Bound by Love

27. New Developments

They are nearing the woods where they are to meet with the Council. A shiver of unease skates across their minds. Wren can feel the uncertainty in her mates, "What's wrong?"

Gray puts an arm around her shoulder, drawing her into his side and kisses the top of her head. "I'm not sure. We can feel that the Council is angered by something but they aren't answering us. I don't know what is happening."

Van scans the surrounding trees, "Maybe we should turn back."

Wren gets a far off look in her eye then shivers. "No. Let's continue. We need to know what has happened."

They step into the clearing. Atticus stands in the middle, wings spread out and eyes blazing. Helena, Victor and Emma each staring into the woods, anger covering their faces. Traces of blood streak their clothes, skin already healed from whatever wound caused those stains.

Ian and Van stand at Wren's sides, Van's wings spread out to protect her back as Gray stays at her front.

Gray speaks loudly, gaining the attention of the council. "What has happened? Where is Patricia?"

The air surrounding Atticus shimmers as his wings rustle in agitation. "She escaped. Her mate, who is also Walter's brother, joined with Alpha Reynolds, his son and his friend Jason to set her free. They would not have succeeded but we were caught off guard.

"Blake and Jason, who we knew were sentenced to being human, both shifted unexpectedly. I don't know how they were able to do that, it doesn't make sense. Not only should it have been impossible, but they smelled human."

The three brothers stand closer to Wren. Anxious that she is in danger. Ian's voice comes out in a growl. "Do you know where they went?"

"No. We can sense her general direction but that is all."

The council comes closer. Emma lifts her head, sniffing the air around them. "Where were you last? The errant wolf pups had that same smell about them. The scent of human, male, greed mixed with fear."

The brothers share a long look, then they turn to Wren. She has her eyes closed leaning against Ian's side, one hand on Gray and the other on Van.

Her eyelids flutter open. "We need to tell them. It is the only way."

Atticus stares at Wren. Questions burning in his eyes. "What is it you need to tell us?"

"There is much for us to tell. But it isn't safe here." Wren's eyes look about the edges of the woods. "There are ears listening that can't be found. I saw it."

Helena looks at her curiously. "Vanguard. Is your mate well?"

Van bristles, calming only after Wren nuzzles her cheek against his chest. "She is perfectly well. We will explain, but as she said it must be elsewhere. All will make sense once our story is told."

Gray sends them a message through the link – 'Meet us at our hotel in an hour.'

The council confers within their minds. Atticus nods at whatever is being said. "As you say. We will do as you request." And with that the council disappears as they use their supernatural speed to leave. The brothers and Wren soon follow, taking off, leaving their car parked to the side. They don't want to chance someone following them in the vehicle.

Wren waits on the sofa, her hands twisting about themselves and teeth nibbling on her lip. Gray leans over and kisses her softly. "Remember love, only we get to bite that lip."

She gives him a smile. Thankful that he is distracting her from her nervousness.

Ian plops down beside her then drops to the side, laying his head in her lap and staring up towards her face. "It's going to be find Little Bird. You looked into the future, you saw this was the only way."