Chapter 0047
Colin says, “How can we ask this of Cara? As Beta, she’d likely encounter their Alpha King at some point.”
“Wait, Cara’s Beta now?” Landon asks in surprise. He should be second in line to the throne by birth, but leadership never interested his free spirit.
“Amazing what you miss when you’re gone all the time,” Aidan jokes.
“That’s great! Congratulations, Cara. It’s well–deserved.” Landon says to me sincerely.
Everyone is staring at me now. I can feel their eyes on me, almost like a prickling on my skin. No one speaks.
Eamon’s gaze is gentle. He looks perfectly calm, as if he’s in no of a rush for my decision. Eamon is aware that I’ve already had time to consider the idea, but I’m still unsure about
what to do.
As far as seeing Alaric again, honestly, I’m unbothered. Six incredibly long years have passed since his almost–wedding to Lilia.
I’ve changed packs, I’ve had children, I’ve gotten a new job.
DarkWood feels like it was a lifetime ago.
One thing that can be said for Alarics is that he is a strong leader, and he always tries to do right by his pack. He carries the mantle of Alpha King well.
He would make a strong ally.
But if I think back, I can remember those terrible things he said to me, ridiculing me. Calling me a “gold digger” I don’t know how many times. He could sabotage business. negotiations with DarkWood to get back at me for his wedding falling apart.
Not that that was my fault, but still…
The more I think about it, what troubles me more than anything is that I really don’t know what Alaric might do. These last six years have completely changed my life, maybe Alaric has also changed?
I don’t even know him anymore.
I wish I had someone to help me think this over…
Instinctively, I reach to the back of my mind for my wolf, Lucy. But just as I have for the last six years, I find the space empty.
She’s not there.
Still in hibernation.
* Chapter 0042
I’ve heard about theories for waking a wolf from hibernation, but nothing is working, It’s times like these when I miss her most.
“Remember that time we called in that fake bomb threat at one of the DarkWood
warehouses?” Aldan laughs into Ryan’s car, as If all of the us gathered here can’t hear him.
“That idiot Alaric had his security detall out there all day looking through every last package!” Ryan chuckles back.
Eamon clears his throat loudly. “Brothers, did I just hear that you’ve been wasting your own precious time for childish pranks?”
The twins have enough good sense to look sheepish and guilty. I can tell Eamon’s not ‘really that upset or surprised by their antics, but as Alpha King he does need to chastise their risky behavior.
“And might I remind you,” Eamon continues, “That Alaric is a formidable Alpha King, and would make for a very, very difficult enemy.
Colin nods in agreement, “Yeah, DarkWood is easily one of the top packs in the entire world right now. Give it another few years, and they’ll be the unequivocal number one.”
“We only pulled those pranks to get him back for what he did to our sister. Can you really fault us for that?” Aidan says, raising his chin into the air.
“A sister who can speak for herself.” I say firmly.
It’s the first time I’ve spoken since Eamon brought up the idea, and once again, all eyes are
on me.
“Well,” Eamon says, “What do you say?”
The energy radiating from my brothers is expectant, and I feel flushed. I take a breath, calm myself, keeping my voice steady and smooth. The pack needs me at my best right.
now.
This isn’t about emotion.
This isn’t about the past.
This is business.
“We should reopen negotiations. Let’s call a meeting with DarkWood.” I say finally.
Everyone gasps in surprise, except Eamon who’s looking at me with what I can only describe as pride.
“…Well,”
Eaomon smiles to me and says, “Let’s do this!
