The discussion shifted then, becoming more productive as they worked through how to adapt pack hierarchy models to broader supernatural governance.
Eve watched Silas handle questions and pushback with calm expertise, and felt pride bloom in her chest. This was what partnership looked like, her mates supporting her authority by contributing their own knowledge and skills, not by trying to control or diminish her.
Anyone who thought having mates made her weaker was an idiot.
***
That evening, back in their suite, Eve collapsed onto the couch with a groan of exhaustion.
"I hate politics," she announced. "Hate it. Why can't people just be reasonable and implement the reforms without endless debate about minutiae?"
"Because they're politicians," Damon said, handing her wine. "Debating minutiae is literally their purpose."
"Well, their purpose is tedious."
