2

~Brady~

I lay awake thinking about what could possibly have my dad so upset that he walked out of dinner without a single word. Mom always makes such a big deal about us eating together every night as a family. Sometimes it’s our only time together during the week. What’s more nerve wracking is the fact that she didn’t scold him, didn’t say a word. Mom has no problem putting Dad in his place. Ever. Which is quite entertaining when your dad’s job is bossing everyone around and running a pack of werewolves flawlessly. But the look she gave him? It’s got me restless tonight.

The last time I saw that look in her eyes, we were attacked the very next day. I was only 10, but I remember it like yesterday. The rogues from the mountains attacked the south border. Somehow our Gamma found out as he was running from a neighboring pack and overheard some idiot talking about “Black Forest’s weak spot”. Let’s just say it wasn’t weak much longer, but we still lost three warriors.

So now I’m staring at my ceiling, listening for anything. Because of my alpha blood, my wolf came a year early. I’m only 17, but I was stoked when I got my built in best friend last August. It’s hard to believe I’ve only known Knight for 6 months. It feels like he’s always been with me.

“Our pack is strong. No one will harm us. If they try, they will face the consequences.” He tells me.

“I know. I just hate thinking Mom is worried and Dad is in danger. Especially when I should be helping,” I tell him.

“All in good time. We have many fights ahead.” Not sure if that’s supposed to reassure me, but it definitely doesn’t.

Dad has been training me basically since I was born to be the best alpha I can be. Since Knight came along, there’s a lot more that I can do. I’ll have to take full responsibility for the pack by the time I’m 21, so I devote myself to whatever Dad assigns me to do. Right now, my biggest task is training all the younger warriors 21 and under. It’s honestly more fun than work since I enjoy training. Plus it’s a ton of fun to show off and teach some of these guys who the strongest is.

I hear the door close from the stairwell and immediately go to my door to listen. We have the top floor of the pack house to ourselves. It honestly feels like a house of its own. Everything we could want is up here: living area, kitchen, balcony overlooking the property. “Our own oasis,” as my mom says.

“Did they get here safely?” I hear my mom ask.

“Yeah. John looked like shit. Not that I can blame him. I’m just surprised he left instead of ripping that bastard’s head off.”

“Cam, you know that wasn’t an option. He made the right choice. They are safe now. Did they join tonight, or will that be tomorrow?”

“We went ahead and took care of it. The daughter won’t be 18 till July. We will have her join after she gets her wolf.”

“She’s still 17? My word. As if it couldn’t get any worse. That poor child. I’ll go by and check on them tomorrow.”

“Just remember she’s still skittish. She sensed who I was and immediately shied away from me. I guess it just validates what we already knew.”

“Poor child. When will John start work?”

“I told him to take his time. We could really use his skills around here. I’ll never forget how quick he patched up Tom last year. I don’t know what we would have done if it wasn’t for him. Definitely would be down a Gamma.”

“I know. Plus with Dr. Orion retiring next month, this couldn’t have come at a better time for us. Do you think White Fang will retaliate?”

“Only time will tell. Let’s just hope this all blows over. We can always use the excuse that Laura and Cammie were sisters and this is just a way to let the girl know more about her mom. No need to worry any more tonight. Let’s go get some sleep.”

I hear them walk towards the other end of the floor and shut the door. I sit on my floor, thinking about what I just heard. White Fang? The pack that neighbors our East border? What could possibly be going on in that tiny backwater place?

I know my dad and Alpha Walt do not get along at all, but they’ve always kept the peace for the sake of the packs. No need to attack somebody over ego. I know Luna Avery died last week. Mom and Dad sent gifts out of respect. She was a great lady who sadly got chosen by a hothead jerk who thinks he’s better than everyone. Rumor has it he rejected his chosen mate for being “too weak”. It drove her crazy to the point that she had to be isolated for her own safety. He chose Luna Avery because she was young and pretty. Apparently that didn’t stop him from having a few side chicks as well. I heard he would cheat just to hurt Luna Avery if she stepped out of line or did something without his permission. There’s tons of allegations about White Fang and Alpha Walt that go around our pack, but Dad always tells me to judge someone based on what I know, not what I’ve heard.

I plan to investigate some tomorrow. If I’m going to be the best alpha I can be, then I need to know any potential threats, and, more importantly, their weaknesses.