Page 84 of Chasing Savannah

“They’ll probably scold her for not giving her new alpha protocol.” Theo said.

He trusted Theo to know what he was talking about. His friend was smart, cunning. There was a reason he handled negotiations for the prowl.

“There are some who will see it for what it is,” Brianne warned.

“This will also be the first time you’re facing your father’s prowl.” Derrick said gently.

He’d just talked to Samella himself yesterday. Carlos’ mother had claimed Derrick as her own, calling him to nag as she did her other children. She wanted to hear all about Savannah, having heard from everyone but her sons about them meeting their mate. He’d taken her fussing and filled her in on their progress with the mating. She’d exacted his promise to protect Carlos from anything Yasim would throw their way. Even after so many years, Samella didn’t trust her ex-mate.

“So the show will be two fold. It will show how strong we are under you,” Brielle spoke up, pulling him from his thoughts.

“And my little play of ignorance will make it seem as though I’m an inexperienced alpha, and amenable.” Carlos shrugged.

Brielle narrowed her eyes, her mind working. “I think once he realizes it’s you, he’s likely to want to treat our territory as an extension of his own.”

They all nodded.

“He only has one council rep, a weasel named Joaquin. He will more than likely be tasked with finding out your weak spots. He’s very good at it, that and exploiting those weaknesses. He’ll be more likely to slip up if he thinks you don’t quite have your footing.” Brianne made more notes on her tablet.

“How? Wouldn’t he start acting bolder, attacking more?” Joelle asked.

“What do we know so far about these attacks?” Carlos rubbed a hand down his face.

Simon sighed. “We’ve followed their trail south. Each time, they headed south, but I’m not inclined to act without knowing the layout of the prowls here. The council meeting will be a good place to get insight.”

Theo rubbed his hands, “this already sounds fun.”

Derrick laughed.

“Theo, don’t ham it up in this meeting.” Carlos warned.

“I don’t think we should bring up the attacks this meeting.” Brianne brought them back to their point. “I think this is where Joelle could help. Whoever is doing it, won’t miss an opportunity to taunt us with it.”

Joelle sat straighter. “I can read malice for sure.”

“Do we go in with introductions?” Theo asked.

Brianne scribbled on her tablet. “Absolutely not. The Felix and Beta yes, Theo because I assume you’re taking over for grandfather and going with me to meetings, right?”

He nodded.

“So, everyone else, as far as they need be concerned, is muscle.”

Joelle choked, “I don’t look like muscle.”

“Which will further enhance the mystique around our prowl. Who are you that you are so important to show up to a council meeting.” Brianne waved away the Seer’s concern.

“And if someone asks?” Derrick inquired.

She scribbled again and looked up at him, blinking. He thought he’d confused her so he repeated the question.

She smiled, “no. That’s my answer and exactly how I plan to look if anyone asks me anything outside of what we’re willing to answer.”

Derrick smiled, impressed. “You’re good.”

“I am,” she agreed. “On to the next point. Do we think it’s Yasim’s prowl attacking our women?” She looked to Joelle and then Simon.

Joelle closed her eyes and breathed deep. “He’s the only one I see with a motive at the moment.” She bit her lip. “I think the Felix is right by having me go to the meeting. It will help see the other players.”