My wolf and I beam at how highly our mother speaks about Jay.This is going better than I thought.
“I’m slowly integrating her into pack life.”
“Right. That was the king’s choice, correct? What’re your thoughts on this method?”
“I didn’t agree with it at first, but I’d like to think this is what Dad would have wanted. That’s the kind of leader I want to be—someone who looks to restorative justice rather than unnecessary killing.” I’m still trying to get a good read on her opinion. “What do you think about it?”
My mother folds the newspaper. The pages crinkle with her movement until she settles. “I agree with it, but it doesn’t matter what I think. You are to be Bloodhound’s leader. If this is the way you want to run things, I support your decision. Your father and I raised you well. Any decision you make, I am behind you all the way.”
She slides her file beneath a nearby pack’s newsletter. I recognize it as the directory of men and women who will be participating in this year’s Hunt. Every pack sends one out. It’s to broaden participation so those who joined previous Hunts but remain unmated can enter if they spot someone they’re interested in.
Each page displays photos of eligible wolves and a short bio like, generational powers, standings and other details to spark interest at a glance.
My mom follows my line of sight to the newsletter and changes the subject. “On another note, have you given any more thought as to who you will choose as a mate?”
“Actually, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”
Mom raises an eyebrow at me, waiting.
I sigh.Here goes nothing.“Jay is... my fated mate.”
Her face contorts to one meant to intimidate me as a pup, but it doesn’t work on me anymore.
“She’s not yet twenty-one, so she doesn’t know it yet, but when she does, I’ll mark her.”
She slams her hand on the desk and stands in a huff. “Over my dead body. You arenotto mark her! I forbid it.”
“I am the next alpha. I am not asking for your permission.”
“You are not yet an alpha.”
“Maybe not, but I am my father’s son.”
My aura meets her dominance head on. She doesn’t bare her neck in submission like others would, but it shocks her all the same. I’m not matching her outrage, and I don’t need to yell. I’m not going to escalate things.
“I’ve made my decision, Mom. I’m not here to discuss this with you. I’m only here to inform you.” And with that, I exit, leaving my mother to stew in her hatred.
A burden the size of a boulder rolls off my shoulders. I feel great, and the first thing I want to do is tell Jay.
When I find her, Jay is assisting the king in training my people. She’s adjusting their stances, practicing and showing off kick-ass moves.
I call to her, “Hey, Jay!”
She lights up when she sees me, and I smile back because she’s brightening my entire world.
“When you get a second, I need to talk to you about something.”
“Okay, sure thing! I’m almost finished, then I’ll be right over.” She resumes her teachings.
For a moment, I watch her impressive abilities—how she doesn’t miss a single detail. She ensures my pack knows every trick in the book for their own safety.
I ask myself how I got to be so lucky.
It’s then the scent of burning wood, sulfur and smoked tobacco hits my nose. Suddenly, a dense fog engulfs my surroundings. It consumes the people around me until the only ones left in the smoke are the king, Tyler, Sam, Taya and me.
“What is going on? Where are we? What happened to the pack?” Taya asks.
We all glance around, but there’s no one and nothing. We’re all confused. Except for Sam, who is convinced that, whatever is happening, I have something to do with it. “This has mutt written all over it. What the fuck did you do?”
