“So of course you couldn’t go to the police. The first rule is we keep everything in our realm.” Rio let out his breath slowly. “And Armando is using shifters as assassins.”

“He bribed a couple of shifters in South America. Or maybe he blackmailed them, I don’t know. He’s capable of anything. He could have threatened to burn down the rain forest, or take a major hunting party in to wipe everyone out.” Elijah stretched his legs out in front of him, his black eyes gleaming like obsidian in the night. “I’m not certain he’s human. I went into his house one night. The leopard can go in so stealthily, I was certain I could take him.” He sighed and shook his head. “He isn’t a man, he’s a devil. He had a double in his room and he was nowhere to be found.”

“How many shifters does he have?”

“Two that I know of. I doubt if he has more. We’re an elusive bunch, and he doesn’t spend a great deal of time in South America. Duncan was one of them.”

The elder came in and inclined his head. “I must go back to the village and care for my grandson. I thank you for what you did, Rio.”

“I was happy to be of some small service, Elder,” Rio replied. “I do want news of Drake should you hear. I was unable to get near Joshua and no one else volunteered the information.”

Rachael’s head snapped up. She glared at the old man. “Who did you say was civilized?” She asked sweetly.

“Hafelina.” There was more love than reprimand in the single endearment.

Little cat. She knew it now. Knew what he called her. The long-forgotten language was one she distantly remembered from her childhood and it was beginning to come back to her.

Elijah sat up very straight, a frown on his face. He shook his head but remained silent as the older man came into the room. There was a dignity about him that demanded respect.

“Don’t reprimand her for speaking her mind or defending you, Rio,” the elder said. “She is a woman of courage and integrity. I am no longer a member of the council, but I am bound by our laws. I’ll do my best to change what was decreed, but I face punishment for my actions. I wish that I’d taken action some time ago instead of waiting until a personal crisis happened. I’ll send word of Drake’s condition immediately. Don’t get up, I’ll shift on the verandah. My pack is out there.” He smiled at Rachael. “I am blessed I had such an opportunity to meet you and exchange ideas.” His gaze went to Elijah. “Your sister has taught an old man it is never too late to right a wrong. You know the right path.”