233Pronunciation notes: Kai Thaina- Kai rhymes with sigh; Audacia- Ow-dak-ia (It's a classical Latin pronunciation, it means 'recklessness' or 'boldness' in Latin. I'm just finally getting some use out of my major.)
Chapter Two: Pack Politics
"Are you a complete idiot?! 'I let her go'? 'I let her go'?!" Alinora raged, "What in hell possessed you to do that?"
Her black hair lashed behind her as she paced in front of her throne. It wasn't actually a throne- Alinora hadn't had a throne in centuries. But the effect of the imposing armchair was much the same.
"I didn't think she was a threat, Kai Thaina. She was terrified, and besides, who would she tell? She has no contacts in the Underground," Vexin defended himself, all too aware of the eyes of his packmates watching him.
"You willfully put the security of this pack on the line."
"My apologies, Kai Thaina."
"Not good enough," she snapped.
"I'll fetch the human girl," Brandt stepped forward, failing to conceal the smirk at Vexin's misfortune. Vexin and Brandt had hated each other for over three centuries.
"No!" Vexin exclaimed, "Brandt is not…good with humans. If someone must be sent, send Justus or Phaedra."
Brandt snarled, fangs bared.
"Silence!" Alinora barked.
They looked at her.
"Vexin's right, Brandt, you do lack a certain finesse." It was Vexin's turn for the ill-concealed smirk.
She surveyed the room, her gaze resting on the blond werewolf lounging unconcernedly by the window.
"Justus, you retrieve the girl."
Vexin relaxed slightly; he would pity anyone, human or otherwise, in Brandt's custody.
Justus stood and bowed, perhaps a little ironically. He could afford to be, he'd long been one of Alinora's favorites.
"At once, Kai Thaina," he smiled.
Vexin grimaced, Justus was sometimes too aware of the privileges of his handsome face and charming manner.
"Vexin, I don't suppose you bothered to learn her name, or where she lives, or anything remotely useful," Justus intoned.
Vexin glared at him, "She drives a 1987 Toyota station wagon, license plate TCS-281. Phaedra shouldn't have any trouble looking it up."
Phaedra nodded, her curls bouncing. "It won't be a problem."
"Good. See that the problem is taken care of," Alinora snapped, "Dismissed."
"Yes, Kai Thaina," the assembled werewolves murmured, and quickly took their leave.
Vexin stalked out of the room, his tail figuratively, at least for the moment, between his legs. He retreated back to his rooms in the east wing. The estate was owned by Lunar Inc. which was, in turn, owned by the Audacia pack, his pack.
He flung himself onto the bed, his mood black. He growled when a knock came.
"Vexin, it's me! Quit sulking."
It was Justus. Vexin groaned and rolled over, realizing as he heard the handle turn, that he hadn't bothered to lock the door.
Justus entered, "She's just giving you a hard time. Alinora will have forgotten it by this time next week, if not sooner."
"I know, it's just the principle of it. She just exerts her power to put me in my place," Vexin grumbled.
"Us, not just you. And you know why? She's getting weaker, Vexin," he lowered his voice. "She's afraid of being challenged. And she might be right to be afraid, too."
Vexin looked at him.
"It's occurred to me as well. But I don't think now's a good time to discuss it."
"Mm hmm…so why didn't you bring the girl in?"
"I don't know! She just caught me off-guard- there was no way she could've recognized me for a wolf. Besides, she isn't dangerous."
"Just because she's not dangerous, doesn't mean she's not a danger. You know that. I think you let her go because you like her."
"I do not!"
"Ah ha! You do!" Justus pounced, landing heavily on Vexin.
"Get off, you stupid mutt!"
And with that, they were wrestling like puppies.