A variety of wolves dressed as humans swarm Tim and me before we get into the lodge. Men and women from all over the globe follow my every movement.
For once, the lodge feel crowded. I didn’t know there were that many packs. From the look on Adam’s face, he wasn’t expecting there to be so many either. There more I observe, the quicker I realize that alphas don’t travel without an entourage.
Adam spots me in the crowd as he bumps his way across the room, "Is this the council," I whisper knowing everyone can hear me, but it is a valid question.
"No, my dear, not all of us," A tall man with a dark complexion answers, "News spread to every continent and we are thrilled by the personal invitation to meet you.”
"This is Sir Richard," Adam introduces.
I try not to shy away. Being in their presence, the magnitude of their choice weighs on me. It feels solemn and each one instantly deserves my respect.
Sir Richard circles me. Not knowing what to do, I focus on Adam. Crossing my arms, Adam gives a slight tick of his head as they instinctively slide down my side. Every part wants to twitch and fidget as the conversations abruptly end.
Tim isn’t concerned as he stifles a yawn. Sometimes he’s too dimwitted. Everyone is easily one to two hundred years older than him and they’re want to see our flaws.
"These are the two white wolves," A short and rather plump woman hobbles closer, "They weren't what I was expecting."
Out of the corner of my eyes, Tim rolls his eyes. Insults are new.
"I must see it, I must see her change," The woman commands, her short stubby finger jutting at me.
Adam gives a quick nod and I slowly start to nod in agreement. Johnnie isn't here. There’s no choice as Adam tries to guide me through the limited options.
Walking to the other room, the short women blocks my path, "A white wolf who is modest," She spits with indignation, "Who ever heard of such a thing."
"She’s been brought up in this human nation. You must understand her modesty. If she was born in my country, she would have no difficulty standing before us in all her glory," A tall, handsome man states with a wink.
The winking destroyed my last nerve. I can’t do this alone. Taking a step back, I look over my shoulder to Adam for help.
These old and dignified individuals let of a certain poise and arrogance. Now I understand how Susan fits in so well. I’ll only bend so far to their demands and I’m not willing to comply right now.
"I'll do it," Tim says, never the modest type.
Tim’s shirt is off before anyone can object. Whispers circulate while he kicks off his shoes. His eyes meet mine before shrugging. After silently thanking him, I avert my gaze. "They still exist," One frail old woman shrieks before slowly shuffling forward, "I haven't seen one since I was a little girl."
Her hands reach up and I bend lower. They stroke my cheeks as a warmth fills her features. Adam inches closer. I want to glare at him. He promised to protect me but I’m sure if it came down to it, I could defend myself against a feeble old woman.
"Ben will not easily be beaten," The old woman crocks, still staring into my eyes, "But I will gladly hand over my pack to the white mistress."
The tiny woman, with her wrinkled hands and sagging skin uses me as a support while going down on one knee. Others in the room stand and almost in unison bend a knee. The only person who doesn't kneel is Susan and for once in my life, I’m glad. One person needs to be the voice of reason. I never thought it would be Susan.
Even Adam kneels. I try to shake my head but all he does is beam before tucking his head. I don’t want control or power. Right now, I want to yank Adam off from the ground and run away.
It’s too surreal. I don’t understand anything about this world other than the fact that these people are trying to worship a myth. Johnnie needs to get here. I need someone that doesn’t hold me in high regards to stop them from idolizing me.
Everyone rises. Two men help the old woman stand. I don’t understand what happened. There’s little doubt I will disappoint every one of them, slowly shredding all their fantasies.
"We will stand with you against Ben," Sir Richard states, "Our allegiance to the council and this pack remain unchanged."
Snaking my way through the group, Adam escorts me to an empty room. The privacy gives me time to conjure courage. My paws pace the room. Adam waits, his hand on the knob until I’m calm. The door swings open.
Electricity charges the atmosphere as they make me parade around. It isn’t astonishment that fills the room, it’s hope.
"She’s exactly what I thought she would be," One younger man states falling to his knees in front of me, "She is perfect. Can she breed?”
I’m glad to be in wolf form. Every bit of me wants to lash out. He deserves to be bit for assuming my sole purpose is to pop out children.
Only one topic was heavily discussed before my transition. Johnnie wouldn’t let me continue until he explained that everyone who has been in my position have been barren. I thought it was absurd to be a wolf. I didn’t take the warning seriously.
I won’t be a legacy, which is why people shouldn’t hand me power. I can’t leave an heir. My death will spur another war. There won’t be a glorious peace but an implosion.
My agitation increases. No one’s really touched me as a wolf. Their hands grip my skin, their noses press into my fur. I feel like the family dog around a handful of toddlers.
Adam realizes my duress and takes control. In the other room, my hands rest on the window latch. It would be so easy to jump. Instead, my hands rack over my face as I take a deep breath.
Adam opens the door before snatching my hand and pushing his way through the crowded lodge. His stern expression keeps everyone at bay. The window would have been faster.
As soon as we’re outside, I can finally breathe again. The pressure vanishes as he walks me to the lake.
"How would Ben take the pack from you?”
Adam’s expression is strained, "If I don't willingly give up the pack, we fight," He pauses before his hand reaches under my chin, forcing me to look him in the eyes, "I will sacrifice everything to keep you and this pack safe."
I don't know how to respond. I want to turn away, but Adam won’t let go of my face. He’d die for everyone here and there’s a good chance he will.
Everyone pledged to protect me, putting their packs at risk of the same fate. Ben will use me to conquer the alliance.
“Are you ready to go back inside,” Adam questions as Johnnie walks up the dirt path.
“It’s time to plan,” Johnnie says.
He’s been absent all day and ignores my frown. What good is a bond if Johnnie is just going to let me down?
“Ben’s coordinated an attack against almost every pack in the world,” Sir Richard states.
Everyone around the large table grumbles. The attacks specifically target non-council packs.
Most are minor, similar to the attack in Seattle. Some target their weakness, like what he did to me. His strategy is well planned.
It’s meant to keep everyone on edge. No one can pinpoint his location or his next attack.
The reek of fear fills the room. No one at the table is in any condition to fight Ben. The only fight he’s ever lost was against Adam and it was close.
The old crabby woman slaps the table, “It’s time we finally punish him according to our laws.”
More whispers circle. I glance to Johnnie wondering what it means to punish a wolf. Johnnie shakes his head, it’s not the time for that question. My mind drifts to Johnnie’s wolf cape.
“This council will bring him to justice.”
“While we are here? Who’s going to protect our packs?”
“Your pack can’t function without the alpha for a few weeks?”
The comments continue to boil as insults hurl across the table. It’s chaotic and I can’t keep up with the conversations. Some of these spats go back hundreds of years. I lean back using Johnnie as a shield to block out the noise.
“We can send support to any pack that needs help,” Adam comments, his booming voice silencing the table, “Every council member is more than welcome to stay or return to their pack. No one at this table will judge their decision. Ben won’t be easy to find and it might be more beneficial if everyone returns to their packs.”
“It is safer for everyone if we remain here,” One old woman comments, “He wants power. Let him come to this lodge to take it.”
“We’ve tried to round up his pack,” Adam informs, “Most are missing.”
The conversation dwindles. There’s a lot of bad blood in the council. No one can agree on anything.
Adam motions and we walk outside and to his car at the very end of the drive. Johnnie follows close behind.
“I don’t want Addie to stay at the lodge.”
Johnnie eyes him but his expression doesn’t change, “I think that is best. If you offend packs now, we will never rebuild the foundation.”
That’s a little harsh. Besides, if first impressions mean so much, where was he when it mattered?
“What about Tim,” I ask already witnessing his insults against a few alphas.
“Let him stay,” Johnnie suggests, “They want a white wolf. They can test him. No one will listen to his opinions.”
Adam nods. I can only hope Tim never finds out what we said.
Adam pulls away from the lodge. It’s a quiet ride. He’s too preoccupied to talk. The night darkens around us as we drive to his townhome.
With the car in park, Adam’s palms press against his face as he leans back. There’s something behind his stern façade. Ben’s stirred up bad memories.
His large brown eyes trap me. This time it isn’t the lashes but the sadness.
“Let’s go inside.”
My feet screech to a halt in the front hall. Sam smirks from the couch before I glare at Adam. There’s no concern as Adam continues into his home. This was planned.
“I trust him in this situation. Sam understands what’s at stake better than anyone,” Adam answers, “I can’t stay.”
I want to protest but his lips catch mine before I can speak. There’s fear in his kiss, which stops me from arguing. I can’t add more to his plate.
“Please don’t leave Sam’s side, not even for a moment,” Adam begs before turning on his heals and heading back to his car.
“Come, sit,” Sam states patting the spot next to him.
My insides turn.
“Don’t get your panties in a twist,” Sam partially spits, “I was never interested in doing anything with you.”
“Really,” I challenge, sitting in the chair on the opposite side of the room.
“Fine, so I was. Every guy had the same intention. Adam got lucky. I guess I should have fallen for you before you even turned.”
Reddening, Sam knows how to get a reaction.
“Are you trying to tell me you’re a hopeless romantic,” I chide, sarcasm laced through every word.
Sam smiles not taken aback by my comment, “We’re all looking for the same thing. Some are just better than others.”
Not knowing what to say, I look away. There is truth in his reply. That surprises me.
“Why did Adam have you watch me compared to Isaac?”
I have a good relationship with Isaac. He doesn’t have to be commanded into protecting me. People’s safety is important to Isaac and he is one of the best fighters in the pack.
Sam stands, grabbing a bottle from the wet bar and making two drinks. Sliding one in front of me, he sips on his before returning to the couch.
“You ask a lot of questions.”
“Well, it’s a good one,” I retort not wanting him as my constant companion.
Sam empties his drink before twirling the glass in his hand. He doesn’t seem lusty right now. He’s just as afraid as Adam. Everyone’s coated in fear.
“I fought with Adam the last time Ben attacked,” Sam says before going silent as the memory engulfs him, “It wasn’t even a week after Adam’s father died and Ben challenged. Adam was barely older than a pup, such a wide-eyed youth without any real idea what he was doing. Neither of us had a clue what we were getting ourselves into.”
“Us? You fought too?”
“During a challenge, contestants can choose one other person to fight with them. It was a new rule at the time. Brute strength ousted smart alphas. The rule was supposed to ensure a fair fight. Adam selected me to have his back. I’ve had his back ever since.”
Inhaling deeply, I mull over the information. No one really talks about Adam’s fight. It’s ancient history and a blemish for this pack.
“Can’t you beat him again.”
Sam chuckles, “We’re a lot older now.”
“Isn’t Ben older too?”
Walking back to the wet bar, Sam makes himself another drink. As the ice cubes clink into his glass, I consider how worthless of a bodyguard he’s going to be in a few hours. I’m sure Isaac isn’t getting drunk right now.
“You know about steroids, right?”
“Do you take them.”
Sam shakes his head, “They don’t do anything for wolves but there is something similar for our kind. Ben and his pack do that stuff constantly. He doesn’t fight fair normally but with that, Adam’s dead.”
Sam downs his second drink before pouring a third and walking back to the couch. His hands go up, encouraging me to ask more questions but my head and heart don’t know if I can hear anything else.
“If Ben can win, why won’t he fight?”
Sam smiles. This is the question he’s been waiting for me to ask.
“The council is the only thing standing between Ben and this pack. They won’t let him get control. Our pack is strong and if it falls into Ben’s hands, every other pack will fall like dominos.”
“How can they stop it.”
“They try him for his crimes before he gets a chance to challenge Adam. He’d be sentenced to death. Then it’s just a matter of who gets there first to finish the job.”
“Why haven’t they done that,” I scream as the liquid from the drink burns its way down my throat.
“Fear. He won’t go down easy and he’ll kill everything in his way. That’s why they’ve only watched. They didn’t want that much blood on their hands. He hasn’t challenged Adam, so they ignored the atrocities. And then you popped up.”
“I’m to blame?”
Sam nods, “You’re throwing this world into chaos. Packs aren’t abiding by our laws. The fights changed and Ben’s adapting. You’ve existence threatens everything about our way of life.”