CHAPTER5
“The most prominent pack in London is the McKillan pack, as we all know.” Michael’s jaw tightened as he mentioned his former pack, and not for the first time, Isaac had the urge to reach over and grab his hand in support.
Slow, he reminded himself.
But what exactly did that mean? Michael was one of his oldest friends, and that hadn’t changed. And friends gave each other comfort. Done with second-guessing everything, he did what his instincts were telling him and grasped Michael’s hand in his, squeezed tight for a moment before letting go, and faced the others sat around the tables.
“I can’t imagine how hard this must be for all of you. Having your pack ripped away is about as bad as it gets for a shifter.” He paused, aware that all eyes were fixed on him, intent on what he was about to say next.
Especially Michael’s.
It wasn’t his place to tell them that they could still be a part of a pack because they had an alpha right fucking there, no matter how much he wanted to. “But please know that my pack and I are willing to do anything we can to help you. Whatever you need, just ask and we’ll do our best.”
Michael relaxed beside him.
The rest of them remained silent, but as Isaac took in their expressions, hope flared in his chest. Logan had his bottom lip drawn between his teeth. His gaze flicked to Michael, then back to Smith. They shared a look that Isaac couldn’t decipher, but Smith’s slight head shake felt disappointing. Though his mouthed “not yet” that Isaac was almost sure he wasn’t meant to see kept that hope alive.
They wanted to trust Michael. He firmly believed that.
They just needed time.
Not something they had a great deal of, but trust couldn’t be rushed or forced either.
“Will they change the pack name?” Cole asked. “Now that Baker’s alpha.” Michael winced and Cole’s eyes widened. “Shit, sorry, forget I asked.” He slumped in his seat, and Isaac would bet good money he wished he’d never opened his mouth.
But awkwardness aside, it was a good question. “Not straight away,” he offered, looking at Michael for confirmation. At his nod, he carried on. “The pack might have accepted Baker as alpha for now, but because Michael left and didn’t officially hand over leadership with all the formalities, by law there has to be a probation period.”
“And in that time,” Michael cut in, “there can be challengers to his position.”
“What, anyone?” Logan and Aaron asked at the same time.
“In theory, but first, they have to have evidence that Baker is doing a poor job as alpha, and second, they need to have the backing of a significant number of their pack and five other alphas.”
“So in that scenario, who makes the final decision?” Logan glanced around at the others, but none of them seemed to be any the wiser.
Isaac wasn’t surprised. Not all aspects of the new shifter laws were made public. “The Shifter Council.” Once the Shifter Alliance Party seized power, the “alliance” side conveniently became humans associated with packs, rather than impartial humans with no pack affiliation. But all final decisions were agreed solely by the Shifter Council—made up of the thirty-two alphas of the London Boroughs.
Silence filled the cave, broken only by the cries of seagulls on the beach outside.
Finally, Smith sat forwards, hands clasped. “How long is this probation period?”
Isaac looked over at Michael again.
“Anything from two to six months. The term is agreed upon with the council and the new alpha.” Michael ran a hand along his jaw, and Isaac got the feeling that wasn’t all of it.
“But?”
Michael grimaced. “Of course they have the power to overrule that law in extenuating circumstances.”
Nick rolled his eyes. “Of course they fucking do. And how many votes are needed for that to happen?”
“A majority of at least six.”
“So if nineteen alphas vote yes, someone could challenge Baker for leadership right now?”
“Yes.”
“Fuck.”
