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Devlin looked like he was ready to shift and rip out a few throats. "Perhaps everyone could be Alpha," he growled. "Bain, would you like to be one too?"
His question took me by surprise, but fortunately my instinct was to laugh.
"Hades no," I said. "I prefer to guard leaders thanbeone."
Devlin seemed satisfied with that answer. He nodded and turned to Dex. "And you?"
"I'm content to be Keeper until your children can take over. It's more than enough work."
"Too much?" Devlin looked dangerous again.
"Not at all," Dex said. "I just meant it keeps me busy. I guess that's why the job is called ‘Keeper’." He chuckled at his own joke.
"What does the Watcher do then?" Viva asked.
"Traditionally he watches the edges of the Vault for trouble," Calista said.
"And now?" Viva asked.
"He administers the north," Devlin said. "And potentially stirs up trouble. I might have to tighten the leash." After a moment, he added, "On all of you." He glanced up at me and his eyes narrowed. He didn't have the same skill for sensing thought that I did, but for a solid few seconds, I started to think he did.
When he looked away, I managed a relieved breath.
"Let me get this straight." He counted the points off on his fingers. "An envoy will go to the Watcher to make sure he isn't planning a coup." He frowned. He counted a second point. "ThisComusis certainly going to cause trouble." He glanced toward Knox, who nodded.
"It seems so, yes," Knox said. "We have no idea of his whereabouts."
"Find him," Devlin snapped. "Keep any word of him away from the Temple. Any trouble with the witches?"
"Not recently," Dex replied. "Since the alliance, they've been quiet."
"Too quiet?" Devlin asked.
"Possibly," Dex agreed.
Devlin looked thoughtful, then made a dismissive gesture. "We can worry about them later. The most pressing matter is whoever is sending shifters against shifters. Find them and deal with them."
"Yes, Alpha," Dex said.
Silence fell for a moment, then Devlin broke out laughing.
"This is supposed to be a party. Relax. That's an order."
Everyone shifted in their chairs, but Calista was still the only one who seemed comfortable.
Viva appeared to share my desire to be anywhere but here. The mention of witches made her flinch, with good reason. She had almost no reason to be on their side during any conflict, except that her mother was one.
Still, what would she do if she was called on to take sides? Would she even get a choice? Most of the people who lived in and around the Residence only knew her as a witch, and possibly a hostage to ensure the witches didn't try to attack the Vault.
Only a couple of people outside this room knew differently. Few enough that she could become a target in the middle of a conflict. I knew very well she could take care of herself, but I also knew she'd killed accidentally. As much as that must eat her up, she almost did it again today. She was stronger than she knew, but not always in control. That was something she would have to learn, for her safety and that of those around her.
"So, any sign of an heir yet?" Calista drawled.
It was the question on everyone's mind, but of course only Calista dared to ask it.
Devlin sniffed, his wine glass under his nose. "Not yet. We're thinking of traveling out of the Vault to see a doctor. There must be a reason."
From the expression on his face, he was well aware of what the problem was. I suspected Gwendolyn's attempted seduction was her taking the matter into her own hands.
