Chapter 15 - Conan #2
I clear my throat and straighten up, suddenly feeling protective over my mate as the council members take their seats, my grandfather at the foot of the oval table, while Hannah and I are at the head.
The usual formalities are made before the issue is addressed with the rest of the council. Grandfather watches me curiously, eyes narrowed as he tries to get a peek of Hannah while she continues to hide behind me.
I shrug it off to her being afraid of my grandfather for the simple fact that he’s the old alpha of this pack, and in the past, Hannah was ostracised for being the orphan omega amongst us.
It never mattered to me, not when we were kids, or even when we grew up, and I was about to become alpha. But I know what my grandfather was like—a tyrant of a leader, who upheld values of the hierarchy within the pack with iron determination.
Surely, it wouldn’t matter anymore.
Not when Hannah is my fated mate.
“To cut a long story short,” I continue, “my fated mate used to be an Iron Breath pack member. We have an eight-year-old daughter together, conceived while she was still in the pack. Council, may I present to you my mate and the luna of Iron Breath, Hannah Young?”
I reach back for Hannah’s hand, noticing how her fingers tremble in mine as I step aside so she can present herself. An audible gasp can be heard in the silent meeting chamber, and I follow the direction of the sound, my eyes landing on my grandfather.
His face visibly pales, dark brown eyes darkening as if he’s seeing horror unfolding in front of him. He stares at Hannah while she has her head bent as if she’s trying to hide, and I frown, confused by this odd exchange.
“She is your fated mate…?” Grandfather whispers, still staring at her in shock. I can only imagine how surprised he is to learn that he has a great-granddaughter.
“Yes, Grandfather. Hannah Young is my fated mate. You may remember her as an omega of the pack. But she’s been living with the August Moon Circle for the past eight years, and she is a witch. The same witch I was searching for, from the fated mate ritual I conducted with our research team.”
“I see,” he nods, a frown flitting past his face as he turns back to me and straightens up in his seat. “Congratulations, Alpha Conan. Welcome back to Iron Breath, Hannah Young.”
Ignoring his terse expression, I glance around the room. “Unfortunately, we’re not gathered here today just for you to meet the Iron Breath Luna. We have a pressing matter,” I say, going on to explain the real issue at hand.
Amos is the first to respond.
“I’m glad you have called up a meeting about this, Alpha Conan.
In light of the new alliance formed with the packs and coven in Helena Valley, I have been keeping close contact with the High Priestess.
It appears that the demon scare at your house is no coincidence at all.
Especially now that you have revealed you have a child with your fated mate. ”
“What does that mean, Amos?” I ask with a frown, and Hannah tenses beside me, exchanging a worried glance with me.
“The alpha of the Nightcreek Pack has just reported that his son is missing.”
“Nico?!” Hannah exclaims, her face paling instantly when she turns to me. “He’s Clarissa’s friend. His mother was a witch from August Moon, too.”
Frowning deeply, I turn back to Amos. “The demons are targeting the children now?!”
“It seems that way.”
“Then we’ll have to move Clarissa from Iron Breath,” I say, clenching my fist. “Whatever the demons are plotting now, the valley is unsafe.”
Amos nods. “The High Priestess has requested that we send a team out to join the search party for Alpha Orlando’s son.”
“This can be arranged,” Damian speaks up. “But we need to arrange protection for Conan’s daughter and mate, as well as for Sophie. She’s carrying a hybrid child as well, and it’s no longer safe in the valley.”
“Perhaps there is a solution for this,” Hannah offers. “I used to give Clarissa a potion every night, which masked her wolf for twenty-four hours. She hasn’t had it for two nights, and maybe that’s why the demon came for her.”
I nod thoughtfully. “Amos, what are your thoughts? Can we look into this?”
“We’re not sure how intelligent the demons are, so we don’t know if they’re tracking by scent or by location. Do you have more of this potion, Luna Hannah?”
Hannah shakes her head. “Unfortunately not, but Sister Amalia can make it.”
“Then we will need to speak to her,” Amos says, nodding. “For now, the team will implement more safety measures around the valley. Still, I think it’s best if Alpha Conan’s mate and daughter aren’t in the same place as the scare occurred.”
“Agreed,” Damian says. “If we can arrange for the potion from the sister, then we may be able to buy more time. Because Sophie is close to her due date, I will not be able to join the search party for the alpha’s son.
So, it would be a good idea for Hannah and Clarissa to be moved to Red Moon territory. What do you think, Conan?”
I nod at Damian. “Sounds good. Hannah?”
“If you’re joining the search team, then I’d like to come with you. I have known Nico since he was a baby. I need to be there with my sisters.”
“What about Clarissa?”
“We’ll take her with us.”
Damian interjects. “I don’t think it’s a good idea to expose your daughter like that.
If you want, she can stay with Sophie and me.
We’ll take care of her. Keep her safe in Red Moon territory.
If anything, Sophie is still able to use her magic as a defense against the demons.
She will be safe for now. At least until you can get this potion. ”
Though I’m not entirely sure that I want Hannah to accompany me on the search for Alpha Orlando’s child, I can’t help but understand her concerns. I know our daughter will be safe with Damian and Sophie in Red Moon territory.
And I’m not about to get into an argument with her in front of everyone else.
What I wasn’t expecting was for my grandfather to say, “I will accompany your daughter to Red Moon territory to keep an eye on her.”
Hannah gasps. “That won’t be necessary, Elder Bernard.”
“I insist. The child is my great-granddaughter, and I would like to get to know her.”
“Yes, Elder Bernard,” Hannah says, lowering her head and turning to whisper to me, “If you want, I’ll stay with Clarissa.”
“No,” I whisper back. “You can come with me. She’ll be safe with Damian and my grandfather.”
“Can you ask him to keep our secret, for now?”
“I will do that.”
Hannah nods, but there’s a fearful look on her face. Dismissing it to everything that’s going on currently, I return my attention to the meeting and discuss who will join the search party, and who will remain to keep everyone safe.