12

~Brady~

I’m pretty sure my jaw dropped in shock. How would that even be possible?

“Dad they would be able to communicate through the pack link or fight back at least. There’s no way he is trafficking wolves.” I’m trying to logically think despite my dad never spreading gossip. He doesn’t make accusations without evidence.

“They take the girls before they’re 18 and get their wolves. Apparently Walt has been telling them that someone senses that they are going to be their mate or promise them a position as a luna or another high ranking mate.”

“So what did they promise the girl that came here?” I asked. If it’s true, we might have earned the wrath of multiple packs.

“Don’t know. She told her cousin that Walt found her mate and that he would pick her up within the week.” He almost looks like he’s in pain. Dad watched his mom be tortured once when the pack was attacked while Pops was away. He was only 5, but it made a lasting impact on him. He’s been a fierce protector of our she-wolves and pups for his entire reign as alpha. I know he’s imagining these poor girls being shipped off somewhere to be bred like animals or worse.

“Dad, we can’t do anything. What the White Fang pack does is their business. If they ship off all their young wolves then they will eventually die off.”

“I’m disappointed in you, Brady. I raised you to defend those who can’t defend themselves. I didn’t realize you thought that ended at our borders. I’ve contacted some of our closest allies. They are going to help investigate as well.”

“There’s no way you’ll find enough evidence. Walt is a snake. I’m sure he has tied up all his loose ends. Not to mention that his pack may be…”

“His own beta and gamma are giving us intel. The man exiled his own heir right after he lost his mate. I imagine he’s lost his mind in grief or insanity is up for debate. What I don’t understand is why you seem to be making excuses for an inexcusable act.”

I sit in silence and let it all sink in. The people closest to Walt are turning on him? His own son banished? I don’t understand how we didn’t know about this earlier. Dad has always gotten reliable intel from our neighbor packs, whether it comes from former pack members or local gossips that keep up with family that live elsewhere. How are we just finding out about this?

“I’m not trying to defend Walt. I just don’t understand how we didn’t hear about this sooner. And honestly a part of me fears this will only end badly.”

“Son, some battles are worth fighting. Your future mate may be in that pack. Or Grant’s. Or Colton’s. Would you want anyone to have their mate sold off to the highest bidder, to never have the chance to be with the person who you were meant to spend your life with?”

“No,” I reply quietly. We pull into the drive of the pack house.

“Knight, what’s your thoughts on this?” I ask my wolf. I get no reply. I just feel pain coming from him. I guess that’s all I need to know.

“Remember, no one but your team should know. Especially on John’s daughter’s account. She needs a fresh start. A safe haven. I expect you and the boys to be on your best behavior around her. Make sure she feels welcome, but don’t be too obvious that you know.”

“I will,” I say with resolve. She will be a pack member when she turns 18, and with her having beta blood she may prove to be a good warrior.

“Will she be at training in the morning? I’m interested to see if she’s a good fighter. Not that she will be going on mock patrols or anything. That would be careless.”

“No. She starts school in two days. She will be at afterschool shifter practice then.”

“Cool. Want me to work both shifts until she meets some new friends?” I offer. I couldn’t imagine if I had to move and completely restart at my age. That must suck.

“That would be great. If it’s too much, just make sure one of your team is there to keep everyone in check. Some wolves will think she’s an easy target because she’s new.”

“One more question. Does Mom know?”

“Yes. If I know her, she’s done some digging and knows more than we do at this point.” Dad says with a sigh.

He’s not wrong. Mom has a way of finding out anything she needs and more.

“Let’s head up and get the latest intel,” he jokes as we exit the car.