Warming The Cold One - 7. Politics and a Summer Home?

The three men leave the conference room at the lycan council building. They get in a cab and head towards the not so wonderful motel a few miles away. No one speaks for the entirety of the ride. The whirlwind events at the senior council meeting have left them feeling dazed and confused. Once they exit the cab, Tala and Jay enter their motel room and crash down on the freshly made bed.

“I don't like this.” Jay turns towards his mate. “That was way too easy.”

Tala looks angry still. “I agree. I think I know what they are going to do. We need to act fast and we will need Toby's help if we are to pull it off.”

Tala gets up and walks over to the door that separates the adjoining room. He knocks softly and waits for Toby to answer. “Tala, that was fast.”

“I need your help.”

“Anything, you know that.” Toby tried to make sure Tala really understood that he would give anything to help his son's mate. “What can I do?”

“I need for you to find me a relative that is at least 50% American and a suitable politician.”

Toby looked confused. “We have weeks before we have to think about that.”

“No, we don't have that long. I think Tala is right on this.” Jay walked over to the door next to Tala. “We know the council moves things at their own pace on things they want to delay. When they want something, it happens very fast. What happens if Tala gets the call tomorrow that the charter was amended? How long do you think we would have to choose someone?”

“I think they want to make sure I fail at finding someone to represent the American clan. I am the clan head, so I am whom they would say has to be on the council. That also means that I cannot ever form a pack, find an heir, or be with my mate. As soon as I was gone, they could do what they did before.”

“I understand now.” Toby took a second to think. “I'll call a good friend of mine and see what I can find for you.”

“Thank you Toby. I am going to rest for a bit. Please call Jay if you hear anything.”

“I will.”

“Yes, we will have the amendment proposal on the floor of the general council by the end of today. No need to worry Master Taj. He knows nothing about his clan members. His failure will shame not only his clan but Master Tobias's clan as well.”

Vukasin hangs up his phone. The plan is coming together perfectly. By this time next year, the clan will be in such turmoil as to be ripe for a Himalayan coup d’état. It always ran better with one clan doing the ruling. Those Americans were too soft when they were ruling.

Jay awakened Tala about 9am the next morning. He turned over to face his mate and noticed he looked excited about something. “What has you so happy today?”

“Toby found someone!”

“Wow! Who did he call?”

“Ghostbusters?” Jay gave Tala a silly look. “I don't know who he called. All I know is that he got a name of someone that would be perfect for the job. We are to meet with Toby at 10am to discuss it more.”

Tala got up and took a shower. The hot water is doing wonders for relaxing his body. He dries off and gets dressed. Jay hands him a cinnamon roll and coffee as he sits down at the makeshift kitchen table. They talk for a few minutes before there is a knock on the adjoining door.

“I gather that Jay told you I got a call last night.”

“Yes, who did you call that you got an answer so quickly?”

“I called Master Rolf's son Storm. He works as an aide for his father and has access to the records we kept of how we kept the American bloodline pure.”

“Why did he pick this guy?”

“He gave me a list of about one hundred know American clan wolves that are at least 50% pure-blood. I then researched them and came up with a gentleman by the name of Björn Chase. He is a 70% pure-blood and a constitutional lawyer for the state of Maryland.”

“Does he know he's lycan?”

“Yes, but records show his clan markings are a bit muddled and his transformation is weak. He is a free agent pack wise. His original alpha died twenty years ago and he never joined another pack.”

“I will need to see him.” Tala looked serious. “He will solve multiple problems if he is the one. I'll need a pack license though.”

Toby laughed for a second. “I took the liberty of filling out the form for you. All you have to do is sign here and at the bottom.”

“It's a quick flight from here. I agree that we need to see him soon.” Jay looked toward Toby. “How long do we have these rooms booked?”

“Another week. I didn't know how long the council would take.”

“Toby, it says I need two council signatures down here if I am not breaking off an established clan pack.”

“You are a clan head and so am I. You have the right as appointed by the council to sign for anyone in your clan to start a pack. Hell, you will be deciding who will be the councilmen for the Americans. If you look, I already signed on behalf of Rolf. I doubted they would let us get anywhere near him.”

Tala's eyes perked up. “Perfect! I believe you are right about that as well. I still sense a bit of betrayal coming from one of the councilmen.” Once he signed the form, he turned to his mate. Jay, grab your coat. Toby, we will be back late tonight. I'm going to start a pack.”

A commuter jet, with two finely dressed men, lands at Baltimore-Washington International Airport. They head out front and hail a taxi. “Take us to the Fidalgo Building on West 14th Avenue.”

“Isn't Mr. Chase's office on 18th avenue?”

“Yes, but I want to use a building I know. My manager had me sign papers there before and I know the layout well.”

“Okay, I think I understand. Are you worried about his reaction?”

“Not at all. I want a secluded office for the pack ceremony.”

“Huh?” Jay looked over at Tala with surprise. “Why do we need that?”

“For a clan heir, you really need to watch what your father does sometime. I have taken some time to read the books he gave to me to for when I was tired and restless. He knew I was way out of my league and needed all the help he could give.” Tala took a sip of soda water before continuing. “When you turn someone, they are already your pack by default. When your alpha dies, if the pack continues, your allegiance will continue with it. If you leave the pack, you must forcibly break the link to the group. It is very painful and would normally mark you as rouge. Rouges don't rejoin packs easily.”

“So that means what for us?”

“Well even if Björn is openly welcome to joining my pack, it comes at a price. He is required to have the link created again and submit to my control. The records show it is hard to handle for someone that hasn't had a link for as long as he has.”

The cab stops at a three-story office building. The pair gets out and pays the driver. Right inside is the reception desk. The receptionist recognizes him. “It’s Erika isn’t it? It's good to see you again. Is the second-floor clear as I requested?” Erika nods. “Wonderful! If we need anything, we will call.” They continue over to the stairs up to the second floor. Once there, they survey the layout. There are three conference rooms and a large media area. They step into the largest of the three rooms and push the table to one side. A large mat is spread over the open space.

About twenty-five minutes later a man in his late thirty's comes up the stairs looking nervous. Tala meets him on the landing. “Welcome Björn. I am Tala and I am the one that asked you here today.” Tala ushers Björn into the large conference room and offers him a seat. “Before we begin, I want to ease any worries you may have. What I am about to ask you is your choice. The first might be painful for you but the second is the job of a lifetime. I will give you the chance now to walk away. If you do, you will not remember you even were here.”

“Your call piqued my interest. My law firm has been hard up for business and the promise of a full days pay just for showing up was impossible to turn down. I will hear you out Master Tala.”

“Excellent, your senses are still very acute. You have been without the link for fifteen years or so. As you have guessed, I am indeed Master Tala. Many in the world would see me as my former self, Oliver Taylor. I have told my manager that I am on a long vacation in the remote parts of the Pacific Northwest, which is true, but he does not know that my career is over. The news is not released yet, but the council has ruled that the American clan is revived. I am the named clan head. My full title is Master Tala, American Clan Head, and Order of Five Winds and Bearer of the King’s Crest.”

Björn's face drops. He is staring at Tala in disbelief. “But, that's not possible.” Tala removes his shirt and allows Björn to see the King's Crest on his shoulders. “Amazing! Yes, I will join you Master.”

“That was fast, and I am honored to accept your request. You are my first. I hope to have others in our bloodline join as well.”

“If I'm your first, then who is he?” Björn points at Jay whom is sitting by the window.

Jay stands up and walks over the others. “I am Jason Wilson, heir to the Celtic clan. I am also Tala's mate.”

“Talk about royalty.” Björn laughs a bit.

Tala laughs for a second. “Yes, you could say that. We will tell you all about that later though. For now we have another issue to discuss.” Tala waited for Björn to nod he was ready. “It is well known that the council has seats for the four families and a wildcard seat selected by the general council to replace the lost bloodline. As we speak, a motion is on the general council floor to amend the charter to return the council to just seats for the five families now that our bloodline is restored.”

“Huh, what do you mean our bloodline? I just realized you said that before already.”

“The American bloodline never really died. Other clans to insure we did not really die out protected our ancestors. The Celts did a great service by insuring that as many strong wolfs continued on. You are in fact more American than I am. I am only about 40% pure where you are 70% pure. That is why I want to offer to you the council seat.”

“Master? A seat on the senior council?”

“I cannot do it. I must be free to continue building my pack and reestablishing the American clan to its former glory. I will do everything I can to help you. The more American packs I can get together the more powerful you can be as a councilman.”

“I don't know if I can do that.”

Jay speaks up for a second. “You are a great lawyer. The senior council was entrusted with upholding the charter and ruling as a group in accordance to the laws. You are perfect for that job.”

“Thank you, Sir Jason.”

“Please, call me Jay.”

“Very well Jay. I am overwhelmed by your request. May I have time to think about it?”

Tala thought for a moment. “Yes, but think fast. As soon as the charter is amended, they will call for the representative to be named. The council moves slow only when it wants. There are council members that want this done fast, so I have to be locked into doing it.”

“I understand. I will think fast. Thank you.”

Tala and Jay got up and left Björn to think. They came back thirty minutes later. “It is my duty to never force someone to do something I feel would be harmful. With that said though, my first request is not an easy task.”

“Agreed, but I wanted it the moment you told me who you were.”

“Okay, please join me on the mat once you have undressed. I can offer these more comfortable shorts if you are shy.”

“Since I see you have the connections of the Celtic clan, I am sure you know my transformation was always weak. I was always ashamed and that is why I broke from the new alpha.”

“We will deal with that later. For now just kneel down in front of me. I want you to close your eyes and clear your mind of everything.” Tala put his hands on Björn's shoulders and started to whisper in an ancient language. He felt the temperature of the room change a few degrees and switched back to English. “Björn Chase, do you submit to me fully and completely?”

“Yes.”

“Do you feel my wolf on your mind?”

“Yes, but I can't get my wolf to let it in.” Björn felt weak.

“That's okay my pup.” Tala pushed his wolf spirit harder toward Björn. In his mind, he saw the wall the rouge wolf spirit had created. He closed his eyes and pushed one last time.

Björn screamed violently as he crumbled to the mat. “It hurts so much. Make it stop!” Björn writhed in pain as Tala exerted his control over him. “Please Master, please make it stop.”

Jay looked on in horror. He had to leave the room.

A few never-ending minutes pass before Tala looked down at his new pack member. “It's over Björn. You can stand up now.”

Björn slowly opened his eyes. He felt Tala's mind just at the back of his head. He relaxed as the once familiar calm was restored in him. He started to cry. “I never thought I would ever feel the calm again. For fifteen years, I have always felt alone. Even with my wife, I was never happy.”

“Do you think your wife would ever want to be turned?”

“She is small part Saharan and very small part Celtic clans. She always told me that she would never want to feel the loneliness I have felt. But now, she might be open to it.”

“Jay, can you come in here for a second?”

“Yes, my love? Is it over?”

“The hard part is over, but can you check his markings?”

“My marking are shameful. They never really did anything but make a dark patch on my side.”

“Well not anymore.” Jay pulls out the mirrors that Tala brought, hands one to Björn, and positions the second so that he can see his back. “Your markings are a bit clearer now. I can feel your wolf spirit coming alive.”

Tala smiled. “I believe that it was part of the secret that you were really more wolf then others. They held you back. Now I have released those bindings and you are allowed to be as strong you should have always been.

“Wow! I belong somewhere.” Björn starts to sob and lies down on the mat to cry happy tears.

“Jay, call Toby and tell him that the four of us will meet him in Mason tonight.”

“Four?”

“We need to pick up Björn's wife on the way to the airport. She needs to see just how happy her husband is now.” Now let us get dressed and get ready to fly back.

“It is has been moved and seconded to call a vote on the matter of rolling back the senior council amendment returning the circle of five families. All in favor?” As the yea votes rolled in, Faolán is a bit sad; his days on the senior council are over. “The motion is passed.” He takes a deep sad breath and continues. “As the wildcard member of the senior council, I wish to thank all of you that supported me in that role. As of now, I will return to my regular council position for my clan and pack of origin. A call will go to the newly appointed American clan head to bring his representative to us within 3 days. This meeting is adjourned until that time.”

In a small office, a phone call goes out. “It has begun Master. He now has three days to find someone or else he is forced to take the seat himself.”

“I am pleased Vukasin. As soon as he is shown to be just a weak pup, we can start to plan the takeover.”

At Chase’s home, he is trying to explain the morning to his wife. “Lisbeth, I know that is a rapid change, but I think this the break I've been looking for.”

“Honey, I know you are excited. I am just not sure I can handle moving. I mean Seattle is nice and I always enjoyed visiting but we just paid off our house. Plus, what about your clients?”

“Honey, I haven’t had a serious client in months. I will lose nothing by leaving the practice and can refer anything out to other firms.”

Tala interrupts the couple's discussion. “I have a solution for you. Do not move to Seattle. You will have the use of a corporate jet for meetings and you don't need to be in Seattle to embrace your new pack.”

“Tala and I will be a little busy finding others for the pack for the new few months,” Jay interjects. “Also, we plan on having a lot of sex.” Tala blushes a bit. “We did not come to you for the purpose of changing your whole life.”

“I just assumed that I would have to move close to my alpha.”

“No, if that was the case then you could never be on the council. You will be welcome anytime you want though.” Tala looked out the window of the plane as they got close to Mason again. “I do ask that if you choose to accept the change that you stay with us for a few weeks so that we can help you. Having just done so not too long ago, I remember just how hard it is to adjust.”

Lisbeth takes a second to pick her words before she speaks. The thought of become a true lycan scares the crap out of her. “Thank you for the offer. I have a lot of thinking to do first. If I do decide to take the change, I will let you know.”

Tala sees in her heart that she is truly in doubt about things. “I will be here anytime you need.”

A few hours later, The four land back in Ohio. Jay greets his father and turns to their guests. “Lisbeth and Björn, I want you to meet my father. This is Master Tobias Whelan, Leader of the Celtic clan. Dad, this is Björn and Lisbeth Chase.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you both. I see that Tala has recruited you to his newly formed pack. I have to say I am so happy he was able to convince you.”

“Master Tobias, I knew the moment I saw him that he was going to be my new alpha. I was so happy when the calm returned. I spent fifteen years alone in a crowd. Had he not asked me, I might have begged him.”

Toby nodded his head. He is very charming. I take it he also asked you about the main reason he sought you out.”

“Yes, and I have yet to make my final decision. My wife and I discussed it a little bit on the plane but I am still a bit torn.” Björn's face showed the complete quandary he was in.

“As I told you before, I cannot force you to take the position. I still have time to find another if I need.”

Lisbeth looked at her husband's confusion and whispered in his ear. Björn's face contorted for a second and then he looked back at his wife. She nodded to him and then licked her lips. Björn blushed and turned to Tala. “My wife thinks I should do it.”

Jay started laughing and nearly fell out of his chair. “Only if you change,” Jay tried to say without laughing some more. Toby and Tala looked at each other and started laughing too. This got Björn blushing deeply. Jay got his breath back and continued what he was saying. “Since he has taken on a pack and his spirit is a bit more energetic, you might not want to push him too hard. Just ask Toby what happens.”

Toby looked over at his son and scowled. “I know you think you are funny, but it was not a place anyone should have to be.”

Björn turned to Jay. “I agree with Master Tobias. Not cool to joke about that.” Jay looked down at the ground. “I do thank you for looking out for my wife and I.”

“I have been thinking about it now for a while. Even before you showed up, I was thinking there had to be a way to cure his loneliness. Now I see just how happy he is. I couldn’t find a way with a pack. Can he do it, or is it better if one of you does it?”

Toby knew exactly what she was speaking of and quickly answered. “I think it best if either Jay or Tala does it. The best really would be Tala though. Jay is still kind of between packs and it might muddle things a bit.”

“Honey, are you sure?”

“Yes, I am sure that this is the right thing to do. Once you are assigned to the council, we will take a trip to Seattle and plan to spend a couple months there. I think we can plan of having a summer home there.”

Toby speaks up again. “I know just the place to have your home built.”

Björn looks over at Toby. “I don't think I can afford to build a house.”

“You don't have to.” Toby turned toward Jay. “I am giving a large chunk of land to my son for his new pack. I do believe that it is customary to have your alpha build your house.”

Jay stared back at Toby. “Huh? What do you mean a chunk of land? New pack?”

“Yes my son. As soon as Tala took his first new pack member, your alliance changed to him. I thought you knew.”

Jay looked worried. “No, I can't say that I did.”

Tala turned toward Toby. “How much land are we talking about?”

“Well I am giving your clan all my holdings near Julia Butler Hansen Refuge.”

Jay exclaims, “that's over 100 square miles!”

“I want to make sure you have enough space. You are not far from the ferry to Westport and a town if you need supplies. I was going to sign the papers when we got back.”

Tala smiles. “Björn, I guess I'm building you a summer home.”