“Carol, I have to ask. Why is it that there was such a difference at this offering? We’re given so little information that the sight of the Shadow Falls incident was very disturbing for the human population.” The anchor drops her tone, matching the somber expression on her face when she adds, “It reminded us all of much darker times.”
“As we promised years ago when we formed our alliance, we will not allow supernatural beings to harm humans that reside in areas of treaties.” Carol answers with an air of authority and confidence. “Unfortunately, this offering was different due to the mistraining of a wolf. The werewolf collecting Elizabeth Weatherly was given poor advice on how to handle humans. As you can imagine, a paranormal being’s touch can be intimidating and forceful.” Carol turns in her seat to face Lizzie and tells her, “I can only imagine how scared you were.” Her eyes and tone turn sympathetic. “Would you like to tell us how you were feeling during the offering?”
A chill spreads through me and I swear my heart stops. The gulp of Lizzie’s swallow is audible.
Lizzie’s arms wrap around her midsection as she answers, nodding her head. “I wasn’t so much scared as I was shocked when he grabbed me. I wasn’t expecting it and then … Without knowing what would happen, I reacted without thinking.” Her voice is small but firm. She tacks on an apology. “I’m sorry.” The shock I feel in this moment is genuine.
It takes everything in me not to comfort her, not to tell her she has no reason to be sorry.
“Stay still.” Devin’s command comes with a force that bows my head. Gritting my teeth, I shut down every emotion. “We’re live,” he reminds me.
“And how were you feeling, Miss Windom?”
The attention moves to Grace, all of our eyes on her. “I was startled and genuinely scared for Lizzie. She’s been my friend for as long as I can remember. She obviously wasn’t okay.” Grace’s eyes find Lizzie’s and she squeezes her hand. “My reaction was purely one of trying to help a friend.”
“How are the two of you feeling today? Now that you’ve had time to adjust.”
Lizzie and Grace both smile sweetly into the camera. “Oh, much better,” Grace answers with a hint of comedic flare that seems to resonate with the anchor. Her lips turn up slightly. “We’re much better today.” Grace answers for them both.
“I can’t tell you two enough how much the nation is relieved to see that you’re happy and well.” Carol faces the camera again. “Do you have any more questions for us, Amber?”
The woman on the screen doesn’t hesitate to ask, her words rushed, “What is the purpose of the offering? For what reason were they taken?”
Carol’s smile slips and she turns solemn. “Unfortunately, I’m unable to divulge that information at this time.” I cross my arms and lean farther back in my seat. That’s the Authority’s game. Keep us separated and divided with a lack of information. “I know that you’re aware of those limitations, Amber. Any final questions?”
“Are we going to see these two young women again? Can we be updated on their status?” The newscaster sounds hopeful.
A moment passes, a beat in which Carol doesn’t immediately respond, providing me with the thought that someone in this room is speaking to Carol silently.
“That’s a possibility, Amber.” My eyes flash to Carol. That would be a first. She must be lying. “We understand there is unease in the unknown, and we are doing everything we can to dispel your fears of our species.” She smiles so sincerely at the camera. She’s such a fucking liar.
I watch my mate force a smile for the camera as they wrap up this charade.
“I need one of you for the fucker in the shed.” Devin’s words sound in my head. Apparently he’s over this and already making plans for the soon-to-be-dead shifter. I’d nearly forgotten about him. My hands form fists at the memory of what Vince told us the rival pack had intended to do to my mate.
I nod. “I’m all yours.”
“You want me to take care of Lizzie on my own?”
My lips turn down even further at Caleb’s question. “I’m sure she’d rather it just be you.”
“Knock it off.”
I don’t respond. It’s obvious she reacts differently to his touch versus mine. Why wouldn’t she? Caleb doesn’t look like the prick who tortured her. I do. I don’t know how to make it right. I can’t change the past. I’m just grateful she’s going to let me claim her.
That simple fact is proof there’s no justice in this world. But I will care for her every way I know how until she feels how much I love her, and until she knows she’s safe with me in every sense of the word.
After the niceties have finished, the screen turns black with a loud click and the members of the Authority are quick to move about. That prick Remy starts packing up the camera and Devin stands.
“We ask for a moment,” Devin speaks and doesn’t wait for a response. Instead he gestures for the pack to head back to the kitchen, leaving Carol with an arched brow. Alec acknowledges Devin’s request with a nod before moving beside him as the rest of us continue forward.
I walk behind my mate with my hand on the small of her back. When she leans into my touch slightly, I wrap my arm around her waist. She molds her body to mine with a small sigh. And then she looks up. The small smile vanishes and she noticeably withdraws. It takes all of my effort to remain holding her. She’ll get used to it. It fucking hurts, like a damn punch to my chest, but both of us will get past this.
Thankfully I’m distracted. I overhear Alec and Devin’s conversation.
“I’m sorry, Dev. I hope you know that I was truly hoping you’d found your rightful mate.”
Alpha nods and slaps a hand on Alec’s shoulder. “I hold no ill will against you, Alec. I understand how it looked.”
“I’m pleased we can part on good terms.” Alec pauses before adding, “I may need you soon.” This catches Devin’s attention and he stops in the hallway as the rest of the pack files into the kitchen, while Remy and Natalia remain in the front room. I stay behind to listen in, making sure my presence is known. Devin gives a slight nod and I get comfortable, leaning against the wall with my arms crossed over my chest. As I listen, I watch Caleb lead Lizzie down the hall to our new room. Jealousy races through me as she takes his hand easily.
“Have you heard about the attacks?”
Devin inclines his head slightly, keeping his expression emotionless.
“The vampires are not faring well now that we’re limiting their food supply.”
“Then lift the law. It seems simple enough.” I agree with Devin. It was a stupid law to begin with.
“Unfortunately, the Authority disagrees. The majority are against it. They don’t see a need to drink from a vein when there are other options available. Especially when taking blood from an untested source is the number one cause of sickness in the vampire population.”
“Veronica mentioned her coven wanting some changes made to the way the blood banks are run in Shadow Falls.”
“Did she now?” Alec’s tone holds a curiosity that hints at something I can’t quite place.