Drayden jogged down the corridor leading to the Council's chamber. He hadn't agreed with the Council's decision to disregard Stefan's warnings. So he took it upon himself to do some recon and intel gathering. And now he was rushing to inform his Uncle Javier and Alpha Isabella of his findings. Maybe his news would get them moving.
They needed to put down that rabid wolf, Zina, before she destroyed them all. And when this was all over, he would apologize to Stefan for not insisting that the Council do something when it could have done some good.
He didn't wait to be announced. Drayden ignored the whispers as he went to the foot of the dais and kneeled. "My lady."
"Drayden, my dear, dear, Little Bear. You are the last one I would have thought would break custom. What has got your fur in a twist?" Isabella's expression was one of boredom.
He tamped down the impulse to snarl. "I bring urgent news about Zina and her army."
"Yes, yes. We know. She always starts one. Most Weres steer clear of her propaganda. She has, what, about 200 blindly following her?" Isabella's crystalline laugh filled the air and others joined in.
"No, my lady. Not 200. Try 2,000 and growing."
Shocked silence greeted his words, and the stares of those assembled bore into him. "It was decided to ignore Omega Stefan's warnings. Lucky for us, his lack of faith in this Council, helped gain information. In exchange, all we must do is protect his niece Laylah."
"I see." Anger laced Isabella's tone.
He hadn't seen her like this in over a decade. Last time she'd been this mad, she had ordered several executions. Drayden didn't relish a repeat of that night. "What are my lady's orders?"
"Have General Nancer prepare for a stealth attack. Alert the Captains to have the troops ready. Find out from Stefan the location of Zina's army. I want no surprises, only results."
"And Zina?"
"She is Outcast and has violated our laws. No mercy this time."
"One last thing, my lady. Shall I notify Alphas Le Croix and Silentshadow of our strategy?"
"No. I think it's time we reminded all Weres of the Council's power."
"As the Council wills it." He bowed low and left. Once outside, he activated his ear comm. He would warn Stefan, but no one else. He owed his old friend that much.
~***~
The last bell rang and the rowdy students filed out. It was Friday and there was fun to be had at night. For the first time, Laylah felt a part of that frenzied energy. She, too, would have some fun. No more Father, Jacques, or Naiya holding her back. Freedom; the very thought made her grin with relish. She waved at Britta who waited by their lockers.
"Hey! Look, before I go home, I want to say sorry for being such a wimp. You're right about standing up for myself. I think a new me is in order."
Britta chuckled. "Sounds good, Chica. One thing at a time, though. Here." She pushed a bag into Laylah's hand. "Your outfit for tonight is in there. Make sure you're dressed and ready by 6:00. Remember, they will come for you at 6:15."
"I won't forget. I'm so nervous!" She tugged her braid hard. "I need to go, but I'll see you tonight."
"Will do, Chica. Trust me, you won't regret it. You'll have fun and prove to your father that you are able to have a life."
She laughed and hurried outside where Jacques impatiently waited. "Hi, Jacques!" She got inside the limo and missed his sharp glance in her direction.
The ride home went by fast. She tried to calm down. If she came home too happy, Father would be suspicious. She saw the mansion and, with some effort, managed to school her features into one of sulking. She scowled at Jacques. "Back to jail," she muttered and slipped by him.
So far, so good. Now, if Father had left, it'd be perfect. She went inside and frowned when she spotted Bryon. He towered over her at 6'6" and his glower always intimidated her.
"Mr. Bryon?"
"Miss Le Croix, your father has left instructions that are to be followed without resistance or deviation by you."
"Oh?" Laylah was surprised.
"You are to be confined to your room for the entire weekend. You will have meals served in there. There will be no eating with the staff."
"What! You're joking, right?"
"No, those are Mr. Le Croix's orders."
"But!"
"You are also not allowed any calling privileges or visitors."
"Fine! Not that this is any different from all the other times he puts me in my cell!" She didn't have to feign being upset. Livid, she stormed past the impassive Bryon and went immediately to her room.
She made sure to slam the door. She hated her father! He didn't care at all about what she wanted. Any lingering guilt she might have felt about sneaking out to the party evaporated in the face of her pique. She'd show him that she didn't need protecting.
It was 4:45. She had a little over an hour to get ready. She decided to take a shower first and put her outfit on at the last possible second. Finally calm, she set about getting ready for the party.
~***~
The sun had set and the approaching darkness of the night crept across the land. The night creatures were out, their noises filling the air. Hiding in the bushes watching the Le Croix mansion were Benji Cattrall and his brother Leo.
"Man, I can't believe we're doing this," Benji whispered.
"Hey, we both owe Donil for saving our butts from jail time," Leo retorted. He ran his fingers through his spiked brown hair as he studied the patrolling enforcers.
"Well, better get moving." Leo belly-crawled toward the storage shed. Causing a ruckus was a favorite pastime of his. And sticking it to an Alpha of Henry's caliber would be a great testimony to his ingenuity. His brother, Benji, wasn't as enthused about such antics, but, like always, watched his back.
Leo stood, his body obscured from the house occupants by the rather large shed. With a nod to his brother, he dropped to a crouch and scurried toward the mansion. He looked at the time and grinned. He gave an ear-piercing whistle and watched as Benji shifted into his lion form.
Benji opened his mouth and roared a challenge. He waited a moment and did it again. Lights flooded the yard and male voices filled the air as the sound of running was heard.
Leo laughed quietly as he watched the Le Croix wolves rush outside to take on the intruder. He slipped inside and froze when he caught sight of the older woman who blocked his path. "Look, I don't want any trouble. I came to get Laylah for tonight's party."
"Come with me. I'm Naiya."
"I'm Leo. Can I ask why you're helping me spring her?"
"Because Laylah deserves happiness and she's never going to get that here. Make sure you keep her safe. And tell Donil he owes me."
"Will do, Naiya." He followed her into the giant foyer and stared at the grand staircase. They hurried up and stopped outside an oak door. Impatiently, he waited as Naiya unlocked the door. Leo went by his guide and paused when he got a good look at Laylah.
Gone was the shy mouse of a girl. Instead, a sexy red-haired vixen in a black slinky dress with black leather stiletto boots stood by the bed. Her long curly hair cascaded down her shoulders.
"Wow! Dang, girl, you look hot!"
Laylah blushed and he grinned. Donil was one lucky cat!
"Put your eyes back in your head, Boy, and get going. Jacques and the rest of the men will be coming back soon."
"Right. Well, Naiya, much thanks." He kissed the older woman's hand and watched her blush. He captured Laylah's wrist and gently tugged to get her moving.
With Laylah in tow, he quickly ran down the stairs and out the front door where Donil had pulled up in his truck. He helped Laylah in and slid in beside her.
"Benji's already at the hilltop where you first met your girlfriend. Let's go. He'll meet us by the highway," Leo informed his friend.
Donil chuckled and sped out of the Le Croix driveway. Leo waited until they were on the main road before speaking. "Now this was way cool! I haven't had this much fun in ages!
Donil rolled his eyes and Leo laughed. "Admit it, Donil. This was fun."
"All right, a little fun. But it was worth it."
Leo snickered when he saw Laylah and Donil gaze at each other.
::Hey, not that I don't think you two making lovey dovey eyes at each other isn't cute, but, Donil, you need to slow down so Benji can jump in.:: He had the satisfaction of seeing Donil blush.
Donil shifted to a lower gear and moved the truck closer to the edge of the road. Benji sprinted from the trees and leaped into the truck bed. He thumped the roof.
Startled, Laylah yelped, "Where did he come from?"
Leo gave Donil a sharp glance before answering their nervous passenger. "Benji is a nature lover. He also helped distract your jailers."
"Oh!" She turned around to look at the new arrival. "Thank you."
"Yep, Donil, she's a keeper!" Leo winked and grinned when she blushed.
"Hush, Leo. We've got a party to go to."
Leo threw back his head and howled in laughter. "Yes, we do. So put a rush on!"
Donil obliged and they traveled the rest of the way talking about their childhood to keep Laylah relaxed and happy.