Chapter 0426
“You’re aware that not all wolf communities were happy with your rise to power twenty years ago, Dominic, when you declared wolves and humans equal citizens in the nation,” Hank says, shrugging like it’s obvious.

Dominic nods, because it’s true – and he’s well aware.

“Well,” Hank continues, “some of the more militant groups are eager to see your rule end and the nation returned to what they understand as more ‘traditional’ policies with wolves on top and humans down low. And especially a group like The Community, with its views on women’s role in society? The Community doesn’t have any real power beyond a couple of dozen very fierce warriors, but any information they do have they pass to the Atalaxians. They’re traitors, Dominic.” Hank’s voice falls low here, laced with regret. “There’s no way of beating around that bush. The Community is vehemently anti-Sinclair, and it worries the hell out of me that you’ve got one of them in the Palace spending the holidays with you.”

Ella tenses, watching Sinclair clench his jaw and tap his fingers against the table in front of him a few times, clearly thinking.

“That’s it, Hank,” Sinclair says, snapping his gaze back up to the computer. “We’re sending a chopper for you – today, now. I want you here, asking Jackson McClintock some questions. Seeing what he knows.”

“Dominic!” Hank groans, holding his hand out, palm up, pleading. “Please, I have work to do -”

“You’re just sitting snowed into a cabin, Hank,” Sinclair snaps, glaring hard at his old friend. “What on earth could you possibly be doing?” “Paperwork! Planning! Writing reports and essays for medical journals! Processing tests! Writing aid proposals!” Hank takes another breath to continue his list but Ella talks over him.