Revenge of the Witch

over the table to grab the impudent man. “No one calls us fairies. We are the Fae, you inbred,” he growled.
“Inbred…who are you calling inbred? I am a shifter, you ignorant oaf.”
The king jumped up onto the table and grabbed the man clean out of his seat, lifting him until he held the scrawny man by the scruff of his neck.
“Let me go…I meant no offense. I thought it ironic, that’s all. You’re a powerful giant, more like an ogre than the Fae.” He struggled with the king’s hands that gripped his shirt collar.
Steel bolted up, along with Alexander, ready to restore order and intervene should they need.
“For Christ’s sake, Zayn, get off the damn table before it breaks, and let go of Robert. We do not have time to bicker like children. This will get us nowhere,” Steel commanded.
An undercurrent of impatience, agitation, and distrust filtered out across the remaining faces of the striking men and women. Zayn released his hold on Robert and leaped down to resume his seat and grunted. Robert stared at everyone, smoothed his shirt and bowed before his audience before he resumed his position. A dazzling smile broke out across his face as he gave a sideway glance at the stunning blonde next to him, who offered him a glass of water, which he sipped.
Ella assessed the room and wondered how they would be able to work together if they couldn’t even have a civilized conversation.
The Assembly formed the government for the supernatural races. There were strict laws to ensure a peace remained between the various sects and clans, but there were rumors of internal disquiet and unrest. Everyone focused on Steel, who held a natural command. All except the fine-boned, pale lady who sat quiet at the other end of the table, with her vivid blue eyes and serene face firmly fixed upon Ella.
Ella blinked to disconnect the ethereal beauty’s enchanting gaze. Lady Tenille was the leader of the Ancient ones and her name meant “She who brings light.” The woman reminded Ella of the Goddess Ariana in looks and composure. Needing air, she pushed the window up to let the cool bite from the early November air swirl around inside. Several seagulls screeched as they flew in circles in the endless pale-blue sky. The overwhelming scents in the room weakened and the throbbing inside her head receded as voices roared and shouted behind her.
“We need more than idle words! We need proof and we need to know that we are safe here,” the vampire shouted.
A movement at her side and a squeeze at her shoulder let her know her husband—her lifeline—Marcus stood there. He hadn’t missed her discomfort, which didn’t surprise her. Being mated soul-shifters, they were in tune with each other’s thoughts and emotions, when they didn’t block each other. A simple touch from him and her body leaned into his. The swift desire for him to caress her everywhere thrummed deep inside. She gave an innocent smile, but her cheeks flamed. His tender brush across her cheek and soft smile acknowledged the fact he knew of his effect on her.
Are you okay?
She spun around, the nausea forgotten, and Marcus wrapped his arm around her waist, drawing her against his side. For a moment, she closed her eyes to absorb his vitality, and the rich earthy scent of him, which surrounded and grounded her. His presence settled her more than any medicine or fresh air ever would.
You make me better.
He cupped her face and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. Ever since her abduction and Nate’s delivery, Marcus’s protective instinct kept him on base rather than traveling on missions. His love for her and their son filled her heart. Losing Nate had almost torn them apart, but after they mated, they put aside their differences to stay together, determined to bring the Elusti down. Discovering their son alive healed the rift between them. But since Nate’s return, Marcus’s demeanor shifted. He was always good at keeping secrets—it stemmed back to his Navy SEAL training—but when she studied the chiseled cheeks and trimmed beard, a wave of guilt rose inside, and she couldn’t fathom why.
“We are here to find the answers everyone seeks. Alexander is to work alongside us, unofficially, of course, but the bottom line is we have to work together. Your enemy is our enemy. They are one and the same. The situation commands our attention above all else, and I give you my word that you’re safe here.”
“Fine words, Steel, but not everyone is focused. Your second-in-command cannot keep his hands off his woman while we are discussing war. Is this all that stands between us and destruction? I have serious concerns that remaining part of the Assembly and attempting to create this treaty is the best option for my people.” Roman glared at Ella.
Marcus stiffened next to her, but he didn’t release his arm from her waist. “Are your remarks aimed at me, helping the reason we’re here? My focus is on formulating a plan that will safeguard my family, like the rest of you. Just because I’m not sitting down doesn’t mean I am any less committed to finding an answer than you. Ella isn’t simply my woman; she’s my wife, the mother of my child, an agent of Orion, and the very reason this meeting is vital. We are soul-shifters and we have been hunted throughout history. My firstborn was abducted by the Elusti, only months ago. This group, led by the Padre, namely Mr. Larry Stein, is the enemy we face.”
“How do you know this?” Roman asked.
“Steel has proof. I have more reason than most inside this room to put an end to this infernal threat that hovers over us, and I won’t stop until we have a solution. I want our families and loved ones to be safe. In that, we are all