9

~Brady~

Dad and I head back for the end of training. We all usually go for a run and let our wolves have a moment to bond. Everyone has started to gather outside, just a few stragglers finishing up their matches.

“Come. I want you to meet our newest pack member. He arrived last night.“ Dad says through the mindlink.

What the hell? He just drops that information on me like it’s nothing. Guess it’s time to play dumb.

“Why did he join our pack? Where’s he from?” I ask immediately. No need to beat around the bush if I’m going to get information this easily.

“White Fang. Some pack drama had been going on. He needed to get out, and we can always use more doctors. He asked for a quiet entry. Kinda wants to fly under the radar from what I hear. They want to have a fresh start.”

“They?”

“Yeah. He’s got a daughter about your age. Pretty little thing. Seemed kinda shy. I’ll expect you and the boys to be on your best behavior. She could probably use a friend. Sounds like she may have been bullied in her old pack.”

Geez. Now I feel like a jerk for prodding Dad for information. She wolves can be brutal. If this girl was bullied, she may be an easy target for girls like Jacqueline. I feel like, for some reason, she might need my protection, especially if something happened that was bad enough to abandon her pack.

We walk up to this large brown wolf. Interesting. Brown wolves typically have beta blood. Knight confirms my suspicion.

“He seems very strong for a healer. A natural fighter. Ace seems very capable and brave. I have respect for him.” Knight tells me.

It’s so weird how wolves can pick up on things the human side can’t. The guy seems nice enough, but I haven’t even said hello.

“John, this is my son and heir, Brady. I wanted the two of you to meet. Thought it best before the dinner on Friday.”

I look at Dad with a question in my eye. Every now and then Dad will throw a party at the packhouse, and everyone will hang out and bond with each other. Must be one Friday that I forgot about. I’ll have to check my phone after we shift back.

“Nice to meet you Brady! I understand you got your wolf recently. Young wolves can be a bit rambunctious starting out. Should you get injured, come see me. I’ll be glad to help you out. I mostly worked with emergencies and surgeries in my old pack.”

“Thanks to you I didn’t have to make a 12 year old my gamma. I don’t think I can ever repay you for helping several of our warriors a few years ago.”

So this is the guy that patched up Tom. He might prove to be an asset to the pack.

Uncle Dave, Tom, and the two idiots come over. They’ve got their tails tucked which means they either got the shit beat out of them or a lecture about how stupid they are. I imagine they’ve been linked in on the conversation this entire time.

“We can all catch up later. Looks like everyone is here.” Dad opens the mindlink to the entire group. “Good work today everyone. Let’s finish out with a run. Take it easy if you have injuries,” he makes a side eye at Colton and Grant.

Dad leads the pack, with me and the team following close behind. We run for a few miles, mostly in silence, and end up back at the gym. Everyone starts shifting and getting decent again.

“Shit Brady. Your dad got you good.” Colton nods toward my ribs. I’ve got a large bruise along with a few scrapes here and there. Not too worse for wear all things considered. Especially when I see Colton and Grant.

I thought I was going to piss myself laughing. Looks like their dads both took a few bites out of them. Both shoulders, both legs.

“Yeah yeah. Shut up. They double teamed us when we didn’t expect it.” Colton rolls his eyes.

“Definitely had it planned. How the hell did you only come out with a bruise?” Grant looks at me with slight outrage.

“I’m only in trouble for not making sure you two idiots behaved yourselves. Just be glad I’m too tired to beat the shit out of you myself.” My irritation starts to return.

“Boys! Time to go.” Uncle Dave yells. Our dads are all ganged up with smirks on their faces. I can tell they all find this amusing. Now I’m in a foul mood in general.

When I walk up to Dad, I smell it again. That flowery smell that makes me feel calm and tingly all at the same time. It creeps me out a little. I look around to see if I can find it.

“What’s wrong Brady?” Dad asks nervously.

“Nothing. Just smelled something.” I reply quickly.

“I’m surprised you can smell anything but BO. No wonder no one has claimed you three as mates.” Tom says. I know he’s only half joking. I’m sure we all smell horrible after the workout we had today.

“See you guys tomorrow. Keep me posted.” Dad says as we get into the truck.

“Keep you posted on what?” I ask as he cranks the car.

“I’m telling you this because you’re the future alpha of this pack. I fully expect you to tell Colton and Grant, but it goes no further.” Dad says, not making eye contact and looking down.

“Dad what is going on?” Now I’m uneasy. What could possibly be bothering him that has to be so secretive?

“John is the brother of the White Fang Beta. He’s worried about retaliation against them coming here. We spotted several White Fang trackers near our shared border. We suspect they aren’t happy with their departure.”

“Why? People move packs all the time. If they weren’t happy, what’s the big deal?”

“I suspect Lindsey has caught the attention of someone important. John’s brother and nephew got them out just in the nick of time.”

“Nick of time? I don’t understand.”

“They had plans to abduct her today. Apparently White Fang has been trafficking wolves to the highest bidder.”