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The din around the apartment lessened as the various shifters turned to look at me. I ambled toward the dining room, and a path was made to allow me through as I stood by the table. Before me, a map of the region took over the twelve seater with various colored dots on it.
“There are more of you here than I was expecting,” I admitted. “But that’s good. That means that our expansion plan can work if we have eager bodies, willing to relocate.”
I looked around, noticing the nods of approval.
“I realize that some of you are looking for the missing women still, and I respect that. Abby and I have been working tirelessly to find as many of your relatives and friends as we can. Needless to say, that aspect of the Verity Gang is no more.”
I narrowed my eyes, scanning the crowd deliberately.
“We do not deal in bodies. Trafficking has no place among us, and if anyone is caught trading in people, well, let’s just say I won’t hesitate to kill you.”
I smiled thinly. “I’m not joking. I will not stand for it. If you can’t follow these simple rules, you’re welcome to get the hell out of my city… but that might be difficult.” I pointed at the map. “Because we are branching out. That’s why you’re here, right?”
Another murmur fluttered through the room, and I chuckled, splaying my hands over the map.
“On this map, I have laid out the territories that have not pleaded loyalty to any particular leader.”
The pack peered at the layout, blinking.
“That’s because there’s nothing out there,” Maisie blurted out, surely saying what everyone else was thinking.
I laughed again and nodded.
“Yes,” I agreed. “Which makes it easy territory for the taking. No turf wars, no mess. We simply get in and take over.”
The crowd drew in closer, straining to study the map better.
“As I said, I wasn’t expecting such an enthusiastic turnout, so I only accounted for those I was sure were going to make the move. That said, each one of the stickers represents one of you. The legend is here. Orange is Yander, Red is Harry, Blue, that’s you, Maisie. Each color is welcome to choose their team and travel with whoever they like. Or you can go alone, and I’ll find more territory for those who are still interested. Any questions?”
Maisie scowled, her hand shooting up defiantly.
“Yes, Maisie?” I drawled.
“You have me out in Seven Rock?” she demanded. “Isn’t that where you went to die?”
I started to laugh, but stopped myself.
“It’s not technically Seven Rock,” I said. “It’s outside, in the next major town.”
“That’s not a town!” Maisie protested. “It’s a hamlet!”
I raised an eyebrow. “Are you refusing to go?” I asked slowly, surprised.
Maisie eyed me uncomfortably, realizing that everyone was looking at her.
“No..” she grumbled, pink tinging her cheeks. “I…” She faltered. “Never mind.”
I turned my attention back to the others, waiting for any other objections, but they seemed to have died with Maisie’s.
“Fine. We’ll regroup tomorrow with the specifics of supply,” I told everyone. “Research your area online. See what you can find out about the locals.”
The group began to disperse, but Maisie hung back, her head lowered. Abby and I glanced at her, and then at one another.
“What’s going on?” I asked slowly.
Maisie eyed Abby then me. “Was this some kind of punishment?” she blurted out, her question directed at Abby.
My mate looked perplexed. “Punishment?” she echoed. “What for?”
