Fight Me

|10 : Secret Meeting |

Annabelle followed Nate towards Mrs Patter's shop for the last minute secret meeting. As it was discovered earlier that night, their houses had been searched right and left. Although it did not seem like anything was out of the ordinary at first, the herbs wore off to the foreign smell of intruders lingering in the air long after they left. Their territories were invaded and outrage was only one of many words that could describe the raw emotion fueling the were citizens of Road's End. They were furious, some masked their fear with anger, others were ready to fight.

The closer they got to the shop the louder the voices became, booming through the night like an unpleasant echo.

'How dare they intrude our privacy?' A male voice asked, very much sounding like Lord O'Flannigan- usually the peacemaker.

'Why?' Another voice asked- it sounded more like an accusation than anything.

'Who are They?' If only they knew...

Anna knew what they must have been searching for and with no doubt will keep on digging until they find it. The prospect of her home being searched in her absence angered her beyond disbelief.

How dare he!

While he was wooing her and goddess only knows who else, those tactless bustards dared to make a search party on their territory!

They had no right.

They walked into the back of the shop where the crowd has gathered, most of them were representatives of their families. Women usually stayed to guard their homes and their children, it was their decision to do so as they were powerful to fight the enemy and protect their homes if it comes to that.

"I understand you are angry, so am I." Said Annabelle, her voice carrying enough authority for everyone to pause mid sentace and bow their heads slightly as a sign of respect. Respect she worked hard to gain over the years. She was much younger then most of them and her bloodline was nothing for them. At first. "But if we do not keep it quiet, we will attract unwanted attention. We will discuss it like civilised people and together we will find a solution, a plan of action."

She moved towards the centre of the room, Nate following her close behind. They stood in front of their people heads bowing slightly, as a sign of equalness. The rules were different here than anywhere else. Although there were three Alphas guidng the people of this town, the authority was shared and lower ranks had as much voice as them. This was one of the reasons Anna has became such a respected figure. Although it was her or Nate or Ronan who made the final decision, the problem at hand was first discussed by all the representatives. They believed in equality, they believed that only this way they could ever achieve anything.

And so far it worked.

"Let's calm down first." This time it was Nate who decided to speak. "Anger will only lead us towards rash, unwise actions that could only expose us further, and we don't want that."

Some shook their heads in agreement, other said alound 'no, we don't-"

"We imposed Code Yellow as soon as we have learned of the intruders. I hope all of you were aware of what that ment. And for those of you who had any doubts so far, I hope you realise the seriousness of the situation now. These werewolves are here to discover whether or not we are like them. Under no circumstances can they find out the truth." He paused sending Anna a side glance as if asking for permission to continue.

She slightly shook her head and instead took over "As far as we know, they do not know who we are, and as Nate said, let it stay this way. Their intentions are unknown but we are led to believe that they are not chivalrous." Anna's eyes trailed to the new figure that has entered the room and nodded towards him to continue.

Ronan with his arms folded against his chest, stood at the back looking over the crowd.

"Valid sources confirm that those intruders are of French origins."

This revelation caused a series of gasps. Some visibly gulped. Others eyes widened in shock or perhaps even fear.

"They made a move, now it's time to make ours." He continued.

"What are you proposing?" A male voice asked.

"Let's pretend we know nothing of their actions like it never happened. Let's sow confusion and doubt into them. If they think we are not aware of their doings they will be less careful with their actions. Someone is got to slip and make a mistake. In the meantime, we will collect as much information on them as we can. We must be careful, however, they are watching our ever move. O'Flannigan, you're a good-

It was then that Anna's heart began beating faster and it only took her a second to realise the cause of her sudden reaction.

"Yes pa, you're right. It's enough that the they are on our backs for organising the ball. Lord O'Flannigan, you are a very respected man in our little village. Maybe you could talk to the Cahir townspeople. I'm sure they'll understand. "

All focus was on her now and confused faces stared at her with their brows furrowed.

Mrs Patter was the first to realise the reason behind the sudden change of discussion. She played along, nodding her head towards the doors.

"Yes, my child. You are right. There is no better peacemaker than our Lord O'Flannigan. They must understand that we deserve a little diversity from our every day lives. Just because we are a small village does not mean-" Anna had to admit that Ruby knew how to sound convincing with all the huffing and puffing in outrage.

"Mrs Patter, please, do not cause youreself any distress over such trivial matter. I will speak to them on the morrow." O'Flannigan interrupted, letting then know he understood.

"Now," began Ronan "I think it is time to take our leave, it's already past two in the morning. The problem will be solved on the morrow. If you could kindly come to me after your talk with the Cahir people and let me know how it went."

"Of course, my Lord." Replied O'Flannigan.

"Would that be all?"

"I suppose so." Few said at the same time while others nodded their heads. At this point all of them caught on.

"Very well. I will see you at our next chore meeting. Thank you all for your presence and opinion on the matter." Said Ronan bringing one of his fingers to his lips silently ordering the people not to speak a word of it until the next meeting. Who knows who is listening, with the side effects of the herbs, their senses were not as sharp. They all nodded in agreement.

Ronan's attention shifted towards Anna who now stood silently fuming in the back of the room. "Come, my child. It is late. You should be in bad long ago."

She walked over to him and took his arm, grateful for his presence. She really didn't want to walk back alone. She knew that it's less likely she'll see him if she stayed at Ronan' s side.

"I'm coming pa, you know I love those meetings."

She was still very much aware of Alexander's distant presence. If he were not her Mate she wouldn't have realised he was listening to their discussion. In that moment she was glad for the effect he had on her, it possibly saved their lives.

"Its not something a young lady such as youreslef should be engaging herself in." He played along.

"I know, but you must admit I do contribute to those meetings."

Ronan let out a laugh.

"Oh child, this is the only reason I'm letting you come with me."

"Am I forgiven for sneaking out?"

Ronan sent her a side glance and smiled.

"There is nothing I wouldn't forgive you."