HEAT AND RUT. (Alpha Lycan And His Omega Tiger)

HIERARCHY.

Chapter: 35
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Conri and his six Betas arrived at Blood Coven. It was a sprawling town with a large river that split into two branches near the northern outskirts of it before flowing through the heartland to the southern coast. The river, known as the Blood River, had been present since before even the god Irtia came down to earth in the witch's history as it flowed over huge rocks at the edge of the forested cliffs. The riverside caves were said to be haunted by old spirits and demons, but Conri thought it might just be the wind whistling between the rocks. In any case, the town wasn't a problem. Blood Coven didn't take itself too seriously, preferring to live life in an easygoing manner instead of attempting to conquer or dominate everything around them.

As long as the town remained peaceful and didn't get too rowdy, and the Witches had made it a priority to stay out of other's businesses. The town boasted a small population, but it felt more like a small city. It was one big community, full of shops, bars, cafes, inns, schools, and hospitals as well as several other establishments. They weren't particularly sociable. Some people called them strange and standoffish, and some people feared them but they were just Witches minding their own business and expecting others to do the same. There was a fair bit of suspicion towards witches from the outside world though, and they tried not to be bothered by it too much. For the most part, they lived with no problems from the outside world. Even if there were a few incidents here and there involving vampires and other supernatural Beings who decided to venture into their town to cause trouble, most of which ended up dead. Blood Coven was, however, a very welcoming place.

It was a pleasant spring day and although the temperature was brisk Conri's face and chest were flushed with warmth. His hair was a little damp, but he didn't seem to notice as he walked along the cobble-lined street of Blood Coven. Dom and Colleen walked beside him while the other four Betas followed closely behind. Witches they passed on the streets bowed quickly in both greeting and respect to the Alpha of Alphas. Conri smiled at them and nod in return, but otherwise, they kept walking, ignoring the stares and whispers that they drew when they entered the center of Blood Coven. Once past the gates, they went straight ahead down the main street. A large square was located right in the center of Blood Coven where there was a fountain in front of a massive brick structure that looked like a castle. This building housed the council chambers. Packed around the square were several cars belonging to the other Pack leaders present for the meeting.

Each car held a sign that identified which Pack Alpha and or Leader the vehicles belonged to as well as their Ranks in the hierarchy. All the Alphas and Leaders had already arrived, and as usual, Conri was last. Dom and Colleen stopped at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the front entrance to the castle. One by one they nodded their heads respectfully as Conri approached. Dom and Colleen held the doors open for him and Conri strode forward, nodding back in acknowledgment. When he reached the top of the stairs and entered the building everyone rose from their seats to acknowledge him with a bow and none sat until he had taken his seat. Conri made his way into the Hall. The Council Chamber was filled. The only empty seat was next to the Leader of Blood Coven and Conri took it gratefully. He sat back, stretching out his legs before settling in for the meeting. His Betas sat behind him.

The Lowest Ranked Pack Leader got up to address the gathering and after making polite conversation he began his briefing. "Thank you all for coming. We have gathered here in our special capacity as representatives of the various Packs, Clans, and Leagues on this continent so we can discuss matters concerning the impending war posed by the Scarred Witch. Now, let us begin." He turned his eyes to look out over the gathered members of the Council and Conri leaned forward.

"First," He started, "Let me assure you all that no harm will come to any Packs, Clans, and Leagues, nor its members. While my actions may have appeared a bit hasty in recent times, the truth is that my efforts to stop the evil witch are not entirely altruistic. We know how powerful she is and she is not easily defeated. I will fight until I have no more fight in me to make sure I bring to an end her reign of terror." He paused and then continued. "Secondly, while my intentions are noble, they do not necessarily reflect true feelings toward each of the Packs currently represented here. My desire is not to win glory for myself or my pack, but merely to keep our world safe." He nodded at the recent Clan Lady of the Weretigers. "You can speak now."