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and so we continue...

22

You ever have one of those moments in which you feel like you are marching to the gallows? That moment you're called to the principal's office as a kid? When you've fucked up and your parents, or grandmother, state that they want to talk to you? That was the feeling I had as we approached the council headquarters. Twelve councilmembers, 6 witch or warlock with Gran being part of them, and 6 lycans including Aedan. At least there are people on our side from each corner.

Kyle grew tenser the closer we got. Hell, we all were tense. "Whatever you do," Aedan began, "take a deep breath before you speak. They will probably try to goad you, especially Donahue. If, and I mean 'IF', I think they've gone too far then I'll tap me forehead. After that, you have free reign." Kyle nodded and then smiled with canines elongated.

That made me stop and ground them all to a halt. "Yes?" Gran asked looking at me. Hell, everyone was looking at me. Kyle already knew what I was thinking. "This feels..." I paused trying to find the right word, "like some sort of coup d'état," rubbing my forehead.

"Jesse," Gran spoke softly and reaching for me. She grasped my shoulder, causing me to look into her eyes. "This might seem like it, but it's more. Kyle is First Alpha. It's that simple. Whether or not the Lycan Council is happy makes no different. By the codes and laws of the Lycan Dominion, Kyle is the leader. Now, that doesn't mean Kyle's going to be some sort of dictator," she paused at Blake's snort and rolled her eyes, "You need to get your mind up into the gutter!"

She turned back to me, "Anyway," pausing to eyeball Blake again. At least he had the smarts to look over towards the surrounding town while whistling. "Our role is to keep Kyle grounded. I have no doubt that Kyle will be a good First Alpha and not go down a darker path. However, the situation we face means that we are going to have to be on our guard. There are members of the council that have held on to power for centuries and believe they are above everyone. The Witches Council is highly aware of what has been occurring and keeping it in mind."

"That's why you rotate members on the council," as I realized the difference between the two. "Exactly," Gran said. "It is necessary to get new ideas and new blood within the council. For witches, warlocks, sorcerers and sorceresses this kind of requirement provides a feeling of equality. Lycan laws are different. They have a council, but because of the pack hierarchy, the need for strong leadership is required. The First Alpha is that leader."

"Kyle is that leader. He is young, but this is part of who he has always been. A take charge individual, but one who weighs the needs of others towards the final ending," as she looked at him. I noticed Kyle blushing and Blake just had to pinch his cheek. Kevin chuckled and shoved them both.

"The issues within the lycan council are numerous, but they have functioned well. However, they are going to eventually brought into line with the fact that a new First Alpha has arrived and that their place will be meted by Kyle's final word," staring into Kyle's eyes. "But I," he began. Gran held up her hand, "You do not have an option in this matter Kyle. However, now is not the time to worry about that issue. Right now we have a rogue alpha who has a corrupted virus and randomly transforming both humans and supernaturals, and we do not know why."

"If necessary," as she stared at all of us, "I want Kyle to show his full power. Only then will we know who in the council will oppose him and how much support we will have in dealing with this rogue."

Kyle nodded and nothing more was said until we entered the building. We were led by a medium sized beta towards the council chambers. It was a grand room with three large and long dais separated by a couple feet between them. Six ornate chairs behind each. On the left were the lycan council and the right the witch's council. Aedan and Gran took their seats.

The beta spoke up as we sat down, "JOINT COUNCIL OF THE LYCAN DOMINION AND THE WITCH'S COUNCIL IS NOW CALLED TO ORDER!" This felt like some far away bedtime story and not reality, but I was sitting here none the less.

"Yes," a bespectacled warlock spoke up, "well, according to information we have received from Althea through research by Mr. Evans," nodding to Kevin, "we have a rouge lycan whose viral makeup has been deliberately changed to affect those bitten and turning them into feral lycans. In turn, these ferals are biting others, both human and supernatural, and turning them as well."

"That is correct Councilmember Grayson," Aedan said shuffling papers in front of him. "As you all see, this situation is growing worse. We believe that the virus was deliberately manipulated using witchcraft and Druid magic." I gasped. Kyle reached over and squeezed my hand. I could only think, "Was Uncle Niall part of this? Had he been forced due to someone trying to hurt Uncle Calvin?"

A voice boomed out, "I COULD CARE A NONE LESS ABOUT THESE PISS POOR EXCUSES FOR LYCANS. WHAT I WANT TO KNOW IS WHY THIS WHELP SITTING HERE IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS THINKING THAT HE WILL TAKE OUR RIGHTFUL PLACE?"

Gordon sighed, "Well that didn't take long," pointing at the lycan's nameplate on the table. It said "DONAHUE."

A witch from the council spoke up, "I would like to have the vampires here as well." She was a dainty thing that spoke with a strong French accent, but I knew better than anyone that appearances are not to be taken into account with witches or warlocks. "I agree as well Councilmember Tremere. The full vampire council is busy dealing with covens that have been affected. However, they have appointed a representative to act on their behalf," as she waived her hand towards the middle of the vampire council table. Smoke and sound came out of nowhere as the vampire representative appeared.

I caught Gran's eye and mouthed out "SHOWOFF!" She smirked. Aedan rolled his eyes while Kyle, Blake, Gordon, and Kevin snickered. She was showing off to show Donahue that she wasn't playing games. He just stared as the smoke cleared. There stood an extremely muscular and handsome man in a white t-shirt and jeans. He had tattooed covered arms and bulging biceps and pectorals. Both his nipples were pierced and visible through his shirt. He was about 6'2", with dark brown hair and blue/green eyes, looking like he was in his 40's. Although tanned, it was evident that he was a vampire. It was obvious that he did construction work since the shirt he wore at the moment said "DOUGLAS CONSTRUCTION" across his chest.

There were two others with him. One was a lycan that held the vampires hand. He was cute, and looked about 22 years old. Alas, we all knew that looks did not define age in our world. He was around 6', just shorter than the vampire. He had a body builder's frame and green twinkling, mischievous eyes. I could see pierced nipples through his shirt as well. He had one full arm sleeve of coloured tattoos running down his left arm. On the vampire's right was another vampire. He was young, maybe just a little older than I was and looked around taking in his surroundings. He was about 5'8" with green eyes that had a slight gold tone. I could see that his fangs had dropped a bit from nervousness. The older vampire took his hand and squeezed it. It called the young vampire down. His shoulder grew less tense on his skinny, but fit, firm body with tight musculature. He had a runners build. Thin, wiry but fit.

"Althea," the vampire said turning towards Gran, "always a pleasure and thank you for the transportation." Gran nodded, "As well Dustin." She turned towards the lycans, "Gentleman," taking all the Lycan council's eyes, "I believe you all know Dustin Douglass. If not, Dustin is the Vampire Council's sole Enforcer and the Enforcer for the Joint Councils."

Donahue did not look to happy, but the other members of their council nodded respectfully towards this vampire. Aedan had a wide smile towards him and I caught a small smirk back from the vampire. "Somebody seems to have a bug up his butt," Gordon said in my ear as he nudged my attention back to Donahue.

"What you may not know," Gran continued, "Is that Dustin is now head of the Draugr Coven." There was a collected gasp from all councils except Aedan and Gran. "Dustin's sire, Asger, was murdered by a rouge vampire. Dustin was the only human turned by Asger. However, this rouge vampire attacked the young man to Dustin's right. He would soon have been dead had our Enforcer not intervened."

Something had been left unsaid. I looked at Kyle and he sensed it as well. We both looked towards Gran, but she gave a subtle shake of her head as if to tell us not to ask. She continued, "Dustin turned the young man to save his life. The Vampire Council elevated Dustin and charged him to address the concern which brings him here today. A concern that is shared by us all. It seems the rouge lycan was in cahoots with the vampire Dustin killed." This broke the silence with loud discussions and mutterings from both councils.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," Gran spoke loudly getting their attention, "Please calm down, we need to address this issue," as she got everyone's attention. Everyone except Donahue. He just sat with his arms folded with a scowl. "This rogue vampire," she continued, "also feed upon another Old One. How he was able to do so, we do not know. As you are aware, Old Ones have powers which are steeped in their DNA. They are select in whom they bring into their coven or trust."

"It seems that this rouge vampire had help in sneaking past the Old One defenses and attacked. Unfortunately," she paused, "Dustin was not aware of what had been occurring here or how they were linked until recently." She turned back to Dustin, "I will let Dustin continue since he now takes his rightful place as head of the Draugr Coven and a member of the Vampire Council."

Dustin sat down in the middle of the vampire council table. It was the spot where his sire's name was emblazed. For someone to attack and kill Asger was incredible. He was the oldest, wisest, and most respected vampire who meted out advice, and justice, when necessary. I had met him once as a kid. For someone born in the time of the Vikings.... Few vampires lived to Asger's age and continued to be involved within the world. Many sought solace through death because they could not handle the changes and the lack of anonymity they once were able to hold in the past. Their cloak of mystery was torn asunder because of the advancement of technology. Asger was the only one which I knew of who embraced these changes and moved to adapt them in all covens, with the blessing of the coven leaders. He was that trusted.

Dustin turned towards both the Lycan and Witch's councils, "Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce my mate, Eli Johnson." Both the lycan and the smaller vampire had moved to stand behind Dustin, but Eli had placed himself a little in front of the vamp, as if protecting him as well. "Beside him," as Dustin raised his head slightly to feel the young vamp's hand on his shoulder, "is our Blood Brother Tristan Case."

I let a little gasp out. Kevin seemed surprised, as did Blake, but Gordon and Kyle both looked confused. "What's a Blood Brother?" Kyle asked. It seemed the other members of both councils were surprised as well, especially with a newly turned vamp.

Kevin leaned forward, "It is rare. A Blood Brother is an elevated vamp. It is one who has been moved from a lower level of service to the status of independent vampire, but further has ties to their sire from the exchange of blood between them. It is not just from a turning. There is a continued mixture of their blood. It's essentially a relationship similar to that of what you four have but without sucking a carotid artery."

Kyle gave him a look, "So they're in a sexual relationship as well?" Kevin nodded. "Sweet!" Kyle smirked, "that would be fun to watch!" I pulled back and looked at Kyle with wide eyes. Blake smirked, "Pervert!" I looked up and caught the lycan, Eli, looking at us. He had a wide smirk on his face and winked at me. Damn lycan hearing! I blushed a bit but smiled. Eli leaned over and whispered something in the small vampire's ear which made him blush widely. He still looked down at the five of us sitting in the gallery, but blushed even further.

"I apologize the full council could not be in attendance," Dustin continued taking in both councils again. "However, as Althea has addressed they are concerned about the lower covens. We have lost three in the last 2 weeks. I have taken steps to increase the security of the rest of the covens. We have located two traitors and have appropriately dealt with them."

His voice had a severe edge to it. Whatever they had done with those two vampires could not have been pleasant. Eli pulled a briefcase from the floor. I hadn't noticed it when they'd been popped in by Gran, but he opened it and pulled out a couple of files for Dustin. "From our interrogations of the traitors we have found out that they were receiving monetary and logistical help from a lycan." Once again a general din rose within the room.

Aedan spoke up, "Were you able to ascertain who this lycan was or how they were able to fund this heinous act against your sire and the affected covens?"

Dustin shook his head, "No, the monies were funneled very carefully through the Darknet." He moved some papers around, "All we know is that they bought technology to bypass the security protocols within Asger's compound. As you may, or may not, be aware most of the major covens and Old One's have been reluctant to move forward with technology. There is still a reluctance to adjust to the rapid changes that have occurred in the past 100 years. Fortunately," Dustin sighed, "for all the wrong reasons, it seems that this situation has spurred many covens to realize that they do not have the luxury of trying to remain hidden."

"Eli and I have been asked to coordinate with trusted lycans, witches, warlocks, and other supernaturals with experience in electronic surveillance and security to train all but 2 holdout covens. Their Old Ones have been informed of the full Vampire Council's decision in this matter. The offer is still open to them, but we are almost sure they will not take it. Any issues or threats to the treaties establish, including protecting the integrity of our World's anonymity will not go unpunished," he summed up as he looked back and forth between both councils.

"Are you threatening us?" Donahue growled.

Dustin held his eyes, "Do not think that I shirk the duty which I have under full authority of both councils and charged by treaty, Councilmember Donahue." He turned to face our group and mumbled, "Whether or not you like it or voted for it.." trailing off to turn to the Witch's Council.

"As to one traitor, the vampire who assisted was one of the guards who worked for Asger. A lower level minion of the other vampire, we previously detained. " His eyes glowed for a moment at the word detained and a shiver ran down my back. He was being polite, but whatever happed to that vampire was not good.

He cleared his throat, "As you are aware Asger only turned one person," taking in all the eyes on him, "that being myself. I was unable to present our Blood Brother to my sire. However, I took the liberty to introduce him to the entire council. They were pleased to have him as part of our world and my coven," sweeping his eyes to take in the young vampire and the lycan.

"So," Aedan began, "We only know that some lycan assisted the taking out of an Old One and is possibly linked to the rogue."

"Yes," Dustin replied, "but unfortunately any details were lost due to the circumstances surrounding the vampire, Dean Varghulf, of the Varghulf Coven, one of the holdouts."

I noticed many of the councilmembers of both councils blanched at the mention of the name, but not sure what to make of it. I tried to get Gran's attention, but she raised a finger and pointed back to Dustin. He looked angry.

"What exactly are the circumstances surrounding Dean Varghulf?" a younger wolf with the name Farleigh printed in front of him. He had a strong Irish accent.

Dustin's eyes became a deep red and his face began to shift to his vampiric nature. "Dean Varghulf was distantly related to the Varghulf Coven. I was the one who turned him when I was younger. He was my lover at one time."

"HOLY SHIT!" I thought, "This guy killed his ex-lover!"

"Dean was unaware of his distant vampiric relations back in Europe. His familial line had never been exposed to the virus. However, they were just as ruthless and cruel as his coven," Dustin pushed out his chair and stood up. Eli touched his shoulder and Tristan his arm. The subtle touch of both pulled him back to his human part. Dustin steadied himself, "I only found out his true nature after turning him and how much he despised humanity. Once he was turned, he began research into the vampire lines and found his family's history."

"As you are aware the Varghulf Coven has given the Vampire Council, and our joint councils, considerable trouble over the last 150 years. Dean Varghulf in particular was responsible for many atrocities, but was able to ward off punishment because he had become the pet of Sergej Varghulf. Dean was always remanded over to his master. It has always been assumed that Sergej was an Old One since for centuries he has been the head of their coven, and only appearing around the time after the death of Vlad Teppish. However, Sergej Varghulf is even more demonic than Teppish and was alive well before him."

"We were able to acquire Dean Varghulf's personal effects prior to a deliberate fire set in his residence. This took a bit of cunning on the part of a few witches and warlocks with whom I was in contact during this time. Neither I, nor this joint council, would have known the facts if not for the fact that Dean's arrogance and blood lust allowed him to trip up. Unfortunately," Dusting paused taking Tristan's hand, "it cost this young man his humanity." Silent murmurs filled the large room, but only Gran, Aedan, and Donahue remained quiet.

Dustin sat back down with Eli and Tristan taking positions behind him once again. "I terminated Dean Varghulf's existence after his attack on Tristan. He revealed he had attacked and killed my sire, and had fed from his own sire. He implied that he had ended his sire's life, but as you can see from the reports in from of you that Sergej Varghulf is still alive. From Dean's notes," he paused, "we have determined that Sergej is not an Old One, but attacked and killed his Old One sire two centuries prior to Teppish. Something occurred after that feeding to change the Varghulf Coven into the problem we have today."

"Is there any connection between Sergej Varghulf and this "rouge," as Donahue used air quotes, "lycan you have us up in arms about?" All of us turned at the rumble which Aedan released.

Dustin shook his head, "We have not been able to pull a full connection as of yet."

Suddenly something slammed into my physical being. It felt like the energy of the life which surrounds us. The land, the sky... all living things. I shut my eyes for a moment trying to figure out, but when I opened them I could see that Dustin was not telling the truth. He was deliberately leaving something out. I could also tell that Aedan and Gran knew. It also seemed the young vampire and the lycan knew as well.

I was jerked over to face Kyle. The moment pulled me back for a moment. I started to ask him something, but he shook his head slightly. His eyes moved towards Gran. I could tell that she had sensed something and lifted her eye to indicate that I should remain quiet. Kyle squeezed my hand and smiled at me. The moment was suddenly broken by Donahue's voice growing louder.

"...and so you bring this whelp and his bitch over to our joint council and state that we are to listen to him. He alone will make the decisions for the Lycan Dominion?" The word bitch did not settle well with Kyle. He whipped around and let out a long growl.

"You dare threaten me boy?" Donahue said with malice and returned the growl.

Aedan looked at Gran. She nodded her head. Kyle caught Aedan's tapping against his brow and stood up, "Ladies and Gentlemen of the Joint Council, may I stand and approach all?"

Dustin nodded, however, he looked perplexed looking towards Eli. The lycan shrugged his shoulders. The Witch's Council all nodded in agreement. Aedan and Councilmember Farleigh nodded their assent and the other members followed, well, all but Donahue. "And why would this joint council allow such an impudent mutt, one with no pedigree, to address us in chambers?" he blasted forth.

Kyle gave him a sideways glance, but said nothing. He moved forward and stood center. "Councilmembers," he began as he turned to acknowledge all present, "Councilmember Douglas, Councilmember McAlester, and Councilmember Meriweather's statements and information is correct. Blake Marmount, Jesse Meriweather, and I have all fought this rouge in California near Aletha Meriweather's home. This threat is not to be taken lightly. If Councilmember Douglas suspicions are correct then there is justification to continue based upon the information he provided and the information provided by my brother, Kevin, at the behest of Althea Meriweather and Adean McAlester."

He turned and faced Donahue, "Now as to my MATE," he said very loudly. That brought out more than one gasp from both the Lycan Council and the Witch's Council, "I would suggest, Councilmember Donahue, that you watch your tongue."

Donahue jumped up and let out a long, threatening growl as he slammed his hands on the council table, "YOU A BOY THREATEN ME? THE LEADER OF THE DONAHUE CLAN AND ALPHA? JUST BECAUSE YOU LOWER YOURSELF AND WHATEVER LYCAN HERITAGE YOU CLAIM TO MATE WITH A WARLOCK, AND THE GRANDSON OF A PUPPET FOR THE WITCH'S COUNCIL...."

I jumped up and added my own growl at the threat laid towards Gran. The council chambers were now in an uproar from the Witch's Council and all of the other Lycan Councilmember at Donahue's accusations, but suddenly died as they turned to focus on me and my slight shift and constant growl and anger as my magic coursed through my hands.

"YOU THREATEN ME AS WELL YOU BASTARDIZATION OF LYCAN. YOU... SO WEAK THAT YOU CANNOT PROPERLY SHIFT? I COULD CUT YOU DOWN WITH THIS ONE CLAW!" Donahue yelled at me. "IN FACT..."

He never finished before Kyle was a blur to all in the chambers and grabbed Donahue's arm and flung him across the room into the stone wall. Donahue was not deterred. He stood and faced off without any word he shifted. It was fast, incredibly fast, but he was not in Kyle's league. Blake, Kevin and I jumped up to assist, but a barrier arose to prevent us. I whipped around to see Gran standing there with her arms out. All the councilmembers were prevented from moving, along with us. "GRAN!" I yelled at the top of my lungs while trying to dispel the barrier.

She didn't say a word; only shook her head. Kyle turned and looked at us, " NO!" he said firmly and in his ALPHA voice, but in a manner that was only heard by us. I say Gran's arm move slightly. She was preventing the others from hearing anything at the moment. The barrier moved us back towards Aedan and the others from the Lycan Council.

"You want a fight?" Kyle said lightly. "Other than I ask for an apology to my mate and Althea, I would rather not be bothered."

Donahue roared, "FIGHT ME YOU CUR!" He lunged for Kyle, but missed as Kyle slid to the side and let him pass. Donahue spun again, scattering chairs throughout the chambers and clearing a pathway. He moved quickly and took numerous swipes at Kyle, but failed to connect. I could see Dustin and Eli talking with Tristan, but I could not hear what they were saying. The Lycan Council did not know what to make of Kyle's actions and his failure to fight. I knew better.

Donahue crouched down, snarling and foaming around his muzzle. Kyle stared him down. No movement. I saw movement from near Gran. Her focus was removed for a second. I spun around to see the Beta from before with a large stone column leaving his hands and flying towards Kyle. We had dismissed him when he left the chambers. "KYLE!" I yelled at the top of my lungs. I could feel the barrier weaken for me and I sent a lightning bolt with all my power into the Beta and sent him flying out of the hall.

Kyle turned and caught sight of the column flying towards him and took his eyes of Donahue who struck and slashed at Kyle before sending claws into Kyle's shoulders. The barrier was still too strong for me to help him. I pushed harder with every bit of magic I had to break it and struggled free. I lashed out at Donahue with bolt after bolt of lightning hitting the lycan in numerous places. There was singed fur and smoke. He was strong, but more. Something about him didn't add up. It was like he'd been changed in some way.

He lunged towards me and I had enough time to throw up a barrier. He was on top of me and scrambling trying to get through. He somehow had been able to get his claws into the barrier and began to rip it away. Suddenly his clawed left and lunged through towards me, but I was able to hit him with a point blank shot of lightning. He howled in pain while rearing back to break the barrier. A second later he was thrown off me. Kyle was standing in front of me, anger raging off of him and a new barrier was erected by Gran.

"YOU ATTACKED MY MATE!" his voice low, deadly, and at a level never heard by me. I looked around and saw Eli almost collapsed with Dustin and Tristan beside him trying to keep him calm. The entire lycan council were stunned and having difficulty moving. Kevin and Aedan were rocked. Only Blake, Gordon, and I were unaffected.

Donahue moved quickly to his feet, ready to attack again. Eli was pointing at Kyle. I looked up to see his wounds rapidly healing. Kyle stood upright, bones popping out of alignment as the change rapidly took over and shredded everything he wore. Faster than any lycan ever recorded, we were told later. Kyle stood above me and roared. DEAFENING... ANGER.... HATRED... potential fear and then...pride. It was as if I could taste the emotion. There was fear from Kyle about my safety, but pride in how I had stood up to that prick Donahue.

Fear also came from Donahue, as if he hadn't expected this from Kyle; as if something had been withheld from him. He shook it off and faced off against Kyle, but Kyle was not finished his shift. He continued and reached his full height in full anthro form. He turned to Gran with growly words, "REMOVE THE BARRIER!" She raised an eyebrow. "DO IT!" he bellowed. She nodded and fully released the barriers.

Waves of power emanated from Kyle and every lycan in the room fell to their knees. Witches and Warlocks gasped and were rocked. Dustin and Tristan were affected but not to the level of the lycans. Gordon was affected, but I suspect more from our bond. The inherent magic within the witches and warlocks kept them from collapsing, but even they were having a great deal of difficulty. I suddenly realized that Kyle had yet to reach his full potential.

Kyle roared and heading for Donahue intent on ripping him in two when multiple explosions rocked the building from out in the hallway. It drew our attention, and Kyle's away from Donahue. That was his chance as he leapt towards a wall and hit a sconce. The wall gave way and Donahue disappeared. Kyle whirled and roared heading towards where Donahue, but Gran yelled out.

"KYLE!" she screamed, "THERE'S NO TIME! THE BUILDING IS GOING TO COLLAPSE! GRAB JESSE!"

Kyle whipped around and scooped me up as member after member of the lycan council disappeared, along with Blake, Gordon, Kevin, and Aedan. Blake looked angry as he dissipated. Kyle moved us towards the two vampires, the other lycan and Gran. Just as the building began to crumble, Gran yelled "EVERYONE TOUCH SOMEONE!" and we disappeared.