the final roadblock. She’s not above a little murder.”
Kattcha saw Donil’s eyes change from blue to emerald green as his feline half threatened to emerge. “Calm down, my lad. Remember you’re not the only one Zina has hurt.” She spoke soothingly and waited for reason to reassert itself. Stefan stood to her left, silent and thoughtful.
Donil struggled and regained his composure. He gave them an apologetic look. “Sorry. Every time I think of Miss Crazier-Than-Thou harming Laylah, it makes my blood boil.”
“Good, it should, especially if Laylah is your true mate. And your Alpha instincts will keep you both alive longer. You need to know that the Council will do nothing to help until the last possible moment. I, however, will watch your back and do what’s best for my niece.”
“We believe you, Stefan. It’s after ten. Some of us need to sleep. I’ll see you out.” Kattcha gestured for Stefan to follow.
“Very well. Donil, one last piece of advice. When you hurt a girl’s feelings, lots of groveling is good.”
Kattcha saw her son turn red. She stared at Donil. Embarrassed, he ducked his head and ran his fingers through his hair. She gave him a grim smile. “Don’t think I have forgotten about our little chat we will have, my l
ad.”
Donil grimaced and Stefan laughed before following Kattcha from the room. She wished Stefan a good evening and watched him disappear into the night.
She stood quietly for several minutes pondering Stefan’s warnings. She’d hoped the Council would solve the Zina problem but now it appeared, that true to form, they would do nothing until too late. Fine, then. Kattcha had her own plans in place to protect her family and Laylah. First, she and her son needed to have a chat. Satisfied with her thoughts, she went back to the study.
Donil sat in the comfortable desk chair, drumming his fingertips on the desk. He was brooding and she stifled a chuckle at his martyr’s expression when she closed the door. “Come now, my son. I’m not going to spank you and send you to bed with no supper.”
“Very funny, Mother. Please, no teasing. And don’t yell either. Look, I hurt Laylah’s feelings today though I wasn’t trying to. The good news is that she stood up for herself and made me proud and ashamed all at once.”
“Donil, how did you upset her?”
“Well, um, last time she was here, I promised to keep in touch but didn't. And besides….” He squirmed, rose and started pacing.
“And?” Kattcha’s eyes narrowed, her arms crossed as she fixed her son with a look.
He stopped moving and kept his back to her. “I might have stolen a kiss.”
“You, what! Donil, have you no shame! You don’t kiss a girl and forget to call. That’s what you did, didn’t you? Son, I know you’re a grown man, but sometimes you have the brains of a teenager!” Kattcha did not relent at his woeful expression.
“No wonder Britta is on the warpath! You’ve upset her best friend! You listen to me, young man. You find a way to apologize to Laylah, preferably without physically being near her.” Kattcha huffed and shook her head. “I’m going to bed. Sweet dreams.” She smirked at his surprise and left him to his thoughts.
~***~
Britta stared at the calendar. Her party was in two days. This time, she was going to make sure Laylah was there. It was 10:30 pm and the perfect time to contact her friend. She picked up her ear comm and called Laylah. Impatiently she waited until a sleepy Laylah answered.
“Hey Chica! I’m sorry to wake you.”
“No, it’s all right,” Laylah mumbled.