Page 38 of Blood Pearl
“When I came with Gerry previously, there were dozens we had to dodge to pass to the camp. So yes, it is more than extremely low. It’s unbelievable.”
“Let’s get moving, but keep our eyes and ears peeled.” Sharon moves away slowly and shifts to her wolf. I take another moment to listen before allowing Aztec to take control as we move toward home.
Hours later, and tired, we arrive back at the territory border. Crossing over, we are quickly challenged by the pack border patrol, and I am thrilled to see they are more than willing and able to challenge anyone that may try to enter the territory.
Shifting to my human form, I give the patrol a wave. “Well done. You were quick to confront intruders.”
“Thank you, Alpha Aurora,” one of the patrol replies. “We didn’t recognize Aztec for a moment.”
“Don’t worry about not recognizing, I’m as I said, happy that you were fast to challenge anyone that may not be suitable to enter the territory. Keep your eyes peeled because something is amiss. The rogues are not where they should be, and they are not in the area. How many rogues have you seen on their side of the border while you have been patrolling?”
“We have been on patrol for six hours, and we’ve seen not a single rogue. We discussed the fact that maybe they are not patrolling for some reason,” another of the patrol answers.
“Keep alert and report anything you even think may be of interest,” Gerry states, and we head out back to the packhouse, which is still a fair distance away.
Chapter 21
FLINT
Keeping peace amongst the council members and shifters in general is not easy. Taking on the head council member position, I had not realized how hard it was going to be. The addition of Roman and Cinder Walker has been a great help to me. They both are organized, have the shifter world at heart and as they have had their own pack, they understand the way a pack works.
I have never in all the years I’ve been on the shifter council had to remove a member through sheer spitefulness. Eve has, for some reason, gone past being reasonable, and shown colors we didn’t realize she had. She’s attacked an active Alpha whilst on their pack territory, in their packhouse, during a council member meeting.
Personally, I cannot condone her staying in her position. But we will have to vote on the issue of her staying or being removed. She will have to move out of her council owned property, but will be offered a smaller property without staff to live in.
Walking into the council chambers two hours later, I notice all the members are here and have brought along with them a somber mood. We all know this is something we cannot avoid discussing and making a decision about. It’s not something we can ignore and hope it goes away.
Taking my seat at the head of the long rectangular table, I take a deep breath and open the meeting. “Good morning, fellow council members. Today is a historical day, as we have to make a decision regarding one of our own. Eve Planter.”
“We know what we have to do Flint. We saw it with our own eyes. She’s out of control, and all because of jealousy.” Lykos looks from one of us to another, as do I. I also see all nodding their heads in agreement.
Ulmer speaks, surprising us all. “I’ve been friends with Eve for many years. We have spent many hours together in that time, and she has occasionally mentioned she’d wished to be the Alpha for what is now the Blood Pearl Pack, but I never had the feeling she held so much resentment or jealousy.”
“I agree with Ulmer. I’ve had many meals and afternoon teas with Eve, and she has never shown this side of herself to me. To see her attack an Alpha is mortifying. I cannot see a way to keep her on the council, and in all conscience, I cannot agree to her keeping her position,” Porter states firmly.
“Let’s not waste any more time, Flint,” Ulmer says, turning to look at me.
Standing, I walk to the door, crack it open and speak to the warrior standing guard. “Please have Eve Planter brought to the chambers. She keeps the cuff on.”
Warrior Mitchell gives me a slight nod before walking away. I turn and close the door before returning to my seat. “We will take a vote once Eve is here to see and hear the result.”
Merry places her hands on the table and links her fingers before speaking. “We cannot allow that type of behavior, no matter who they are. If it was myself, Cinder or you Porter, we all would expect to be removed from our position.”
“I agree. We would probably resign before you could even take a vote. Remove ourselves from the situation, easing it for everyone else on the council,” Cinder replies.
Before anyone else can speak the door opens and Warrior’s Mitchell, Gavin, and Robert lead Eve into the chambers. Eve looks disheveled, tired and angry, very angry.
“Eve Planter, you are here today in front of the Shifter Council due to your behavior at the Blood Pearl Pack. Do you have anything you would like to say in your defense before a vote is held regarding your position on the council?” I keep my attention on her fully as she looks as though she would explode into her wolf, Misty.
“I have no option but to live with whatever decision you make today. I have resented Aurora since she took the position as alpha. I felt I was the better person for the pack, but I allowed myself to become bitter when I received no support when I put myself forward.” Eve looks from one to another of us, and stands looking resigned at what is coming.
“Council, please stand.” Every council member gets to their feet and looks at Eve. That is the protocol for voting on serious matters, and one I’ll not allow to slide. “I need an aye vote for Eve to remain a council member or a nay for her to be removed. Ulmer, your vote please.”
Looking at Ulmer, he nods, then decides, “Nay.”
Porter, “Nay.”
Merry, “Nay.”