Howling Moon Part 24

He was healing. d.a.m.n.

"Michael Santiago, you broke both the human and the pack laws by drinking underage and driving drunk."

The crowd began to murmur. Tatya rose to her feet, her posture rigid with nerves.

"If you had been arrested by the human authorities, this would be a matter for Wolven. Luckily, you were not. Thus this is a matter for pack justice."

The crowd murmured more loudly. Cat saw Tatya's eyes narrow, her nostrils flaring as she tried to use her sense of smell to determine what Raphael was up to.

Michael lay utterly still, barely daring to breathe.

Raphael softened his voice, deliberately sounding less stern. "I've lost a woman I loved..." He gazed at Tatya for the benefit of the crowd, then nodded to Lucas, who gave his own nod in acknowledgment. "If I could have, I probably would've gotten drunk," he commented wryly.

A few members of the crowd laughed nervously.

"You do realize that what you did was incredibly stupid?"

"Yes, sir." Michael's voice was a whisper barely audible to even Sazi ears.

"And there is a price to pay. First, you personally personally will pay reparations to everyone you damaged that night. I understand from your father that it's quite an extensive list, but that you've already made a start." will pay reparations to everyone you damaged that night. I understand from your father that it's quite an extensive list, but that you've already made a start."

All eyes went to Lucas, who nodded in acknowledgment.

"But, there are other things you've done as well including deliberately vandalizing an automobile when you were stone cold sober." There was no warmth in Raphael's voice now. The silence was palpable, as nearly everyone in the gym held his breath.

"The cost of the damages would have moved the offense to a felony under the human laws, and the fact that you lost control to that level speaks of a serious problem. So, I offer you a choice. Once we've dispensed with the mating challenge you can either voluntarily go to an inpatient facility and undergo a minimum of six months' counseling at your or your family's expense." Raphael looked over to Ahmad whose eyebrows had risen high enough to disappear beneath his hair. Even in the open gym Raphael could scent the snake's surprise. "Or "Or I will take the damages out of your hide." Raphael sighed. "Frankly, I'd rather not. I'm not sure you'd survive." I will take the damages out of your hide." Raphael sighed. "Frankly, I'd rather not. I'm not sure you'd survive."

"I'll go." Michael turned his head to look at Cat. A look of intense pain crossed his face. "There's nothing here for me anymore."

Cat forced herself to keep her expression calm. Her emotions were in turmoil. She couldn't help feeling an odd combination of sympathy, regret, and frustrated anger at Michael's self-pity.

"Fine." Raphael's voice brought her back to the situation at hand. His voice was utterly unemotional as he continued. "Then all that remains is the challenge. Since we have both dated Cat, and we are both mated to her, we'll consider it mutually called. I would prefer to fight in wolf form. Do you object?"

"No."

"You may pick the format."

Michael risked a look up at Raphael. It was obvious he was surprised that Raphael was giving him the choice. "I choose a physical rather than magical, or all-out battle."

"Excellent. Change forms and we will begin."

Michael shifted without bothering to strip, leaping to the attack as his body was still reforming in hope of having the advantage of surprise.

Raphael felt a jarring impact as his body hit the polished hardwood floor. The boy was strong, heavy, and determined to do everything he could to make it a true challenge.

Raphael used his momentum to roll away from his attacker. He regained his feet in a blur of speed. He crouched, edging sideways, fangs bared as he looked for an opening in Mike's defenses. He was large and muscular, with traditional markings. His strength was obvious, but he was clumsy, and there was no subtlety to his fighting style. Every move was telegraphed in advance, giving Raphael plenty of time to move out of the way.

Raphael was not clumsy. He trained for years with Wolven to move with fluid efficiency born of experience and power. Not the slightest movement was wasted. He dashed in, ripping with his fangs, only to slide out of reach before Michael could close and use his heavier build to an advantage.

In the end there was no contest. Raphael closed the fight by grabbing Michael's neck ruff and throwing him on the ground hard enough that everyone heard his bones crack against the floor. Raphael dived forward, his jaw closing against Michael's throat too gently to draw blood, but firmly enough that the other man held utterly still.

"Do you submit?" The words were m.u.f.fled by the thick fur and skin that filled Raphael's mouth.

"Yes."

Raphael loosed his grip, backing away from his fallen foe as he licked the blood from his fangs. "Michael Santiago, for your own good you have agreed to leave this territory. Arrangements have been made for you to go into intensive counseling to help you in dealing with the one-sided mating bond that you have formed. You will only be allowed to come back to Boulder for the Founder's Day celebrations and one other holiday of your choosing. Before each visit you will check with your psychiatrist and the Boulder pack administration so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Do you understand and accept these terms?"

It took three tries before Michael could roll over onto his belly and rise to his feet. His back legs were not working properly, as though sometime during the fight there'd been an injury to his spine. Even so, his voice taut with pain, he spoke clearly enough that his words carried through the crowd. "I do."

"I claim right to court Cat Turner exclusively for six months. Does anyone gainsay me?" His golden eyes locked with Ahmad's dark gaze. "Are you satisfied that justice has been served, Councilman?"

Ahmad smiled and let out a small chuckle. "I would say that you've handled it all remarkably neatly. Not a single misstep. I, and I speak personally and on behalf of the council, am delighted delighted to offer congratulations to you on your triumph." to offer congratulations to you on your triumph."

Raphael sensed the trap in the polished words. His golden eyes narrowed, and he had to fight not to snarl.

But the councilman continued, making sure that his words reached every ear in the room. "Am I to a.s.sume that in this this at least, the customary rules will apply?" at least, the customary rules will apply?"

Raphael started swearing inwardly. He could see Cat's confused expression, but he didn't dare take the time to share the information with her even mentally. His whole focus was on Ahmad. When he spoke, his response was perfectly civil. "Of course." He gave a somewhat ironic bow to the council member and padded to the center of the gymnasium. Martin had made it to his feet with Daphne's help. Michael had dragged his injured body to stand with his parents at the edge of the stage.

"There are two more minor items that need to be dealt with." He licked some more of the blood from his lips. "First, Martin Black, while you have declined to challenge me in open court at a pack meeting as is proper, you have deliberately sought to undercut my authority, and have fostered seeds of dissension within my people. I won't tolerate it. You and your spouse have twenty-four hours to get out of my lands. Your sons can either stay or go at their pleasure. Peter Black remains welcome in this pack. But know this, if you you ever set foot in my territory, for any reason, I will consider it a challenge to my authority and will act accordingly." ever set foot in my territory, for any reason, I will consider it a challenge to my authority and will act accordingly."

There were some gasps among the crowd, but more than a few grim nods.

Raphael continued. "Anyone " His eyes settled on the cl.u.s.ter of Holly's sister, Jasmine, and her husband, Max Black, both of whom supported Martin "who is not willing to submit to my rule, and my decisions as to what is good for this pack should join them in leaving. Because I will not allow anyone anyone to put my people at risk." to put my people at risk."

He padded back to the stage and leapt up on it in a single, graceful bound. Turning, he faced the crowd. "And last, before we close, I want everyone to know that pack credit will no longer be accepted at Jake's Burger Joint. All existing accounts are to be paid in full, in full, with cash or certified funds, by no later than three months from this date. Any cases of true hardship can be brought by pet.i.tion to me personally, but know that they will with cash or certified funds, by no later than three months from this date. Any cases of true hardship can be brought by pet.i.tion to me personally, but know that they will not not be looked on favorably." He glared at a few individuals in the crowd, who each hung his head in embarra.s.sment. be looked on favorably." He glared at a few individuals in the crowd, who each hung his head in embarra.s.sment.

Raphael announced that the meeting was ended. Cat waited at her seat as the spectators filed out of the gymnasium. Holly went over to join the few people who had approached the stage to offer Raphael congratulations on his promotion. Cat knew she should do the same, but she simply could not seem to gather enough energy to manage it.

"Cat." Cat turned at the sound of her name. Tatiana had left Michael's side and now stood on the opposite side of the table. She was beautiful in a black designer suit and pearls, her silver blonde hair worn loose so that it flowed across her shoulders. For the first time since Cat had met the woman she didn't didn't smell of anger or jealousy. "I want to apologize to you, and thank you." She swallowed hard. "Betty made a mistake. She thought there was as signed release authorizing her to discuss the situation with me. I don't have that excuse." smell of anger or jealousy. "I want to apologize to you, and thank you." She swallowed hard. "Betty made a mistake. She thought there was as signed release authorizing her to discuss the situation with me. I don't have that excuse."

Cat didn't answer. She wasn't sure what to say. She could only guess how hard it must be for this woman to swallow her pride and humiliate herself.

"I owe you my life, and the life of my son. I won't forget it." She turned and left before Cat could answer, walking over to where her husband was helping support her injured son. Cat watched her go. And when Lucas mouthed die words "Thank you" over the top of Tatya's head, Cat managed to give him a smile.

"Are you ready to go?" Ivan asked.

"G.o.d, yes. Get me out of here."

"Good. Raven is taking us out the back way. Just in case."

WHEN THE HOTEL phone rang the next morning, Cat groaned and rolled over. phone rang the next morning, Cat groaned and rolled over. Go away! Go away! Didn't whomever it was realize that she'd been up until almost two in the morning? She was Didn't whomever it was realize that she'd been up until almost two in the morning? She was tired, tired, d.a.m.n it! d.a.m.n it!

The ringing stopped, for all of a minute. When it started up again Cat threw the covers off and, grumbling mightily, grabbed for the receiver.

"This better be good."

"And good morning to you, Cat." Ivan sounded awake, alert, and d.a.m.n it, d.a.m.n it, amused. amused.

"Good morning is an oxymoron."

He laughed at the joke. "I have your birth certificate and the t.i.tle for the automobile you requested. We will come with the limo to pick you up in a half hour."

"The movers aren't due at Ned's until one o'clock."

"If you truly insist insist on going to Boulder, it is better if we arrive early. It is always safer to do the unexpected." on going to Boulder, it is better if we arrive early. It is always safer to do the unexpected."

"Fine, fine. I'll meet you downstairs at seven."

"Again, no. Wait in your room. Answer the door for no one but me, and use your nose. Voices can be duplicated much more easily than scents."

Cat wanted to argue, but she didn't. Ivan knew what he was doing. He'd been chief of security for Charles for as long as she could remember. Nor could she honestly claim it wasn't necessary. But she hated it. Just as she had hated the necessity of the endless self-defense cla.s.ses her parents had insisted upon. She trusted his expertise. Eventually Cat would arrange it so that Ned's property became a veritable fortress, with high, electrified fences, video and audio surveillance.

Until then, she needed to stay away from the pack as much as she could. It wouldn't be easy. There was still Holly's change and Ned's movers to deal with and, of course, the courtship. Still, she'd do the best she could.

Truthfully, she was looking forward to starting the fake life. First thing tomorrow she was going to pack her things and get ready to leave the hotel. Once the stores opened she'd need to change her appearance and get a picture taken for Charles to give to the expert who would create her new driver's license. With a valid license she'd have everything she needed to set up a bank account and start applying for the corporate cleaning jobs. She'd need to learn how to switch the file Jack hid, as soon as she found it. Then, she needed to pick up used furniture, and set up her new apartment.

Once she had a place to work, she'd begin getting the materials to start the replacement file. In short, she had enough work to keep her busy for days days without a single pack or romance-related crisis. The thought was positively refreshing. The bulk of today, however, would be spent up at Ned's. And while she hated to admit it, Cat was very glad that Ivan, Raphael, and Raven would all be there with her. There were too many enemies lying in wait for her. The constant, unrelenting pressure was pushing her very nearly to the limit. But she held on, stubbornly determined not to give up. Because she'd found something worth fighting for in Raphael. Between the two of them they without a single pack or romance-related crisis. The thought was positively refreshing. The bulk of today, however, would be spent up at Ned's. And while she hated to admit it, Cat was very glad that Ivan, Raphael, and Raven would all be there with her. There were too many enemies lying in wait for her. The constant, unrelenting pressure was pushing her very nearly to the limit. But she held on, stubbornly determined not to give up. Because she'd found something worth fighting for in Raphael. Between the two of them they would would defeat Jack, defeat Jack, would would find a way to have a life together. She just had to be strong until then. find a way to have a life together. She just had to be strong until then.

With that Cat got up and started the bath water running to get ready.

At exactly seven o'clock there was a knock on the door to the suite, followed by Ivan's voice saying, "It's me."

Cat started for the door and stopped just short. She called out, "Just a minute. Be right there." Then she stepped just to the side of the door and bent down to the crack, taking a deep sniff. Raphael was there, but she heard heard two people. Whoever was with him was wearing that d.a.m.ned cologne. There had to be a way to check the ident.i.ty of the man at the door without putting her eye to the peephole and two people. Whoever was with him was wearing that d.a.m.ned cologne. There had to be a way to check the ident.i.ty of the man at the door without putting her eye to the peephole and inviting inviting a bullet to the brain. a bullet to the brain.

Use your telepathy, Jack suggested.

She started and b.u.mped her head against the wall. d.a.m.n it! I really really wish you wouldn't do that. wish you wouldn't do that.

He chuckled. Which is, in no small part, why I do. Besides, I have to see how your training is progressing. I want you to be a challenge. I don't don't want you to be want you to be too too good. good.

Whatever.

Don't take that cavalier tone with me! I won't stand for it! Just as I won't stand for your coupling with Ramirez. I saw you last night. Saw Raphael's "challenge" with Inteque's puppy. I saw you last night. Saw Raphael's "challenge" with Inteque's puppy. Believe me, Believe me, when when I I decide to fight him for you, decide to fight him for you, he he will be the one to crawl, and beg before I kill him and feast on his entrails. will be the one to crawl, and beg before I kill him and feast on his entrails.

You don't want me. You want Fiona. I I am not Fiona. am not Fiona.

He paused and she heard his voice shift again, to the sane suaveness she'd heard on the television. No. If you were Fiona, you'd be safe from me. But you you will never be safe, Cat. Not as long as I draw breath. Perhaps I need to remind you of that. will never be safe, Cat. Not as long as I draw breath. Perhaps I need to remind you of that.

Jack withdrew from her thoughts then, but before he did she got an image of where he was. He had been standing on the porch of a log cabin, staring out at an expanse of desert as the sunrise painted the cloudless eastern horizon with shades of lavender and pink.

"Cat, are you all right?" Ivan's voice came through the door clearly, with just the right note of concern.

Cat sent a tendril of thought outward. Raphael and Raven Raven were on the far side of the door. They'd left Ivan out at the car. Tricky. Very tricky. were on the far side of the door. They'd left Ivan out at the car. Tricky. Very tricky.

I'm fine, Raven. Good morning, Raphael. Cat answered in both of their heads simultaneously. She'd never tried it before, but it seemed to work just fine. Sorry for the delay. Jack dropped by.

"What?" Raven's shout through the door was loud enough that Cat flinched in pain, since her face was still plastered against the wood. Raven's shout through the door was loud enough that Cat flinched in pain, since her face was still plastered against the wood.

She heard Raphael's reply to his son. "Jack's a telepath. He 'visits' Cat for fun."

She could hear Raven swearing under his breath as she grabbed her purse and the leather trench coat she'd bought to replace the ruined biker jacket. She paused briefly at the mirror. The black turtleneck and matching jeans emphasized her figure, but the color was harsh. She looked older, and more than a little strained. Then again, it'd been a rough couple of weeks. A little more makeup might help compensate, but the boys were waiting. So she opened the door and stepped out into the hallway.

This morning Raphael was dressed in faded blue jeans that clung to his legs like a second skin, the fabric worn and soft looking. He'd left the first three b.u.t.tons of his blood-red cotton shirt undone, showing just a hint of tan, muscled chest. His denim jacket matched the jeans; its red plaid lining picking up the colors from the shirt as well.

She had to touch him, needed to bask in the warm scent of him, to feel the tingle of electricity between them. Last night had frightened her, more than she'd like to admit. Things could have gone so badly for him. As it was, she'd felt both his anger and his hurt at how very many of his people had no faith in him. He would fight for them, die die for them if it came down to it. But somehow it wasn't enough. for them if it came down to it. But somehow it wasn't enough. He He wasn't enough. Raphael hid his pain well, beneath a hard exterior and jokes filled with black humor, but she'd seen what was behind the curtain. And while she'd take the hurt from him if she could, she didn't know how. wasn't enough. Raphael hid his pain well, beneath a hard exterior and jokes filled with black humor, but she'd seen what was behind the curtain. And while she'd take the hurt from him if she could, she didn't know how.

She went to him, putting her arms around his waist, laying her head on the warm skin of his exposed chest. She listened as his heart sped up, reveling in the scent of the emotions rising off of him. Yes, there was the musk of l.u.s.t, but mingled with it was the scent of bread baking and cookie spices. Those were the scents of love. Even if she hadn't read about it, she would know. She needed this, needed him. him. She couldn't have stopped herself if she wanted to; and she She couldn't have stopped herself if she wanted to; and she didn't didn't want to. want to.

With that thought everything seemed to fall into place. She suddenly understood about Michael, and Fiona, and even, in some dim way, understood the root of Jack's madness. It was inexcusable, but it made sense. sense.

Raven gave a discreet cough. Raphael laughed, leaning down to give her a quick kiss before saying, "We'd better get moving. Charles and the others are waiting."

Cat leaned back to look up into Raphael's eyes. "Uncle Chuck and the others?" the others?"

"The Chief Justice wanted to set up a secure meeting before he left town," Raven explained. "The limo is large enough, and private, and the drive should give us enough time for the discussions we need."

"Oh." Cat stepped away from Raphael, feeling the magic stretch between them, as though it was reluctant to let him go. "Wish I'd known. I'd have dressed better."

"You look fine." Raphael gave her a rea.s.suring smile.

Raven led. Cat followed, with Raphael bringing up the rear. Both men stood guard in front of her in the elevator, causing the elderly couple who rode down with them no end of heart palpitations. Cat knew because she smelled it heard heard it, loudly enough that it set her stomach growling, reminding her forcibly that she hadn't eaten in a it, loudly enough that it set her stomach growling, reminding her forcibly that she hadn't eaten in a very very long time. long time.

They pa.s.sed through the lobby without event, stepping out from under the awning into the early morning sunshine. A gleaming black stretch limousine pulled to a stop in front of them. Yusef climbed from the driver's seat walking around the front of the vehicle to open the limo door as Cat stepped up to the car. She took a deep sniff and a quick look before climbing inside to join Lucas and Charles. Raphael and Raven followed her. Ivan was next. Cat was relieved when the car door slammed, because even a stretch limo could only hold so many powerful Sari. The scents were almost overpowering, and Cat felt magical energy crawling painfully across her skin. Raphael had slid a pair of sungla.s.ses on.

"Will Councilman al-Narmer be joining us?" Lucas asked politely.

"No." Charles didn't bother to hide his annoyance. "The councilman accomplished his mischief last night. He's on his way to stir up trouble elsewhere. Some days I truly wish he weren't such a superb superb councilman for his people." councilman for his people."

"His people often wish the same." Lucas smiled, and Charles chuckled. Cat could see ages of history between Uncle Chuck and the Wolven chief pa.s.s in a look.

"Good morning, Cat." Charles was fully smiling now. Cat heard the motor of the car turn over, felt the vehicle shift as it started moving and Yusef pulled it into traffic.

"Cat, gentlemen, we're here regarding Jack Simpson. Jack killed Cat's family and turned her. He is insane. We all know he needs to be put down. The problem, of course, is Jack's 'insurance policy.' Cat and I have spoken at length after ensuring Jack was unable to read her thoughts I'm likewise shielding this conversation. She has convinced me that she has a workable plan for neutralizing that file."

Charles continued for some time.

Every question and comment was discussed at length. In the end, all agreed that, a.s.suming the original file could be found, there was a good chance it would work.

"Raven, you are technically on extended leave. People would expect you to stay in Boulder because of your father. It is the perfect cover. While I dislike imposing on your rest, I see no way around it, and I expect the two of you to cooperate completely completely with each other." with each other."

Cat opened her mouth to protest. Charles silenced her with a gesture. "Cat, your life is in constant danger. I do not not intend for this plan to fail in the event of your death. I trust my great-grandson implicitly. He is the absolute intend for this plan to fail in the event of your death. I trust my great-grandson implicitly. He is the absolute best best we have. This mission will not, we have. This mission will not, must not must not fail." fail."

Great-grandson... But she thought that... "Fine," Cat agreed. But she thought that... "Fine," Cat agreed.