Chapter 7: Alpha Rising

Dimitri Everest knocked on the thick mahogany door before entering. The back room at Shades belonged to the Paranormal Council, and one just didn't barge in without permission unless he wanted their head handed to them. Dimitri wasn't sure how Jed explained the secret room to the humans who frequented Shades, but no human, except perhaps Gavin Covington, had ever made it past the door to see what was on the other side. Dimitri heard the click of the door being opened, admitting him, but no one stood on the other side. Dimitri took a deep breath as the tingle of magic raised the hairs on his arms as he slipped through the open doorway. The door closed on its own just as it had opened as soon as he stood inside.

Sconces on the walls flickered flame light, casting dark shadows on the walls and floor, but still brought enough light that he could see the three people sitting at the round council table taking up the middle of the room: Talquin, the alpha of the vampires, Agatha Rochester, who represented the witches even though she no longer led them, and Jed Hawkins, not only owner of Shades, but also alpha of the major panther tribe in Draven Falls. Dimitri felt as if he had been summoned to the dean's office and was about to be expelled. He was sure by now everyone had heard how he defied his father, rebelling against his own alpha's wishes. Disobedience was frowned upon, he had been taught that from an early age. An alpha's word was law, no matter what. He would be cast out for his defiance, ostracized. That was fine by him; he was ready to go.

"Dimitri, please, come and take a seat," Agatha gestured to one of the chairs beside her, her tone inviting, welcoming. Not at all what Dimitri expected. She was an older woman, probably nearing sixty if Dimitri guessed correctly, with short gray hair and dark blue eyes. Her frame was thin, almost frail looking, as if a stiff wind could blow her away but Dimitri heard enough stories to know those looks were quite deceiving. Agatha Rochester was a witch to be feared if crossed, which made him wonder why she no longer led the witches. Why would the nine covens shun the woman who had the Ancients' ears? "And please, do take that scowl off your face," Agatha said. "I assure you, nothing is wrong. We just have a proposition for you."

Her words did nothing to assuage Dimitri's nervousness. Still, he took the offered seat and sat, his hands clasped in front of him to keep his trepidation hidden. "A proposition?" he repeated, leaning forward a little on the table. "What kind of proposition?"

Talquin, leader of the Paranormal Council, settled his dark, powerful frame back in his chair and turned to Jed, allowing the panther alpha to lead the conversation. Dimitri followed Talquin's gaze and waited for Jed to tell him why they summoned him, his curiosity now outweighing his nervousness.

The older man shifted in his seat so he faced Dimitri head on, running a hand through his graying hair. "Drey told me that you were struggling with Fitzgerald's marriage and the way it came about," he said, and then he quickly held a hand up, stalling any denials by Dimitri. "Don't be upset with Drey. He didn't come running to me like a gossiping school girl. He was there when all this came about and knew we needed someone and thought you would be the best person for what we need." He took a deep breath and continued. "For the record, I tried talking your father out of an arranged marriage for your brother, but my protests obviously fell on deaf ears. I can understand your reluctance to hang around Draven Falls and be a part of the family business." He offered Dimitri a sympathetic shrug and a smile. "However, the Council has been watching you, and Drey speaks highly of you. We think we have a place where you can make an impact and take control of your life if you're willing to hear us out."

Talquin nodded as he faced Dimitri, who did his best to sit still in front of the vampire. No one knew how old Talquin was, but he was one of the actual founders of Draven Falls, not one of the founders' descendants, and he was ancient even then. "You may not be aware, but we have created a sanctuary in Florida, a community called Bull Creek," Talquin said. "It's a refuge for anyone who needs a place to seek haven from the world and its prejudices. The residents have been abused in one way or another, betrayed by those they trusted. The current alpha of the community is, shall we say, lacking in the equality aspect of his role. We would like you to replace him."

Dimitri stared at the dark vampire, his brows pinched together as he studied the other man. "An alpha? Does he know he's being replaced? Does it even work that way? I've only ever heard of the position being inherited or won through a challenge."

"Usually, that's how it's done, yes, but this is a different situation. This isn't a pack or tribe so much as a community." Then, Talquin shook his head. "And, no, he doesn't know, at least, not yet. We have told him to broaden his scope of protection, but he seems to resist our intentions for the community. He plays favorites among the shifters to the detriment of the vampires and humans, and even the witches who dwelt there have abandoned the town, no longer wishing to put up with the alpha's politics."

"The goal of Bull Creek is existence without politics," Agatha said as she leaned forward, folding her hands in front of her on the table. "You would not just be alpha of the panthers, but alpha to the whole community: shifters, vampires, humans, witches, everyone who lives there." She shrugged. "Sort of like the mayor, if you will."

Dimitri glanced around the table, studying the faces that stared back at him for what they weren't telling him. "And just who is the alpha of Bull Creek now?"

Jed sighed. "Someone who we discovered was more a follower than a leader, Neal Porter, a fox. We wanted to start with someone we deemed not a threat to anyone, so we chose a fox rather than a panther or tiger. However, reports have come to our attention that a coyote by the name of Tina Barrett possesses his attention—may even be his mate by now—swaying him against the other paranormals. Why, we don't know, but he listens to her, instead of doing his job of protecting everyone in Bull Creek."

"There's a small sheriff's department there, run by a simple man," Agatha said. "He does his part as far as keeping the normal laws, but we all know paranormals have a law unto themselves and need a special policing. We're hoping you'll accept our offer and act as our representative in Bull Creek before Tina ruins everything we intend for the community. This will be a unique place where paranormals can be out in the open for the most part, without worry. These people have suffered at others' hands. They don't need to suffer from their own kind, as well."

Talquin glanced at Dimitri, his head cocked to the side a little. "Well? Do you think you're the man for the job? You'd have free rein to do as you please for the most part, and our full support and backing. Can you protect these supernaturals from the world?"

Dimitri swallowed the lump in his throat. No pressure there. Was he ready to uproot his whole life and take on the mission of the Paranormal Council? He had already decided it was time to leave, so that question was answered. This way, he'd at least have a destination and a purpose. The Council was providing him the answers he needed, but was he ready for that type of burden. "When would you want an answer?" he asked.

Jed glanced at the others and then back to Dimitri. "As soon as you can give us one," he said, bluntly. "We don't want anyone else to leave Bull Creek. Talk it over with people you trust and then let us know. We can't wait too long. The witches have already abandoned the town." He glanced over at Talquin. "Say by the end of the week?"

Talquin just nodded as did Agatha.

Dimitri nodded, his lips pressed into a thin line. That gave him four days to decide if he was ready to change his entire life. The heat of his anger with his father had just been doused with the coldness of reality. Now, he just needed to decide.