4 Meg #2
“I still don’t understand,” Councilwoman Troy said.
“We’ve established trade with the mu—wolf shifters.
We follow a set of rules that is beneficial to both our species, and we refuse to repeat the mistakes of our history.
Compared to other human cities, we’re more progressive and already acting with the outside world.
Why should we have to make this sacrifice? ”
Morrigan’s eyes glossed over me before she glanced back at the councilwoman. “You do know I can judge the purity of your heart, Helen. This will be the sacrifice because I deem it so.”
To her credit, the councilwoman didn’t flinch. “What happens if we refuse?”
Morrigan’s cruel smile had me and Alec and the rest of the gathered shifters crouching, preparing for the onslaught to come. The goddess clapped, then lifted her hands toward the glass ceiling.
In an instant, the blue skies gave way to darkened clouds and the rattle of thunder shook the building. I relaxed a bit. It was only a storm. But the outright horror on the humans’ faces spoke of something else.
“How is this possible?” they whispered among themselves. “We didn’t have rain scheduled for the day.”
“Do something,” another hissed. “Make it stop.”
“I understand.” The councilwoman’s voice rang out strong and without the scent of fear that was wafting off the council on the stage. “We’ll do as you say.”
“You were always going to.” Morrigan grinned as she snapped her fingers and the blue skies above returned.
“Forgive me, goddess.” Councilwoman Troy had figured it out now, thankfully before Morrigan got upset.
“You have to understand a mother’s worry for her son.
I don’t want anything to happen to him, and I’d prefer his union to be one he decides on.
We’re a long way out from the days of arranged marriages. ”
My eyes sought Roman again, but his gaze seemed a million miles away and his face was made of stone.
He was human. Of course he wouldn’t feel the mating call as strongly as I did. Mom said she never understood what it meant at first when Dad caught her scent. It took time for her to accept it.
“And we want nothing to happen to our daughter,” Kera said, motioning me forward.
Go to him.
I took a hesitant step.
Still, Roman didn’t look at me.
Was he afraid? He didn’t show it. Maybe he was nervous. Or he didn’t want to disappoint his mother. I suddenly wished I was dressed better. That I hadn’t shown up so aggressive and ready to fight his people.
“If there was another way, I’d have found it,” Kera said as she glanced at Morrigan. “But we know better than to go against the wishes of the gods.”
“Now you do.” Morrigan chuckled.
Kera looked at me again. There was a question in her steely-blue eyes. She didn’t need to use the pack link to let me know I was getting one last chance to walk away.
Tell her it’s okay. That he’s our mate.
I couldn’t. Not yet. Not until I figured out just what exactly this meant to be mated to a human, and why Morrigan hadn’t just come out and said it if she knew that was the case.
Kera would be able to figure it out soon, though. If I didn’t spend more time with Roman, the moon sickness would kick in and I’d be a horrid mess as my wolf tried to crawl her way to him.
“I assume this can’t be a private affair.” Councilwoman Troy sighed on stage.
I liked that plan. Turning, I searched for Roman’s face. It was still made of stone.
My wolf howled. I frowned.
Why won’t he look at me?
“Absolutely not.” Morrigan laughed again. “You’ll make a declaration loud enough to announce it to all the gods.”
“You understand that will take time,” Councilwoman Troy said, respectfully adding, “Right, Goddess?”
“You have until the next full moon.” Morrigan pushed off the stage. “I suggest you start planning. Let the two lovebirds get acquainted in the meantime.”
“Are you saying my son needs to leave with them?” Councilwoman Troy gasped.
There was an uproar of furious whispers among the human council.
Alpha Kera touched my shoulder. “This is good. I’ll convince her to send her son with us.”
He still isn’t looking.
“No.” I stood my ground, speaking firmly. “I’ll stay.”
I didn’t expect my voice to carry like it did, or for everyone to stop talking at once as they looked at me. Finally, finally, Roman glanced my way.
Our eyes locked, and I felt the rightness in my conviction. “It’s better for everyone if I stay. This is a lot to digest. If the goddess wants the union, then I’ll make a willing sacrifice for the good of us all.”
Alec growled behind me.
I ignored her, taking another step forward.
“See? I knew I chose the right girl.” Morrigan winked. “Everything will work perfectly.”
Alpha Kera didn’t bother asking if I was sure. She stood beside me, shoulder to shoulder, and her powerful voice filled the room. “In honor of the gods, we give my rightful heir in exchange of marriage to your heir, Councilwoman Troy.”
Hearing Kera call me her heir so proudly tore out a little piece of my heart. I glanced at Roman, wondering if he was as affected by this declaration, but his face gave nothing away.
“That settles it, then.” Morrigan clapped, and everyone around us flinched. “I can’t wait. This is going to be the wedding of the century.”