Remy

Prologue

Prologue

Remy drove to the warehouse on the Saturday closest to the new moon to meet up with Jane and Bryce. “I’m glad you’re doing this,” he said as they set up a few chairs. “I know things have been strained but I think this will go a long way towards building some trust between the two of you.”

“Is this a good idea?” Bryce asked.

Remy patted his arm. “I’ll just be over by the door. Don’t worry. She doesn’t turn into a raging monster when she shifts. In fact, she’s almost adorable.”

“I heard that,” Jane muttered.

“Just sit down,” Remy said. “Keep your movements slow at first. Wait for her to approach you. You’re important to Jane, so the bear will recognize you.”

“Does the bear ever not recognize someone? Like, has anyone gotten hurt?”

“Well, I did hear about this one girl, she was being abused by her boyfriend. They got engaged and according to our law a human spouse has to meet the bear before the wedding can take place. So they arranged something like this – controlled environment, Clan Chief nearby, careful instructions. But when the bear stood up, it attacked the young man. The bear did recognize him, but it recognized what the girl could not, or would not – that the man was a threat. You’re not abusing her, are you?”

“Right. She swears at me on a regular basis. I think if I raised a hand to her she’d bloody my nose. No need to wait for a magical bear to do it.”

“I’ll leave you now. Don’t worry, I’m not going far, but this is a private thing.” Remy wandered to the front of the warehouse. He could hear Bryce and Jane’s voices as they conversed softly. The voices paused and then Bryce said, “Jane? Okay, this is amazing.”

Remy peeked over to see Jane in bear form nudging Bryce. He kept half an eye on them to make sure Jane wasn’t going to become violent but stayed back so that the two of them could get used to each other. He didn’t expect any trouble.

The evening wore on. Remy’s phone buzzed softly and he pulled it out, expecting a text from Brock, asking for an update on Jane and Bryce. Instead he had an email from the Council – the eight chiefs who governed the other chiefs.

He opened it, half curious, half concerned. The message was brief and to the point.

“We have decided that since The Human Order constitutes a serious threat to all our people, it is time for all the Clan Chiefs to come together to discuss both the problem and possible solutions. The conference will be held in one week. Information on the location is attached. Your attendance is mandatory.”

He frowned and hurried across the warehouse.

“Jane, I’m sorry. I have to cut this short. I need you to shift back.”

Bryce scrambled to his feet and backed away as the change swept over the bear. Once human, Jane reached for her shirt. “What’s wrong, Remy? Did I...?”

“No, this isn’t about you. I just got an email. The Council has called an emergency meeting of the Clan Chiefs.”