Ren shifted his gaze to Rufus and caught a short nod of approval. The Alpha was protective of his young Packmate, and Ren’s actions had earned him a point in his own favor. Ren hadn’t been nice to her for that reason, but he didn’t mind that his natural instinct to be kind to a less dominant creature was helping him forge a better relationship with this unexpected canine Alpha.
“There was a man fitting that description harassing Kat in the States. He posed as a photographer, but he never seemed to actually take any photos,” Ren told them.
The Hilliards were sitting next to Greg, and Ren motioned to them to fill in the blanks of the research they’d done previously on T.J. Cochran. The werewolves seemed particularly interested in the Hilliards’ information, and Ren added his own observations of the man.
“We’ll be looking for Cochran,” the Alpha said in a grim tone, “but we won’t put all our eggs into the single basket. We’re watching for all threats, both to your people and to our primary concern, which has always been Monty’s safety.” Rufus nodded toward Monty, seated quietly at the head of the table. “He wants you all here, though to be frank, I disagreed with the entire idea. A film will draw attention to the estate, and with you in it, Ren, it’s going to be successful. I really don’t relish the idea of dealing with your fans wanting to get a peek at the castle where you once walked.” Rufus rolled his eyes, but Ren understood the man’s concerns.
“There are bigger issues at stake here than you know, William,” Monty told the Alpha wolf, speaking up for the first time from his post at the head of the table. He used the wolf’s first name, rather than the name his friends used, which seemed significant to Ren. Apparently, Monty’s easygoing manner hid a formality carried over from his earlier days. “I agreed to this, despite the possibility of added concerns for you down the road because Lady Sonia asked.” Monty nodded regally toward Sonia, who sat at the other end of the table, which was much smaller than the giant dining room edifice but still quite impressive and definitely antique.
“Establishing myself in this realm quickly is important,” Sonia said in her musical voice as all eyes turned to her. “To that end, Lord Montague and Alpha Pepard agreed to help. Monty graciously granted me the use of his castle and lands for a short period of time while the Jaguar Alpha helped me get Ren to agree to be in my movie. Once this film hits, my entrée into the elite circles I need to move in will follow. I haven’t told anyone but Marc Pepard and Monty why this is so important, but suffice to say that I believe some of the news and entertainment fed to mortals is being subverted by dark forces. My mission is to counter that and be in position to identify which of the elite in those areas serve the enemy and who might be counted on to help our fight, when it comes.”
This was news to Ren. Everyone around the table seemed surprised by Sonia’s words, except, of course, Monty. It explained a lot, though. Ren’s mind spun out the possibilities. If Sonia was probing the media world, were there others doing the same in other parts of the mortal realm? Ren realized that Marc was probably already on the lookout for people in his realm of influence who might be playing for the wrong side in the upcoming battle. Likewise, Monty was probably doing the same. Suddenly, Ren realized the importance of the film and its role in setting Sonia up to run in circles where he, himself, couldn’t quite reach.
Ren had influence among actors and actresses, but studio owners and the decision makers that brokered the deals weren’t quite in his league. They would be much more accessible to Sonia, as soon as this film propelled her into being the next big thing among directors. Those star makers would be competing for her attention, and she would be able to pick and choose where she positioned herself among them. Smart.
Chapter Nineteen
Katrina’s tour of the castle was both amazing and a whole lot of fun. Margarete was friendly and, from what Katrina could tell, completely human. It was nice, in a way, to be around someone who wasn’t a shifter with magical abilities. Of course, Margarete knew much more about the world the jaguars moved in than Katrina did. At one point, as they explored the music room—which was more like a mini concert hall—the topic arose.
“The others are meeting them now, but some of my cousins are werewolves,” Margarete admitted off-handedly. The jaguar shifters all tensed, as if they expected an attack, and Margarete laughed. “Sorry. It’s not bad. They just wanted to keep watch while we got to know each other over dinner. I think the Alpha was also playing a game with your friend, Greg. Apparently, Mr. Mendez taught our cousin quite a bit in the ways of stealth and martial arts. Rumor in the family is that he wanted to test his skills, and how well he’d passed them on to the rest of his Pack.”
Katrina saw the jaguar women visibly relax a little at Margarete’s explanation. They were still a bit on edge, though, so Katrina took the opportunity to get some questions answered.
“So, you’re saying there are actual werewolves living in this castle?” Katrina wanted clarification.
“Only occasionally. They have homes out in the woods, mostly, but there’s always room here if some of them need a place. The Pack is led by another of Monty’s adopted sons, and he has his own domain. Basically, the human side of the family looks after the castle, and the wolf side watches the grounds, which are rather extensive,” she explained.
“Well, if they learned their stealth from Greg, they were A-plus students,” Franny said with a shake of her head. “I didn’t scent wolf at all. Not once.” She looked around at the other jaguars, who all nodded agreement.
“Greg probably knew, though,” Adela put in. “Sensei Mendez is a true master and not easy to fool.” Again, the jaguars all nodded.
“I’m new to all this,” Katrina reminded Margarete, “so please forgive me if I ask any impertinent questions.”
“Better you ask me than some of the others. Monty’s ancient ideas have sort of rubbed off on a lot of the older family members. Of course, some of them are a lot older than they look. Monty’s magic helps extend our natural lives a bit, but nothing like you shifters.” Margarete nodded toward the jaguar ladies.
“I’m just a regular human being,” Katrina said with a smile, though inwardly, she wondered just how old Ren was, and how long they’d have together. Would his magic sustain her, or would she die an old lady long before he left this earth? The thought made her sad.
“Mated to a jaguar, you will share his lifespan,” Adela said, her softly accented voice reassuring. “The Mother of All would not bring you together only to part you too early. All true matings are thus.”
Katrina hoped Adela was right as they looked at the collection of musical instruments kept in the music room, from an antique harpsicord to a concert grand piano. Woodwinds and what looked like every variation of stringed instrument were kept in what Margarete said was a humidity-controlled display that took up a large section of wall. There were also brass horns of all shapes and sizes and other instruments that could well make up a decent sized orchestra.
“Monty has always loved music. He plays all these and has taught most of us at least one instrument. Several of us play together at least once a week, to practice.”