Page 15 of Anders
After the plates were cleared—but before dessert, Anders noted, suggesting the timing was deliberate—Malcolm and Larissa exchanged a look.
We have something we’d like to discuss with all of you,Larissa began.
Anders’s shoulders tensed automatically.Years of experience had taught him that such statements rarely preceded good news.
But Malcolm was smiling.As you know, we’ve been working on restructuring pack leadership.Making it more balanced, more inclusive.
And we want all of you to be part of that,Larissa continued.Officially, as our council.
Me too?Javier bounced in his seat, nearly knocking over his water glass.Anders’s hand shot out automatically to steady it.
The adults laughed, any tension broken by the child’s enthusiasm.
Of course,Malcolm said solemnly, though his eyes twinkled.You can be our special junior envoy.
Javier beamed, clearly having no idea what that meant but thrilled nonetheless.
As the others discussed the implications and responsibilities of council membership, Anders’s mind was racing through scenarios.
A formal council would need secure meeting spaces, communication protocols, information management systems…
Anders?Larissa’s voice broke through his planning.You’re in, right?
He nodded.Of course.Though, we’ll need to establish proper security measures for council operations.
Already planning protocols?Malcolm’s tone was teasing, but Anders noticed the approval in his eyes.
The conversation shifted to specific roles and responsibilities.Nick and Sarah would handle community relations.The twins would coordinate patrols and training.Una would work with younger pack members.
But Anders was only half listening.His thoughts kept drifting to his encounter with Etta that afternoon.The way she’d leaned toward him, her scent calling to him.That moment when he’d almost…
He shut down that line of thinking immediately.He’d nearly compromised the entire surveillance operation because his wolf couldn’t control itself around a potential security threat.
As if to make up for that lapse—one that, thankfully, no one else knew about—Anders pulled out his phone.Speaking of security,he said, perhaps more sharply than necessary,you should all see this.
He connected his phone to the TV, pulling up the surveillance feed from Etta’s house as Larissa handed around plates of cookies.
Once Anders had it up and running, the footage showed Etta returning home about an hour ago, pulling grocery bags from her trunk.
Good quality,Quinton noted.These the new cameras?
Anders nodded, fast-forwarding slightly to show Etta through her kitchen window as she put away groceries and began preparing what appeared to be a simple pasta dinner.
Watch how she keeps checking the exits,Nick pointed out.That’s pure wolf behavior.
But look at her face when she catches her reflection,Sarah added.Total surprise when her eyes flash in the light.She genuinely doesn’t seem to know what she is.
Anders had noticed that too, though he’d been trying not to focus on how the kitchen light turned Etta’s white-blonde hair to silver.
Could she be faking?Conall asked.Maybe she’s that good at maintaining cover.
No one’s that good,Anders said, with more certainty than he felt.Her reactions are too instinctive.The way she scents the air, the territorial behaviors—she’s not even aware she’s doing them.
Una leaned forward, studying the footage.But how is that possible?How could a wolf not know what they are?
Chemical suppression, maybe?Larissa suggested.There are rumors about research facilities experimenting with ways to control shifters.
But those rumors have always existed,Quinton said.
