Page 23 of Seas the Reckoning

Councilman Taylor’s nose wrinkles, and Starla, perhaps sensing the situation is heading to a place more Southern than her accent, tries to salvage things.

“But I am glad we are clearing up the misunderstanding, and to hear that you harbored no ill intent, Father.”

His expression settles.

“Of course not, darling.” I wonder if he catches the way her shoulders tense when he uses the term of affection.

“And you must be Carolina,” Councilman Taylor turns to face me, and I instinctively take a small step back in the face of the sudden attention.

With a shifter, it would be a mistake. They are always on the watch for prey. But despite Councilman Taylor’s human appearance, I see his gaze shift to my feet and the way a smile plays on his face.

“Charmed, Carolina. While my daughter is not a talent at regular communication, I do try to keep up with who and what is going on in her life. I know she spends a significant amount of her time with you.”

The hair on my arms is standing on end, and a side glance tells me that I’m picking up on Jackal’s tension. He’s glaring, lip raised and the tip of a growing fang showing. Thankfully, the councilman misses it as my mate gets himself under control.

The councilman is a puzzle. Simply an overbearing parent, or something more sinister?

If I want to find out, I’ll have to engage.

I hold my hand out to the councilman with a shy smile.

One of his staff enters the room wordlessly, proffering a silver tray with a bottle of amber liquid and several small glasses.

“When Dennis and the others returned empty-handed, I realized Starla might have misinterpreted my intentions. I propose that we all start over.”

The councilman pops the cork on what I can only imagine is a staggeringly expensive bottle of scotch. He pours six glasses, and we each take one.

“To a weekend of acquainting and reacquainting ourselves. I hope you all enjoy the events of the winter ball.” He raises his glass, and we all do the same.

“We’re looking forward to the festivities,” Starla says, managing a syrupy sweet tone she must have practiced with Ji-hwan.

“I’m eager to explore the gardens. They’re lovely,” I add, trying to help my friend along.

Ji-hwan gives the councilman a flattering smile.

“Starla has told us that there are several enticing events we can look forward to over the course of the next few days. It will be almost a shame to leave each night,” he says.

Councilman Taylor raises his glass in the Were’s direction.

“Precisely my thinking. With all the events I’m hosting, I’ll hardly have time to spend with my beloved daughter. So, darling, I have come up with a solution. Your rooms are prepared and waiting for you upstairs.”

Starla coughs, choking on a swallow of scotch.

“Excuse me?” Her voice is hoarse.

“You’ll be staying at the manor, naturally.” The councilman turns to the rest of us. “I am sorry to say that while the rooms here are numerous, I did not have much space to spare by the time Starla gave me her guest list, so I cannot extend an invitation to all of you.”

“I’m not staying here by myself!” Starla insists, spine ramrod straight.

Jackal is tense, and Exos has pulled himself to his full human height, towering over the rest of us.

“You flew all this way, with no intention of spending any quality time with your father?” Councilman Taylor asks, eyebrows turning down in a saddened expression that he doesn’t quite pull off. “Besides, I already worked out the schedule of events with your coven leader. She is well aware that I have certain social engagements planned between you and several of the gentlemen in attendance. It would be troublesome to go back and forth to … where was it you were staying?”

He slips the last bit in as an aside, but no one takes the bait.

Starla stands, smoothing the material of her dress.

“Of course, if you would like to spend time with me, Father, how could I refuse?”