Page 68 of Father of the Wolf

By fought, do you mean he had to fight to become leader? That was a scary thought and a good reminder that these were not average people.

In his case, yes. He took leadership by challenge. He defeated the previous Alpha in fair combat.

How terrible. She had been looking forward to meeting more of Athair’s kind, but Sandulfr sounded rather intimidating.

He did it to stop the man from attacking a group of humans who had wandered into their territory.

Hope met the two men at the breeze way and led them back to the dining room. Several boxes of pizza and most of Sandulfr’s people were gone.

Dàn answered her unspoken question, “They went back to the den to watch the end of the movie.”

“Good. I was worried about it being too crowded in here.” She looked around to be sure there were enough chairs for those who remained. Dàn and Maura sat at one end of the table, and Rath, Reultan, and Díon sat at the other. With them was another man Hope hadn’t yet met. They were sampling different soft drinks by passing the cans between them.

Athair said, “I don’t think I had the chance to introduce you to Leth when they got back.” Leth stood at Athair’s words and bowed slightly, managing to look formal despite being clad in leather from vest to boots.

“It’s nice to meet you, Leth.” She wondered at his choice of formality.

“And you as well.” His manners perfect, Leth shook her hand and smiled.

“Leth’s father is Sgrios.”

Hope must have stiffened without realizing it, because Leth’s smile widened, and he chuckled. “Athair, you have ruined my good impression. Where is Daddy?”

“He went for a walk,” answered Dàn.

“You would be wise for you to remember your place, you young rascal,” Athair chastised Leth, lightly cuffing the back of his head. Then he got pizza for himself and Hope.

“Of course, Athair.” Leth dipped his head in meekness while managing to wink at Hope. Despite their similar looks, it was hard to relate this amusing young man to Sgrios in any way.

Hope smiled as she watched the clan’s reaction to the taste of pizza. Dàn, especially. He closed his eyes and savored every bite. After everything he’d been through, she was glad he could still enjoy the simple pleasure of new flavors.

He was about to get a third slice at Maura’s urging, when he sank back into his seat and a pained expression crossed his face. “Oh no.” His words were whispered, but he still drew everyone’s attention.

“What is it? What’s wrong?” Maura asked him.

Dàn shook his head slightly. “Someone’s been hurt. I think killed.”

“Who?” asked Athair.

“I don’t know. I’m sorry. I was trying to not see, but then I recognized the turn in the road.” Dàn rested his forehead against his palm, his expression filled with painful regret.

“Is there time to stop it?” Athair asked as he stood.

Dàn’s miserable look told what his words confirmed. “No. It’s done. He’s dead.” He rose and with Maura at his side, led the way through the house and out onto the front porch.

“Show us where,” Hope said as she, Athair, and Sandulfr followed Dàn and Maura down the steps and just past the end of the driveway. From there, Hope could easily see the county sheriff’s car and two men standing next to the roadside.

“Wait here.” Hope stopped. “I know the sheriff. I’ll ask him what happened. That way, fewer people will be involved.”

“That makes sense,” Sandulfr said.

Athair nodded, and she felt his comforting presence within her mind as she walked around the bend toward the sheriff. She wondered what could have happened. Who’d been hurt? Why? What if it was Steve that Dàn had seen? She prayed it was a mistake and that no one was hurt. But as she got closer, she saw a car partially hidden at the side of the road.

Jimmy’s car.

And next to the car, Sheriff Blackwell was laying a blanket over... probably Jimmy. Hope closed her eyes, thinking how happy the boy had been to have a new job and a new car. And now he had nothing.

Relief that Steve was safe warred with her sadness over Jimmy’s death. Hope needed to find out what happened. “Sheriff?” she called.

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