Unexpected Encounters

Chpt. 13: Strained Behaviour

Janet cleared her throat, and the room instantly drew to a hush. "Good afternoon, I call this council to order. To start, our agenda will be outlined by Deveraux representative Samuel."

At the address, Samuel eased forward in his chair. I had a clear view from this angle, taking in his fresh face and clear grey eyes. This was where my team's work was going to come in handy. I hadn't met every figure in this room, but now I had enough background to match each face with an identity.

Samuel was the first born of the Deveraux, a little on the younger side since we were close in age. He actually looked younger than me, but he'd been active in house affairs for several years alongside his father. I could hear the confidence from that experience in his resounding voice. "This meeting has two points to address. The first is a continuation of our discussion over the rising disappearances of wolves in the Free fraction populations of the north eastern region. The second is the Free fraction protests that have risen from this issue."

As he spoke, my gaze drifted to the next seat over. An older lycan sat leaned back, his fingers laced over his abdomen as he listened. Mathias Deveraux, the patriarch. I'd come across him a couple times before, but never longer than for a greeting. He sat quietly, his gaze hung so low his slightly drooping eyes could've been closed. Alongside the two Deveraux family members were two other wolves, likely members from their district councils. They were similarly dressed in somber blue shades and impassive expressions.

Their territory was wide, spanning from the middle states up into eastern Canada. They were the closest to the McKennis in territory size and their diplomatic relationship was supposed to be the warmest, but there was dry air between their sections of seats. Maybe it was just the situation.

Janet sat forward, looking across the circle of wolves. "Before we begin, I would like to acknowledge the presence of our kin from Europe. Representatives from both Castile house and Malis house have been gracious enough to attend our meeting today."

For a moment, the spotlight pinned on us. I followed Theo in standing. Ravi and Ottus also pushed back their chairs. The room received us with applause, but it was dispassionate. We were outsiders. A curiosity to those that weren't involved in bringing us here. And to some, we were likely a discomfort too.

"On the point of the disappearances, we have an updated count," she continued, her head inclining slightly towards her daughter.

Cassandra straightened imperceptibly. "As described in your documents, we have 49 official reports of disappearances."

"So they have been verified?" a low, appraising voice asked. The speaker sat far ahead on our side of the ring. It took a moment to find the face, but I immediately recognized Clarence Accombe. Her house controlled the southern span of the States, an even wider chunk of the North American pie.

"Yes, though there are more reports scattered along the eastern region. Our district councils are attempting to make contact to confirm, but many packs are migrating for the summer season."

"What of those that have been found?" Clarence's dark eyes fastened unblinkingly on her.

"Unfortunately, they were not forthcoming with the information," Cassandra explained, "some decided to retract their interest in our involvement."

Clarence's eyes crinkled slightly. The bracelets adorning her wrist tinkled as she crossed her hands over the table. "That's a sharp change in attitude in such a short time."

"It's likely apprehension from our presence," Janet added, her tone decidedly unruffled, "many of the reports contained requests for financial aid or resources. We've surprised them by sending in wolves, but we can still convince them that our direct involvement will lead to the fastest resolution." Her words gained a musing look from the Accombe head. Clarence was known for her imposing, resilient character. The strong legacy of past Accombe generations backed her own accomplishments too, making her an imposing figure along the ring.