fifty-seven
The Old Pack
*GWENDOLYN*
Ifeel like it’s been years since I left my old pack, when in fact it is only months. I don’t even feel a sense of belonging or nostalgia when the car I am in crosses the pack borders. The only good memories I have from here are connected to Dad, or Daniel, or Evelyn. They are all people I don’t need a place to connect with.
The place itself holds no value to me.
“Thank you for coming with me,” Charlie says into the silence. “I feel better with both of you here.”
“There is no way we would have let you do this on your own,” Felix says.
“I agree,” I add. “And your father is here too, don’t forget that.”
Charlie nods. “True.”
“When did they arrive?”
“He went with Uncle Liam and Maddox yesterday,” Charlie explains. “To detain Maddox’s dad. It must have been so difficult for Maddox. I feel like I should have been there with him, but, goddess…”
“I can’t say for sure,” Felix says. “But I don’t think he would have liked you to come with him, not because he wants to keep you at a distance, but because it means putting you in harm’s way. But I am sure he’ll be happy to have you around today.”
“Maybe you are right,” Charlie says. “Besides, all of them asked me to stay back and come with you today.”
“Do you know if everything went smoothly?” I ask.
“As smoothly as detaining an alphacango,” Charlie says. “Maddox called me yesterday late at night. He sounded so drained, but also kind of relieved, if that makes sense.”
“It does,” I reassure her.
“He said, the warriors from the Council were a great help. They also detained some of the ranked members. Only the beta seems to have been clueless. Maddox said he was shocked at the revelations.”
“Thepackmust be completely in shock,” Felix mutters.
“They are,” Charlie explains. “But Maddox wasn’t able to tell just how much they genuinely were.”
I remember what Felix told me about his visit, and about my own experience with the pack. I don’t think the pack members would have minded if their alpha gambled. I doubt they would have cared for Marina or Faye. However, I want to believe that the trafficking allegations, at least, would have upset them.
There is a lot of work ahead of Maddox if he wants to turn this pack into a better place. Bullies like Brandon were allowed to dowhat they pleased. It’s always difficult to rein such people back in.
Beta Edward, who has been driving and barely joined our talk, now turns to look at us. “We are here, everyone.”
We indeed are. He parks the car right in front of the packhouse, and I spot Liam and Dante. Maddox and Beta Vincent are with them, and some warriors I don’t know. They must be the guys from the Council – an older man is with them too. I don’t spot my old alpha or gamma, but a bit further away, talking to some warriors, is Beta Mateo.
Charlie is right, the beta looks shaken. Daniel is with him, and my heart leaps for joy. Finally, a person I actually like!
“It’s a beautiful place,” Charlie says quietly when we get out of the car.
“But you don’t like it?” I ask.
She shrugs. “It’s not… very me. But it’s beautiful. I just wish the pack itself wouldn’t suck so much. I come from Red Claw Pack, where Uncle Liam is a great alpha, and Annie is amazing, too. And the pack is great and-“
“I know,” I say quietly. “I know too well.”
“I don’t know if I have it in me to become luna,” she adds.
“I think you would do well. If it helps, the last luna really set the bar low.”
