Page 70 of Soul Bound

A surge of power flashed through the room as Aaron jumped to his feet at being questioned. Marshall’s first instinct was to lay a soothing hand on his mate’s shoulder, but his battle instincts overrode that, and he dropped into a defensive stance, ready to protect and aid his mate.

Councilor Osborne gasped, and Marshall risked flicking a quick glance in her direction. He noted that Blake and Rafe had both moved to strategic points in the room, where they could defend and protect their Pack members. Osborne was staring at him, and Aaron blinked slowly as a look of wonder crossed her features.

“Oh!” she said, raising a trembling hand to her mouth.

“Councilor Osborne, are you alright?” De la Reue asked.

“Yes.” She visibly gathered herself before directing her attention to Harlan. “Administrator Jones, you need to excuse yourself from these proceedings.”

“But, this is my Pack!” Harlan protested. “I’m not going to stand by while our Alpha makes us a laughingstock by mating a human. It’s been humiliating enough having such a weak and sick Alpha running the Pack as it is.”

Marshall had a split second to grab his mate before he shifted and tore out his cousin’s throat. The blinding rage that had flooded through him had been his only warning.

“Rafe, get him out of here and see he is escorted from pack property.” Marshall barked the order as he tightened his arms around Aaron. Dropping his voice to a whisper, he tried to calm his mate. He was vaguely aware of Rafe escorting a protesting Harlan from the room. “It’s okay, babe. He’s gone. Take some deep breaths for me.”

Amber eyes flashed, but slowly the coiled tension in Aaron’s muscles relaxed. Marshall loosened his hold, and a wave of gratitude slipped along the bond. Marshall smirked. “You’re welcome.”

“Alpha West, are you able to continue with the meeting?” Secretary Fuller’s asked. At Aaron’s nod, Marshall let go but stood as close as he could, resting his hand on his mate’s shoulder.

“That was an extremely fast reflex, Mr. Cavendish,” De la Reu commented, his tone suspicious. “And you displayed an extraordinary feat of strength, holding back an Alpha wolf from attacking.”

Marshall shrugged. He didn’t owe the fae councilor any explanation.

He’d surprised himself. He’d always been strong—the last two years notwithstanding—but in that moment, he’d had the power to hold Aaron back. No doubt it was yet another thing linked to the damned soul bond. He mentally added it to the list he had for Alice and Kyr.

“From Jones’s comments, it would seem that your mating is very new?” Secretary Fuller said.

“Yes, we met a week ago and realized we were mates and bonded twenty-four hours ago,” Aaron replied. He’d returned to his seat and gave the appearance of being relaxed, but Marshall could feel a thrum of irritation through their bond.

“In that case, I apologize for interrupting you with what appears to be an unfounded and trivial matter.”

Aaron accepted the apology with a dip of his chin.

Fuller looked at his companions. “Do we have anything else for Alpha West?”

De la Reue shook his head and looked ready to leave. Osborne bit her lip, indecision on her face, and Marshall watched her keenly.

“Is there something else, Councilor Osborne?” Aaron asked, leaning forward and resting his forearms on the table.

She blushed, the faint pink stain highlighting her delicate features. “You asked before if I’d had a vision.”

“You said you hadn’t,” Aaron parried.

“I hadn’t… then.”

“What have you seen, Councilor?” Fuller demanded.

Chapter 20

AaronlookedatCouncilorOsborne keenly. He had a good idea of what her vision had been. He’d wanted to share the news of their soul bond after he’d let the Pack know and when he and Marshall had had more time to explore what it meant and how it worked.

“Councilor Osborne, may I remind you of your duty as the Assembly Seer to report whatever you see. If there is a problem, we need to know about the West Mill Pack, then you must bring it to our attention immediately.” Secretary Fuller’s voice was strident.

It didn’t look like he was going to be able to keep it hidden. Once the Assembly knew, it would have to become public record. Resignation waved through him, and Marshall threw him a look. It only took a moment for his mate to realize, and he gave an imperceptible shrug.

He nodded at Osborne, who dipped her head in return.

“Anima Vinculum,”she said.

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