Page 11 of The Healer and The Vampire (Bay Harbor Wolves #11)

A lpha Henrik sat alone in his office at the Indigo, going over the reports, the surveillance and security upgrades installed and/or suggested by Remi Toulouse, and was eager to go home and be with his mate Max.

He needed some downtime, some loving that only a mate could provide.

The events of the last two days made it clear that Bay Harbor was not the only Pack territory that needed more sophisticated protection.

He was deep in thought when his brother and pack fixer, Derek, came walking in and took a seat.

"Demons used to mind their own business and not make spectacles of themselves.

" He dropped the comment, and it made Henrik smile.

His brother had a way of making even the most horrific event seem practical and mundane, which was one of his greatest powers.

"This one followed Conrad Lowe, the healer from Baton Rouge to Eastport, and wasn't about to just let him slip away, apparently." Henrik poured them both a glass of whiskey.

"He's lucky that Remi was his beloved; anything other than a fully invested paranormal would not have been able to help the healer. The guy would have been drained before he knew anything was amiss." Derek took a long sip of his drink.

"So, this healer, is he going to be useful?" Once again, Derek got down to the practical.

"Not sure as to the extent of his powers.

I know he brought a dead man back to life in the lobby, so that was impressive.

" Henrik offered, and Derek nodded. "Sasha and Javier are friendly with Remi, so they'll keep us informed.

" They fell silent for a few seconds, and then Derek said what Henrik knew had to happen but had been avoiding.

"Sasha's abilities as a mage have not been used sufficiently.

He is a leader among his kind with the added abilities bestowed on him by his grandfather at his death.

The man can combat any magic mischief that comes at us.

I don't doubt this, and you shouldn't either.

" Derek made the statement and then waited, giving his brother time to process and respond, for it was time they fought fire with fire.

"As you know, I've always held a dislike and distrust for magics in general.

I agree, Sasha is an angel, and we're blessed to have him in our number.

His skills are vast and sharp, which were just demonstrated today in the way he trapped and destroyed that demon.

" He paused for a moment. "My fear is having seen what too much dependency upon magics has done to some communities. When the magic fails, they are helpless, and I never want that for us. I will not allow something I do not control to control what is mine and everything that I hold dear.”

"You have my pledge and promise that the Bay Harbor Pack will never lose itself and will never put full trust and faith in anything but ourselves and our own ability to survive and thrive.

Magic is not a master, it is a tool, and we will use it as such.

" Derek was being honest, and Henrik knew the days of blood and fists as a tool were being edged by the need for magic and its protocols.

“I understand, I don’t like it, but I understand. Just like when we had to force ourselves to learn to compromise and negotiate and learn the process of politics, we can learn to use magics for our own best interests." It was hard to say, but it was necessary.

"We got this, Henrik, and if all else fails, I'll destroy everything, clear the slate, and we will start again." He smiled, and Henrik bent and pulled him in for a side hug.

"I love you, brother."

“Always.”