United. (Book 5 of the Lupus Antiqua Series)

Endymion stared down the man in front of him. He didn't feel particularly powerful. In fact, he felt moderately human. But there was still something about him that gave one pause.

It wasn't easy to cause Endymion to need to take pause and assess, but that's exactly what he was doing now. Kyle De Sorin was shorter than Endymion by several inches, yet he seemed to take up more space. His hair was dirty blond and cropped close to his skull.

The man had tan and ruddy skin, brown eyes, thin lips, a prominent nose, and a square jaw. His muscled frame and scarred hands indicated a man used to hard work.

"It's good to meet you Endymion. I am here to help you find a place at the War College. Mind if I come in?" He nodded and stepped back, allowing Kyle to enter. He stood at attention, showing respect. The man was clearly military of some sort, and not War Witch military, human military.

"Are you human, Kyle?" Endymion asked, a slight growl in his voice. He remembered well the last human he had dealt with. Melody had overthrown him. Their power was not inherent, but that didn't mean they should be underestimated.

"I am, indeed. I serve as the liason between the War College and the human government. Technically, I would be considered black ops, though I won't pretend I didn't get the cushiest of ops when I landed this gig, even if it's the weirdest. I've gotten used to it."

"So the humans know, then." Endymion murmured, musing. He'd always suspected that. After all, he'd spoken with representatives from time to time, though the government preferred to pretend the werewolves didn't exist. Apparently not so with the True Witches. Not that he blamed them. Power like that couldn't be ignored.

"Yes. And with the True Witches protecting the country from the big threats out there, a good relationship is vital. They are a part of national security. Now that you're here, so are you."

"What is it you wish of me?" Endymion wondered. He'd been curious what tasks they would wish him to perform. He would endeavor to be gracious.

"You are powerful. You can be very useful here. The Umbra are currently without a leader. You were a King once, I understand." Endymion blinked in surprise.

"You would make me a leader, site unseen?" He wondered. Kyle laughed, a booming rough sound that filled up the room.

"Of course not. You would be required to prove yourself, and the men would need to feel you capable of leading them. These things are chosen by committee here. That you are an Alpha will only hold weight with the other wolves."

Endymion blinked in surprise. He hadn't scented any other wolves.

"How many of my kind are here?" He asked, keeping his tone neutral.

"Twenty, all told. They were rogues who needed a home. They all came here and offered service in exchange for community. Most of them are content. You may need to enter into dominance battles with them, however." Endymion nodded.

"That is expected. And the other men?" He wondered.

"All True Witches." Kyle said. "The Umbra are quite powerful, though their gifts are more physical then elemental. I don't know the specifics of how power distributes in them."

"I do. Most children of True Witches are women. The men who are born carry the magic differently, because men are made differently than women are."

"So this isn't your first foray with Witches I take it?" Kyle asked.

"No." Endymion smirked. "Most werewolf packs have a True Witch who assists us to keep hidden, and to aid as well in other matters.

I was also alive for the Witch Wars." Endymion shuddered, but interest warmed Kyle's face and he leaned forward a little.

"What was that like?" He asked.

"Horrible beyond imagining. You humans use your weapons to kill each other. But there are things worse than death and True Witches can teach you what they are without even moving from where they stand. Imagine facing that, and how devastating it would be trying to take out even just one.

Now imagine countless factions of people all possessed of that kind of power and willing to do anything to win, including mow over any innocents in their way." Endymion explained. This human didn't fear the people he worked with enough.

"But they protect us." Kyle protested, looking troubled.

"Yes. They do protect us. Now. That was not always the case. Once upon a time, they considered humans inferior and unworthy of the air they breathe. Count yourself lucky that they changed." Endymion murmured.

"What if they change back?" He asked.

"That is unlikely. They learned from their past. The High Council and the War College balance one another and prevent the kind of corruption that caused the wars. The only way there would be a repeat is if both were to fall." Endymion explained.

"And you don't think that likely?" Asked Kyle.

"No. Both are made up of the most powerful witches in existence. Twenty covens banded together wouldn't be able to manage even one War Witch.

No, they will stay as they are until time immemorial. They do not change with the frequency of you humans, and any who do fall to corruption suffer harsh enough punishment that most who would consider it don't dare to give in. Is your threat assessment finished?" Endymion asked, arching a brow at him.

The man grinned

"I liked you. You're an arrogant son of a bitch and I can tell you could probably kick my ass into next week. We'll get along fine. Come on, lets get you out to meet the boys."

**

Kyle walked with the werewolf, glad the fellow didn't seem to want to rip into anyone. He was nothing like the other werewolves he'd met. This guy was on a whole other level.

He was self assured, old, experienced. He'd been a King once. It was why Kyle thought he might make a good leader. The werewolves here functioned just fine, and they had their own hierarchy but none of them were alphas.

Endymion's presence might settle them and focus them, which was sorely needed. They fought amongst themselves all the time for dominance, and they had tenuous control over their beasts. With an Alpha's influence, they might become a real asset to the College. He smiled. Things were looking up for the fur n fang gang.