Point of pride there. And he was a “medic,” not a nurse or a doctor. “Military?” Simon asked.
“Army. Been out for a year.”
“And you’re here because you’re a grizzly. You’re part of this because of the fur.” It wasn’t a statement, but the answer was clear on his face. On most of their faces.
Shifters needed clans. It provided protection, community, and safety in the jungle—urban or otherwise. And though bears weren’t as tight as dogs, they liked maintaining ties. Which meant that whether or not they supported the gang’s activities, they would need to be part of this clan. And Nanook hadn’t been one to let a lone shifter wander free. He would have demanded that they join up or die.
“I am the new alpha,” he said, and the statement reverberated in the room as much as it did in his heart and soul. “I will protect you. I will lead you. And where I go, you will follow.” Then he took a deep breath allowing the rightness of this to sink into his body and soul. Here was the third step in his mind: to lead. It was what he was born to do. “If you choose not to follow, you may leave with my blessing.” One last look around before he spoke in booming tones. “Who follows me?”
They answered as one. Not in words, but in a low growl that grew in volume until it became a roar. Even Vic joined in until the space pounded with the sound. And when it was done, Simon looked at them all and grinned.
He was their alpha, and they were his.
He took a moment to absorb their strength into his body, their support into his soul. And then he turned to Alyssa because she alone had stayed silent.
“Now it is your turn.”
