Chapter Eight #3
“Anax, we have our differences.” Robert touched his tongue to his upper lip.
“I cannot say that I am your ally. However, I disagree with Davis Gray’s choice in this matter.
For the benefit of those in my region, I throw in my lot with my fellow arkhons.
I will work with you to resolve the current situation.
For the moment, that is all I am able to truthfully pledge. ”
“It will do,” I said, trying to hide my surprise. “Thank you, Arkhon.”
“I, too, will work with you to resolve the current situation,” Edward said. “For the rest, I concur with the Arkhon of the Midatlantic Region.”
“Thank you.” I let out a long breath, barely managing not to sag with the relief of knowing that even the arkhons who didn’t necessarily like me weren’t turning against me.
At least not yet. “All of you, arkhons, your support means a great deal. We will meet later to determine how to proceed. Again I ask that if you are aware of, or hear whispers about, any intention to harm me or those under my protection, please report to me or one of my guards. I will see no harm come to the innocent under my rule, including my mate. If you agree to this, speak.”
“I agree,” eleven Arkhon voices said.
“Good.” I turned to the alphas. “You all are under the same request. If you know or hear of any plans against me or mine, inform me. Directly or through my guards, or through the Arkhon who is currently your leader. That does not include a challenge fight; I speak of threats of violence committed against protocol and laws. It does, however, include any threat of any type of violence or fighting outside of a challenge to me. This gathering is intended to be neutral ground. A safe place for all in attendance. No challenge fights for any other rank are sanctioned here, and there will be no battles or wars.”
“Yes, Anax,” multiple voices replied. I didn’t bother seeing who.
I was pretty sure all of them agreed, since the neutral ground thing applied to all national and regional gatherings and pledging to abide by it was a standard part of the introductory meeting.
We hadn’t gotten to it before Davis’s little stunt, and I added to my mental notepad a reminder to bring all the attendees back together to pledge to keep my home neutral for the duration.
That could wait, however. The schedule was fucked all to hell right now, so a delay in the proceedings wouldn’t really matter.
“Again, Paul Drake and Hollis Rourke, please remain here with the alphas to sort out who is currently under the rule of which Arkhon.” Not the most grammatical thing I’d said today, but I was running out of steam and didn’t really give a shit.
“Zane Wolfskin and Bob McKinley, my office. The rest of you, please check in with your alphas. You are dismissed.”
I stayed at the podium while most of the arkhons filed off the platform and up the central aisle.
Paul and Hollis went over to the cluster of chairs where the alphas of the former Pacific Region sat.
Zane, eyebrows raised, hesitated until I waved toward the back of the auditorium, then he and Bob left the space.
I took a second to breathe. A second was really all I could afford.
At least I would have a few minutes to speak with friends.
I hadn’t known Bob McKinley until the previous year’s national gathering, but he had quickly become an ally, and his insight was valuable.
The two of them could help me create a game plan for at least the next little while.
“Arkhons, if you need me, reach out through our bond,” I said to Paul and Hollis. “I’ll also send Mandeep down. He can deliver a message if you’d rather not use the bond.”
“Thank you, Anax.” The corners of Paul’s eyes crinkled in something that wasn’t exactly a smile. “Once we’ve sorted this out, should Hollis and I come inform you of which packs are temporarily part of which region?”
“Yes, thank you. If I’m not in my office, just find me.” I hesitated. There was more I should say, but I didn’t know what it was. “Thank you both. I’ll see you upstairs.”
As I made my way up from the basement, I reached along my mate bond to Kyle. How are things up there?
Chaotic. He paused. How are you? That was one hell of a bomb for Davis to drop.
I haven’t had time to figure out how I am.
I nodded to Seth, who apparently had come to find me, as I started up the stairs.
The good news is that other than Davis, the arkhons are on my side.
At least for the time being. They don’t all actually like me, but they don’t want to see the country fractured.
I suppose that’s something, he said. Where are you now?
Going to the office to meet with Zane and Bob. I can’t have you in there. I probably could have if I’d wanted to. Zane was one of Kyle’s biggest fans, and Bob was mellow enough that I doubted he would protest me having my mate present for our meeting. But I didn’t want Kyle involved.
I don’t really want to be there, to be honest, he replied. I’m around when you need me.
I love you.
I love you too.
I took a deep breath and, nodding to those who tried to speak to me while not acknowledging anything they said, went to my office to begin making plans.
Plans for what, I didn’t know yet. Which scared the hell out of me.