Moreland was protecting Hope’s identity, so Tak treaded carefully. “Was the woman of age?”
Moreland lifted his cigar and studied it for a moment. “I know your tribe breaks off into sections, but a pack is different—especially a large one. If a man wants to court a young woman who’s recently gone through her first change, he has to follow the rules. Either wait for her to leave the pack or make the Packmaster aware of his intentions. The alpha decides if the relationship will create conflict within the house. A lot of men were interested in this woman; an open relationship with River would have caused a war.”
Tak steepled his fingers and averted his gaze to a table of young women who were laughing. Hope’s panic attack at the market had nothing to do with traffic, noise, or even seeing River. It happened because she felt powerless after River treated her with disdain. She’d once trusted the man, and a part of her would always feel connected to him because of the intimacy they’d shared.
If only Tak could go back in time and put that wolf in his place. Had that man ever felt anything true for her, he wouldn’t have been so cold.
“Did the wolf not fight for her hand?” Tak wondered aloud.
“All that man wanted was to pick the cherry from the tree. Young women don’t realize the power their first lover has over them, but older men are wise to this, and the wrong ones abuse that power. They seduce them with lies and empty promises. That’s why they target them before they leave the pack.”
“Why should that matter?”
Moreland tapped the long ash off his cigar. “Leaving gives her free will to choose any man she wants, but these men don’t want a relationship. So they put them in a position where the affair has to remain a secret. I’ve seen this happen before. Sometimes they seduce the Packmaster’s mate, but usually it’s the young ones they target. These wolves are likable guys. Everyone’s best friend. The one you least suspect.”
Tak took out his warrior’s knife and stabbed the table with it. “If I see that rogue again, I’ll show him what my tribe does to dogs like him.”
Moreland tossed back his head and laughed. “We need more like you in this town.”
The waitress appeared and set two beer mugs on the table. Tak pushed his glass toward Moreland, who gladly accepted the gesture.
“Are you a Packmaster?” Moreland asked.
“No.”
“That doesn’t create problems in your tribe?”
It sometimes did. Dominant alphas butted heads, but usually his tribe would break off into subpacks and move to a different part of the land.
Tak sighed. “My father leads all the packs, so it’s not a problem for me.”
“I can see that.” Moreland gulped down half his drink and wiped his lips with the back of his hand. “I’ve seen many alphas get too comfortable living the rogue life, and if you live under the power of another alpha, it might weaken you as a leader. Have you thought about starting your own pack… away from the tribe? Don’t let time go to waste.”
“That’s not an option.”
Moreland searched his eyes. “A man can do anything he sets his mind to. The only thing stopping him is fear or family. Which governs your decisions?”
“Would you trust a man like River to lead his own pack? There’s your answer.”
Moreland puffed on his cigar and gazed at Tak earnestly. “If you’ve committed a grievous offense against your tribe, then make it right. You’re still in the tribe, so that tells me it was a forgivable act. But if your packmates refuse to acknowledge your birthright, then maybe it’s time for you to take a stand. It won’t be long before you begin alienating yourself from the others. Time marches on, and watching young men around you achieve their full potential will eat away at what dignity you have left.” Moreland set his cigar in the ashtray. “All men are capable of redemption; few men seek it. I’m not your spirit guide, Tak. I just happen to see a powerful alpha in front of me who has a lot of wolves in this town buzzing with curiosity. Some think you’re settling, and a few people are interested in that prospect. There are plenty of Shifters following men they don’t believe in for lack of choice. Every so often, there’s a peace party, and some trading goes on, but choices get stale. Everyone here knows each other, so when an alpha comes of age, he’s already got his buddies picked out. Forming a pack becomes more about favoritism and less about building a strong brotherhood. That’s why these numbskulls wind up with so many problems where a mediator is necessary.”
Tak was intrigued. “Are you looking to switch packs?”
Moreland offered a smile and looked off toward the bar. “I’m always open to change. If you want my advice, maybe you should extend your vacation a little longer and see what’s out there. How about another game? I’ll even let you break.”
Tak put his knife back in the sheath looped on his belt. “Something tells me I’m being hustled. Did you let me win to boost my confidence?”
Moreland stood up and grabbed the mug with beer still in it. “Call me the hospitality wagon. I like to take it easy on tourists.”
Tak remained seated while Moreland moseyed over to the pool tables. A cold chill rinsed over him, the sensation intensifying with each passing second. He brushed his hand over the raised hairs on his arm. He’d never experienced a feeling like this before and wondered if it was what Hope’s panic attacks felt like. But Tak didn’t suffer from those; something else was wrong. His wolf thrashed beneath his skin, the need to run unbearable.
No, not run.Chase.
Chase what?
He couldn’t shake the urgency. As he yielded to his animal instincts, his thoughts crystallized. For reasons he couldn’t explain, Tak knew with unequivocal certainty that Hope was in danger.
Chapter 24
