"All right, discussion over. This isn't a democracy. We're a pack. I'm the leader, and if I see fit to deal with vampires, that's what we'll do. We stand our ground without a full out war. Keep looking for the killers, and hope Frangelico will do the same."
Even though they were about to riot a moment ago, the wolves around me nod agreement. I let myself relax.
That's when my dad and Alpha Green walk in.
My heart plummets.
They chose a back exit, so they come up behind the platform. Tank turns first, stepping off the platform to make way for Garrett's dad, the Wolf Ridge alpha. My alpha. Father and son face off, faces blank. They look so alike, only a few touches of gray signaling the elder.
Garrett speaks first. "Dad."
"Son," Alpha Green's voice is just a touch deeper than his eldest's. His stance is more wary, but he is the odd one out here. Most of the wolves present belong to Garrett. The split between the packs was mostly peaceful, but that could change.
Fates, I hope not. A war between packs would be worse than one with vampires.
"We're here because you're having a little trouble with the humans."
"It's a vampire problem, actually." Garrett steps closer to his dad and plants his feet. "But we're getting it under control."
Alpha Green raises a brow, just like his son does when he's skeptical. "I just spent the past twenty four hours meeting with contacts at the FBI and state police, calling in favors. They're labeling the body a drug overdose-elements of a toxic substance were found in the victim's blood stream. They also agreed to keep any curious details from the human media. For now."
The room seems to heave a relieved sigh. Garrett nods. "I appreciate your help. The whole shifter community does."
"I did what I had to do to protect our species," Alpha Green answers. "The question is, are you?"
Garrett bristles, but appears to gather patience. "We're dealing with the vampires. We have reason to believe this death was caused by a rogue leech. If we catch him, we can turn him over to Frangelico, end the deaths and keep the peace."
Alpha Green nods slowly.
"What about the fight club?" My dad clicks his teeth as if tasting the scent of prey. "It has been causing trouble for us since it opened. It is obviously a point of weakness for us wolves. First the authorities investigate the fights and the drug dealing, and now this body. Seems to me, we won't have much time to back you against the vampires if we're too busy hiding evidence from the humans. Cleaning up your mess."
"Well, son?" Alpha Green says to Garrett. "What do you intend to do about the fight club?"
"I can answer that," Trey calls out. All eyes turn to him, and he steps up on the platform, facing my dad, who visibly grimaces at the cuts and bruises all over Trey's face. "It was mostly my idea."
"Mine too," Jared puts in quickly, but Trey shakes his head.
"It was my idea to give the vampires free reign in the club. And I hired Grizz, too. He fought for us, and I thought he was solid. Now I realize we're caught up in something big here. Possibly a vampire coup. I don't want anything I've built to jeopardize my pack. I'm willing to pull the plug on it, if that's what my alpha thinks is best." He makes it obvious, he's looking at Garrett, not Alpha Green.
As Trey speaks, a smug look spreads over my father's face. My own hands clench into fists.
"Shut it down?" Garrett asks. "Is that what you want?"
Trey shrugs. Jared shakes his head, but mumbles something like, "Whatever you think is best."
Now my father is outright gloating. "It sounds like the best thing for the pack is shutting the fight club down. For good." A murmur goes around the room, rumblings of discontent. The fight club is popular. It's brought a lot of new wolves to town, new pack members. If Trey would just speak up, he'd find how many backers he has in the room. Instead, he folds his arms and stares out the window.
I want to run to Trey, and force him to look at me instead of my father. Why won't you defend yourself? I want to scream.
"Sounds like you have a clear course of action," Alpha Green says to his son. Garrett's eyes narrow, but he doesn't say anything. From what I know of my cousin, he's still thinking, and when he makes his decision, it could spell the end of Trey's dream. And for what? Because my dad used his political clout against my ex-boyfriend, and twisted everything to make it sound like Trey's fault.
It's not fair. But am I brave enough to stand against my pack, and, more importantly, my dad?
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. Not now, Lao Tzu.
I move closer to the platform. My dad catches my eye and I stop.
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage. - Anais Nin.
Great. I'm so scared my life is flashing before my eyes, and it consists entirely of cheesy wisdom quotes.
Trey steps down, and starts to walk away. It's now or never. I step onto the stage just as he's about to walk through the exit.
"Wait a minute," I hear myself say.
Trey
I CAN'T BELIEVE IT. Sheridan steps up onto the platform, bold as you please. It's getting a little crowded, but she puts her hands on her hips in a proud Wonder Woman pose. "This isn't right, and you know it."
Her father bristles but Alpha Green raises his hand. "Say your piece."