Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 107670 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107670 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
“He’s probably just being cautious,” hedged Shaya. “I guess you’ll find out later when you make him talk about it.”
“I guess I will.”
The Alpha of the Trantham Pack leaned back in his leather chair, tapping his fingers on his office desk. “So, Nick, what can I do for you?”
So far, Jesse kind of liked the guy. Garth Whisler didn’t seem interested in petty posturing and dick measuring, which was rare among Alphas. He didn’t use his stocky build to intimidate, and he appeared to have the immense respect of his Beta and each of the enforcers he had introduced them to. That spoke well of him.
“I’m a direct person,” Garth went on, “so I don’t mind admitting that I’m hoping you’re interested in an alliance. Like you, I have a reasonably small pack.”
Nick already had plenty of alliances and, considering how many contacts he had, didn’t really need more. However, there was little chance that Garth would share pack business with an outsider unless there was an alliance between them, which was only fair.
“There would be a condition,” said Nick.
“Condition?”
Nick leaned forward in the seat opposite Garth. “I need you to tell me what you know of Hector Flynt.”
“Ah, bothering you, is he?” Garth sighed, exchanging a look with his Beta. “I’ve heard all about his hobby of pressuring shifters to sell their territory. You’re not the first to come here asking questions about him. I can only tell you what I told them, which I will warn you is very little.”
It was good of Garth to not mislead them, and Jesse could see that he’d now earned Nick’s respect.
“I’ll agree to an alliance,” said Nick.
Garth accepted that with an incline of his head. No insistence on shaking hands or anything, which made Jesse like him more.
“I wasn’t a member of the pack during Hector’s time here,” began Garth, “so I don’t know him personally. Everything I know comes from secondhand knowledge.”
“I’d still be interested to hear it,” Nick told him.
“At one time, this pack was large. Strong. Respected. Seven years ago, it splintered. There was a terrible tragedy. A girl from the pack was assaulted—raped, strangled to death, and left in a wooded area far from her territory. She was only fifteen.”
Jesse growled. Each of his pack mates spat a curse.
“It was days before they found Jenny. The rain had washed away any scents, but everyone suspected it was her ex-boyfriend. He didn’t deny it, even seemed smug about it. Just before the Alpha executed him, he said that four other boys had taken part in the rape, but he wouldn’t give any names. Paranoia took over, and everyone started pointing fingers. A lot of the boys were accused, but they all denied having any part in what happened to Jenny.”
“Hector was one of the boys who was accused,” Eli guessed.
“Yes. He was an odd boy, apparently. Exceptionally smart. One person described him as a typical problem child, but others said he was quiet and kept to himself. Being half human meant he stood out from the others, and many teased him for it.”
Being different probably made Hector an easy scapegoat, but Jesse didn’t believe that meant he was automatically innocent.
“Anyway, his parents stepped down from their role as Alphas,” continued Garth. “No explanation was given, but I suspect they may have lost the trust of the pack since their son was one of the accused. Or maybe they didn’t feel they could protect a pack that turned on their child. I can only speculate.”
“And then they left the pack?” asked Nick.
“Not straightaway. Thad became a heavy drinker, and Adriane seemed very depressed and became somewhat of a recluse—wouldn’t eat with the others, wouldn’t socialize, wouldn’t attend meetings. No one cared because no one trusted each other anymore; the pack soon broke down and the families went their separate ways.”
Nick’s brow creased. “No one here is an original Trantham wolf?”
“The elders of the pack, whose mates were buried on the land, remained here so that they could be buried beside them,” replied Garth. “But they’ve all passed on since then.”
A muscle in Eli’s cheek ticked. “So there’s no one in the pack we could talk to who might know more?”
Garth shook his head. “Sorry.”
“Do you have any idea where Hector’s parents are?” Nick asked him.
“No, I’m afraid not. I really am sorry that I can’t be of more help. I don’t agree with Hector’s actions. All I can do is offer my support in the event that you have to go up against him.”
Rising, Nick nodded in thanks. “I appreciate you sharing what you know.”
Soon after, Nick led the way as they left the pack house and returned to their all-terrain vehicle. Inside, he said, “That didn’t go as well as I’d hoped. But I suppose it could have been worse. He might not have known anything.”