Xavier's nostrils flared. "What about her gifts? Are we to allow them to die with her irreverence?"
The noise in the hall rose. Pack members argued amongst themselves. The dissonance among the elders would only serve to escalate the melee. Gideon stood. "I move we break and reconvene in thirty minutes. At that time our recommendation to the pack will be quantified." He shot a warning glance first at Xavier, then Artemis. Arguments among the Elders were commonplace, but they always took place behind closed doors.
Elisabeth sipped her water and sat. Thomas patted her back. "I think that went well."
"Yeah, about as well as a cheap hooker at Sunday Mass."
Miriam gasped, "Elisabeth!"
"Sorry."
Thomas held his stomach to stifle the laugh. His sister seemed to have developed a baser wit since leaving Oregon. He wondered if the blood-sucker had anything to do with it.
Isobel, Luna and Ylva approached to offer their support, but the remainder of the pack kept their distance. Some looked on with sympathy, while others registered disdain.
The Elders returned after thirty-five minutes. Anger sat heavy on Xavier's brow; the other four displayed rehearsed impassivity.
Gideon remained standing while the others sat. "Considering the recent revelations surrounding this cross-union, we believe Samantha Russell's assessment is correct. The relationship between Elisabeth and the vampire was pre-ordained and is governed by powers beyond our understanding. As such, the Elders are unanimous in recommending Elisabeth Sidwell retain her standing within the ruling pack with one caveat. She must agree to bear children. The method of fertilization is open to her discretion. All in favor, say…"
"Wait!" Elisabeth stood. "There is no need for a vote. Your terms are unacceptable."
A roar erupted from the crowd, quieting when she continued, "I am sorry for wasting everyone's time, but it has become clear that the pack is at cross-purpose with me and where my loyalty lies." She turned to her family. "I'm sorry I've failed you." With a deep inhale to squelch her emotion she left the hall, its inhabitants stunned into silence.
The Elders, save Xavier, wore expressions of astonishment. He, however, sported a vengeful smirk.
Her family followed to her room, attempting to soothe, and reason with her to reopen the discussion. The determination exhibited as she packed her clothes confirmed their words had been wasted. A soft tap on the door startled them. They were even more startled by the person on the other side. Artemis entered the room, acknowledging each inhabitant with a nod. "I wonder if I might have a private moment with Elisabeth?"
Her family scurried out after she nodded approval.