Page 20 of Alpha Hunt

Jagger nods. “They definitely recognize the scent as someone from their pack. Another reason to thank you – for giving them hope that we’re getting closer to their people.”

This is significant. We all know it. “There’s something going on that’s big enough to hide the movement of multiple wolves through this region.” I look from one to the other.

Gage gives a curt nod. “I know the wolf sanctuary is involved somehow. Barrett called in. He says that he hasn’t caught wind of shifter activity. But what better way to hide our kind from humans than to surround them with actual wolves? No one would question it.”

“I agree.” I frown down into my coffee mug, mulling this over. “What do you propose we do?” I look up at Jagger.

“We need more intel. We can’t go in there half-cocked. If we’re wrong, and it’s simply a conservation area, we’ll have exposed ourselves without reason.”

“True.” I take a sip of my coffee.

“Whatever goes down, we want you on board,” Gage adds. “I know you’ve had some issues with one or two of our members, but we want you to know that this isn’t how the majority of us feel.”

“Stone,” I say.

Jagger heaves out a deep breath. “She means well; I need you to know that.”

“I do.” My lips quirk at the thought of the fiery female. “I’m sure she has good reason.”

“Better than most,” Gage acknowledges. He and Jagger exchange a glance.

“She lost her family to a band of rogue wolves who integrated into her pack under false pretenses,” says Jagger, his lips pressed into a grim line. “She won’t tell you as much, so don’t raise it with her. It’s no secret, though.”

“I see,” I say, although I already knew it. The flashes I’ve seen of her mind have brought those images to my mind – she never lets herself forget it.

“She blames herself,” Jagger adds.

“Oh?” This is a surprise to me. I’ve never let myself delve that deeply into her thoughts. It’s always felt wrong, somehow. Just because I can get into people’s minds doesn’t mean I have the right to dip into their darkest secrets. I respect those boundaries.

“She was the one who initially met with them,” says Gage. “She’d been out in her wolf form when she encountered them. She took them back to her family, thinking they needed help. It was a ploy. Within a week, they’d infiltrated the ranks and attacked from the inside. Casey was the only survivor.”

I suppress a shudder.

“You have a story too.” Jagger’s eyes on me are astute. The male is a good leader.

“Don’t we all?” I press out a smile.

“In Steel Lakes? Most of us. Yes.” His eyes dip to my throat, and instinctively my hand lifts to trace the vicious scar encircling it. “When you’re ready, you’ll share yours with us.”

“Not much to tell.” I shrug. “I wasn’t…a good fit.”

“With your birth pack?” Gage looks at me.

“With any pack, really. But yes, it started with them.” How do I explain to them about the years of darkness? Being caged and chained like an animal. “It was a long time ago.”

“Those first hurts never really leave us, Alpen.” Jagger is still watching me closely, and for once, I know what it must feel like to have someone know what you’re thinking. He’s reading me.

“They don’t,” I acknowledge. “But we can move on. Find our own healing in our journey.” I’m still tracing the scar, a reminder of the silver collar that had kept me bound for so long. Maybe my pack leader would have been less threatened if I’d simply been another alpha. Instead, he’d been faced with a psychic. A pup who could get into his head. Get intoeveryone’shead. That was a threat he couldn’t tolerate. If only I’d known how to control that ability from the start. Maybe they’d have— I stop my thoughts. The past is behind me.

“And have you found it?” It’s Jagger again. “Your healing? Your place?”

I lift my shoulders. “Sometimes I think so.” I look around us at the happy bustle of shifters around us. I take in the sense of communion. Of family. Would it be too much to ask if it could be here?

“We’d like it if you’d find it with us, Edirn.” It’s Gage now. “I meant it when I said we want you as our twins’ guardian. That would mean you staying here.”

“I’m with Gage on this,” Jagger interjects. “You’re an asset to our pack, Alpen. We want you to be part of it. And not just because you have insights into Leadmills.”

I feel my jaw clench slightly and work hard to ease the tension from myself. “Thank you.” I don’t go on to accept or reject their invitation.

---