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So the truth of what we were—that we weren’t just psychics capable of minor magic—was officially out. I scrubbed a hand across my eyes and then met his gaze. There was no sense of recrimination or anger in his expression, and that made me feel even worse. “So the council is currently deciding what to do with us?”
“The council has apparently decided. Tonight’s meeting is to inform the pack elders and me as to whether I’ll have to evict you or not.”
I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “For fuck’s sake, it’s almost Christmas. It takes a special brand of bastard to do something like that at this time of year.”
“I know, and I’m sorry, but I have no say in council matters.” He caught my hand and squeezed it lightly. His fingers were warm against mine, and yet I found no comfort in his touch. “A number of us spoke up in favor of allowing you to remain. And your assistance in stopping the vampire will play in your favor.”
“You spoke in our favor?”
“I may have been a bit of a bastard when we first met, but why would you think I’d do anything other than that now?”
“Because we lied about the extent of our abilities.”
“That was pretty evident from the beginning.” There was something in his tone that suggested he remained suspicious about certain aspects of my story. But then, he was both a ranger and a werewolf. They had excellent instincts when it came to things like that. “But at least the RWA backed up your statement that neither of you are capable of protecting the wellspring. That will count in your favor.”
“I can’t see how.”
“Small lies are infinitely better than bigger lies.” Amusement briefly shone in his blue eyes as he added, “And I did remind the council that the best cakes and chocolate brownies anyone in this reservation has ever tasted were in danger of being evicted right alongside the pair of you.”
“Idiot.” I nudged him with my shoulder. “Did you show the council the recording you did when we contacted Gabe, or the one from the truck last night?”
“Yes. I think some of them struggled to believe the authenticity of the spirit talking, and last night’s tape was, as I’d feared, hampered by the fog.”
I wasn’t surprised by the former. Even in this day and age, where spirit talking—and even spirit walking—were recognized and well-studied psychic talents, there were still plenty of people who refused to believe in the existence of such things as ghosts and spirits.
That the fog had obscured the video footage was simply frustrating. If anything could have convinced the council of the need for witches in this reservation, it would have been a dead man with a hole in his chest, no knees, and half his head blown away trying to kill me.
“Do you have any idea which way the decision will fall?”
“No. They play their cards very close to their chests.”
I blew out a frustrated breath, but it did little to ease the sick tension growing within me. “We seriously cannot afford to be run out of another town.”
“The council would offer compensation. They’re not that cold.”
I snorted. “The fact they’re even considering this action right before Christmas says otherwise.”
“The report only arrived a couple of days ago. Had it arrived sooner, it would have been dealt with sooner.”
“Does our possible eviction mean they’re going against the RWA’s recommendation to bring in a replacement for Gabe? Because they might not like the outcome if the government forces the issue.”
“I won’t know that until tonight, either.” He paused, and then added softly, “We can still date even if you’re not on the reservation. There’s no rule against that.”
“Except if we’re kicked out there’s no guarantee we’ll even remain in this state.” I pushed away my plate and then rose. “I think I’d better leave.”
“Don’t.” He caught my hand. “Please.”
I gently pulled free of his grip. “I can’t. Not until I know, one way or the other, whether I can still consider Castle Rock my home come tomorrow.”
He swore softly and rose with me. “Right now, I fucking hate the council and their damn ruling.”
I raised my eyebrows. “It’s a ruling you agreed with until very recently.”
“Yes, but I was looking for someone to blame for my loss, and Gabe was the obvious and easy answer. If I can change my opinion, they certainly can.”
“I guess we’ll find out in a couple of hours.” I walked around the table and headed for the door. “Will you ring me the minute you know? No matter what the time?”
“Even if it’s late?”
