“I’ve been thinking about Valker. About what it means to belong to something like that.”
Mac’s focus sharpened. “You’re considering joining.”
“Not here,” Reynolds said quickly. “Not now. After we’re back. After I’ve got my feet under me. I just wanted your opinion.”
Melvin studied him.
“Valker’s not just power,” Melvin said. “It’s structure. History. Obligations.”
“I know,” Reynolds replied. “That’s kind of the point.”
Mac crossed his arms. “You don’t join that kind of organization because it sounds strong. You join because you’re ready to carry part of it.”
Reynolds absorbed that. “I think I am. Or I’m getting there.”
Silence settled.
Then Mac spoke again. “I’ve been thinking about something too.”
Melvin turned slightly.
“When we go back,” Mac continued, “and if everything settles the way it should… I might look at forming a pack of my own.”
Reynolds blinked. “That’s not small.”
“No,” Mac agreed. “I’d have to find unclaimed territory. Get permission from my Alpha back home. Do it right.”
His gaze drifted briefly toward Melvin before returning to Reynolds. “But I’ve been thinking about it.”
Reynolds swallowed. “You’d lead it.”
“Yes.”
“And you’re telling me that because…?”
Mac held his eyes. “Because if I do it, I’m asking you to join.”
Reynolds stared at him. “You’re serious.”
“I don’t say things like that casually.”
For a moment Reynolds looked overwhelmed. Then he straightened.
“I’d follow you,” he said quietly.
Melvin watched the exchange.
“Whatever you decide,” Melvin said to Reynolds, “Valker or otherwise, make sure it’s yours. Not ours.”
Reynolds nodded slowly. “Yeah. I will.”
He headed for the exit, then paused.
“Lucero write yet?”
“He did,” Melvin said. “He says to stop trying to die before he gets back.”
A grin tugged at Reynolds’ mouth. “Figures.”
