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. She 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. Added to her worries was Mya's brooding. She 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."

He bowed and chuckled while nimbly dodging the wooden spoon she 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 completely thought things through.::

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. 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." he 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 support 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 become. 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.