Page 69 of Soul Bound

“That still doesn’t explain why you have a human here. In fact, it only raises more questions,” de la Reue pushed.

“What questions, Councilor?”

“Is there a threat that you know of that you haven’t reported to the Assembly? You are aware that all potential threats must be reported to the Security Committee. You taking on a well-trained operative, regardless of his species, is suspicious.”

“Rafe, did you make your monthly report to the Security Committee?”

“Yes, Alpha. It was submitted two days ago.”

“And was there anything of concern to report?”

“No, Alpha.”

Aaron spread his hands in supplication. “As you can see, we have nothing to hide and nothing to report. Now, returning to your earlier questions, let me ask you this. Did you see me walk into the room?”

All three Assembly members looked confused as they nodded.

“And did any of you see a cane in my hand? Did I require assistance to cross the room? Do I look like I am in ill health now?”

Wide eyes took in Aaron’s appearance.

“No. In fact, Alpha West, you look to be at the peak of fitness.”

“That’s because I am.”

“But… the last time I saw you, you were barely able to walk and had been battling a migraine for days,” Harlan stammered. “You haven’t shifted in months.”

“I was a wolf pretty much all of yesterday,” Aaron told his cousin, who paled at the news. Rafe gave a choked cough, and Marshall had to hide his own grin.

“Well, it is good to see that rumors of your ill health seem exaggerated,” Councilor Osborne said with a smile. “Your pack doctor must be very good.”

“Sam is an excellent doctor,” Aaron agreed. “However, my recovery can be put down to Marshall.”

Confusion crossed the faces of the Assembly members and Marshall bit back a chuckle.

“What does a human have to do with your recovery?” Fuller asked, glancing between the two of them.

Aaron threw a warm glance his way. Pushing himself off the wall, Marshall strode over to stand next to his mate. Aaron linked their fingers together.

“May I present my mate?” he said.

There was a beat of silence before Secretary Fuller stood and extended his hand. “Congratulations. This is wonderful news.”

Marshall shook the proffered hand. “Thank you. It’s very new, but we couldn’t be happier.”

“You’ve mated a human?” Harlan’s shocked voice echoed around the room.

Next to him, Aaron stiffened, and Marshall drew himself up to his full height. “Is that a problem?” he asked, his voice deepening with suppressed anger.

Harlan ignored Marshall and stared at Aaron. “But you can’t mate a human! What about the future of the Pack? We’re a shifter pack, not some human neighborhood.”

A low growl rumbled from Aaron, echoed by hissing from Rafe and Blake.

“If you wish to remain a member of this Pack—which, if I may remind you, is made up of not only shifters but every species of supernatural beingsandhumans, then I would think very carefully about the next words out of your mouth.”

Anger flashed along the soul bond, and Marshall absorbed it and let it feed his own.How dare this sniveling excuse of a being question their mating?

“Why haven’t we been notified that you have found your mate?” Harlan pressed on. “Protocol dictates that when the pack Alpha finds his mate, he has to announce it as soon as he knows.”

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