Series: Willow Winters
Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 51151 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51151 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
“Long time no see, Jude. Luke. Owen.” He nods to each of us before seeing the rest of us. His smile dims. “Is everything all right?” The light in his eyes dulls as Devin introduces himself and the rest of the pack, and we tell him we’re here to see our father to discuss the matters of the Authority. He nods solemnly until I introduce Lena, stepping aside and allowing her to come to my side. She does so naturally, and I wrap my arm around her waist, not too tight or possessive, just enough so that she knows she’s safe.
“It’s nice to meet you,” she answers and takes a peek over her shoulder toward Grace, who steps up as Devin continues the introductions. Lena doesn’t move as I half expect her to, in fact, she leans into me just slightly. “We’ll be back tonight,” I promise her.
She nods, closing her parted lips and staring straight ahead. There’s something there, but before it can take hold, Daniel leads us to my father. The walk to the larger log cabin where the Alpha resides is nearly silent and bathed with anxious tension.
It’s obvious Daniel has questions, but he’s biting his tongue. Lena as well, who walks beside me, her hand in mine. I can only imagine what she’s thinking.
As we near the stairs Daniel finally speaks, “You know, we weren’t sure what came of you three.” My brows raise in surprise.
Luke laughs. “You thought he got us, Daniel?” He playfully slaps Daniel on his back.
“I’m being serious.” Daniel’s saddened tone doesn’t wane with Luke’s playfulness. “We thought something happened when no one had seen any of you for days.”
“No one told you what happened?” I question and although Daniel looks back at me, it’s Lena’s eyes on me that I feel.
“Told us what?” It’s then that I realize the Betas mustn’t have said anything about helping us escape. The seer’s vision was common knowledge as was our father’s reaction to the casting.
“Nothing.” I shake my head. “We’re sorry Daniel. If we’d known we were leaving I’d have spread word. Everything happened quickly.” I breathe deeply, remembering the tension and anxiety I felt as a boy. My wolf stirs restlessly, not liking the memory.
At his movement, Lena looks up at me and I know her wolf must’ve sensed it too. I speak in my head, only calling her name, but she doesn’t respond. With Devin’s curious glance, I turn back to Daniel.
“Don’t apologize. I’m just happy to see you three.” He gives us a semblance of a smile. “Are you staying long?” The way he asks the question and the look in his eyes makes me think he’s asking more. Asking if we’ve come back to reclaim the pack. I don’t want him to think that. I don’t want anyone to think we’ve come to challenge our father. His eyes dart to our mates and then back to me as he presses his lips into a hard line. I smile knowing he doesn’t approve of us bringing the women if we’ve come to fight. He’s a good man.
“We’re only here to talk alliances.” Devin answers for me.
“Ah. For the war,” he says far too easily.
I nod and continue searching his face. He doesn’t give any hint of his opinion on the matter.
“And what do you think of this war?” Devin questions. He’s a bit overdressed in my opinion. Suit pants and a button down with no tie. His sleeves are rolled up at least. Daniel shifts his weight uncomfortably.
“It’s not my place to say. I’m not the Alpha.”
“I’m just curious to know your opinion is all.” I forgot how my father ran his pack. He takes his dictatorship seriously. I confide in Daniel, “We came to convince him not to go against the Authority.” His eyes brighten with hope and his shoulders lift with optimism before quickly dropping.
He swallows and looks to his left and right before answering. No one is around to see us. I imagine the pack is just rising given the early morning. It’s far too early for anyone else to be spectating and that’s exactly how I wanted this to happen. I didn’t want it to be a show.
“I’m not sure he’ll agree.” He looks over his shoulder again and licks his lips with nervousness. “But it would make many of us happy if you were to convince him.”
“How many?” I remember when I was younger we weren’t to discuss pack matters. Not a word was to be said in question of the Alpha’s decisions. My father was a true dictator. He was kind and righteous, or was until that fateful day, so no one sought to disagree with him. Ever. The fact that Daniel speaks for “many” means times have changed.
I glance behind him at the small cottages that are scattered on the property. The larger log cabin is in the center. It holds the Betas and the Alpha’s family. Or it used to. The wood has been recently washed and the cottages are well kept. The large farm and market that we passed on the way was brimming with produce and the livestock was obviously well fed. The pack is thriving, which is good to see. But if there have been whispers from the pack that go against my father’s decision, then the pack is not as strong as it should be.