Hey guys here is the second part of the POV, Happy Friday and we hope everybody has a great weekend.
As my alphas sat in stunned silence, I pulled out a chair for my mate and then seated myself at the head of the table. No one spoke. I scanned the table seeking a challenge. Not one of them had the courage to meet my stare. They all knew that an example would have to be made and none were eager to be the first.
I leaned forward and in as calm a tone as I could manage, demanded “Explain yourselves.”
Silence.
“I am waiting for one of you to tell me why you stood by and did nothing while my mate was assaulted on a daily basis.”
Finally, Jim spoke, “I knew she would be OK. Curran, she had to prove that she belonged.”
“Yes,” Mahon rumbled. “Nobody expected that she would be allowed to sit at your side without spilling some blood, my liege.”
Yeah, actually I kinda did. Last time I had checked I was in charge around here. It was time to gently remind them of that.
I leaned forward and repeated, “Allowed?”
I let it sink in.
The realization of it hit them. They just told me what I was allowed to do. I heard the alpha of the Jackals take a deep breath and hold it.
I stared at them. “I will say this only once. I am the one who allows. I allow all of you to live and I allow you to rule your own clans as you see fit. Whether or not I continue to do so depends solely upon what you say and do in the next few moments. Be very careful.”
It was Aunt B who spoke next. ”Clan Bouda provided the Consort with both counsel and protection from unlawful challenges. No one who answers to me harmed her.” She glanced over at Daniel and his mate. “The same cannot be said of the dogs, however.”
Of course. She wouldn’t have lifted a finger to stop the wolves from digging their own grave. The hatred between the boudas and the wolves went a long way back. Wolves had greater numbers, but boudas played the game better.
“We broke no laws,” Daniel protested. ”Everyone knows the alpha of the Bouda Clan cut a deal with Beast Lord’s mate.”
Jennifer, his mate, nodded. “Yes, because she wanted special status for her degenerates.”
A slow smile crept over B’s lips. “We all know how much the alpha of the Wolf Clan loves his mate and defers to her. Out of curiosity, how many of his wolves was he willing to sacrifice to indulge her?”
“The human had to prove herself like we all did,” Daniel said. “It is the law. It is fair.”
“Fair, really?” I asked. “Who among you has faced twenty-two challenges in two weeks?”
None had of course. Not even Mahon, our Executioner, had killed so many so quickly.
Speaking of law. I addressed Jennifer directly. “If I recall correctly, Daniel, despite being chosen upon the retirement of his predecessors, had successfully faced a number of challenges before choosing you as his mate. However, you have never been challenged. Do you know why that is? Because according to the law the two of you are so fond of quoting, whoever challenges you will also have to fight Daniel. The alphas fight as one. If one of the alphas is injured, it has been an unspoken courtesy among the Pack to wait until both are on their feet before a challenge is issued. It is the matter of honor. If you take another’s place, you must win it fairly. You did not afford my mate the same courtesy.”
“She killed my sister,” Jennifer screamed.
Good, let’s get it all out there. Settle things once and for all. “True, your sister went loup and attacked her. Kate didn’t cause it and killed the one who did. Your anger is misplaced. As a matter of fact, she did you a favor. If you were any kind of alpha, you would know that putting your sister down was your responsibility. It was your burden to carry. Your are the next of kin.”
Jennifer clenched her teeth. I measured every word carefully. I couldn’t challenge her, because the challenge had to come from the ground up. But if I said enough, she would challenge me.
“My mate assumed your burden and instead of gratitude, you hate her for it. She is the constant reminder of your weakness. You want to fight her, but you can’t. Instead you goad others into doing what you can’t bring yourself to do. It is your greatest failing. However, because I am merciful and just, I will offer you a chance to atone.”
“I will not apologize or bow to her. I’ll die first.” Jennifer snapped at the air like a mad dog.
Good, let’s just see about that then. “Again, you misunderstand. What I offer is a chance at the revenge you seek, but properly this time. Challenge us. Couple to couple, as it was meant to be.”
I gave the rest a warning glance. “No one will interfere. Just the two of you against the two of us.”
Kate tensed next to me. Under the table I gave Kate’s hand a gentle squeeze to reassure her that I was just bluffing and that it would be alright. Well, not really, but I was confident that even as we were, we could take them, and all the rest if need be. As long as they believed we could do it, we wouldn’t have to.
As Jennifer began to rise – she really was either stupid or crazy – Daniel grabbed her arm, almost too quickly to see, and yanked her back. She landed in the chair, hard.
She opened her mouth. He gave her a flat stare. She shut her mouth and dropped her gaze. Her face turned red.
So he was unwilling to let her throw away her life or his own.
Daniel bowed his head in a slight nod. “Clan Wolf begs the Consort for her forgiveness. We are sincerely sorry for any offense we may have caused. We wish to express our continued loyalty and obedience to the Beast Lord and his Mate.”
Well said, perhaps there was hope for him after all.
“What about the rest of you?” My gaze lingered for a moment on the alphas of Clan Rat. Thomas and Robert Lonesco shook their heads in unison.
Thomas, the older and larger of the pair, spoke. “We have no dog in this fight.” He smiled a little, showing very even white teeth. “We did not vote for her because we did not know enough about her.”
Kate leaned in and whispered to me, “After I killed the Jackals, they sent me chocolate.” Good, in truth I actually liked them both and would have regretted killing them.
I looked at the aforementioned Jackals replacements.
The female, Tracy, spoke. “We have no problem with the Consort. We are indebted to her for our current position.”
I had expected as much. All that was left was Clan Nimble and Mahon’s heavies. The old bear I would deal with privately. Clan Nimble was a sort of anomaly within shapeshifter society. Its alphas, an older Asian couple, ruled not because they were the strongest but because their age and wisdom was highly respected by their subjects. It did not hurt, of course, that their devoted betas were a vicious pair that was feared by the rest of the clan and many in the Pack. They kept their elders from harm and it was understood that they themselves would take their place as alphas, when the time came.
The alpha of clan Nimble stood, drew himself to his full height, and then bowed deeply without his gaze ever leaving me. He held the bow then straightened and in a very formal tone proclaimed, ”Clan Nimble remembers the understanding his Majesty has shown to us, and would never dishonor itself by repaying that kindness with treason or betrayal. The consort has fought admirably and earned a place of respect at our lord’s side.”
Ok, a simple ‘we got your back’ would have sufficed but if he felt more comfortable with formality then so be it.
“We respect Clan Nimble and hold its friendship in high esteem.” Ahh, that got him, he almost smiled, bowed once more, and sat again.
Almost done.
“So, it’s all settled then. Unless there is anything else, you may depart in peace. Mahon, you stay,” I commanded. The rest filed out as quickly as they could while maintaining a semblance of dignity.
Kate turned to me. Her eyes asked me, “Do you want me to stay?”
Silently I shook my head. “No, you don’t want to be here for the next part.”
Thank you so much. I loved POV I and II. Makes me want to dig out all my books and reread the series in anticipation of Magic Slays. Think I’ll do that! Thanks again. Love you guys.
Thank you for this. Can’t wait for part 3..if there’ll be a part 3? ^-^
Bad Papa Bear!… can’t wait for the next installment.
Thank you we may have thougt an insight into Curran.
Buy a Book that you could, would the Fans (among whom i count myself among them) now probably just as happy as the rest of the Series.
[...] Ilona Andrews gives us part 2 of the Curran POV scene (from the end of Magic [...]
Oh, very, very nice. That bit about, “Allowed?” was perfect. One does not “allow” the Beast Lord or his mate to do anything. It looks like Mahon is going to have to learn that for Kate, and re-learn it for Curran.
And Jennifer is going to have to work on her control or she’s going to get into more trouble than just pissing off her superiors. Is she in danger of going loupe herself from grief?
Anyway, these snippets are great. Thanks for posting them.
Love those snippets. They keep me coming back for more!!
Want some more!!! Pls???
Love, *love* the Curran POV! Thank you so much for giving us all another perspective on the story we already know and love. Waiting for more, like the hungry mob we are…
ooooh la la… roll on POV3, x
Please keep the Curran POVs going! They’re not just fun they’re classic.
Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Part 3 POV? Please!
Problem with snippets is they always leave u hungry for more… Love the extra layer of insight, thank you!! …devoted fan – waiting in great anticipation for the next instalment(s)
How interesting Kate could not be allowed to be an Alpha unchallenged but Jennifer was. I may switch my vote for WHO DIES from Aunt B to Jennifer.
MORE SNIPPETS!!!!!!!!!!! EVERY FRIDAY!!!!!!!!! AND TUESDAYS!!!!!!!!! AND ALTERNATING SUNDAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Amazing, as always. But ya know what would make the Curran book even better… If y’all were to do the scene from Magic Strikes where Kate gets kidnapped and Curran recues her, I’d love to see how Teed off he was as he chased after her. Then your book would be PERFECT.
I totally agree!!
EEEEEEE!!!
Just re-reading again. Can’t seem to wait for the next 4 months for the next books. I have things to occupy me, but they’re not the same as sinking into a new story of yours.
awww, I wanna hear what happens to Mahon. Pretty please… with sugar on top!
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Emailed amazon today to see if they can advise when Magic Bleeds will be available in ebook for Asia Pacific region.
These Curran POV’s are a real teaser.
Awesome!!! As always!!!
This was wonderful. Thank you.
You guys are the literary equivalent of Creme Brulee’
(relaxes in chair and rubs belly)
Now we just need part three! As soon as possible, please. I’ll just sit here twitching until we get it.
May we please have Curran snippet part 3? It’s been a WHOLE TWELVE DAYS since anything was posted in the snippet category and not going to lie, I’m starting to shrivel on the inside…
Actually it doesn’t even have to be Curran POV – just anything Kate / Edge related. (^_^)
Hi,
I love the Curran POV!! Can’t wait for the next installment!! I want to see how Curran handles Mahon, especially after what Mahon said to Kate in Magic Bleeds! Do we have an ETA on when the next POV installment will be up?
My birthday is on Sunday…. just saying…. ;o)
I haven’t known that Boudas are cats …
I’m dieing to know how Curran deals with Mahan. On the one hand, the man whose been your second father, on the other hand, he almost let the woman you love get killed over and over while you were in a coma.
Geez….talk about domestic strife.
Please, not to beg or whine too much Gordon but PLLLLLLEEEAAASSSEEE……more CURRAN POV 3
I’m dieing a little on the inside too. If you and Ilona’s fans all died from malnourishment…it would be a bad thing.
WHERE IS PART 3!!!!!!!!!! these are awesome!!!!!!!!!
i’ve read the begining of magic slays from your website and was hoping to find out what curren said to mohan but it wasn’t there please say that we find out in the nxt pov instalment!?
LOVE IT! Can’t wait for more.
Love it!! It’s so fun to read from Currans POV, he’s so awesome!
When do we get part 3?
hope, hope hope ….
I have been checking everyday for part 3. Please tell us our wait is about over:-D
Can anyone help me? I’ve been looking and looking for the piece where Kate hears about what Curran did to Saiman’s cars and can’t find it. Does anyone know where that piece is?
Jim and ant B do not have mates. So who are their alphas of the pack to make 14?
Please visit the forum and check ask the author section.
Adore the books, adore the POVs…hate the wait. Re-read Kate’s series 2x already.
Keep up the wonderful fantasies.
When can we expect POV 3? Desperate woman here!
Love all your books… Currans pov gives more insight to his character cant wait until the new book comes out
Just found your ‘snippets’ and couldn’t be more pleased! I have been staying up WAY to late into the night listening to the first books (ADORE the Audible reader!). I will be pacing the floor waiting for the next — humm….have plenty of time before the new one to listen to them all over again! LOL….
I really, really, REALLY like the Curran POV’s – you never really know what he is thinking.This really helps me understand him – you never really know what is going on in his head. THANK YOU!!!!!!
Part 3? Getting desperate here…
Here Here, ME TOO
And the begging shall commence for part three….
PLEASE, PRETTY PLEASE, WITH SUGAR ON TOP.
(hopping up and down with hands folded)
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!
(with all shreds of dignity now completely gone and tears streaming down my face)
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!
YOUR MY FAVORITE!
(the rest is just too embarrasing to post)
[...] Curran’s POV: Volume II [...]
I know I am late but I keep re-reading this snippets and the twitter conversation and they are hillarious.
What is the Curran books callen??
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