49

49

(Camerin’s POV)

I followed Tyler outside to greet the pack members waiting for the first run. I was impressed by how effortlessly the Alpha handled the crowd laughing, talking, greeting everyone like nothing was wrong. You’d never know he was worried about an attack or a kidnapping. He made sure everyone was focused on the run and ready to have a good time.

When the time came, he gave the order to shift. Roughly 250 wolves cheered and began stripping off their clothes so they wouldn’t ruin them during the change. Then, all at once, the air was filled with the sound of bones shifting and fur sprouting. The security team stayed close, ready for any trouble. A crowd this big was bound to have a few scuffles as everyone fought for the best spot.

Alpha Tyler didn’t give them time to settle. He threw back his head and let out a powerful howl before charging toward the mountains. The wolves surged after him eager, competitive but no one dared pass the Alpha. He set the pace.

“I’ll keep you updated with any concerns, Alpha,” I mind-linked him. “For now, enjoy yourself and watch out for that pup who thinks he can keep up with you.” I chuckled.

“I have full trust in you, Camerin,” he replied. “And I think this pup might actually manage it, time will tell.”

“The second group will be ready when you pass the waterfall. We’ll head up the mountain before you’re back.”

“Make sure the packhouse is secure at that time. If Jaxson’s planning something, it’ll be when most of us are gone.”

“Focus on the run I’ve got this covered,” I assured him. He cut the link, trusting me to handle it.

I headed inside to call Alpha Carson Jones. I needed permission for eight of our warriors to cross into his territory and I had to come up with a reason that didn’t involve Kate’s vision. Best to stick as close to the truth as possible.

When I finally got Carson on the line, I explained the situation: we had reason to believe a human friend of ours might be attacked. We didn’t want him dragged into pack matters; he didn't even know werewolves existed. Carson understood immediately and gave permission for our warriors to enter his land. He even offered to send some of his own to help if needed. The warriors were to check in with him directly once they crossed the border.

I relayed the orders. The team reported they were about an hour from Red River Pack territory. Nothing new, no sign of anyone following Scott besides them. They asked how long to keep tailing him. I told them to stay on him for as long as it took. There was no timeline yet.

With that settled, I went to check on Kate. She and Celia were in the dayroom with the babies. The house staff hovered around, cooing over the little ones, but scattered when I walked in. The babies fussed at the sudden quiet.

“Aww, did Uncle Camerin scare everyone away?” Celia teased in a singsong voice.

I rolled my eyes. “You sure you’re up for the run tonight, Celia? You could stay here with Kate.”

She snorted. “Oh, no I’m running. I haven’t shifted in months. I need this. We’ll get the babies to sleep, and Kate will be fine. She’ll only be alone for fifteen minutes then the Alpha will be back. Besides, Micah’s just outside the door coordinating security. If anything happens, he’ll be here in seconds.”

“Well then, you’ve got thirty minutes to get the little ones down before we line up for the second run. Once the first group clears the waterfall, we’re off,” I said, turning to leave.

“Camerin?” Kate’s voice stopped me. “Have you heard anything yet?”

“The warriors are still tailing him with no sign of trouble yet. No one besides our men is following him. They’ll keep him in sight,” I reassured her.

“Thank you,” she said, managing a tired smile. I nodded and left.

Thirty minutes later, the first run was just about to clear the waterfall. I sent a quick message to Celia to get ready for the second run that was about to start. Everything was quiet so far. No movement from Jaxson’s pack, though they were still holding the border. Nothing new from the warriors following Scott. Almost too quiet.

Micah stood ready, overseeing the command post. For fifteen minutes, the packhouse and the town would be vulnerable but if anyone could hold the line, it was him. Celia came out of the building and went straight to Micah, planting a quick kiss on his lips before joining me.

With my sister at my side, I gave the order to shift. The pack cheered, stripping off their clothes and shifting in a blur of fur and claws. There were the usual little scuffles as wolves jostled for position, but the excitement drowned out any tension.

I let out a low growl and bounded toward the mountain, Celia right beside me. The second run had begun. Security teams braced themselves hoping the night stayed quiet, but ready if it didn’t.