Page 30 of Shifters Reckoning

“That’s not necessary, Torbin. I will come, and I’ll take as long as we need. Salali hasn’t diminished my desire to visit the homes we’re all protecting. Three clans provided the required warriors before any others, and they earned specialized training.”

Torbin ducked his head. “As you wish, Multimorph.”

Specialized training was probably an exaggeration, loftier than anything we would actually do, but the appearance was worth it—especially in the middle of a conclave of surly shifters.

At least Torbin’s audible support diminished the overt, muttering dissent about the shifter exchange program. Who knew what they’d all do once they left the Gathering Place.

Talking back and forth grew louder, and I raised my hands to still the crowd. “I have one more announcement.”

Silence fell.

“If any more traitors are discovered, they will be detained and brought to me,” I said. “After Salali’s unfortunate treachery, I’ve decided it’s unfair for the shifters to sentence one of their own. Additionally, not all punishments are the same from clan to pack to flock or herd. Traitors will be brought to me, delved appropriately, sentenced by me, and then punished by me.”

It was as though they all gasped with one breath. Even the council members behind me inhaled.

“If I can’t be reached, bring them to Six-Mile, and Logan will detain them until I can be reached. I will be the judge, jury, and…” I swallowed to steady myself. “…executioner from today forward. No arguments will be entertained, and this is not up for discussion. I am the multimorph.”

“Sure.”

“Heard.”

“Understood.”

“Yes, Multimorph,” many, but not all, murmured.

It was enough.

“Thank you for being here on such short notice, and we will reconvene beneath the Cold Moon in December. Unless Acheron rears his ugly head before.” No doubt he will.

“What about the Beaver Moon?” This came from the blasted raccoon shifter.

“We have no official or current plans for a meeting beneath the Beaver Moon.” I grinned, hoping I seemed friendly and not stressed. “Unless you want to throw a Thanksgiving party in Six-Mile. If that’s something you would like to do, follow up with Olivia, the Six-Mile beta, and she’ll let me know.”

A strained chuckle rippled through the group. So much for lightening the mood.

Jasper Sionnach tossed me two thumbs up from his spot next to Olivia. He was the brother of Flynn, the Red Tail alpha, who sat on his other side. Where Jasper was dark red, Flynn was lighter in a peachy way. They both nodded along with everything I said. At least they had bought into the idea of my overseeing all aspects of shifter life and culture.

The meeting concluded without applause, and I crossed to Torbin before he stepped down from the dais. “I’ll follow you to Bear Trees from here. Phil will bring my bags later.”

“As you wish, Multimorph.” He stepped down and eased closer. “How do you fare since the beheading, Emma?”

I blinked rapidly, unaccustomed to hearing my given name from the tough old bear’s mouth. “I’m fine.” The lie came out without much forethought, but I didn’t correct it or change it. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

“That is doubtful.”

“It’s the answer I have, Torbin.”

“What of Logan? Have you seen your mate? Spent time with him, reforging your bond?”

My cheeks flamed at his poetic description. Discussing my sex life with Torbin hadn’t been on my to-do list today. “We… We… have had a… an… interlude.”

He nodded deeply. “Ah, yes, then that is the source of your strength and the steadying of your soul.”

“You’re… not… wrong,” I finally agreed. What else could I say?

“If you are ready, Multimorph, we will return to our homes. You will stay in my hollow, Multimorph. It is the biggest in Bear Trees, and I have promised Logan to keep my eye on his mate. Personally.”

“Ha! Are you kidding me?”