Deception of the Wolf
by L. Shannon
Díon has spent years undercover within a dangerous group of werewolf traitors, who think that the clans should use their powers to control mankind, and take whatever they wish without consequence. Whenever possible, he feeds information back to his people in an attempt to prevent the worst of the tragedies. Lately though, he doesn't hear as much and begins to suspect that the traitors have found him out.
They have, and set him up to be killed by the very people he is trying to protect.
One lady wolf named Domari has the courage to save his life and take him prisoner with the promise of a trial. A trial that the traitors will do anything to prevent, making it unlikely he he'll survive long enough to be exonerated. Díon and Domari are both determined to find out just who is working for which side and who is behind the rash of violence.
Excerpt:
"What the hell are we going to do about them." Díon stood around the corner of the house smoking a cigarette, but could clearly hear what Sgrios said.
"We will attempt to arrange a truce, as we’ve planned." Athair answered.
"You know damn well that the truce will never hold, if it even happens. And if you have any doubts, ask Dàn."
Díon nearly snorted. Of course Dàn would know. And if Dàn said the truce would fail, then it would.
Athair said, "I talked to Dàn earlier about this. He told me the traitors will be a menace to the humans. That the casualties would be horrible beyond measure. We must do more, but what?"
"Maybe..." Sgrios started but stopped.
"Maybe what?"
"If we could have someone close to them who could be our eyes and hands when needed."
Díon sucked his breath in. He rarely had premonitions and when he did they were more intuition than visions. As soon as he heard the word, he knew he would be their turncoat. Of course he was perfect for the job, even more so than they would ever know.
Díon stepped around the corner into sight. "I’ll do it."
"No." Athair spit out.
Sgrios, though, only stared Díon in the eye in challenge as he approached. "You know this is no game?"
"Since when have I played games?"
"Never. You would be believable. But is it enough? Do you have the strength to hide yourself and make a difference?"
"Yes. I have some skills." Díon hoped they would not press this. He had many skills that he had kept from all of them. If they insisted now, his secrecy would be questioned.
Sgrios pressed. "How will you hide yourself?"
Athair answered for Díon. "He can control minute details of his appearance. Hiding will not be a problem."
"I have never seen this."
"Show him your tattoos."
Díon knew immediately what Athair meant. He held out his arms, showing the tattoos that covered him from shoulders to elbows. As both older men watched the tattoos moved and changed with no visible use of power.
"Now that is interesting, but not all that useful. I take it you can do more than that." Sgrios said.
"Yes, I can do more than that." Díon said in a perfect imitation of Sgrios’ voice. "I can change nearly any aspect of my appearance. And more than enough to do this job."
Athair sat down on the steps and studied Díon. "You know this will be dangerous. We may not be able to help you much once you’re in. If it turned bad, you would be on your own. I don’t want to lose you to those dogs."
"You will not lose me. I know my loyalty."
"We need to speak to Dàn about this. And Acair."
"I think as few people as possible to know, will be safest. Díon said. "But yes, I want to speak with Dàn first."
"I’ll go get him." Athair went into the house.
"Are you sure about this?" Sgrios asked again.
"Yes." The only thing that could change his mind was if Dàn said he shouldn’t go. Otherwise he was practically out the door and on his way into his next undercover job. This was something he was experienced at. After all, his whole life had been one lie after another.
