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We all knew what he meant. We also knew how it looked. Leighton was always by Shiloh’s side when she was on pack lands. It was clear how close they were, but given the division between shifters and witches, no one understood how or why their relationship was as strong as it was.
“The witch has a name,” Leighton said in warning.
Shiloh put her hand up, and they exchanged a look before she turned to the crowd.
“I’m ready for any questions that aren’t asinine,” Shiloh said.
“How do we know the witches won’t betray us?” an Enforcer asked.
“How do we know you won’t betray us?” Shiloh retorted. “We’ll be outnumbered and on your territory. We’re putting a lot on the line by accepting your Alpha’s proposal. I’m going to be frank with you. This won’t be easy for anyone, and I would never presume to speak for my sisters, but your Council working with dark witches is reason enough to stand with you.”
I’d heard rumors of tension between the two factions of witches, though nothing was confirmed. Witches kept their business to themselves like most species.
I couldn’t say I was angry about the rivalry, especially if it worked in our favor.
“Is there anything you require to make you feel more welcome?” a voice asked.
I didn’t miss the emphasis on you, nor did the others.
I turned to see who posed the question. It was Ivan, a retrieval specialist. He was part of a special task unit of Enforcers—a group called the Hand—we dispatched to handle dangerous assignments outside of pack lands.
Leighton stared at Ivan and lifted a brow. Of all the questions Ivan could have asked, one about the witch’s comfort was a surprise.
Apparently, Alaric thought the same because he said, “Everyone should note Ivan’s efforts to welcome the witches into our territory. This partnership will be a great benefit to both sides. We encourage all of you to build connections and make friends.”
“I wouldn’t mind making Shiloh my friend,” someone whispered.
“I think Leighton’s already staked a claim.”
“You didn’t answer my question,” Ivan said, looking directly at Shiloh as the room fell silent.
Leighton cocked a brow at Ivan, a frown marring his face. Shiloh nudged him with her shoulder before answering. “Nothing needs to be done. Witches and shifters are similar enough in terms of biology. We eat, sleep, and prefer to be close to nature, that’s all.”
“The witches are going to cause more trouble than we expected,” Bowen murmured, smirking.
I snorted. Nothing overrode biases better than lust, and integrating young, fertile females into the pack was bound to attract male attention.
This would be interesting.
“Okay. Thanks for that question, Ivan,” Bishop said, redirecting the conversation before the vein in Leighton’s neck burst.
Alpha Wynn took the floor once more. “The meeting with the Silver Fang Alpha went in our favor, and negotiations for an alliance are officially underway.”
I stood. “What are our protocols for the Omegas until reinforcements arrive?”
“No Omegas will be without an escort, whether it’s their mates or an Enforcer. At no point should they be left alone,” he said in a hard tone.
“May I make a suggestion?” Shiloh said.
Alpha Wynn nodded.
“You should start training your females.” She looked directly at the Alpha. “A large group of Alpha and Beta females were locked away with the elderly during the attack, and it’s a waste of strength.”
“You would put them in danger?” Efran asked. “They are our sisters and cousins. We’re supposed to protect them, not send them out like lambs to the slaughter. Hasn’t fate already punished them enough?”
There were a few rumbles of agreement.
“That’s exactly why they should be trained,” Shiloh replied. “This curse and the Council stole the Omegas’ autonomy, but they also ruined the lives of every shifter female. They need a purpose, and it would increase your numbers. Their participation means that if an enemy slips past your Enforcers, fewer members of your pack are helpless. What you’re doing now is making them easy targets.”
