Page 3 of Evil Overlord Omega

Dean understood to human eyes that a large group of people living together in the woods could only look like some sort of hippy commune or a cult, so they had never tried to dissuade the locals that was what they were. It was the story Silvanus had run with for years. Other packs used it too. It had seemed like a good idea until now.

“So, I take it there has been a change of leader, Silvanus is no longer in charge?” asked Emily, pen poised over her clipboard.

“Yes, I’m Dean Darkstar, the new leader. Silvanus decided he wanted to retreat. Spend the rest of his days in solitude, meditating.”

Dean was proud of how calm and sincere he sounded. Especially since there probably were bits of Silvanus a few inches under Emily’s feet. When they had fought the Council, zombie Silvanus had been torn to shreds not far from where they were standing.

Emily scribbled on her clipboard, appearing to write down far more than he had said. Dean felt himself break out in a cold sweat. Just then, Silas barreled around the corner. He was in his full Grand Master regalia. Long black velvet coat, tight black leather trousers, knee-high boots with far too many buckles and zips. His black silk shirt was tucked in, showing off his narrow waist. He even had the gold circlet on his head. Dean realized he must have jumped through a portal door, straight from the Council chamber and some very official business.

Silas’s dark eyes were blazing and he looked furious, he started to stride straight past Dean, towards the humans. Emily took a step back. Dean grabbed Silas’s waist and pulled him in close, tucking him under his arm.

“This is my husband, Silas,” said Dean cheerily. “I was just about to show these nice people around, dear. You didn’t need to leave band practice.”

Silas glared at him but said nothing and didn’t try to free himself from Dean’s arm either.

“He is the lead singer in a goth band, it’s dress rehearsal today,” explained Dean to the human.

Emily blinked, her brown eyes fixed on Silas. Dean held his breath. Silas really did look like a supervillain. What was the poor woman supposed to think?

“Oh, my daughter is a huge goth fan. Can I get your autograph?” said Emily, eventually.

Dean hid his flinch, feeling like his grin was turning into rigor mortis. He could feel Silas’s gaze boring into him.

Silently Silas reached out and took the clipboard and pen from Emily, who had flipped over to presumably a blank page. He scribbled something and handed it back to her. Emily glanced at it and smiled warmly.

“Thanks,” she beamed. “What’s your band name?”

“Dead Alpha,” answered Silas. Utterly deadpan. Dean swallowed.

Emily just nodded as if she had heard of it. “How long have you been married?”

“Just over three years,” interjected Dean before Silas could say anything. “My husband is Silvanus’s son, that’s how we ended up living here,” explained Dean. He felt Silas stiffen in his arms, but thankfully the necromancer was taking his lead. For now.

Dean mused how the human word husband felt strange on his lips. He kind of liked it. Maybe they could have a human ceremony.

Emily’s shoulders relaxed, and her scribbling calmed down. Dean felt a tentative coil of relief. Silvanus handing over the reins of his cult to his son-in-law was something that made sense to the human. She could understand that. Dean was proud he had thought of it.

“Go back to your rehearsal, darling. I can show Emily around,” said Dean.

For good measure he put his hands on Silas’s shoulders, physically turned him around before giving him an encouraging little shove, back the way he had come. Silas looked back over his shoulder with one of his death stares, but he went.

Dean breathed a sigh of relief. He doubted Silas had gone far. He was likely lurking just out of sight, ready to eviscerate the humans if Dean’s charm offensive didn’t work. Paranormals were not supposed to reveal themselves to humans at any cost. Even if Emily stole all the pups and carted them off, they were supposed to let it happen. Because if humans discovered paranormals were real, the death and destruction that would follow would far outweigh the tragedy of having their pups taken away.

However, Dean was quite certain Silas would not abide by that. He wouldn’t stand there and do nothing. He would protect his pack, consequences be damned.

Dean took a deep breath. He had to put Emily’s mind at rest. Reassure her that they might be a little odd and unusual, but the pups were loved and well taken care of. That was all she was here to check. She was only doing her job, and it was a good one. Children needed to be protected.

Dean was just about to take Emily on a tour of the compound when Jasper, in wolf form, bounded around the corner.

“Jasper!” shouted Dean reflexively, but it was far too late. The humans had seen him. Emily gasped. The cops reached for their weapons.

Jasper skidded to a halt and stared back at the humans. A huge gray wolf with amber eyes.

“This is my dog Jasper. He is a husky. He is very friendly,” said Dean, feeling weak.

Wolf Jasper’s large head swiveled to stare at Dean, then he turned back to the humans and wagged his tail.

“Oh! He is beautiful!” said Emily, relief clear in her voice.