“Would you part with the creature for your sixty-thousand owed?” Marquis eyed his watch to check the time. It was nearing ten at night. “If I hand you the money now, by the time the meeting is over it will be after midnight, and you can ensure it’s truly cash.”
The human sighed heavily and nodded once. Marquis made a gesture over his shoulder as one of the Red Sky coven counted out bundles of twenties, fifties and hundreds.
“We’re acting on good faith.” Marquis gestured for the exchange. “And remove that fucking collar from him.”
The human did so before gesturing the wolf toward Marquis. He counted the banded stacks and stuffed them in a bag he carried with him with little ceremony before flopping into a chair.
“Once again, thank you, little one.” Haze strode away from the human with a low growl caught in his throat and sidled up beside the girl in an affectionate gesture. “And you are well spoken for what you are.”
Sheila hunkered down as eyes migrated her way.Am not halfblood.
She shrank as Haze eyed her seriously and sniffed. “Then what are you?”
“She’s my ward. She is daughter of my spirit and child of wolven father.” Izohr spoke in calm yet firm tones as Sheila tucked her tail.
I shift. I am shaman.A wolf bearing some mage abilities, a healer one day perhaps. She would be invaluable to the wolves if they would accept her.
Haze sniffed once more and nodded, offering one of her ears an affectionate lick. “Then that is what you are, shaman pup.”
Sheila sighed in great relief and stiffened when the wolf laid down beside her, tail flicking in a light wag. Omegas naturally had affinities for pups, but Sheila was the exception, rejected by wolves for her blood.
Izohr reached down to pat over her head and smiled. “You are a good girl. That’s all you need to be for anyone.”
The humans, lost somewhere in the conversation, remained quiet in the milling and loud sort of way only people were capable of.
“Right. Anyone else smuggling any familiars in?” Midnite spoke this time, glaring at the humans who shrank in their seats.He pulled his wand from within Rexford’s jacket and tucked it in his sleeve before sliding down. “Then we will take our leave while the mages convene. Haze here could use some clothes and people food.”
In tow, Mads shifted in Marquis’s lap for a sweet kiss, all his silvery fur trading places for silver hair and dark eyes so full of adoration. Marquis handed Mads his wand and scooted his chair back, excusing him. Leon shifted in a spill across Izohr’s lap, the great birthmark across his face on full display. Nelson and Izohr gave him such soppy and pleased smiles. He truly was a beautiful familiar. His marking only added a mask to his appearance, the flaw in the artwork that drew one’s attention to the perfection.
“I was not aware you were a familiar, Mads. It is good to see you with your wits. I hear Baron has died,” Haze spoke as they slipped out of the room.
Mads froze as he slid from Marquis’s lap and stared at the wolf. “There is much I do not remember. But I remember you.” He knelt down and held a hand to the side of the wolf’s head. “And I am so very sorry.”
“It is in the past. Even I could tell you weren’t there by your will. I am happy you have found your mate.” Haze pulled away as Mads nodded and the familiars left with Sheila. Haze paused by the doorway and stared up at Tack, nose twitching. “Mage. Would you perhaps have a pen and paper I could borrow?”
“Of course.” Tack rummaged in his pockets and glanced around before someone handed him what he’d requested. “Is there something you want me to note?”
“No. I cannot speak in human form. I need a way to communicate if I shift since I assume that nobody can read lips or understand sign language.” Haze shot a dirty glare at the human who had collared him and flicked his tail.
“Actually, I do. My mum’s deaf.” Tack brightened, and the wolf’s ears flicked. “I’ll come with you if you feel safe?”
The wolf nodded once, expression stern in his dark face, and they left. Negotiations would commence in earnest. Because what they offered was more than money. Marquis would offer magic. He would bestow upon them a contract and power, making them a new class of human, what they’d wanted to be.Maguses.
Chapter Eighteen
Mads
“Hey, birdies, can we get some food and someplace private for the omegas to chill?” Nite waved at two Raven shifters who sat at the front desk, their postures tense and nervous. Being omegas, they were due a certain amount of respect from shifters, but Nite was pushing his grace. Leon shouldered a bag and rummaged through it, pulling out sweatpants.
“That’s a new collar on the wolf,” one said, staring Haze down. “That is an omega shifter. Why is there a new collar on him?”
“So I can speak. I’m free to shift and do as I please. May we please have some food and a place for me to change?” The way the wolf’s voice carried made the two raven women sigh in relief.
“Absolutely. We have some tuna and chicken salad and croissants left from a catering job earlier. Would that be okay, or would you like for us to go to town and find something? Not much is open.” One of the women rummaged in the desk and withdrew a key on an ornate ring and guided them down a hall.
“That’s fine with me. I assume the cat would enjoy his tuna.” Haze nodded and Nite scoffed.
“Fair.”
