Hunter, Shifter's Mate

8

"Councilmen... and women," nodded Chase respectfully, "elders, fellow hunters.

As you all well know, not long ago we faced what may have been the single most horrific Shifter of all times - Certainly the worst of our times - Colt Bardolf. For decades we went round and round with this monster! We dogged him like a shadow, but he was always one step ahead, just beyond our reach. However, there are some things that perhaps you did not know.

The very day we saw the end of that abhorrent creature, someone I know, a human, was taken by some of his men.

In that moment I didn't have time to call for aid. I simply did what I had to do to save her, to uphold my oath.

When I broke her free from where they were holding her captive, I wound up freeing a Shifter who was imprisoned there with her in the process. I have never seen a Shifter in such a pitiful state. Beaten, abused, and malnourished beyond the point where even it could not heal itself. Quite frankly I did not expect the creature to survive. That, and my priority being to extract the human from that hostile environment as quickly as possible, is what caused me to not waste my time putting the thing out of it's misery.

But somehow the creature beat the odds, it not only managed to follow us out, it survived. That creature is the very Shifter we have in our custody today.

Since that day she has, in her mind, been bound to me. Because of this she is now more loyal to me than to her own kind. She has even demonstrated this by putting herself in harms way to try to protect me."

Now when he had said these things gasps and murmurs began to break out among the council. "Order!" The chairman's voice rose above the swelling cacophony of incredulity. When the room had settled they began asking questions and calling on others to speak until the council was satisfied.

"With all due respect," Chase remarked in closing, "just think of the implications here. The possibilities! She could be our in. Like a secret weapon of sorts. If we could use one of their own against them... we could potentially gain intel and an advantage on Packs such as we never have before! And with her supernatural abilities... under our control... fighting for us!"

"You're a fool boy" someone shouted from the stands.

"I know I should have come forward with this sooner. Asked for permission." He continued, seemingly unperturbed, "But I had hoped to have something more substantial to present first. If she dies now, then months of work will have been for nothing! And we may never get another opportunity like this again!

I'm asking you to consider the possibilities. And I trust your wisdom in making the right decision." He concluded, kneeling, head bowed.

"Silence!" Ordered the chairman over the protests of councilmen. "I believe we have heard enough," he addressed Chase, "go wait out side, we will call for you once we have reached a decision or if we have further questions."

"Sir," Chase replied respectfully, hand over heart and head bowed, as he back and out through the great doors and into the lobby.

"Master Holter," he heard them address his father as the doors closed, "you've been quiet, what have you to say on the matter?"