Page 14 of Mortal Curse (Shadow Shifter)

Steele rubbed his chin. “Dannika’s transformation was an accident, but she is here. Since her presence is causing so much dissension within your clan, perhaps it would be best if she joined the cougar clan until we determine her fate.”

The momentary calm Raine had felt disintegrated. “What part ofminedid you not understand? This is our land. Our clan. Do not disrespect Maddock by suggesting he is incapable of handling the situation.”

Maddock glanced at Steele. “You haven’t said what you will offer for her.”

Raine growled. “She isn’t a slave. We don’t sell clan members.”

Maddock’s eyes flickered with yellow fire. “She hasn’t proved herself as a wolf. This may be our only opportunity to get anything of value for her. If she has no animal, she is worthless.”

Steele sighed. “You make an excellent point, Maddock. We should reveal her animal. I invoke clan law. Dannika belongs to the clan of her animal. This has always been our way. Her being a woman shouldn’t change that.”

Raine stepped up to Steele. “It is also clan law for any fledgling to be trained by her sire.”

Steele’s eyes flashed. “You just said you did not bite her. She transitioned from a reaper, which is rare.”

“I saved her. My blood runs in her veins.”

“Perhaps that saved her, but that doesn’t guarantee she will be a wolf.”

Maddock shook his head. “She is the property of the wolf clan, unless I say otherwise. Clan law does not apply to her. She is an aberration.”

Raine, Steele, and Maddock stood on the verge of combat. Raine forced himself not to react when Dannika interrupted.

“I understand why you have no women. You’re all complete assholes. This alpha male crap may have worked a few hundred years ago, but it’s downright pathetic now,” she snapped.

Maddock’s body wavered as he blocked his warrior from emerging. “I’m not sure if I should kill you or let Steele take you out of spite.”

Dannika huffed. “Doesn’t matter. I’m leaving as soon as I can. You can’t keep me locked up forever.”

Steele’s eyes narrowed on her. “She doesn’t understand what she is and needs to be incarcerated until we can discern a course of action.”

Maddock nodded. “On that, we can agree.”

Raine moved in front of Dannika. “She will stay with me. I will take responsibility for her and guarantee she will not leave the caves while under my care.”

Maddock shook his head. “Fledgling rules do not apply to her. Until we prove she has a soul, and animal, she stays in the cell. She could infect half the town if left to her own devices.”

Raine’s eyes flashed. “She will remain in lockdown, simply at my side, while I train her to control her hunger.”

“She goes back to her cell,” Maddock said.

Raine had been careful to keep his alpha warrior hidden. Maddock had trained him for years and until this moment, he’d never threatened his father’s rule. His voice echoed with that of his warrior. “If you lock her up, then I am leaving the wolf clan.”

Maddock’s eyes widened. There was no mistaking the strength in Raine’s voice. An alpha splitting from the pack would mean another would be formed. History had proved that two clan leaders of the same animal could not coexist. Those packs would fight until unified. If Raine left the wolf pack, chaos would ensue.

“You would risk the destruction of the wolf clan?”

Raine’s face remained like stone. “Yes.”

Maddock’s shadow warrior burst from his body. Black mist rose like onyx flames. “You would defy me over this? A woman?”

Raine’s shadow warrior emerged. It was not the warrior that had been in the ring. This warrior was every bit as large as Maddock’s. His tone as dark and menacing. “I told you, Dannika is mine. If she turns reaper, I will kill her myself, but if you enslave her, then I will take her and leave. Attempt to stop me, and I will challenge for leadership.”

Maddock’s glowing yellow eyes roamed over Dannika. “You are my chosen son, Raine. I knew you would be an alpha and lead this clan when my time is over. You are young, and your alpha shadow is inexperienced. Your actions prove this, but you must learn some lessons the hard way. This will be one of them.”

“Dannika stays.”

Maddock nodded. “You will be responsible for her until the trial. Combat will begin once Ryder arrives.” He sneered at Dannika. “I pray you are anything but a wolf.”

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