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“That does seem logical, doesn’t it? According to the Mageri, a Creator always has say unless their progeny officially severs all ties.

In essence, they are the parent of every Mage they put their immortal light into.

The Mageri decided if they made every Creator accountable for their progeny’s actions, that would encourage them to choose wisely.

It helps control the population so Creators don’t abuse their power by turning unstable lunatics, and they’re more likely to keep tabs on their progeny. ”

Tak heaved a sigh. “So now my packmate’s life is in the hands of someone who doesn’t know us or the situation.”

“Truth be told, I don’t think they should have any say once their Learner moves out, but we have no control over Mage affairs.”

Tak muttered something in another language and scooted his chair back. “You’ll have to excuse my manners. I didn’t offer you a drink.”

“I’m fine, but thank you.”

Tak’s tank top exposed the claw marks over his right shoulder. The scars were deep and traveled over the shoulder to his back. Only a large predator like a cat or bear could’ve made those.

“Anyhow, they said his Creator doesn’t want to pursue it,” I said.

He put his hands in his lap. “So does that mean the decision falls on the Council?”

“I spoke with my colleagues, and we’ve all come to an agreement.

Lucian has no previous offenses, and Marcus did.

He spent time in jail for juicing, and I’ve personally witnessed how unstable he was.

The Council agreed to leave the decision up to Lucian’s Packmaster.

You can decide if you think he should spend more time in jail or if you even want him in your pack anymore. ”

Tak lowered his gaze—the weight of responsibility must have been crushing.

“It’s entirely up to you,” I reiterated. “If you think the time he’s served is enough, that’s fine. The Council will respect whatever you decide. I only have one concern.”

His dark eyes flicked up. “And what’s that?”

I leaned in. “Lucian believes someone else was involved, and I’m afraid he might want to track them down.”

“You don’t want that?”

“No, I don’t. The Council is the law around here, and I’m sure you can appreciate how problematic it is for an outside party with no experience doing detective work to conduct their own investigation.

Or manhunt. We can’t have people taking the law into their own hands.

You should also consider what it could mean if he were to make unsubstantiated accusations or threats against someone.

As long as he remains in your pack, he’s your responsibility. ”

I hoped that Tak could talk sense into Lucian. Even though he’d given me his word and a Chitah’s word was solid, I was still uncertain if Lucian’s resentment would lead him down a dark path.

Tak rested his arm on the table and drummed his fingers. “I believe Lucian when he says he didn’t do this.”

“Even though he could’ve flipped his switch?”

“Chitahs don’t black out when they flip their switch. He has no memory of the killing, and I’m not convinced the head wound caused amnesia.” After a deep breath, Tak wiped his eyes. “Lucian won’t make trouble. If he does, I’ll remove him from the pack.”

“That easily?”

He gave me an inscrutable look. “Letting a packmate go is never easy. I never understood how my father could do it, but now I have my own pack to look after. All cannot suffer for one. No, it wouldn’t be easy, but it would be fair.”

“I can’t imagine how challenging it is to run a pack.”

“Neither could I until I had my own. It’s a full-time job filled with hard decisions. My heart is full of love for my packmates, but I’m sure you know what happens when an alpha turns a blind eye to defiance and deception.”

“I’ve seen a few cases,” I said, giving my nail polish a cursory glance. “One beta tried to overthrow the Packmaster. We stepped in after someone called and reported a murder. It wasn’t the alpha who died but a bystander who tried to stop the beta.”

Tak scratched his cheek. “There was a weak alpha in my father’s tribe who overlooked a troublemaker.

The packmate grew more defiant, and because nothing was done, his people didn’t feel safe.

Then it exploded into violence. All Packmasters are alphas, but not every alpha has what it takes to lead.

There are good packs and bad ones, but it requires work and building trust, following through with expectations.

Lucian knows I’m a fair leader. If he wants to remain, he has to abide by the same rules as everyone else.

But will you as Councilwoman accept new information on the case?

Will you keep me in the conversation if there are developments? ”

“Of course.” I stared at a metal cup holding pens, markers, and bookmarks.

“Lucian got lucky. It could’ve gone another way.

” My stomach knotted just thinking about it.

“That Mage’s Creator could’ve asked for the death penalty.

That’s why Lucian shouldn’t take his freedom for granted.

It’s a new beginning not many ever see.”

Tak folded his arms on the table and leaned in. “Speaking of new beginnings, congratulations are in order. Unless the rumors I heard this morning about you and Mr. Hightower aren’t true.”

“What you heard is correct. We’re engaged.”

Tak studied me for a beat.

“What?”

He reclined in his chair and shook his head. “Nothing. I appreciate your candor. I’ll make sure Lucian stays out of Council affairs. My word is my bond,” he added with a fist over his heart. “Can I tempt you with barbecue ribs?”

“That sounds good, but I have to get back to work.”

“When should I pick Lucian up?”

“Can you come at six? I’ll be leaving around that time. We prefer releasing prisoners at the end of the day.”

Tak stood and stretched out his arms above his head. “Why is that?”

“They’re well fed and ready for bed, so less likely to cause trouble on their first day out.”

“Lucian won’t be trouble. He’ll climb a tree and sit there all night.”

After standing and pushing in my chair, I found every severance of my association with Lucian a difficult process. “I won’t be continuing his services.”

“Of course.”

“It’s not because of the work—he’s a genius, and I’ll continue recommending him.

But I’ll be moving soon, so it won’t be necessary to finish what we started.

He can always talk to the new owner to see if they want to continue the project.

Have him give me an estimate, and I’ll send a messenger over with the money. ”

Tak ushered me through the doorway, and when we reached the main room, a dark silver wolf bounded through the house. It tackled the alpha and licked his face like it was an ice cream cone. Tak rocked with laughter as he patted her front legs, which had white fur around the feet like little socks.

“Hey, beautiful. Miss me already?” His eyes twinkled after she jumped down and barked at the front door. Tak wrapped his fingers around the knob and smiled at me. “Hope’s wolf.” He opened the door and let her outside. “Ever since the birth, she wants out all the time.”

“I guess nine months was a long wait.”

When we stepped onto the porch, the fine mist turned into a light rain.

Virgil stalked toward us naked, his dark blond hair wet and stuck to his shoulders. “Is Salem home?”

Tak put his hands on his hips. “What happened?”

Virgil resembled Pinhead from the horror movie Hellraiser because of the spikes coming out of his face and arms. With an exasperated sigh, he hiked up the steps barefoot. “I had an altercation with a porcupine.”

When he passed us, Tak threw back his head and laughed at the porcupine quills that covered Virgil’s bare ass. “I see who won the argument.”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Virgil opened the door and slammed it.