He said as much to Marcus, and the Lycan kept quiet. He was known for keeping his counsel close to his chest, and although he listened to his Principal Elder and dear friend, he thought it wise to keep his opinion to himself.
“You still keep quiet?” Salem noted shrewdly, almost as if he could read the Lycan’s thoughts.
“My words would not change what has occurred.”
Salem stopped and looked at Marcus. “Would they help an old friend who worries they aren’t doing the best thing for their child?” he asked pleadingly.
“Her brother is losing patience with her wallowing. Tegan avoids her at all costs,” Marcus answered heavily. “You try not to upset her, but when you do reprimand her, it’s in regard to a sister she wants no relationship with. Her family are cautious around her, she has no sense ofnormal. The only one who has not changed how they treat her is, remarkably, Sloane.” Marcus shook his head. “He dissolved the betrothal, which I think Zahra actually expected, but apart from that, he acts no differently towards her.” Marcus looked at Salem, knowing the next words would wound. “Her family needs to do the same.”
“You are different with her,” Salem replied defensively as he looked out over the grounds, his exasperation at the situation punctuated with a loud sigh.
“I found her,” Marcus answered soberly. “I don’t think my wolf will ever allow me to be anything but gentle with her.”
“So I’m handling it wrong.” Salem rubbed his hand over his face. “I wish Mikayla were here. She needs her mother, she hasalwaysneeded her mother.”
“Youare enough, Salem, you just need to move past the disappointment that you feel.”
“Pregnant at seventeen,” Salem bit out angrily. “To a human.”
“My understanding is that she thought they were incompatible,” Marcus answered uncomfortably. “She thought since we are immune to human diseases, impregnation was also something her Akrhyn body would be immune to.”
Salem stared at Marcus and then turned to the doors of Headquarters. “That’s…ridiculous.”
“She is seventeen. Which other Akrhyn does she know who have left our community and lived with humans?”
“She’s seventeen, Marcus, she isn’t stupid!” Salem felt his temper rising. “Are you sure?”
“It is what she told me.” Marcus put his hand on his friend’s arm, stopping his movements. “I would calm yourself before you address this with Zahra.”
Salem closed his eyes in annoyance, willing himself to be more composed. “I need to ask Michael,” he admitted with a rueful shake of his head. “I don’t think I can have that conversation with her.” Catching the look on Marcus’s face, he realised this is why Marcus had been quiet. “Michael can talk to her about the pregnancy, and I will try my best to benormal.”
“I suggest you just be honest.” Marcus’s comment hung heavy between them as the Lycan walked into Headquarters, leaving the Principal Elder out in the cooling afternoon air.
Salem knew he should follow. He knew he was failing his daughter by being reticent about talking about what had happened to her. He rubbed the back of his neck ruefully as he thought about it. That wasn’t true, hehadspoken to her, in great detail about what had happened to her the night she was taken. He had not spoken to her about the humanboyshe was in a relationship with. He had not spoken to her about how she felt about what happened to her, what she had left behind.Had she evenhadanything to leave behind?he wondered idly.
They had removed her from the school, but no sooner was she here than her grandmother allowed her to be abducted. The fact that his own mother had recently been compromised and killed was another thing he had yet to face fully. Salem fought another sigh. He was sighing more than an adolescent, and it did not sit well with him. He prided himself on his clear-headedness, his straightforward approach to running his Headquarters and his life, his no-nonsense attitude. Even so, it was well-known to many that it was his children which gave him the greatest joy, but as he stood in the cold afternoon daylight, Salem wondered if he had toldthemthat recently.
“Principal Elder?” Kallie asked as she approached him. Kallie admired him as she got closer. He was a good-looking male, with his dark hair, deep blue almost violet eye colour, and firm jaw; it was no wonder his offspring were also attractive.
“Kallie.” Salem smiled at her in welcome. “You practicing your archery?” he asked as he gestured towards her bow.
“Yes, Principal.” Kallie half raised her bow. “Elder Marcus has added more objectives to my lessons.” Kallie stopped herself from rolling her eyes, but Salem gave her a knowing look.
“Your father has also added more training to your schedule,” Salem reminded her. “Commander Bryce has been very vocal in regards to your skill, Kallie.” Salem smiled at the young female as she flushed with pleasure at the praise. “Your dad is right to be proud of you. I’ve seen your practice sessions; you will be a strong Elite Sentinel for this Headquarters.” Salem paused. “Of course, where you prefer to guard is your choice, which the Great Council will take into consideration when they assign you.”
“I would be stationed here,” Kallie told him eagerly. “My family is here, I have…friends here.”
Salem was pleased. He liked to keep the trainees in his own Elite Guard if he could. “You seem to have bonded well with my daughter,” Salem noted. “Tegan needs good friends. Thank you, Kallie.”
“For what? Liking Tegan?” Kallie laughed easily. “Tegan’s easy to like, she has absolutely no pretence and says itexactlylike it is. She doesn’t care about who’s what kind of Akrhyn. She’s soopento everyone, it’s”—Kallie frowned as she thought of the right word—“refreshing.”
“She is indeed open,” Salem agreed with humour as he thought of his daughter’s constant questioning. “A littletooopen, sometimes.”
“Well, they always say if you don’t want the truth, don’t ask!”
Salem’s humour sobered a little as he glanced at the Headquarters before turning back to the young Akrhyn. “Did you need me for anything?” he asked, and seeing her face change, he knew exactly why the young female had approached him.
“Yes—”