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So it hadn’t been the most eloquent rationale but it was support and Caia would take it no matter the source In the end Lucien had coree and the Council didn’t find the proof against Marita, Lucien would make sure it was clear those pack members who didn’t support her were not punished simply because of them He told theer the pack more What they really wanted was for him to disown Caia - it was easy to read on their faces as they glared resentfully at her And no matter how selfish she kneas, she was thankful that he loved her too ht, exhausted and wanting nothing more than to sink into bed with Lucien and close her eyes to their proble with the tension of Ella’s anger at theree with her) Caia had been struck with ht to Ryder and Jaeden, the last to leave, they were stopped at the foot of the stairs by an unexpected visitor

"Saffron!" Caia yelped in surprise as the faerie appeared inches before her The faerie, though so, Caia Lucien" she twisted her mouth as she said his name Caia wondered what that was about

Lucien returned the look and nodded a welcos you here?"

Her beautiful face was pinched with anxiety as she glided past the a little apprehensive at her appearance Caia followed nu for the axe to fall

"I’m here because I found out that Caia has asked the Council to give her the right to run for Head of the Coven"

"Marion told you?"

Saffron gave her a so look "No That’s why I’m here Marion doesn’t know"

Caia blinked, sure she hadn’t heard correctly "How can she not know if you know?"

"Because Marita hasn’t told her Or Vanne"

"How does Marita know? I take it the Council found the proof?"

Saffron shook her head, her face pinched with anger "Derren has been i up and down at the"What? What the hell is going on?"

"Marita is crafty, Caia I’ve never really well, liked her She’s a different kettle of fish froht to warn you that she won’t play fair in this With Derren in prison, the Council are going to be suspicious of his whereabouts and they will probably demand a search of the Center She won’t let that happen I hope you are ready for a bloody and relentless battle with this wo about it "I kind of have to be"

Saffron sighed "Well I’m afraid Marion will not take to this news at all when she finds out She is very fond of you, Caia, but Marita has a way ofthe people close to her"

"I won’t hold anything against Marion Marita is her sister She loves her She’ll believe her"

The faerie nodded thoughtfully "I on the other hand have been around a lot longer I’ve felt this change co I will try and keep my eyes and ears open at the Center for you, but Marita has tightened her security since the Council sent in Derren"

Caia didn’t knohat to say She didn’t understand such a generous offer

Saffron laughed at her expression "You ht not have my mistress’ support but you will have enerous of you" Caia tried not to gape at her

Again the faerie chuckled but the laughter didn’t reach her eyes Her eyes were hard with deterenerous aboutin this war because I’ve always chosen the right people to fight for the winning side Quite sirunted "Well, thanks for the support nobehind it"

Saffron rolled her eyes at him "Lykans, you’re so sentimental"

"Seriously, Saffron, thank you; for the heads up, as well"

"Hone

Caia whirled around to gawk at Lucien "Can you believe that?"

He wrapped an ar her close "At least we know you have so"

"Did you ever doubt it?" she teased

"Yes"

She smacked hihing at her efforts "Just for that, no sex tonight"

"Oh coest supporter"

"No, it’s too late Da up the staircase Teasing him kept the pain of reality at bay for a while She tried not to s to keep up, at the sa to be as quiet as possible