Page 69 of Carnal: The Beast Who Loved Me

Free gave a single nod of his handsome head. “That is a concern and we’ll keep it in mind when it’s time to rough out an actual plan. Right now, I think we’ve pared down the scope of decision to a series of cascading votes, each depending on the one before. The first vote is this, will we move into Farsuitwail, begin an education and integration process, and become part of a plan to rid this world of a threat from Rautt? Everyone votes except Rosie, who is here in an advisory capacity.” He looked at each individual before proceeding. “I say yes.”

“Yes,” said Serene.

“Yes,” said Sky.

“Yes,” said Cage.

“Yes,” said Breaker.

“No,” said Thorn. “And I have another concern for you to consider before rushing into something as insane as voluntarily living among humans.”

“Go ahead.” Free gave him permission to speak his mind.

“What do you plan to do about our people who don’t want to go?”

“I’ve actually been thinking about that throughout this discussion,” Free answered.

“So have I,” Cage added.

“Before I offer my opinion, does anyone else want to make a suggestion?”

“I do,” Thorn said. “Anybody who doesn’t want to go should be allowed to stay here.”

Free surprised Thorn by saying, “I agree, but I will make it clear that those who stay will be considered cowards who chose the easiest option while planning to fully participate in the benefits that will come from forming an alliance with the humans.”

Thorn snorted. “What benefits?” he said with belligerence.

“Where have you been for the past five hours?” Sky said, her annoyance showing. “The benefit ofpeace. For the first time in our lives, we will be able to turn our attention to something wholly productive, not having to worry that an alarm may sound at any hour of the day or night leading us into a battle that may claim a spouse.” She gave Serene a pained look. “Or a child.”

Returning her attention to Thorn. “What’s that worth, Thorn? I say it’s a treasure beyond anything we’ve imagined so far. I say it’s worth the discomfort of making changes in the way we live and the way we think.”

Thorn’s posture made it clear that his viewpoint was set in stone and would not be altered by any argument, no matter how persuasive. His response was to cross his big arms over his chest and tighten his expression of defiance.

“Thorn,” Free said softly, “the rest of the discussion and votes depend on consensus. Since you disagree with our projected plans, you’re free to excuse yourself.”

Thorn’s expression faltered. He hadn’t anticipated being dismissed from Free’s inner circle. He stood so quickly it made Rosie jump a little.

“Yeah,old friend. I’ll go with one last nod toward reason and self-preservation. One thing I haven’t heard in all thistalkis what happens when it doesn’t work out? What happens when the humans betray you? That’s inevitable. In your hearts you know it, I know it.” He waved toward Rosie. “Even this human knows it. They can’t help it. It’s who they are.”

“I agree that we need to make a genuine effort with the humans while remaining judiciously cautious. Maybe we will need a reminder from time to time that trust needs to be earned slowly, not given quickly. Maybetheywill need reminders that they need to work harder at earning our trust than the other way around. Agree not to stand in the way of progress, Thorn. Stay and help us with this grand experiment, even though your vote was no and you think it’s a fool’s folly.”

Thorn swayed on his feet slightly, looking around the table. At length he nodded. “I will not speak for this thing that I fear will end in bedlam, but I will stand with you and not speak against it.”

When he sat down, everyone at the table breathed in relief knowing they were stronger together even when they disagreed. Cage, who was sitting next to him, grinned and slapped him on the shoulder in a silent display of approval and camaraderie.

Rosie did her best to stifle a yawn, but Free noticed.

“It’s late” he said. “I think we’ve done the hardest part. Let’s reconvene here in five hours. We’ll have breakfast and decide how to proceed.”

Rosie held up her hand. Free acknowledged her, looking amused.

“We need to release the people being held at City Hall as soon as possible. The longer they’re held, the harder it will be to get them on our side.”

Free glanced around the table. “Excellent point. We need to be prepared to make announcements to our people by mid-morning, then go directly to Farsuitwail and announce our plans to Comstock and the others being detained. They’ll carry word to the rest of the humans in their own way, but we need to be prepared to place active duty fighters in each of the facilities at the same time to be sure that nothing is hidden or destroyed.” Free looked pointedly at Thorn. “From now on, we know everything humans know and everything they do.”

“That’s the most sensible thing you’ve said all night,” Thorn said.

Rosie drug herself up the stairs, scuffing each one with the drag of her boots. Charming was sitting on the top tread waiting for her.

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