The Drug Dealer Goes To Church

14

As the tension in the room settled, Tim leaned back against the worn-out couch, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. His piercing eyes rested on Akeela and Ana, concern and disapproval simmering just below the surface.

You would swear he wasn't the one who advised Akeela to find her mate before it was too late.

The others took their places-Kim tinkering with a holographic device on the coffee table, Leighn sprawled across the armchair with a mischievous grin, and Ted standing by the door, ready for action.

Tim finally spoke, his voice a low rumble. "You know why this is dangerous, don't you?" He directed his question at Ana but glanced at Akeela for confirmation.

Anaise met his gaze without flinching, her chin raised. "I'm starting to get the picture, you wanna fill in the gaps?"

Tim's lips pressed into a thin line, but he nodded. "Akeela isn't just some random incubus. She's the first of her kind to lead an organized faction of succubi and incubi and that is not sitting well with the old guard."

"The old guard?" Ana prompted.

"Also known as The Council of the Krimson Vow," Tim replied, his voice darkening. "They've ruled the succubi clans for centuries. They think their traditions are sacred, untouchable. Akeela being here-being who she is-shakes the very foundation of their power."

"It's deeper than just leadership," Kim interjected without looking up from his hologram. "Incubi are traditionally viewed as protectors and warriors, while succubi are seen as... manipulators. Tools, even. Akeela's existence, her leadership, challenges those outdated notions."

"And her mate being a mortal?" Tim continued, his gaze unwavering. "That's a powder keg waiting to blow. You're human, Ana. They'll see that as a weakness, a threat to her authority."

Ana waved them off, "Well, they're wrong. And you lied, a little". She pointed out to Akeela.

Keela smirked despite herself, her chest swelling with pride. "T, Ana isn't just some mortal. She's badass and I'll protect her. That's all that matters. Ana, I didn't want to overwhelm you too soon"

Tim shook his head, his worry evident. "You don't understand. They'll come after her to get to you. They'll use this as an excuse to tear you down."

"They can try," Anaise said evenly, her voice sharp. "But they'll regret it."

Leighn let out a low whistle, grinning. "I like her. She's got some vinegar." they chuckled "She's got guts, that's for sure." Kim voiced, now catching a gummy he tossed to the ceiling.

Ted, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "It's not just the Council we need to worry about. There are factions within the succubi clans who see Akeela's leadership as betrayal. They've been indoctrinated for centuries. It's not going to be easy to convince them otherwise."

Ana reached out, her hand brushing against Akeela's arm. The touch was light but grounding, and Akeela felt her heart steady under Ana's quiet strength. "We'll see," Ana said softly.

They stayed in the hideout for a couple of hours in order to throw off the trail that was used to track them to the office. It seemed the pheromones that Akeela was giving off were too strong and that was the reason why it was easy to track her at the office. She would have to lay low from being around the office for a while and fortunately she had finished everything and handed over all the documents to the board of directors in order for Devon to step up and start working as soon as Monday.