“Shall we start?” Jasper says, using the same commanding voice.
Morven kisses the top of Mia’s head then releases her. She makes her way to her side of the table while her dad sits.Lowering into her chair, she places a hand over Olivia’s, but Olivia doesn’t react. She’s too busy keeping a watchful eye on Morven.
Once everyone else is seated Jasper begins.
“I’d like to thank everyone for coming today. This meeting is imperative to our survival, and what goes on in this room today will determine the course of, not just our packs, but all of wolfkind. Believe me,” he says. “We are at a turning point, a precipice, and the decisions we make will have ramifications for generations to come.”
He swallows, clearly nervous, but I send him all the strength and good energy I can, wishing I could take his hand.
“Special thanks are to be given to our friends from the Rocky Pack,” Jasper says, angling his body to their side of the table. “Our packs have worked alongside each other for decades now. And it is my utmost wish that our relationship continues to be a prosperous one, benefiting both our peoples.”
Morven, who has clasped his hands across his stomach and is leaning back in his chair all too casually, gives Jasper a respectful nod. He may seem nonchalant, but his narrow eyes give away how hard he’s listening.
“Before we get to the matter at hand,” Jasper continues, “I would ask Beta Salazar to give us an update on our current position in this conflict.”
Jasper nods in his direction and sits. Salazar clears his throat then stands.
“As you all may know, the Axis Pack, under the command of Walter Bridgers, has been on the offensive for a number of weeks now. Their first attack was here in the packhouse, and all subsequent attacks have been on our council-run institutions, government buildings, schools, healing centers. These attacks prove two things. One, Walter is using his insight into the workings of our pack to identify and exploit weaknesses inour security. Two, the targets he’s chosen clearly demonstrate his main goal in this campaign. To weaken and destroy the leadership of the Elite Pack.”
Morven leans forward, placing the fingertips of all five digits from his left hand onto the tabletop. “These small attacks don’t seem like such a large issue. Surely something you can handle, no? The Elite Pack’s fighters are legendary, after all.”
Salazar straightens his jaw and levels his eyes on the visiting alpha.
“A few small attacks would be manageable if that’s all this was. Walter has been able to evade our border patrols. On top of that we have seen an increase in the frequency and savagery of these attacks. Moreover, we know that Walter has been recruiting packs and rogues across the country. Amassing numbers in the thousands, numbers that if concentrated on a single attack would cripple us.”
“You think he would do this?” Morven asks. “One big move?”
Here Salazar’s unwavering confidence falters, he pulls at his collar and gulps.
“Walter is not the only wolf with the ability to bypass security measures. Our own intelligence wolves have infiltrated his council room, and we’ve learned that Walter is planning a large-scale invasion, within the next week, when the moon is at its fullest.”
“Other than kicking our feet from under us, what is Walter’s ultimate goal?” Jasper asks.
“It may appear that his main objective is to rule. He needs an army large enough for an invasion of Elite Pack territories to be successful. But I have a feeling his endgame is more personal, I think he wants to ...” Salazar pauses, looking pitifully at Jasper. “He wants to kill you and your father.”
An awed hush settles over the room. All eyes, especially those of Morven, are turned to Jasper. His cheeks redden but if he’s panicking, he doesn’t let it show.
“So they wish to topple the seat of power.” He nods to himself. “That makes sense.”
“What precautions have you taken to ensure the continuation of your bloodline?” Mason’s dad asks, his voice gravelly, his expression grave.
Jasper nods in acknowledgment. “For the benefit of this council it should be noted that my sister has already been relocated to a safe location, you’ll forgive me if I do not disclose the exact coordinates. My father remains in critical condition in this very packhouse, protected by a squadron of our finest gamma wolves.”
Morven nods solemnly, clearly his respect for Jericho runs deep.
“And what about allies?” Morven asks. “Surely the Rocky Pack cannot be your only friend in the world.”
For a moment Jasper stares at the table, thinking, then he clears his throat.
“We have a few allies to the south and east. Though we’re losing them to Walter’s threats and attempts at blackmail. Max, my mate, has recently been on a recruitment expedition, hoping to gain the support of what we’ve taken to calling the Rogue Nation.”
Morven scoffs. “Rogues?”
“Yes, though unfortunately we’ve been unable to convince the rogues to join us. Max, would you care to elaborate?”
Huh?
“M-me?”
