Fox Fate by Robin Roseau Read Free Book Online Page B

complete privacy."
    "Well, I can imagine the conversation," Carissa said. "You are wondering how large an army you may bring." She laughed lightly, and the sound warmed me, still, even without the blood thrall. I shook myself to dispel the effect.
    "We trust you," Lara said, "But we are concerned some of your guests may not be as reliable."
    "Of course," Carissa said. "Tell me: are you bringing your little darlings?"
    "Actually," I explained, "We thought perhaps you would care to meet them in a less hectic setting. We haven't figured out when exactly that that might be."
    She paused just a moment. "That would be lovely," she declared. "And they are a little young to appreciate New Orleans. Perhaps we can discuss possibilities when you're here. Alpha, I presume you do not wish to bring an entire army, but you should bring as many as are required to feel safe. And perhaps one or two of your council members would like to accompany you."
    "You anticipate us well," Lara said.
    "I do this every few years, and it is always very well-attended. A few more will hardly stress my hospitality. If it were just to be the six of you, I could host you here in my house, but if you bring more, I have a lovely piece of property I can loan to you. I will send you those details, and I'll also include a list of other choices if you decide to make your own arrangements."
    "This is very generous, Carissa," Lara said. "This is a big step for us, and we need to talk to our full council about it. We haven't done that yet."
    "Well then," she said, "I will consider this a tentative acceptance but won't tell Deirdre until I hear further. I know she would love to see all of you. I believe she will have some interesting things to discuss with you, Michaela."
    "Oh?"
    Carissa laughed again. "I will say nothing further. Consider that conversation extra incentive when meeting with your pack council."
    I glanced around the table. "Carissa, that's all we had for now, but I suspect Elisabeth will want to coordinate with you as it gets closer."
    "I look forward to it. Now, I have one minor request."
    Lara stiffened, "Yes?"
    "This is a costume event, of course, and I prefer frightening costumes in keeping with the tradition." She paused. "There are prizes for the best costumes."
    "I don't know if anything we can manage will be prize-worthy," I replied. "But we'll seek to avoid disappointment."
    "I will be delighted to have you, regardless," Carissa said. "Was there anything else?"
    "Not tonight," Lara replied. "Thank you, Carissa."
    We hung up, then the six of us looked around the table. "Well," Elisabeth said. "Now what?"
    Lara glanced at her own phone, checking the time. "A little late," she said. "We'll need to call a council meeting."
    * * * *
    The council meeting consumed hours on Saturday. I stayed out of the debate, and Serena was quiet as well. Camps divided fairly evenly between those who wished the pack to remain isolated and those who wished a more aggressive approach, with several on the fence. Lara let the debate progress, mediating only when people grew dogmatic or repetitive.
    When we weren't getting anywhere, I spoke up. "May I ask some questions?"
    Several of the council members smiled. Over the years, my questions tended to steer debate towards the conclusions I wanted, but this time I really didn't know the answers.
    "Is there a business advantage?"
    "Violet, do you want to address that?" Lara asked.
    "There is," she said, "but it is no different than any other connections we might make. Of course, we're talking about one of the top vampire queens on the continent. I imagine the atmosphere will be somewhat rarified." She paused a moment. "But the risk is high. I personally am not considering business opportunities in deciding whether I feel we should attend, but if we do attend, then I wouldn't mind making contacts."
    "So yes, but not enough to drive the conversation?"
    "Yes, that's a good summary." She looked around. "Does anyone wish to offer