Chapter 21

Jacques was incensed. It was almost midnight and no word on Laylah. And Henry…Never would Jacques have believed that his friend and Alpha would actually care more about his security system than his own daughter. A soft knock at the door broke his concentration. Frustrated, Jacques ran his hand over his bald head and barked, "Come in!"

"Jacques, I brought you something to eat." Naiya held a plate of steaming food in one hand.

"Thanks, Naiya, but I'm not hungry or in the mood." He heard her sigh. "Sorry. It's Henry…dangit! He sent only one tracker, Naiya. Just one! As if Laylah was some stray dog that doesn't deserve the time of day or the effort of being looked for. She's his daughter for heaven's sake!" He got out of his seat and punched the wall, needing to take his aggravation out on something.

Naiya put down the plate and walked over to him. She put a comforting hand on his arm. "She's safe, somewhere. Of that, I'm certain. If she were dead, we'd know by now."

"That doesn't mean squat or make this situation any better! We all know how ruthless Zina is. She's a crazy Alpha bitch who loves to inflict pain on helpless victims! Yeah, she'd keep Laylah alive to taunt Henry, but that doesn't mean with body and mind in one piece. God, I can't sit here!"

He jerked away from Naiya and stomped toward the door. He was not going to hang out working a useless angle. Laylah had grown on him and he loved her like his own pup. No, he was going to find her and the consequences be damned.

"Wait, Jacques! If you go against Henry's orders, he'll make you an outcast and how will that benefit Laylah? Your replacement will be some no nonsense, unfeeling jerk. Is that what you want for her?"

Jacques stared at Naiya and fought for self-control. "I don't like it, but you're right." He sat back down. "I suppose being hungry isn't helping me concentrate on how Gerard got in here in the first place."

She pushed the plate to him. "A full stomach can work wonders. I've got to clean up the mess our unwanted visitors made." Naiya patted his hand. "You will figure this out."

Jacques smiled sadly. "Let's hope your faith in me is not misplaced."

"I know it's not." She waved and left Jacques to his work.

~***~

The first quarter moon's light, obscured somewhat by the trees, cast a dim shadow over the clearing Stefan found himself standing in. Every ten years the Council would move their headquarters. For the current decade they held court in Homesa.

His sensitive nose caught the smell of water and smoke from a recent campfire. The crackle of a leaf disappearing under a shoe alerted him to the newcomer. Stefan pulled his gun from its side holster.

"Now, now, Stefan. Is that any way to greet a friend?" Drayden emerged from the shadows.

"I have no friends. Let's get this over with."

"You're still so broody, Stefan. Some things never change. And yet, some do. We'll see if the new favors you or not."

"And what exactly does that mean, Drayden? And don't play coy," he warned.

"Remember that blood ties are important and should be used when everything else fails. Now, come, they're waiting."

"Yes, let's not make them wait." Stefan knew the Council hated insolence. Tough titty. That's what he was all about. A rule breaker.

Drayden snorted and led the way to a run down shack. They stepped inside and Stefan wasn't surprised by what he saw. A long corridor stretched out before them. Dimly lit, it was designed to intimidate visitors and supplicants. It served as a reminder that the things that went "bump in the night" were alive, well and dangerous.

Stefan had long ago lost his fear of the Council's inner chambers and of the Weres who ran it. He could thank Zina for that bit of confidence. He wasn't arrogant enough to believe that he couldn't die by their hands. He did respect the power they wielded but, unlike the rest of his kind, the Council was not on a pedestal and worshiped as god. They could bleed like any mortal creature. That was knowledge he'd gained first hand at Zina's side.

He and Drayden stopped at the double doors. Until they opened, the two men could go no further. Stefan took a moment to admire the artwork. It was priceless and beautifully drawn. The artist, Alayah Fields, had loved animals and, when approached by the Were Council to do this commission, had happily taken it. Animals of all shapes, sizes and tribes decorated both doors. The details were amazing. Slowly, he traced his finger over the wolf. The doors started to open and he pulled his hand back. Time to face the Council. He schooled his features and entered with Drayden by his side.

 The two men went to the giant circle in the middle of room. Known by all as the Reckoning Circle, a Were could find salvation or punishment within it. Stefan had yet to find the first and plenty of the second. He tried to do the right thing, but what his heart told him was right ended up being wrong. Maybe this time would be different. Somehow he doubted it.

Pulling his thoughts together, he entered the circle, and stood with his head held high to let them see he was unafraid. He ignored the murmurs of the Weres who stayed at court with the Council, but were not part of it. Many of them were like fawning pups, hoping to curry favor with a Council member with the dream of rising in station.

"Stefan McJeyson, the Council bids you welcome."

He gave a curt nod to the female who had addressed him. He recognized her. Isabella Santos was a Werebear from the Alaska Polar Bear Clan and the current leader of the Council. She was a tiny woman at five-feet-three, but her presence was large and demanding. She was one Alpha he'd never cross. People that angered her tended to disappear. "My Lady."

"Always so polite. Knew there was a reason why I liked you."

Hazel eyes stared at him, searching for something. Patiently, Stefan waited for her to tell him what task they wanted done. His gut told him that it wouldn't be to his liking.

"Stefan McJeyson, thirteen years ago you sided with a female Alpha in her bid for power. You watched as she wiped out Were families, took down Alphas and murdered several Council members. You were her second-in-command and her lover. You even allowed her to attack humans, resulting in the deaths of several and creating a PR nightmare for us. All this, you did to get back at Zina's object of obsession, Henry Le Croix."

"That is past history and I paid for my part in that rebellion. Even after my punishment ended, I cut ties with Zina and went into self-exile, where I've been happily minding my business and not bothering anyone. Next thing I know, you're sending Drayden to play fetch and bring me before you." He ignored the other man's growl. "You have disrupted my hard won peace and quiet. Let's get to the point. What's so friggin' important that you had to drag me here in the middle of the night to talk?"

The room erupted in hisses, mutters and growls as the assembled Weres took offense to his words.

"Silence! There will be order." Isabella rose from her chair and grinned at him.

 Stefan took a step back. Her grin was not a friendly one. No, it was one of calculation and bad intentions.

"Stefan, Stefan. Come now. We don't call unless there's a good reason. She's back, you know, and stirring up trouble."

 The news stunned him and he managed to keep his expression guarded. "Your point?"

"My point is this, Omega. We need you to lead our forces against hers. You know how she thinks, reacts, the moves she'll make."

Of all the scenarios he had considered, this was not one of them. He was silent too long. One of the prominent Council members, Javier Morales, surged to his feet.

"Think you're too good for this assignment, Omega? You have no status. You are nothing. You should be licking our feet and thanking us for this chance!"

Stefan laughed. "No, I don't think I'm too good. My involvement with Zina was the very reason you banished me thirteen years ago and is the reason you need me now. Ah yes, the irony. I want to make something very clear. I'll do this, but it won't be for you, for pride or money. No, I'm doing this for the one female who matters to me."

"Still pining after that Alpha bitch? Once a failure, always a failure. We'll be watching you, Omega!" Javier partially shifted and bared his fangs and claws.

Stefan gave him a mocking bow. "You and your opinions do not concern me." Pointedly, he looked at Isabella who chuckled.

"Smart wolf, you are. Just remember, Boy. One wrong move and I'll personally snap your neck."

"Touché. Are we done?" he pretended boredom, but was fed up with all the grandstanding.

"Yes, for now. We'll send our General and Captains to you on Sunday. If you pull this off, you can name your reward."

"Isabella! He is an outcast, not even a true Omega!" Javier protested.

"Quiet! I lead here, not you." She whirled on Javier. "Unless you've grown a spine and wish to challenge me?" Her voice was soft, the words menacing.

Stefan watched the byplay with interest. Time had changed the power base within the Council. Javier had been top dog thirteen years ago but now Isabella was in control. She ruled with fear and commanded respect. Stefan was impressed and smothered a chuckle as Javier rethought his next words.

"No. No challenge, Isabella. A little surprised at such…generosity."

"We can afford to be. Keeps the underlings happy. After all, they are the ones doing all the work while we benefit." She turned her gaze from Javier to Stefan. "Anything you desire will be yours. Now get out. The Council has other matters to attend to."

Stefan and Drayden bowed, backing slowly from the circle. Nothing else needed to be said. He waited until they were outside before berating Drayden. "Whose bright idea was it to suggest I be pitted against Zina?"

"Easy there, Wolf Boy. I couldn't stand your moping around and wasting your skills on Humans. I might have dropped a hint or two in Isabella's ear."

"Next time, Bear, keep your great ideas to yourself!"

"Oh, come on, Stefan! If you pull this off, you'll be able to see her, instead of watching over her from a distance."

Drayden didn't see Stefan move and was caught by surprise when Stefan's fist sent him crashing to the ground. Before he could recover, Stefan's knee pressed on his throat. Shock flickered briefly in his eyes as did respect.

"Just because you're bigger than me, Cub, does not make me less dangerous. If I find out that she gets harmed because of this scheme you and your uncle are running, there will be no place on the planet where you can hide from my wrath." His face was an inch away from Drayden's. There was more animal in the threatening look Stefan gave the bear, but he didn't care.

Drayden held his hands up in a placating way. "Don't worry, Wolf, I feel you. Now get off. You need to go rest. I have other jobs to do."

Stefan removed his knee, stood, and pulled Drayden to his feet. They regarded each other and Drayden walked away, leaving Stefan to wrestle with his thoughts.

~***~

On the hilltop beyond the forest behind the Le Croix property, a large gray wolf stood, bathed in the moon's light. The girl's trail had stopped here. He shifted from wolf to human. He crouched down, examining the paw prints, footprints and tire tracks that filled the area. Whoever had the girl had taken the vehicle and headed northeast.

Bryon stretched, working out the kinks in his muscles. He would give his Alpha the bad news, but at least Jacques' version of the story was validated. He recognized the paw prints of Gerard and Alexis, as well as their scents. The other three were a mystery to him. He liked puzzles. He'd get an answer soon.

::My Alpha, I have followed the trail as far as I am able. She was removed from the area by a vehicle that went in a northeast direction.::

::Good work, Bryon. I will have the other trackers come up with possible hideout locations. Come back to the mansion. You cannot do anything else tonight.::

::As you command, my Alpha.:: Bryon closed their shared mental connection and transformed back to wolf. He howled once and headed to the mansion.