Beauty's Beast - By Jenna Kernan Page 0,82

but tendered an offer that Sebastian was welcome in his camp and guaranteed him safe passage.

At sunrise, Samantha’s father, Sebastian, the War Chief of the Skinwalkers, arrived at their camp. He was escorted to Alon, who had slept little and was now organizing the fifty-some surviving Ghostlings to bury their dead. Just entering their camp showed his courage, for many here hated the Skinwalkers for their hunts of newborns.

Alon met him before the gathering of the Betas, Gammas and the new Delta Pack. Sebastian again requested that Alon and four others of his choosing accompany the Skinwalkers to council that evening.

“Who wishes our company?” asked Alon.

“I do. My people do.”

“But not the Spirit Children?” asked Alon.

Sebastian blew out a breath. “My son has convinced the council chiefs that it is safer to have you as an ally.”

“Than an enemy?” Alon finished.

“You are invited to meet with both Niyanoka and Ianoka. It is my hope you will accept.”

“The last time I spoke to your son he told me that we were not welcome here and that he could not prevent his people from killing mine. Now that we have won the battle for him, he invites me to parlay.”

“Your actions have proved us all wrong. We owe the victory to you and your people.” Sebastian followed this with an inclination of his head, a salute of sorts.

“Nagi is defeated. The Spirit Children and the Skinwalkers have no more need of us and we have none for them.”

The gathering muttered their approval of this.

“I am grieved,” said Sebastian. “But I will deliver your message.”

Alon waited but the great bear did not depart. At last he spoke again.

“I am in your debt for guarding my daughter and for saving her soul—all of our souls. Should you ever need my help or assistance, you need only ask.”

“I have one request,” he said, wishing he could ask about Samantha but knowing he could not. He had hurt her enough already. “Please tell our parents, Cesar Garza and Bess Suncatcher, that we love them and respect all they have done for us, but we are not returning to them. From here forward, the Ghost Children will gather our own orphans and raise them. We will teach them what they must know.”

“If that is your wish. I will deliver your message.” Sebastian continued to speak, raising his voice so the others could hear. “So with respect, I ask that you tell the Ghost Children that the Skinwalkers are your allies. Those who formed vigilante groups to attack your young will be brought to justice and their cowardly actions condemned.”

Alon turned to the gathering. “Objections?”

None spoke so he turned back to Sebastian, also raising his voice to be heard. “We will respect your word, Sebastian, for we saw you fight bravely while the Niyanoka hid behind their earthen wall. We accept the alliance with your people. Tell them that we will teach our descendants to respect the Balance and not to hunt the Skinwalkers, even when they are in animal form. Tell the Niyanoka, if you care to speak to them, that we will not attack the humans they protect. But we have no accord with them and advise that they keep their distance.”

“I will tell them.” Sebastian offered his hand.

The men shook. Alon was surprised at Sebastian’s grip and the fierceness in his eyes. Alon knew Sebastian would make both an imposing ally and a terrible foe. The War Chief of the Skinwalkers turned and left the camp, alone as he had entered it.

Aldara moved to stand beside Alon. “Are you sure you don’t want to see her again?”

He gave her an exasperated look.

“But she said she wants to see you.”

“She’s a healer and I reap evil ghosts. It’s over.”

“But she’s—”

He held up his hand and she stopped speaking. Silence stretched. His arm dropped heavily to his side. After several ragged breaths he managed to find his voice, but it was a weak and strangled thing.

“She told me.” He swallowed back the self-loathing. “She wants to use her powers. If she stays with me, they will banish her, too. I can’t do that to her. I want her to find her true soul mate. Can you understand? That’s not me.” His head hung. “It can’t be.”

Now it was Aldara’s turn to fire off a condemning stare.

“Are you coming with us?” he asked her.

Her jaw was set and her eyes blazed with blue fire. “No, I’m not.”

“Aldara, he doesn’t want you.”

She glared. “I know that. I’m not going