Chapter 143
Lucas’s POV
I gently pressed my hand against Harper’s shoulder to ease her back against the mattress. “You, stay. I’ll get the door.”
As soon as I turned the doorknob, I was met with matching glares from both Mason and Nora. Their expressions were painted with a mixture of shock and concern that sent my stomach churning in knots.
I could only imagine what they needed to tell me. There again, I was pretty certain that I already had a possible idea. There had been multiple witnesses in the dungeons when Harper had lost control of her abilities.
No one—aside from Mason—knew about the power transference. What the pack was most likely informed of was that there was a witch who was willing to help heal Harper.
Yes, if I had to guess, I would say that one of the guards ended up spreading word around about Harper’s ‘moment’.
I addressed the pair with a raised brow. “Yes?”
Nora spoke first. “Sir, is Harper really okay now?”
“Nora?” Harper’s soft voice called from behind me.
I gingerly stepped aside and let her in. Nora made a mad dash over to Harper and threw her arms around her. The two women held each other in a warm embrace.
It really was a heartwarming scene to witness. I was glad to see that there was someone, aside from myself, who truly cared for Harper’s well-being. I tried not to let my mind wander toward the thought of her family, knowing that it would lead to a bigger migraine.
“I was so worried about you,” Nora whimpered into Harper’s shoulder.
“I’m sorry. I promise, I’m doing much better now,” Harper responded softly. I caught her wary glance before turning back to face Mason.
His look of mild panic does nothing for my nerves. “Alright, give it to me straight.”
“Sir, word has gotten out about Harper,” he stated. “It’s not just about her current physical state...They’re talking about what went on down in the holding cells.”
I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose. “I had a feeling something like this would end up happening.”
I was so wrapped up in getting Harper out of the dungeons that I had completely dismissed the notion of ordering the guards to keep their mouths shut.
“I blame myself, Sir,” Mason said mournfully. “I should have been more adamant about keeping a wrap on things.”
I shook my head and clapped a hand down on the Beta’s shoulder.
“Mason, there’s only so much you can do. Honestly, it’s not as though we’d be able to keep Harper’s treatment a secret forever. The woman was practically at death’s door. And it’s not as though I kept the situation quiet.”
I was a force to be reckoned with when I first brought Harper back from the mission. I barked and snapped at anyone who tried to get in my way. When I finally had somewhat of a plan in action, I practically made the grand announcement that my mate was dying...
But beyond that point, everything’s been kept tightly under wraps for a series of reasons.
“What are people saying exactly?” I dared to ask.
“The word that’s spreading around at the moment is something along the lines of Harper not being who she once was. She’s ‘different’.”
“I see.”
“And, Sir...I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to fend off the council. They’ve tried summoning you twice since this morning,” he informed me. “They’re demanding your presence back at the hall. They want answers.”
I cursed under my breath. “Rightfully so.”
While Harper’s life was no longer in active danger, that didn’t necessarily mean that all was well. Now, we would be facing a whole new slew of threats. Like Aurora had mentioned, there would be people who would want Harper for her abilities, and then there would be people who would view her as a threat.
Half of the people who sat on the Council never took much of a liking toward Harper. I felt like they tolerated her on the grounds that she was an exceptional healer and for the fact that she was my mate.
But what would the general consensus turn out to be if and when the truth became public knowledge? Would they accept Harper as the new Mater Luporum? Or would they hunt her down for fear of possible subjugation?
Watching Harper tear through the minds of those captives was all the proof one would need in order to prosecute her. She could single-handedly overthrow the entire Council, and there wouldn’t be a thing anyone could do to stop her.
“She’ll be seen as a threat. They’ll come after her,” Levi snarled.
No. I wouldn’t let that happen. Not when I’ve fought so hard to keep her. I refused to let anything more happen to her.
I had to go to the council and try to divert their attention. At least for a little while. Until Harper could meet with Aurora and learn how to fully control her abilities.
“Notify the council. Tell them that I will be coming to speak with them presently.”
Mason left, leaving to turn and head back over to Harper.
“Is everything alright?”
“I’m afraid I’ve been a little remiss in my responsibilities when dealing with the council,” I told her lightly. “My presence has been requested and I can no longer deny them.”
“I’ll come with you,” Harper said.
I shook my head and gave her a firm look. “I don’t think so, sweetheart. I’m insisting that you remain here for the remainder of the day. Don’t worry. All I’m going to be filling them in on are a few details regarding the mission.”
To no one’s great surprise, the board of council members was less than thrilled when I finally entered the hall. They each wore an amused scowl that demanded a clear explanation for my actions and behavior.
As I approached the center of the circular space, I bowed forward. “Good evening, council members.”
“Alpha Lucas,” one of the elders spoke with firm indignation. “Surely, you can understand why we’re all rather appalled by your recent mannerism regarding the pack’s affairs.”
“Indeed, I am,” I said promptly. “And for that, I would like to personally apologize to all of you for my misconduct. These past few days have been rather intense, to say the least. However, I am more than prepared to fill you all in on the details.”
“You may proceed.”
“We’ve managed to apprehend several Domain guards, and were successful in one of our main goals: to free anyone who was being held captive within the Domain’s walls.”
A litter of muttered approvals echoed off the walls.
“And what about casualties?” someone shouted out. “How many men have we lost?”
I gave the elderly man a hard glare. “Thankfully, none. The only severe casualties were those of the opposing side. Those of my pack who were injured have already received treatment and are on the mend.”
I could feel the topic of Harper rising in the air. I hid my anxiety beneath my perfectly curated mask of indifference.
“As for the captives, they have all been thoroughly questioned and are still being held in our holding cells.”
“What information have you discovered thus far?”
“We figured out that their boss goes by the stage name of the ‘Master’. From what we’ve gathered, this person is not like anything we’ve ever encountered.”
