The scent I caught outdoors was stronger indoors, and I knew Gaspard had been here. This did not bode well for any of us.
Theo was sorting stacks of papers on the table. I had no idea what he was doing, but I headed in his direction, prepared to grill him for the information I needed. Although, I was pretty damn sure I already knew the answer. “Did he see her?” I didn't need to elaborate.
“Unfortunately, yes. She waltzed right into the room and introduced herself.”
“Fuck!”
Nix looked up and saw me standing near the dining room table. Her eyes, which looked burdened, lit up for a moment as she looked me over. I was sure she was looking for any signs of a scuffle. When she was content that I was fine, she spoke. “That’s not the whole story.” I was surprised she could hear us talking over in our corner of the room. We hadn’t been speaking loudly. Damn, I wondered if some of her other senses were developing, strengthening. I tabled the observation for now, but I hoped they were.
“Why in God’s name would you out yourself to another shifter when you’re supposed to be staying away from them?” What the hell had she been thinking? My voice came out harder than I had planned, and I watched as Nix flinched. Damnit. Clearing my throat, I moved into the living room, eyeing my brothers as I passed them on my way to our girl.
“Let me try that again.” I started over, keeping my voice more even-keeled. “What happened? Why would you out yourself to Gaspard?”
“He could smell me—which is gross by the way.” She pointed toward Damien. “Please tell me he's just a nice old man and not a pervert?”
I laughed as the others chuckled along, breaking the tension in the room. “Gaspard? A pervert? Nah, he’s one of the kindest most chivalrous men I know. When we started to look for mates he sat us all down to warn us that if we didn’t treat a female correctly, we’d be dragged before him and it wouldn’t end well. Damn, seriously, what the hell did I miss?” I was eager for the full story and hoping that they would get on with the tale of what had obviously been a very active morning.
“Nix made breakfast.” Hiro strutted forward, hands shoved into the pockets of his low slung jeans. That explained why it smelled so good in here. “As we were eating, Gaspard showed up.”
“We got Nix out of the way, but that old coot’s sniffer is still more powerful than most. He could scent her all over the house. Then, like a crazy person, she flew down the stairs and outed herself.” Ryder waved his hands animatedly as he talked.
“I turned myself over to him because he already knew I was here. Damien was trying to cover for me, but he was lying, and I didn’t want to be what came between him and his family. He shouldn't have to choose between protecting me or being honest with them. It was only a matter of time until they knew I was here, anyway.” The frustration went right out of me. I totally respected what she did, but I was fucking terrified of the Council taking her away from us.
We all are. Damien opened the connection, but I figured he was keeping Nix separate. She gave me one last strained smile before turning her attention back to Damien.
I rubbed my fingertips into my eyes, trying to ease the headache I felt forming. We need to prepare her as much as possible.
Agreed. Hiro seconded my idea.
Damien was just getting ready to give her the rundown of the Council and how their meetings work. Ryder, why don’t you cover etiquette and the proper way she’ll need to conduct herself during the meeting. Hiro, you’re the best at calming her down and soothing her and her creature. Stay close to her today. I’ve already started pulling resources for her in regards to the differing mythologicals she’ll have contact with. I think she will feel more empowered by knowing exactly who she’s going to face tomorrow. Theo dished out our marching orders.
What about me? I asked, feeling useless.
Make sure we have everything we’re going to need to take with us. Gaspard is putting the order in with the Council. We see them tomorrow.
“The Council is made up of seven members, all strong and powerful mythologicals. Councilman Khan, a cuelebre; Councilman Maldonado, a manananggal; Councilman Rahal, an aqrabuamelu; Councilman Lacroix, my father, also a gargoyle; Councilman Williams, a basilisk; Councilman Stepanov, a koschei; and Councilman Ishida, a kitsune.” Damien ticked the names off on his fingers.
Nix cocked her head and wrinkled her nose. “I think the only words I understood out of that entire sentence were councilman, father, gargoyle, basilisk, and kitsune.” Ryder snickered from his position next to her, reaching out to tangle his fingers in her hair, giving her a light tug so she smiled.
“Here.” Theo handed a large stack of papers over to Nix who just stared at him. “I figured Damien could give you a brief overview of the various shifters but thought you might like more detailed information on what they are and what kind of powers they have. Some of this is just lore and history, other parts are verified with my own experience with the Council. I know you don’t have time to review it just yet, but I wanted you to have the details.” He shrugged, pushing his glasses back up his nose, suddenly looking a little unsure. I felt his sudden flare of self-consciousness.
Her grin was shaky, but there. “Thank you, Theo. I’ll start studying as soon as we're done here. I'll come to you if I have any other questions.” She hugged the stack of reports to her chest, almost using them as a shield against the unknown that was lurking in the room.
Theo grinned, running his fingers through his hair. “You’re always welcome. I’m going to dive into more research, see if there’s any procedural history for withholding a shifter from the Council due to health or safety reasons. It could help us plead our case.” He meandered into the kitchen—I assumed to fill up that damn kraken mug—muttering to himself. Nix gave a small laugh, stroking her fingers over the paper.
“Alright, so what the hell are all those creatures you just named?” She sat up straighter.
"Most of the Council’s alternate forms are close to creatures you probably know. A Cuelebre is similar to what you know as a dragon. They’re like a winged serpent with powers that are mainly poison based.”
She tensed. “Geez, this is like a Harry Potter book.” She murmured. “I’m going up against a dragon and a basilisk? Weren’t those two separate books?”
Ryder snickered. “Nix, you’re letting your muggle show. We haven’t even broken the top off here!”
“Alright, alright. So, your father, I assume his powers are similar to yours?” She asked Damien, wary of his answer.
“Yes, exactly. Most of the men in my family have the common gargoyle powers. My father’s psychic skills are incredibly powerful. I know you’ve been working on your wall as well. We can practice your mental barriers today, as well as some different reinforcement techniques.”
“You sort of know Councilman Ishida, in a roundabout way.” Hiro’s tone was dry as he stroked his hand down her arm, playing with her fingers before taking her hand.