“I know,” he murmured.
Axel cleared his throat and continued. “What I want to reiterate is that we’ve driven out every last rogue. Our Councils are comprised of different animals, so we’re holding separate meetings for those who live in organized groups, such as dens and herds. As you can see by the familiar and not-so-familiar faces around you, I’ve also invited the local rogues who stay on the right side of the law. I want everyone to spread the word in the Shifter community, especially among the troublemakers. This is their business, too, because a couple of them were killed in Lamar. If any of you join with the interlopers, you’re going to be on the receiving end of one hell of an ass kicking. Until we’re certain that the Northerners aren’t coming back for seconds, make sure your animals stay in your territory and don’t go wandering where they aren’t supposed to.”
Austin raised his hand. “Is this happening anywhere else?”
Axel slanted his eyes in our direction and gave Austin a good once-over. “You’re not from around here.”
Austin put his arm around me. “We’re vacationing from Texas.”
“If I were you, I’d call your local Council and tell them what’s going on. Colorado is the strongest Shifter state, so I’m guessing the Northerners thought it would be easier to invade if they were able to occupy it. This is the war we’ve been fearing, son.”
“Those are just rumors,” someone said dismissively.
“Are they?” Axel leaned on the podium. “I’ve got thirty-two dead bodies that say otherwise. Councils talk to each other regarding local affairs, but we don’t know what else could be going on around the country.”
“Maybe they need some form of communication,” I murmured.
Axel snapped his head in my direction. “What was that?”
I swallowed thickly and stepped forward, even though Austin was gripping the waistband of my jeans. “I was just saying that maybe there should be a central form of communication between all the Councils for emergency situations. It could be something as simple as delegating a few people to send out mass e-mails to all the Councils nationwide. Or maybe a private website to track information.”
My face heated as people quietly judged me.
Axel looked at Austin. “Is that your woman?”
“Damn right.”
Axel drew in a deep breath and nodded. “It’s an idea we’ve tossed around in the past, but it’s not an easy one to implement. Every territory operates differently and doesn’t like sharing their personal business. But maybe now is the time for change. We’ll talk later.” He turned his attention back to the crowd. “Any questions?”
A man with long hair stood up. “Who’s going to tell us if they come back?”
“That’s my job,” Axel replied. “I’ve got everyone’s number, and we’ll use the bulletin system. I’m not holding information back. We’ve put checkpoints in place that’ll make it harder for outsiders to get in. Their wolves aren’t going to be running through miles and miles of godforsaken wilderness during a snowstorm. They’re honing in on established packs.”
A woman stood up, straightening the back of her red dress. “How could no one have noticed all those rogues moving across the border?”
Axel shrugged. “People move around all the time; there’s no law against it. But in retrospect, we had cause for alarm. Rumor is they were brazenly heading down the highway in large groups, scouting the territory. The first house they attacked, they parked their cars away from the property and circled the outside perimeter, moving in on foot. There were only five in that pack, so they didn’t stand a chance. I don’t know how trained they are or if each group is just doing their own thing, but that seems to be their modus operandi.”
“What are we supposed to do, just sit and wait for them?” she continued.
A few others voiced their agreement.
“No,” Axel said with a laugh, stroking his goatee. “I suggest you go home, make love to your mates, play with your children, watch some television, and establish guard duty with the strongest wolves in your pack. I don’t want anyone running around with their guns loaded.” Axel pointed to the left and then to the right. “If you kill that guy’s packmate, then he’ll seek justice and kill one of yours. The next thing you know, we’re killing each other and doing them a favor. I’m more concerned about what’s happening in the other forty-nine states. So go home, think about it, and if anyone has questions, we’ll have a private meeting with the Packmasters on Tuesday and hash it out.” He banged a gavel and walked off.
Metal chairs scraped against the floor as the chatter increased and everyone slipped on their jackets. I easily spotted the Packmasters, who were keeping their cool and leading everyone out.
Our group formed a huddle.