“By Momar.”
“That’s the thought.”
“They want to meet you, and I think that is wise. I’ve validated all the rumors, plus given my own insights, but they want to see for themselves. You were firmly established as something of a myth, mostly unbelievable. Now the winds are changing as more people validate the rumors. The myth is becoming a legend, and your mate is playing a part. They want to see for themselves, and I have a feeling their excitement to be part of something bigger will ripple through the community. It would be good for what you’re trying to do.”
But to stay even a few more days would delay a visit to the new cairn leader who’d taken over Nikken. They’d already been here two days longer than expected.
Drex was right, though. If he could garner some excitement, and these other packs spread that around, he could secure the support of powerful original alphas. Thatwouldgo a long way to furthering the cause, not to mention they’d provide some muscle. They’d also be easier to direct, with their openminded approach and good work ethic, attributes needed to start a new prosperous pack.
He’d ask Tristan how bad it would look if they were late for the cairn meeting. If Austin could make it work, he would.
“I’ll let you think about it,” Drex said, good at reading cues and flowing with them. “I plan to move this pack into a more open and magically engaged area. The rural mountain has done its job. It’s time to step out into the open.”
“What about the people who don’t want to go with you?”
“Leave no one behind.” He nodded andrespectcolored his posture. “You and your brother have a lot of the same characteristics when it comes to leading a pack.”
“He taught me even when he should’ve tossed me out.”
“It shows, and I mean that in the best way.” He finished his drink. “Vessa has agreed to stay and step into the alpha role. We’ll have a plan in place for them to go out the backdoor, as themages say, if danger comes. Most will move with me, though, I think. For whatever reason, and I do not know why, people tend to follow me.”
“It’s because you do your best to keep your promises. Your word is your oath, and your oath is genuine. People trust that.”
“I try.” He nodded in thanks. Sometimes people needed to hear the validation. He’d recently learned that himself. “I plan to move out in your direction. The way I see it, you’re the target. You’re the hub. You might need help and need it fast. I’ll give you plenty of space, obviously, assuming your territory will continue to grow, as hopefully will mine, but my goal is to mobilize quickly and provide backup at a moment’s notice. I’ve decided to join the fight, and I want to be in the action.”
“Another pack close by would be welcomed, but you should know that my territory is not even remotely as laidback as this place. These people won’t even tolerate me wandering around amongst them. I’m on the outskirts to give them a little peace.”
Drex grinned. “You’ve got a certain presence about you. They probably sense your wildness and raw ruthlessness, and it messes with theirchi.”
“Yet they are totally fine with the basajaunak, for some reason.” Austin shook his head in bewilderment. They even chatted to Edgar. How was Austin the problem here?
“Apparently, the mountain has calmed down,” Drex said, “and the basajaunak with it. That’s what my enforcer said, as though that would make sense to me. Spoiler alert, it didn’t. But the basajaunak really are pleasant to be around. Jessie had mentioned that, but I didn’t believe it. You just…aren’t, clearly.”
“Clearly,” Austin said dryly, and Drex laughed.
“Anyway,” Drex said, “I’ll connect with you down the line, asking for advice on where to settle. I know time is against us, so I’ll aim to move quickly. This isn’t the first time I’ve picked up and moved on, as you know. I’m surprisingly adept at it now.”
“I’ll help in any way I can.”
Drex tipped his glass upside down, emptying the last few drops onto the ground. “I hear you’re headed to gargoyles near the Cascades. I thought I’d mention this to you, as well.” He looped his fingers around the stem of his glass and let it hang. “I’ve heard of a powerful rogue up in Washington state. I don’t have a lot of information on him. A friend of mine had a chance encounter and passed it on. He’s a former alpha, I guess, with no interest in continuing that role. He’s tried to find a place to settle, but as you can imagine, no shifter packs will take him. Even Dick and Jane towns are a problem for him, I guess. They treat him like an escaped convict or something.” He shrugged. “I don’t know. Being constantly watched or run out of town is no way to live. Now he’s squatting in a forest on his own. I feel bad for the guy.”
Jess’s patience gave out. She excused herself from talking to a local and started Austin’s way.
“My friend sympathized with him, too,” Drex continued, “but this rogue’s power is substantial. If he decided he might like to head up a pack again, or even if he caused trouble, he’d be a problem.”
Jess smiled up at Austin as she reached him, not even sparing a glance for Drex.
Austin bent down to kiss her. “Hey, baby.”
“Hey.” She slid a hand around Austin’s waist and pressed into his side. “What’s going on? You guys look very pensive over here.”
Austin draped an arm around her and held her firmly, finally able to exert his possessive behavior to show this territory who his mate belonged to. And who he did.
He quickly told Jess what Drex had said so far.
“The rogue’s power is possibly more than mine,” Drex said after Austin had finished. “I’d like to offer him a place here,but my beast would get in the way. This rogue apparently doesn’t want anything to do with challenges or dominance, but I wouldn’t be able to let it go. You’ve seen that. Given your power, your setup, and your incredible control, I thought I’d let you know in case you wanted to step in.”
“Obviously, we’ll step in,” Jess said, her free hand resting on Austin’s chest. “We should at least extend the offer. Right, Austin?”
