Dragons in Council (Book 4 of the Northern Territories Series)

Chapter 7

Dragons in Council

Chapter 7

Vedant’s POV

I stop at the gates of Black Hearthstone and speak to the guards there. “Head Councilman of Bear, Vedant Raayan.”

He nods, “You may pass, sir. Go up this road and take that first drive to your left. Park in the front there, one of the Consorts will collect you.”

I nod to him, “I appreciate it.”

He smiles as I drive through. I park and exit the SUV, locking it behind me. Clay stands on the front stairs with Councilman Kline and his mate, Liliaina. I walk up the stairs and shake Kline and Liliaina’s hand before removing my sunglasses. Clay takes my hand and pulls me in, patting me on the back.

I return the gesture, “Good morning, Consort Clay.”, I smile, being the first time I have addressed him by this title in person, having missed his mating ceremony.

Clay returns my smile, “Yes, Good morning, Vedant. Come, let me introduce you to the others. Then we will give you a few minutes to converse privately with Retired Councilman Kline.”, he replies.

I nod and follow Clay into the house, with Kline and Liliaina right behind me. “This is my mate, 2nd Mother Kara.”, he stands beside a beautiful young woman with long ebony hair. “These gentlemen are Consorts Rayne and Jayce Osmond, this is their mate, 1st Mother Tania.” He indicates the two lycan wolves about my height with a lean build and beautiful blonde woman. “Crone Meri and Maiden Natalia will be joining us shortly.”

I see another man entering with a tall exotic fae woman, that looks very similar to Liliaina, and a young boy. He comes through the door and I immediately know this is Ormr, Kline’s dragonian son-in-law. He has a powerful presence and cold red eyes, they make quite the contrast against his caramel skin.

“And this gentleman?”, I ask despite having a very good idea.

“This is Ormr and his mate, Anavrin, Liliaina’s daughter. His Chosen is somewhere around here. You will meet him shortly as well.”

I nod and offer my hand to the dragon, “Head Councilman Vedant.”, I introduce myself.

“Ormr.”, he replies simply, taking my hand and shaking it. He is about my height also, but closer to the twin Consorts’ size. I don’t intimidate him at all, I see the confidence in his eyes. I smile and release his hand. I don’t reach for his mate and child, I know better.

I do look to her, “Good morning, Anavrin.”, I say politely.

“Good morning, Head Councilman.”

I smile at her son when he turns to look at me, “And who are you, little one?” He giggles at me and I smile wider. He is a cute little guy. Looks very much like his father, with his mother’s exotic blue eyes.

“This is Tristan.”, Anavrin answers.

“Good morning, Tristan.”, I say to him, he reaches for me, but I don’t move to touch or accept him. I know it will anger Ormr.

I turn back to Kline, “Are you ready?” Kline nods and escorts me to a private meeting room near the stairs. Liliaina enters with him and he closes the door behind him. “So, tell me what you think I need to know Kline. I’ll ask questions, if I have any.”, he nods, knowing the drill. He has served on Council longer than I, he was there when I was appointed Head.

“I am safe where I am. No one here has any ill will toward Bear…” I tilt my head, that was a partial truth; I interrupt him.

“Stop there. Who has ill intent toward bear?”

Kline studies me then looks down at Liliaina before answering, “The other dragon. He doesn’t have any ill intent, he just doesn’t like bear.”

I nod, “Is this the dragon that took Liliaina?”, I ask.

Liliaina speaks softly, she’s afraid of me but wishes to defend the dragon, “He didn’t take me. I went with him. He brought me to see my daughter. He also returned me, and when I was taken in bear territory, he helped Kline find me. He doesn’t wish harm to anyone, he just has a rough history. That’s all.”

That’s the most I’ve ever heard her speak. I can tell it was hard for her to do; I find myself respecting her a little more. “I appreciate the clarification, Liliaina.”, I say kindly so I don’t discourage her from speaking. She nods and falls silent anyway. “Continue, Kline.”, I instruct.

“My mate wishes to be with her daughter, Anavrin, a member of Black Hearthstone. We have been welcomed here and wish to join as members.”

“You understand, I will be requesting a nondisclosure agreement?”, I ask him.

“Yes, sir. I will not discuss bear matters that are not public record nor will I answer any questions not readily available to the general public.”

I nod, “Very well. Anything to add?”

Kline shakes his head, “No, Head Vedant. Nothing more.”

I nod and indicate the door, turning to open it. He follows me back out to the main hall where the others wait. I’m introduced to Crone Meri and Maiden Natalia, the other dragon has not made an appearance yet. I hear Ormr speak softly to Clay, “He will catch up with us.”

Clay nods and touches Ormr’s shoulder before turning to me, “Let’s go to the meeting room.” I follow the Consorts and Mother down the hall, Ormr, along with his mate and child are right behind me. Kline and Liliaina behind them. A door opens to my right and a tiny pregnant pixie steps directly in front of me. I try to stop, but not fast enough. I grab her as I trip over her, trying not to step on her or knock her down. “I apologize, little one. Are you okay?”, I ask her kindly, releasing her as a very pissed off dragon pulls her behind him, growling angrily.

I study the dragon, also about my height, much leaner though. He is very powerful and his eyes are literal flame. He wishes to challenge me, I can see it in him clearly. “I’m not the one you want to flare at, dragon. I apologized.”, I say to him, trying to keep my irritation in check.

The dragon’s eyes shift to vertical slits and glow, warning me; he is sizing me up. I return the favor, taking a better look at him as he moves to stand inches away from me. I don’t move or back down as he tries to intimidate me. I’ve been trained by dragonian my entire life. I know backing down will earn no respect from him. I sneer, exposing my teeth, letting him know I’m willing to go just as far as he is.

He growls lowly. I feel his mate’s power against my skin, she is a blood bender. She is trying to force me to back away from her mate. “My mother is dragon born, elemental. You can’t control me.”, I soften my voice to her so she doesn’t feel like I am threatening her. The dragon seems to take that as a pass at his pregnant mate. “Don’t speak to her.”, he growls.

I smile, seeing a clear way to push his buttons and get him to either do something or back down, “I’ll speak to whomever I please, dragon. Especially when it’s a cute little pixie.”

Before I’ve even realized he has moved, he slams into me and I grab him, taking us both to the ground. He hits me several times, the face, the ribs, anything I leave open for him. I struggle to get out from underneath him.

I get him back enough to get a leg up and get a solid kick to his ribs, sending him crashing through the dining table. I jump to my feet and charge into him, not daring to give him a second to regain his footing. He is much stronger than me. My shoulder connects with his waist, he grabs and wraps around my ribs. He gets a good grip and starts to tighten around me. I tackle him through the window and out into the front yard, trying to break him off me. It was a bad idea to let him get me like that, he has the grip of a damn snake.

He shifts and I follow, knowing damn well this dragon will kill me, but I won’t go down without a fight. I start to circle him, trying to find a good angle. I open my mouth wide, baring my teeth and letting him see that I only need one good bite out of him to win this. Shifted, I’m much bigger than him, but he still has me beat. We both know it.

Ormr yells in Draconic, “Stop, you can’t hurt him, brother!”

Then his little mate yells, “PULSE, STOP THIS NOW!” I wait to see if he will. I really don’t want to fight this dragon. The pulse was her calling his true name, maybe feeling her will calm him.

Ormr yells, “You’re going to cause trouble for Black Hearthstone and ruin her happiness, brother.”

The dragon roars, shaking his head violently, clearly angry about letting me live, before shifting back. I stand and exhale the breath I’ve been holding and do the same.

One of the twins throw me shorts and I pull them on while watching the angry dragon carefully. His words are controlled, “Don’t talk to my mate or touch her again.”

I study him, I can’t allow him to push me, “I hadn’t intended to touch her. I didn’t see her there, I’ve already apologized. I will speak to whomever I choose and you will learn to deal with it or we can finish what you’ve started here.” It’s not a bluff, I will fight him if he insists on it. I don’t think he will though. His mate is already upset, I can see it from here. He feels it and Ormr has warned him.

He growls lowly, and I remain still so I don’t upset him further. “Pulse, it was an accident. It’s okay, I accept his apology. Just leave it, come here, stalker.”, his little mate calls him to her. He gives me one last sneer before he goes to her. She wraps her arms around his waist and he encloses her in his arms, glaring at me.

One of the Consort twins speaks, “You’re both good now?” The dragon bows his head and the twin looks at me. I nod to him as well.

“Great, you can fix my house once they’re done with clean up.”, Mother Tania states before turning and going back into the house, shaking her head. Several young witches and wizards begin removing the debris from the busted table and damaged window. The dragon repairs the damage with a wave of his hand. Ormr guides Anavrin and Tristan in front of him and walks between the other dragon and I as we follow the Consorts and Mothers down the hall. A cute witch hands me my wallet and phone, with her head down. I smile and raise her chin, nodding to her as we pass.

I wait for everyone to take their seats; Mother Tania addresses me first, “Now, Head Vedant. You’re of dragonian decent?”, she questions, sitting forward in her seat alongside the Crone. I can tell she is angry, as is the other Mother and Crone.

“I am, Mother.”, I answer.

“Then you’re aware of your antagonistic behavior. It is not acceptable practice here. We are here to negotiate terms of Mr. Kline’s transfer. Refer to her as Ilayda when you speak to her, and do so respectfully. Do not further provoke him. Understood?”, Mother Tania asks, holding my gaze. She is warning me that Black Hearthstone stands behind the dragon and that if I continue provoking him, I will face them as well. I’m surprised by this, dragonian do not usually have ties to move entire hierarchies into war, but she is making it clear he does.

“I understand, Mother.”, I reply.

We move forward to discuss concerns with Kline joining their coven.

They accept a nondisclosure agreement. My work here is done. I go to stand when Anavrin holds her hand up, gesturing for me to wait, “May I ask you a few questions unrelated to bear, Head Councilman?”

I study her, folding my hands in my lap, “Of course, you may.”, I reply kindly.

She smiles, “You said your mother was dragon born?”

I nod to her, “Yes, she is fae.”

Anavrin smiles at Ilayda and she nods, “Does she see her brother and father often? What is it like for you being of that line?”

I tilt my head. This has nothing to do with bear or me at all, they are concerned for their own children. “To the first, yes. She and my father live in bear territory, but my grandparents and uncle visit fairly often. As for the second question, I am not dragon born. I am somewhat larger than most bear and I can shift and maneuver faster, but I am lycan bear blooded. I do not have dragonian power, only the residual shielding, and I cannot summon a dragon. Elementals can cause obstacles and make things harder for me, but their power has no affect on my person. Not even in the way it would dragonian.”, I explain to her what I am so she understands what her grandchildren may be similar to.

Anavrin nods, “Did being dragon born make it difficult for her? Was it difficult for you?”

I look at Ormr, unsure of whether or not he wants me to continue responding. He bows his head slightly, indicating he is okay with my answering her questions, “She has told me that her father and brother were overbearing and protective. I know that caused problems early on in my parents’ relationship. I’m not aware of any other issues. For myself, my dragonian heritage isn’t easily recognizable, unless an elemental tries to use her power on me.”, I smile slightly, but don’t look toward Ilayda, she knows I’m referring to her and she laughs softly, “To others, I am just an unusually large and fast bear. My grandfather and uncle have always been supportive. I don’t meddle in their affairs, nor do they in mine. Other than that, I wouldn’t know how to answer your question. I’m sure my mother would be willing to speak with you. I can get you her contact information, if you wish.”

Anavrin smiles brightly, “I would like that very much, I appreciate it, Head Councilman.”

I nod to her and move to stand, Ilayda holds her hand out to me, “One more, please.” I sit and fold my hands in my lap, waiting for her question.

“I have a question about the attack on Veda and Amira, a dragonian pair, many years ago. You have been Head of Council for some time. Why would they go unpunished for crimes against dragonian and why were requests made to meet with Council ignored when you, yourself, are of dragonian line?”

I see the dragon tense considerably. I choose my words carefully, this has something to do with him. “I’ve been Head Councilman for 68 years and a member of Council for 370. I’m not aware of any crimes against dragonian during my service. I can look into that particular case and get back to you. When did it occur?”

Ilayda looks to her mate, encouraging him to speak. I focus my gaze on him, waiting for him to decide to do so. He responds after a minute, “411 years ago, in the fall.”

I nod, “I can assume it was bear, but were they lycan or were? Was it in bear territory?”

He inhales deeply, he doesn’t want to have this conversation, but he wants my answer. “It was in Haltom Spring, they were lycan.” I nod slowly and pull my phone from my pocket, calling my Assistant. I keep my eyes on the dragon, gauging his response.

“Yes, sir.”, he answers.

“Harsith, I need the files from a incident that took place in Haltom Spring, lycan bear and dragonian involvement. In or around the fall 411 years ago. I also need the file of the Councilman that was assigned the region during that time.”, I make my request. Praying it is Wastoln. I’d love nothing more than to hand him to this dragon.

“Yes, sir. I’ll have it over to you by this evening. Key names or indicators?”

“The dragon answered to Veda, his mate Amira.”

“Yes, sir.”

I disconnect the call and put the phone back in my pocket. “I will be staying just outside of Black Hearthstone, near the bay. I leave, returning to Davilla Falls, at 8am. Find me before then, I will update you.”

The dragon tilts his head and narrows his eyes at me, then bows his head slightly in acknowledgement. His mate speaks for him, “I appreciate it, Head Councilman, very much. Let me know if we can help in some way.”, she smiles politely.

I return her smile, “Not a problem. You take care of yourself and your children, Ilayda. I will get the answers you seek.” I hear two distinct heartbeats, she’s having twins.

I stand and shake hands with the twin Consorts but Clay leans in and we pat each other’s backs. I borrow Clay’s pen and write my mother’s contact information on a note pad, then tear the page from it. I offer it to Anavrin, “My mother’s number. I will tell her to expect your call.”

She accepts and smiles happily, “You’re too kind, Head Vedant.” I nod to her and her mate, then head back down the hall to leave. Once I make it to my truck, I call my mother.

Ring ring

“Hey, sweetheart! How is your trip?”, she asks happily.

“It’s been good, mama. I met a couple dragonian mates today. They have questions for you, I think they are worried for their children growing up dragon born. I gave them your number. I didn’t think you would mind.”

“Oh, of course not. I will help ease their minds if I can.”, my mom replies sweetly.

“Mama, I need to see Grandfather and Carson. I need to run some things by them. Can you summon them and send them to me?”

“Yes, sweetheart. I will send them. Are you sure everything is alright?” She can tell if I’m lying, that’s were I got that trait from.

“Yes, mama. Everything is fine. I just need to give them some updates.”

“Okay, I will summon them now. Carson has recently found his mate, so try not to keep him. Be safe, Vedant. I love you.”

“I will. I love you too, mama.”

I disconnect the call and return to my cabin. I send my mother the coordinates once I’m inside. I make my lunch and sit at my laptop, pulling anything I can find on Veda and Amira. It isn’t much.

My Assistant sends me a couple files on the incident. I see Wastoln’s report and signature, my heart races. His first big mistake, he left a witness alive. The dragon’s son is alive and has fallen into my lap. Thank you, Goddess. I spend the rest of the afternoon catching up on paperwork.