A few days later I jolted awake, startled by the ringing announcement of my phone that Razeth was calling. I picked the phone up and answered it breathlessly, my heart still racing. "Yes?" "Be outside in ten minutes with Sias. I'm flying in." I blinked in surprise by the order, my ears picking up on the sound of wind and the beat of Razeth's wings as he flew. "Yes sir. We'll be waiting." Confirmation I had been heard was with a click of the phone as the call ended. "Remind me to ask him how he keeps that earpiece in when he's in his dragon form," Sias stretched beside me, yawning as he stroked his clawed fingers through my waist length hair, "Ten minutes and he'll be here, huh? And he's flying." His ears had easily heard the sounds on the other side of the call, as well as Razeth's order. "Well, I guess we need to hop to it then."
"Hm... eavesdropper. But yeah, the wolves being here on his land unannounced must have importance if he's flown in so soon." Quickly kissing him, I got out of bed and dressed myself in my rural attire. I put my hair up in a high ponytail as I walked outside and sat on the top step of the porch to wait for Razeth's arrival. Dressed in a long-sleeved flowing white shirt, flowing green pants, black fingerless support gloves, slim black leather boots, as well as his black and white chest plate armor and shoulder guards, Sias sat down on the porch next to me and waited.
Razeth landed in front of us as he transformed into his demon form, dusting away the dirt he stirred up landing as he spoke. "Rural attire, good. We're meeting the wolves soon. Though they showed up a bit earlier than I expected but then again, I should have known the earthquakes would have them coming ahead of schedule. They are in need of a new representative for them in court, so they've sent a clan here to ask you," he motioned to me, "If you'll be their new representative since you're a prominent wolf demon here. They would also like the clan they sent to stay here, if you agree to become the new representative, which would also make you their leader. You're their best chance."
"Really?!" Sias and I exclaimed together, shocked by the information. "Wait... Wouldn't that make her the leader of all the clans, not just the one they've sent here?" Sias asked seriously as he continued to process the information, all the while rubbing my neck as I sat beside him speechless. Razeth nodded in agreement. "Yes, it would make her the leader of all the clans. It would also make her a high-ranking member of the court and a middle-ranking member of this territory. The clan given to her would also have the highest ranking among the clans she'll be representing."
I looked at both men, taking a deep breath in to calm my overwhelmed nerves before speaking. "I'm willing to accept the offer for their sake, though I'd rather not be treated any differently. My concern is where will they live, will they adjust, will they be accepted? Is the land you gave me possibly big enough, Razeth? I remember reading in my studies that the clan lives around their leader." Both Razeth and Sias looked around my land thoughtfully, before Razeth answered my questions calmly yet confidently. "The clan that was sent here is small and from the coastal border so they'll adjust easily. They should be accepted without much difficulty. As far as the land goes... Yes, I believe your land is big enough for them. I'll gladly allow you to expand it as needed." Sias nodded in agreement. "Yeah, they should do fine. Another question that needs answering though," he looked at the dragon nervously, "How will they respond to Ali having me as her suitor? The wolves haven't exactly seen eye to eye with us dogs in a long time."
"Hm," Razeth scratched his chin thoughtfully before answering, "They want a leader who will do right by them and help bring them back to their former glory. I believe Ali can do that for them, and more, which is why I agreed to let them come here and ask her if she would. For all I believe she can do for them, they would be wise to accept you as her suitor, otherwise they will have to find someone else to lead them. This would also be a good chance for both kinds to reconcile and form good bonds once more. I believe you can help them do that, Sias. You treat everyone equally no matter their status. You care for all of our kind, as well as humankind ," He looked at the young couple sitting in front of him, "You would both make great leaders." We smiled sheepishly from Razeth's words of praise, both of us bowing in thanks and respect for him, humbled by his confidence in us. "Thank you, Great Dragon." We said in unison.
"Hm," The dragon nodded, "Now let's get moving." With his command issued, he walked away from the house and into the woods, not having to look back to know we were following close behind.
Arriving at the wolves' encampment a short while later, the trio was quickly ushered to the main tent that housed their elder and negotiator. "Great Dragon Razeth, a pleasure seeing you again," The Elder wolf demon spoke warmly and bowed respectfully, "Young Ali, and your friend?" The Elder bowed once more while inquiring. "My name is Sias. My family owns and runs most of the fish markets in the coastal territory. I own and run the one in this area. Ali is my inamorata. We have yet to set a date for when we'll become mates." Sias answered the Elder as he wrapped an arm protectively around my waist, further proving his claim. He relaxed slightly when I nuzzled his neck affectionately, also proving the claim.
"Yes, Sias is my soon-to-be mate. We have known each other for several years and only just last year were able to announce our commitment to each other for everyone to know. You should have known this since you were seeking me out as your representative and leader." I stated matter-of-factly while smiling to offset my tone. "Ah, yes. Forgive this old wolf's lack of preparedness. We were in a rush to get here." The Elder smiled kindly, silently amused by our forwardness.
After several hours of negotiationing, the trio bowed to the Elder. There were a lot of changes about to take place. I accepted the wolves request but I had to do more studying before they would formally accept me. Even Sias had to study before being accepted. It would also give their pack time to get to know us. Razeth would continue to talk with the Elder as time went on and plans continued forming. I stepped out of the tent and looked around the encampment. My pack would consist of four adult wolf demons, three adolescents, five pups, and six non-demon wolves. It would give my pack a total of eighteen members. And they consider that small... Wow. I sighed quietly and sat on the ground, stress and anxiety over my decision beginning to weigh on me.
Sias stepped out of the tent a few minutes later and helped me to my feet before hugging me tightly, having picked up on my unsettled scent. "It'll be okay, love. We'll do this together and we'll do fine." He told me quietly as he led me back to our home. "Razeth said we could leave." I nodded and followed along silently, my mind still reeling. As soon as we entered the house, I striped down to my undergarments and curled up in bed, quickly falling asleep; the long day of negotiations and decision-making having worn me out.
A/N: Inamorata is an Italian word for a female lover. Sias's family is originally from, though not named in the story, Italy. His dog form is based off the Italian Cane Corso. In a previous chapter I mentioned a cat demon named Saya, and stated she was from the snowy motherland. This is a reference to Russia during the winter.