The morning sun beat down on the gathered group, but no one seemed to notice. In the center of the pavilion sat Zina, with a scowl firmly in place. She slammed a fist down on the wooden picnic table causing the males and females to jump back fearfully. She wanted to break their necks. Pathetic, the whole lot.
"I want a plan of action now! I should've had Henry's brat under my tender care by today. Instead, I have nothing but useless followers who chase their tails!" she sneered.
"My Alpha, we've tried but we can't get a lock on their new pattern. We tried to disrupt it, but Jacques found out and changed it again." Gerard respectfully stayed out of arm's reach, careful to look at a point beyond her shoulders.
"I don't want excuses, I want results!" she roared.
"Perhaps I can be of assistance." As one, the group turned and gave the newcomer an unfriendly glare.
Zina smirked and, with a wave of her hand, had her people make way for the visitor.
"I can't believe I have a Silentshadow before me. Didn't you make some kind of pact with the Council that you wouldn't have any interaction with me, Mya?"
"My mother, brother and cousin signed it, not me. I was not asked my opinion on the subject."
"Indeed. Tell me, Mya, why shouldn't I rip your head from your shoulders?"
Zina's eyes changed to wolf yellow as she regarded the young woman before her. Mya was a pretty girl with that dark brown hair and bright blue eyes. She would hear the younger female out and then decide what to do.
Mya shrugged nonchalantly. "Because I can get you Laylah Le Croix."
Some of those present gasped, but Zina remained focused on Mya.
"And why should I believe anything a Silentshadow would say?"
Fists clenched, Mya appeared poised to strike. Zina was suitably impressed by Mya's bravery.
"Because I will not let that thing destroy my family again. My father died trying to keep that girl safe. My mom and brother are trying to rescue her from Henry. No one but me sees how dangerous she is. I want her gone and my life with my family restored to what it was."
Zina was interested. Mya was telling the truth and she didn't smell any lie. She considered her plans and how to manipulate Mya. She gave a wolfish grin.
"Here's the deal. You give me Henry's offspring and I'll spare you and your family."
Mya stared at Zina for a long time, but the Alpha didn't mind. Any good bargainer knew how to hold out for more, or when to give in and agree. She was testing the young lady's resolve.
"Agreed. I know you think me weak for not asking for more, but I'm not greedy. My family will be safe and I'm content with that. You'll find Laylah at Britta Newsome's party Friday night."
"Friday? Are you sure?" Gerard growled. His posture said he didn't trust the information or the informant.
Zina assessed the proud tilt of Mya's head. "How do you propose we get that close? The Newsomes are a powerful and affluent human family. I know the Tri-Ruler Ahdum Newsome will have tight security there to protect his only child."
Mya shrugged. "I don't know. That's not my job. I only came to give you the lead you sought."
"Yes, it is good information and you will help us get in. Alexis, grab her." She ignored Mya's protest as the Grizzly roughly jerked Mya's arm, forcing her to his side. "Take her to the community building and devise a plan to get us inside that party."
"Hey! Wait a minute! Let go of me!" Mya shouted as Alexis dragged her away.
"Gerard?"
"Yes, my Alpha?"
"Make sure that we have a distraction for Jacques as well. I don't need him interfering in our acquisition." Her eyes changed back to their normal light blue.
"Yes, my Alpha. I'm looking forward to the rematch."
She laughed nastily and rose. "I'm going hunting. When I return, I want to know how you will capture the abomination."
"Yes, my Alpha, your will shall be done."
Satisfied, Zina got in her vehicle and drove away, singing off-key to some music blasting from her speakers.