Page 93 of Broken Forced Mate
Oren nods approvingly from his position at the leadership table. My brother-in-law has become one of Raegan’s strongest supporters in implementing these regional cooperation initiatives.
“What about operational security?” asks Captain Morwen, representing Llewelyn's interests in the new alliance structure. “Information sharing increases vulnerability to compromise.”
“Layered verification systems,” Raegan responds without missing a beat. “Multiple sources required for critical intelligence, compartmentalized distribution based on need-to-know principles.”
Elder Nettle speaks up from the witch delegation. “Our covens can provide magical authentication for sensitivecommunications. Forgery becomes nearly impossible with proper enchantments.”
“Cost?” demands a delegate from the eastern territories.
“Shared between participating communities,” Raegan answers. “No single territory bears the full burden, and everyone benefits from enhanced protection.”
The discussion continues for another hour as delegates from different territories work through practical implementation details. What strikes me most is how naturally Raegan facilitates cooperation between groups that historically viewed each other with suspicion.
“Your wife has found her calling,” Dorian comments as he sits in the empty chair beside me. The Ambersky alpha arrived this morning with his own delegation.
“Seems that way. Did you ever imagine her doing this when you found out we were married?”
He chuckles and answers, “Honestly? No. I thought both of you would be dead by now.”
“She fought it so hard in the beginning.”
“Maybe that’s what made her good at it. Understanding resistance helps her address it.”
Dora approaches our table with intelligence reports from her environmental monitoring network. Raegan’s former roommate has become an essential part of the early warning system, using her scientific background to track unusual activities across territorial boundaries.
“The data shows Thornridge remnants are definitely regrouping,” she reports. “New facilities detected in at least three territories.”
“Same weapons production focus?” I ask.
“Appears so, but they’re adapting tactics based on what happened here. Smaller, more mobile operations. Harder to detect and eliminate.”
Theodore joins our conversation with additional intelligence. His approach to gathering information has made him invaluable for tracking threats across multiple territories. “My contacts confirm increased recruitment activity in border regions. They’re targeting displaced fighters and communities with grievances against pack leadership.”
“Smart strategy,” Dorian grudgingly admits. “Build from existing discontent rather than imposing external authority.”
“Which makes early detection even more critical,” I point out. “We need to identify problems before they become major threats.”
The ongoing threat validates everything Raegan has been advocating for. Cooperation and information sharing aren’t just idealistic goals; they’re practical necessities for survival against enemies who adapt faster than traditional territorial responses can counter.
“How are her abilities developing?” Veva asks, approaching with Emin beside her. Both casters have become regular consultants on supernatural security matters, their expertise crucial for understanding magical threats.
“Stable and growing stronger.” She flashes me a grin, and we both know why. Now that we’ve completed the mating bond, the sky is the limit for her powers.
“Good. The early instability worried us,” Veva admits.
Emin adds his own observations. “The enhancement patterns she’s showing are unusual but promising. Her psychic range now covers territory-sized areas when she focuses.”
“Any side effects from the expansion?”
“None that we can detect. If anything, the bond stabilization improved her overall health.”
I watch Raegan field questions about logistics and funding with the same analytical approach she applies to both her continuing academic research and her new security work.
“She splits time between here and Llewelyn territory now?” Veva inquires.
“Three days a week finishing her degree, four days here coordinating security initiatives. It works for both of us.”
“And your alpha heritage? How are you handling leadership responsibilities while she travels? Does your wolf sit around and whine until she gets home?”
