10. Izei #2
Beside Reth, Aldric occupied the chair with the quiet dignity of someone accustomed to council meetings and formal dinners.
The elderly advisor had dressed in one of his tailored earth-toned jackets despite the early hour, maintaining the standards of appearance he'd upheld for decades of service to the Waverly crown.
On the opposite side of the table, Kenia and Luka sat closer than strictly necessary, their shoulders nearly touching as they shared quiet conversation punctuated by soft laughter.
His sister's cheeks held a faint flush, while Luka's smile suggested he was thoroughly enjoying whatever story she was telling.
Well, that's developing faster than I expected, Izei thought, his protective instincts stirring.
But as he watched Luka's genuine attention to Kenia's words—the way the jaguar leaned in when she spoke, never interrupting or trying to dominate the conversation—some of his wariness eased.
Luka had spent three months protecting Freesia without asking for anything in return.
That kind of character didn't simply disappear when it came to romantic interests.
Still going to keep an eye on that situation, though.
Then his attention shifted to the woman occupying the chair beside his own, and everything else faded to background noise.
Freesia looked radiant despite wearing the same practical clothes that had become her uniform over the past three months.
Her cargo pants were clean but showed the wear of constant use, and her black long-sleeved shirt emphasized the athletic lines of her frame while maintaining the functional edge she preferred.
But it was the small leather satchel resting across her body that made his chest tighten.
Four hundred years of peace carried on one woman's shoulders, he thought, his panther stirring with protective fury. She shouldn't have to bear that alone anymore.
He'd fantasized about the day she might trust him enough to let him keep the Waverly Compact in his personal safe—the reinforced vault hidden behind his study's bookshelf that already protected the most sensitive documents related to Callel Security International's operations.
But he understood why she wasn't ready for that level of trust yet.
The ancient scroll represented more than a treaty; it was the last tangible connection to her family's legacy, the final symbol of their sacrifice.
Soon, he promised himself. When she realizes she can depend on me completely.
"Good morning, everyone," he said, settling into his chair at the head of the table.
Through their strengthened bond, he felt Freesia's awareness of him—a warm pulse of recognition and desire that she was trying to keep contained beneath her professional composure.
"Help yourselves," Kenia said, gesturing to the feast she'd prepared. "I may have gone a little overboard, but I figured everyone could use a proper meal."
Izei began filling his plate with modest portions, more interested in watching the others eat than satisfying his own hunger.
Luka was already on his second helping of everything, his appreciation evident in the way he savored each bite.
Freesia ate with focused efficiency, clearly making up for months of survival rations and hasty meals.
Even Aldric, despite his advanced age, was doing justice to Kenia's cooking.
This is what family looks like, Izei realized, something settling into place in his chest. This is what I want to build with her.
The Callel pride had always defined family broadly—loyalty and character mattered more than blood or species.
If Freesia wanted to bring her scattered Waverly survivors here, he already knew his people would welcome them with open arms. Panthers, tigers, and even reformed jaguars could find common ground in shared values and mutual respect.
But he couldn't get ahead of himself. They needed to eliminate the threat stalking his mate and uncover who had orchestrated the attack that shattered her world.
"Reth," he said, his tone carrying just enough Alpha authority to cut through the breakfast conversation. "How are you feeling? I should have checked on you last night."
His Beta's dark eyes glinted with subtle amusement. "I'm fine. Kenia took excellent care of me." He nodded toward Izei's sister with genuine gratitude. "Besides, you were obviously... occupied with more important matters."
Heat crept up Izei's neck, but before he could respond, Reth turned to Freesia with an expression of deep respect.
"Thank you," Reth said softly. "For saving my life yesterday. I owe you a debt I can never fully repay."
Freesia paused with her fork halfway to her mouth. "You don't owe me anything, Reth. How about we just agree to protect each other from now on?"
The simplicity of her response—the way she transformed a life debt into mutual partnership—made Izei's chest swell with pride.
This was why she would make an exceptional Alpha female, why his pride would follow her as readily as they followed him.
She didn't collect obligations or demand servitude; she built alliances based on equality and shared purpose.
Reth's smile was genuine. "That sounds perfect to me."
Luka cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Izei, I went ahead and reached out to my brother Angus last night. Didn't want to get your hopes up unless I knew he'd agree to meet."
"And?" Izei leaned forward slightly, his strategic mind already shifting into mission mode.
"He's willing to talk, but he's nervous. Cassian's been... unpredictable lately. Angus is afraid of backlash if his Alpha discovers the meeting."
"That's understandable," Izei replied, though his panther growled at the thought of anyone living in fear of their own leader. "Where does he want to meet?"
"The northern safehouse, on the outskirts of Vael territory."
"I'm coming with you," Freesia said immediately, her tone brooking no argument.
Izei had expected that response, and after witnessing her combat skills yesterday—the way she'd fought beside him as if they'd been partners for years—his protective instincts weren't quite as sharp.
She'd proven she could handle herself in dangerous situations.
But she was still his mate, still the irreplaceable Keeper of the Waverly Compact, and the thought of taking her into potentially hostile territory made his jaw clench.
"We'll bring Luka this time," he said finally. "Along with two of my enforcers, since Reth needs to stay here and recover."
Both Freesia and Luka nodded their agreement, while Reth looked annoyed at being sidelined.
Kenia, clearly sensing the conversation was about to turn serious, began asking Aldric about Waverly pride traditions—a transparent attempt to lighten the mood that Izei appreciated.
His sister had always possessed an uncanny ability to sense when people needed emotional breathing room.
But her questions had an unexpected effect on Freesia.
As Aldric began sharing stories of festivals and ceremonies and of customs passed down through generations, Izei felt his mate's emotions shift through their bond—grief that threatened to overwhelm her, but underneath it, a determination that burned even brighter.
"Aldric," Freesia said quietly. "Do you know who else survived that night? Where they might have gone?"
The elderly advisor's expression grew heavy. "I know several council members managed to escape, and they mentioned at least fifty others fled during the attack, but..." He paused, clearly struggling with what came next. "Unfortunately, we lost nearly a hundred that night, including your family."
The grief that slammed through the mate bond nearly knocked Izei from his chair. But even as Freesia absorbed the devastating news, her resolve only strengthened.
"We need to find them all," Freesia said, her voice steady despite the tears threatening at the corners of her eyes. "Bring them here as soon as possible."
There she is, Izei thought, admiration flooding through him. The queen who refuses to abandon her people.
"We'll start after we meet with Angus," Izei said, reaching across the table to squeeze her hand. The simple contact sent warmth through their bond, his strength flowing to her as her trust flowed back to him. "One step at a time."
The connection between them hummed with shared purpose, and for once, Izei felt genuinely optimistic.