Chapter 10.1: Colin Maverick

Colin Maverick was nothing like his father even though they looked so much alike.

He was tall and lanky with bright brown eyes that could light up a room. The corners of his eyes wrinkled whenever he laughed— just like his father. Only that elder maverick barely ever laughed.

Even from a distance, Theron could hear the loud excited feminine chatter and giggles from the room.

Many people said his father was just like him in the younger days, other begged to differ and blamed it on his illegitimacy, saying his mother who was a promiscuous maid was the reason he was who he was.

Theron didn’t bother to know. He simply pushed the door wide open to announce his presence. The women shifted uncomfortably, adjusting their revealing outfits and lowered their gazes.

“We are in the middle of a war,” Theron said dryly, “and yet here you are. Will you ever change?”

Colin shrugged, a grin spreading across his face. “The war is depressing enough. Someone has to keep the mood from sinking into the grave.”

One of the women smiled at him approvingly.

Theron rolled his eyes. “Men like you are in battle. Laying down their life to protect the pack from a full invasion.”

“Ah well, my condolences to their families,” he chuckled. “One of the perks kf being a bastard child— a seemingly irresponsible bastard child. No one puts you in positions you can fuck things up.”

“Remind me why I’m not a bastard child,” Theron muttered to himself.

“I haven’t seen you in a while,” commented Collin.

“Well,” Theron said, “unlike someone who’s been partying their life away, I’ve been busy on the battlefield.”

“Fair enough,” Colin conceded. “Should I send them out?”

“Yes.”

“Well ladies,” Collin began, shooting them an apologetic smile. “I’m afraid we shall have to continue our little party later.”

They gave slight moans of displeasure and stood, walking out of the room. Theron shifted by the doorway as they bowed, walking past him.

“So,” Collin began, a knowing smile on his face, “I hear you’re getting married… and you can’t even tell your best friend?”

Theron sighed, sinking onto the plush velvety sofa. “Colin, I told the Council I’m getting married, before I told the woman I’m marrying that I wanted to marry her. That should tell you everything.”

Colin whistled, fighting back laughter. “Impulsive. What inspired it?”

“The Council breathing down my neck?”

“Doesn’t sound so convincing.”

Theron said nothing. Colin wasn’t wrong.

It had nothing to do with the council and everything to do with Cael. But how could he even bring himself to admit it? If he had fallen in love with a low ranked wolf, it would have been easier to tell his best friend.

But it was a man.

“What’s on your mind?”

“Nothing, just had enough of council.”

“Of course.”

“I mean it,” Theron scoffed.

“I never said say you didn’t mean it.”

“I don’t like the current council members,” Theron said, changing the topic swiftly. “We should do something about it.”

*+*+^*^*^*

“Yes?” Mæra could sense his presence even though he hadn’t said anything. “How may I help you Yule?”

“I bear message from the council, commander.”

She turned to face him, biting back her laughter. His frame was amusing to look at most times.

“They have requested to see you.”

She stopped short for a second too long. “Whatever for?”

“I have not the slightest guess. I have been told it is a matter of urgency.”

“I shall be there soon. Prepare my horse for me.”

She went back into the tent to change ro lighter attire, glad that Theron had disappeared into wherever he went. Once she was done, she met Yule by the entrance, the horses reins in his hand.

She patted the nozzle bedore swinging on and galloping through the camp, back to the main road and then to the pack house.

Her horse was taken by one kf the stable boys, then she walked down the main open halls until she got to the door.

Mæra stepped into the Council chamber, the doors closing behind her with a thud that seemed to echo through the high-ceilinged hall.

The Council members sat in their usual formation regarding her with a look she couldn’t place.

“Commander Cael,” one of them began. His voice syrupy with false cordiality, “you are aware of why you are here, I presume?”

Mæra didnt recognize him. She barely knew most of them. “Do enlighten me,” she said evenly.

Some of the council members looked at one another, quite shocked. They hadn’t expected her to talk to them as if they were peers.

Another councilor leaned forward, fingers steepled beneath his chin. “It has come to our attention that Supreme Alpha Theron… your charge… is weak. Unprepared. He bears no resemblance to his father.”

Mæra’s eyes flickered, but she said nothing.

“He is unprepared,” the council member repeated.

“So why are you telling me this?” she finally asked in a dry tone.