Howling Heart

Chapter 20 - Council Meeting

I looked at Ronan in shock. "Crap." I leaned back in my chair. I was starting to hurt from sitting there for so long. The hours had escaped both of us.

"That sounds like a big problem. Did you know what the plan is?"

I nodded as I downed the last bit of my coffee. Perhaps if things went well we could all go for a hunt after, unless things went wrong. Then there might not be another hunt forever. "Exactly what happened, they saw me while I was out and they shot. I defended myself." I buried my face in my hands as I exhaled.

"Sounds about right. I'll see you there." Ronan took his leave. He patted me on the shoulder on his way out.

It had been nice talking with him. There had been so much pressure on the both of us we hadn't had enough friend time.

But that precious moment was over. And it felt like the world just kept throwing punches and there was nothing I could do. My heart was heavy in my chest. I assumed it was from the stress, but there was more to it. I just wanted to live my life. However, it seemed like the world had other plans.

I arrived at our clearing. Most of the pack was already there. Mae included. My father stood at the peek of the rock that overlooked the clearing. The council wasn't here just yet. Small graces. I took my place next to my father. He held the silence while we waited.

It didn't take long before the council walked into the clearing. They were a small group of five wolves. It was a collection of elders from packs across the country. Sometimes international packs would travel through. But today it was only the five that ruled our area.

"Welcome council." Jothun bowed low to welcome the small group.

The one leading held up a hand in greeting and to silence Jothun. His grey hair was pulled back but his eyes were sharp. "Thank you for the welcome." Pleasantries were traditional, but he was clearly annoyed. His sun-kissed skin wrinkled as he spoke. "However, let's address these issues about the hunters."

The rest of the group nodded in unison.

It was enough to send a chill up my spine. My father's voice seemed small as he spoke to them. "My daughter was attacked while she was out. Her wounds prove that." He gestured to me.

"Show us child."

I took a breath to calm myself. Most of the pack had known me since childhood. But Mae was watching. I lifted my shirt to expose the scattered buckshot. Some of the fresh bandages had blood seeping through. My body was sore, but they were healing.

"And?"

"She defended herself."

"Did you child?" His eyes were sharp and they seemed to take my breath away.

"I did. I knew by their reaction they put the pack in danger." I stood there in my bra and pants, bandages a harsh proof of the reality of what happened.

The elders looked at one another for a few moments. Almost no sound was made as they discussed the situation.

"Now Jotun, the other matter. Who is your daughter betrothed to for when she leads the pack?"

My heart sank. This wasn't part of it. And I wasn't ready. Panic flooded my chest. The anxiety from earlier compounded with this caused a sharp shooting pain in my ribs.

It felt worse than being shot.

My eyes looked to Mae. She still didn't know about my talk with my father. How I chose her.

But what if she didn't choose me?

My father spoke and pulled me out of my spiral. "Due to these hunters being around, we had suspended all decisions."

"Ah." One of the African American elders spoke for the group this time. His locs were decorated with beads and feathers. "Then why not make your decision now?" There was a smirk on his face. As if he caught a child stealing a cookie.

"May I have a moment to discuss something with my daughter? I fear due to her condition a fast choice might not be in the pack's best interest."

"I'll allow it." The grey-haired elder spoke.

"I have an idea, Father...."

We both turned to face the council.

"Well, Jotun?"

For the first time tonight, my father had a grin on his face. The pack was silent. "Due to recent events, I don't believe my daughter is what's best for the future of our pack."

The entire pack gasped at once. And the elders all raised an eyebrow in unison. It was downright creepy.

"Ronan, come up here please." Ronan was confused, but he quickly climbed up to the ledge where we stood. "I have always thought of you as an extended part of my family. Ava would be lucky to have you. However, the pack needs you. You shall take my place."

I couldn't help but smile as the council member's jaws dropped. It was a bold move by my father. But it was a good one.

"My daughter is free to pursue her own passions in life. Including whatever mate she wants."