The compound where the Council would convene was about a three-hour drive from the pack border. Noah, Sean and Lillian had taken one of the pack's vehicles while Elle, Amanda and Arthur drove their own.

The compound was deep in the forest. Noah had said the forest was neutral territory, but that Arthur owned the compound itself. It was a massive, walled-in area, the size of two football fields. Several buildings rose here and there, unexpectedly modern.

The mountains stood like majestic giants just beyond the compound. It was colder up here. Peaked roofs and glass walls made the buildings a seamless blend between mountain cabins and modern villas.

The greenery inside the walls of the compound was not left to run wild; stone paths criss-crossed through the grass, trees were contained to the edges of the compound, and flower beds designed to form pretty shapes around the place, giving it color and character.

A pool shimmered on the side, several fountains spit water into the air, and bushes formed neat lines, cutting between buildings.

It was a mountain resort of sorts.

Elle, Amanda and Arthur were walking in front of Noah, Sean and Lillian.

Elle curled her lips in disgust as they walked through, looking around the neat gardens. "Do you own this?" she asked her mate.

"Yes."

"Why in the world did you make the forest so..." She waved her hand around, clearly not liking the view. "Lifeless. The woods shouldn't be cut into geometrical shapes and stupid neat boxes."

Amanda laughed. "You should get over your aversion to landscape design."

"For someone raised in the woods, this would not feel right," Arthur said, throwing his arm around Elle's shoulders.

Lillian looked around. She liked the view. But then again, if she'd lived in a forest all her life, this might have felt artificial, in a way.

Just then, a couple of vampires walked past them, bowing their heads Arthur's way.

They'd parked their car in a parking lot near the entrance, and during their walk to the center of the compound, they had come across several people. All immortal, of course. Lillian felt like an intruder. The majority of the looks she received made it clear others shared her thoughts.

The two vampires walked past them, and Lillian felt the chill of their gazes on her. She stepped closer to Noah.

"Try not to go anywhere on your own," he said. His amber eyes scanned the place.

"I don't have a death wish," Lillian said. She didn't like the fact that she needed a babysitter. But she was no longer in the pack. There were people here who would slit her throat simply because of her race. She liked herself alive and breathing, and she had a pair of little trouble makers to get back to.

Elle turned then and walked backwards. "If you're tired of Noah's incessant chatter, let me know and I'll keep you company. I hate these things, and I have a feeling having you around will make things more interesting."

Lillian snorted. "I sure hope not."

Elle's green eye squinted on something behind Lillian. "I think the fae delegation just arrived."

Lillian's eyes widened. She never met a fae before, not counting Elle since she was a special case. She looked over her shoulder. But they were too far away for her to have a good look at the people who'd just stepped out of several fancy vehicles. Her senses couldn't pick up on their presence from this distance.

As terrified as she was of how things would play out during their stay here, she was equally thrilled by the prospect of meeting so many different immortals.

They reached their lodging. The building contained three condos. This was where Arthur and his mate, Amanda and her mate would be staying. The third condo was reserved for Noah, Lillian and Sean. It made Lillian feel a little bit more protected, knowing the other immortals would all be staying in the biggest building in the center of the compound that served as a hotel of sorts.

"We get special treatment," Sean said as they entered their condo. It was on the ground floor, brightly lit from the glass walls, and furnished in grays and blacks and white. An open floor plan with a little kitchen flowing into the living area, a hallway leading to the bedrooms.

While Lillian checked the view of the backyard, where French doors opened to the gardens, Noah and Sean took the bags into the rooms.

Lillian took out the phone Noah had given her on the way here. It had his number, Sean's, Amanda and Jennifer's. Just in case something went wrong, he told her. She wanted to call Jennifer and check on the twins. But she knew she was being ridiculous. It was only hours since she left the pack.

"Just this once," she mumbled to herself and dialed Jennifer's number. She replied on the first ring.

The twins were fine, playing with Kate's kids. Jennifer called for them to come talk to Lillian, but Lillian heard them calling back that they were too busy.

Little heartbreakers. After apologizing to Jennifer for all the times she would be calling during the next few days, for which Jennifer laughed, Lillian hung up and went to check on the rooms.

Lillian walked down the hallway. There were three doors, one led to a bathroom. Which meant there were two bedrooms.

Lillian paused and looked up and down the hallway again. Yep. Still two bedrooms. Why did she have a bad feeling about this?

She looked into the first room to find Sean lounging on the twin size bed, his big frame filling in the space. His dark hair glinted under the sunlight coming in through the glass wall. He quirked a brow at me.

"Uh, there are only two rooms?" I asked.

His response was a wicked grin. "Yeah. I guess you and Noah will share a room." Lillian blinked. Sean's grin widened and he winked. "Best of luck, little sister."

He looked back to his phone before he could see the stunned expression on Lillian's face.

Little sister. Family.

Lillian turned, her smile threatening to split her face in half. Sean didn't know, but those two simple words edged themselves into the cracks of Lillian's heart and soothed a thousand memories of lonely nights and crushed hopes.

With a warmth in her chest, Lillian skipped to the other room. Noah sat on the bed, speaking on the phone.

This was the master bedroom, with a king-sized bed covered in pale blue satin sheets, two doors which led to the closet and the en-suite bathroom, a vanity and two plush armchairs next to a fireplace.

The pastel yellow curtains and the pale blue furniture made Lillian feel at ease in the space. She walked to the glass wall. Unlike Sean's room, this one looked over the backyard.

Her bag and Noah's bag were by his feet. Lillian decided she'd spend the night on the couch. She was shorter than the two men, so it was only fair.

She moved to grab her bag next to Noah. He put a hand on the back of her knee to keep her in place while he finished the call. His touch speared her jeans and seared her skin, setting butterflies free in her stomach. Noah ended his call and dropped his phone on the bed behind him.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"Grabbing my bag. I'll crash on the couch-"

"No." He growled.

Lillian rolled her eyes. "It's not a big deal, Noah. The couch won't be comfortable for you."

He raised an eyebrow. "We can just sleep here, the two of us."

Lillian narrowed her eyes at him. "Aha."

His second eyebrow joined its brother. "Why? Afraid of something?"

Lillian poked his forehead. "I know what you're doing. You just want me to sleep here."

"Yes, I do." His expression sobered. "If you really are uncomfortable with sharing the bed with me, I'll get a room somewhere else."

Lillian pursed her lips. She didn't want to inconvenience him or anyone else. Besides, what was the big deal? They were mates.

Lillian examined her own feelings. Her inhibitions were out of habit rather than any fear. The thought of sharing a bed with Noah actually made her excited.

Noah waited patiently. With a sigh, Lillian sat down next to him. "Maybe I'm afraid I'll jump your bones."

Noah chuckled, his cheeks lined with laughter. Lillian wished he laughed more. "You don't have to be afraid of that," he said. "In all seriousness, I will never do anything you're uncomfortable with. You know that, right?"

"I know," she replied instantly. "Okay, I guess I'll sleep here. But I don't think I'll hear the end of it from your brother."

His eyes, still crinkled at the corners, flickered to the door. "If he knows what's best for him, he'll butt out of our relationship."

"I don't care about your relationship!" Sean called from the other room. "It's as dry as the Sahara desert!"

Lillian groaned and covered her face with her hands. She forgot about their hearing. She should've closed the door.

"Idiot," Noah said, much to Sean's amusement. He stood up and plucked their bags off the ground. "Get comfortable. I'll go have a word with Arthur. The meetings will start after lunch."

He dropped their bags in the closet and went outside. Lillian freshened up in the bathroom. Just as she was deliberating whether to change into something more formal than jeans and a sweatshirt, the doorbell rang. Sean was there before her.

He blocked the view of the door, but Elle's voice was unmistakable. "Where is your sister-in-law?"

"I'm here," Lillian called, joining them. Elle stood by the door, a blond man with a neat beard a shade darker than his hair, blue eyes and golden skin loomed behind her. A vampire.

"Hey, I'm off exploring. Noah told me you might want to come along?" She stabbed her thumb over her shoulder. "The blond beauty is Charles, he's my babysitter for the day."

Lillian smiled a little. The vampire didn't react to Elle's teasing. "I'd love to come."

Sean's eyes glazed over for a moment, then he looked at her. "Your phone?"

Lillian patted the device in her pocket. "Got it."

He nodded and gave Charles a long look that the vampire didn't seem to appreciate.

"Okay! See you!" Lillian literally pushed Sean inside and got out, closing the door in his face before he did something stupid and dangerous, like provoking Elle's lethal bodyguard. Because if Arthur sent someone with Elle, they would be nothing less than deadly.

Elle chuckled as they walked down the stairs. "Nice save, Lillian."

Lillian looked over her shoulder at Charles and smiled. "Sorry, his mate is pregnant, so he's a little grumpy that he's away from her."

Charles gave her an appraising look and nodded. "No problem."

"Oh, would you look at that?" Elle said. "Charles actually spoke without sounding like his teeth were being pulled! What kind of magic is that, Lillian?"

Charles grumbled something under his breath, and Elle replied. "Awe, don't be grumpy. I know you wanted to stay behind with Irene, but that's just how life rolls around. You can't have it all."

Lillian shivered. Charles' silence felt like ice on her back. Elle's grin didn't look the least bit repentant.

They left the confines of their building and walked down a path. Immortals greeted Elle left and right, mostly vampires.

They were near a fountain when Elle groaned. A group of well-dressed men and women just turned to their path.

"Your highness!" The man in the lead called. Elle cursed under her breath but stopped. Lillian stared at the people coming to a stop in front of them. They must be fae. Their presence felt very... earthy, if that even made sense. A bit like witches, but more pure and with more power.

The group of fae bowed at the waist, and Elle looked like she'd bitten a lemon.

"Your highness-"

"Please don't call me that."

"But -" the man and his entourage straightened. He cleared his throat. "Very well. We would love to have a few words with you. The situation in Ireland-"

"Is really none of my business," Elle said with a scowl, gripping her sword.

"But your father-"

"If my father says anything else, just ignore him."

"We cannot simply ignore the king," the man admonished gently.

Elle huffed, narrowing her eyes. Lillian looked between the two. This would not end well, and they'd just been outside for two minutes. Lillian glanced back at Charles. He looked like he was enjoying himself.

"As a princess and the heir to the throne-"

Elle growled. Literally growled. Her green eye seemed to glow. Lillian slipped her arm through Elle's and gave the fae a bright smile. He had been content with ignoring her presence, but when she touched Elle, his eyes landed on Lillian.

"Elle- Ur her highness had a very tiring trip here," Lillian said, ignoring the death stare Elle shot her. Apparently, she hated being referred to as royalty. "Don't you think she should be well rested to discuss such important matters with you?"

The fae looked at Elle. "Indeed. How very inconsiderate of me." He bowed, and the rest of his company bowed with him. "I will be in touch with you later, your highness. Please pardon me."

Elle opened her mouth, her face determined. Lillian squeezed her arm. Elle huffed. "Later."

The fae moved on. Elle turned to Lillian with a raised brow. "I should keep you around. You're handy."

Lillian stepped back from the princess with a devious smile. "Of course. I'm glad to be of use, your highness."

Elle scowled. Charles coughed. "Very funny." She started forward, grumbling under her breath. "If someone calls me your highness one more time, I swear..."

Lillian chuckled and caught up to the blonde woman.

Elle moved like a warrior. Her gaze never settled in on one thing, always scanning her environment. She was the smallest immortal Lillian had ever met, so far. Lillian might even be taller than her.

The compound was growing busier. Witches, vampires, fae and shapeshifters strolled through the place or simply stood in groups.

The majority of them were armed. Lillian felt kind of silly. She was the weakest person here, physically, and yet she didn't even have a butter knife on her. Not that she knew what to do with weapons even if given an armory of them.

"The freak and the human, would you look at that?"

Lillian glanced at the origin of the leer. A male witch, accompanied by a werewolf and two other witches, stood to the side. As they walked past them, Elle kept her gaze locked on the witch who spoke. He held her eye for all of one second before looking down with a cry. Smoke rose from his boots. He danced in place, stomping his feet. Lillian and Elle walked past them, Charles looming behind.

"Nice steps you got there," Elle called over her shoulder at the witch. "You should consider tap-dancing."

Lillian bit back her laugh.

"Idiots," Elle mumbled. "I swear, it's like High school all over again. They have no idea how much like human teenager bullies they act."

"You went to a human high school?" Lillian asked.

"Yes. I lived as a human for a few years."

Lillian looked pointedly at the sword. "You don't look like someone who would get bullied."

Elle laughed. "Oh, you have no idea. But I didn't really care. It was only two years of high school, and I was worried about bigger things than caring what a few people said or stuck on my locker. But I almost got expelled, twice, when I gave one of the bullies a taste of their own medicine."

Lillian wished she could say the same. It had been more than insults and locker stickers for Lillian, still, she envied Elle's ability to just not give a damn.

But Lillian had been so lonely. She had been an outgoing child, someone who loved people and was good with them. But that trait had been snuffed out by the orphanage's director and later, by bullies in her school. She had been in a dark place then, consumed by emptiness and black thoughts.

Moving out of her old town, living with Lydia and having the twins gave her back some of her old spark. But the scars were still there, barely scabbed over, always ready to tear open.

She and Elle were the subject of several remarks and scathing looks. Lillian wanted to go back to the pack and hug her babies, to feel loved and needed. But she powered through. She kept a pleasant smile on her face and walked beside Elle, asking her about how she had lived with humans as an immortal.

Lillian was no longer that teenager. She had two beautiful reasons to cling to life, and they were waiting safely in the pack.

And Noah.

And yourself, a little voice whispered in her head.

"Damn, look! It's my first time seeing them," Elle said.

Lillian stopped and followed her gaze up. Dark dots flew up high in the sky. They fell down, growing bigger and bigger, until Lillian could make out the span of huge wings.

Winged shifters. Lillian had only read about them in Anna's books.

They flew overhead in a circle, their wingspan massive, and then they landed in the center of the compound. A group of two men and three women, wings stretching on their backs with feathers ranging from dark browns and grays and whites. Every immortal stopped to look. Lillian wasn't the only one who stared.

"You never saw one?" Lillian asked Elle as the Winged shifters folded their wings neatly to their backs. Their tops were altered to have space for the wings.

"No." Elle's eyes were wide. "Damn. Must be nice, having wings."

"I didn't know they were attending," Lillian said.

"I think they have some business with Arthur," Elle said. "I wish I could see their wings up close."

A welcoming committee of vampires appeared by the Winged shifters and led them away. Lillian turned from the sight of their wings, wondering if she would get to meet one up close, when her eyes caught something that made her blood run cold and her breath freeze.

Hazel eyes.

Lillian blinked. It couldn't be. There must be hundreds of werewolves with hazel eyes.

But the shape, that exact color, the skin tone. Everything propelled her back to the night that changed her life.

And he was looking at her like he didn't know her. Everything blurred except those eyes.

She didn't realize she was stepping back until Elle touched her arm. "Lillian?"

Air rushed to her lungs, her heart rate spiked. Panic and fear pushed her to a dark hole and dimmed her vision. Lillian couldn't control her reaction now. She turned and fled.

--- ---- ---

Cliffhanger, I know! I couldn't resist  >.<

I hope you guys are doing well! How is the new year going so far?

If you like the chapter, don't forget to vote and comment. I appreciate it!

As usual, if you notice any mistakes, do let me know in the comments. It helps a great deal! Thank you.

Much love <3

M.B.