“I do, but I would like to get there alive," John answered.
“You are the only one we have. Prepare yourself. We are leaving.” Adam told them.
There were several SUVs. Adam was sure Emilio rented them to transport his pack. Mel pointed them out. It was the way they would get everyone to the plane.
They would stop at an airport near Tyne to pick up his people. Maybe one of them could fly this plane. When he discussed the plan with Mel, he was surprised she had a pilot's license she rarely used. She would be the copilot to give his pilot a little more confidence.
Chapter 8
Sanchez City
Not on a map anywhere was the small town of Sanchez City. It was more like a community because the residents were his pack members. It had been named after the previous alpha and his family line that had ruled there for several generations. That was where they would be headed, and hopefully, things would go well. They were just now lifting off from the closest airport that could handle a plane the size of the one they were on. Adam felt more confident having his mate up front keeping an eye on things while he kept an eye on things in the back.
Tyne and his people would meet them at a private airport near Ariel's residence. Adam couldn't wait until he got his bodyguards. The need was great and immediate since he felt in enemy territory when he caught some of the looks being sent his way. Their life would improve, but they didn't seem to understand that. Their loyalty to the former alpha was misguided as far as he was concerned. Why couldn't they see that? A few could, but they were in the minority.
They were flying high, and Adam was nervous because he had never been on a plane. He hid his feelings because they would be seen as weakness, especially in this crowd. He closed his eyes as if he were sleeping, and it wasn't long before someone approached, and his eyes popped open. The guy jumped back as if he had been bitten.
“I did not mean to disturb you, alpha. I will admit that I had hoped to talk to you when you had time, so I intended to move closer to when you woke," the wolf said.
Adam directed, "Sit next to me, tell me your name, and then tell me your concerns."
“I am Hector Sanchez, a distant cousin of Emilio’s. His behavior was a concern for some time. The homes we live in were not so bad once, long ago. They have been allowed to fall into disrepair and have not been modernized with indoor water, heat, or electricity. Our pack lives like a third world country while our alpha has a splendid mansion far enough away that he is not embarrassed when company comes. I have tried to tell him we need more because our children are starving with only rags to wear. He told me I was unimportant, and he could do without me if I did not stop bothering him. The worst part was he meant it. Others have gone to see him and have never been seen again. Not everyone thinks it was good that you won the challenge, but I do. I see hope for the future because now we may actually have a future," Hector explained.
“I hope I don't let you down. A single person, even an alpha, cannot make a huge difference without help. It is also easier to tear down something than to build it up. I have learned a lot, but I also have much to learn. If I can get the assistance of members of my pack, I will rebuild the village so you will be proud to live there. That would be my first priority, but that can only be done if the pack will help.” Adam admitted.
“I would be pleased to work at your side. Construction is how I make my living. I work outside the pack because our alpha would not pay us if we worked for him," Hector observed.
“Anyone who works for me will be paid. None of my pack members will be killed unless they attack me. If they attack me or anyone else unprovoked, they may die in the attempt. Hopefully, the others, especially the two betas that left, will remember I am supported by the council, especially Damon McDougal," he explained.
Damon was practically a legend. Maybe using his name would stop some undecided pack members from joining those who intended to attack him and his mate. They probably had no intention of killing her, but they would try to mate her. At that point, she would either kill them, or they would kill her.
Hector left satisfied with the answers he received. Adam saw him discussing what they had spoken about with the other pack members sitting near him.
The word would spread. Hopefully, those on the plane would accept Adam as their alpha, knowing he would do the best for them–not just for himself.
The biggest problem would be when he arrived at his new pack. They didn't know him, and they wouldn't trust him. There was no telling what the two betas told them if they found a way to get to the pack before he did.
Adam knew the bad guys always managed to find a way. When he used to be one of those bad guys, he had certainly found a way at the expense of this pack.
That would never happen again. Adam had learned much. He would do better this time.
He also had people to help him if he ran into problems. He could do what was necessary to resolve any issues his pack had. They would be a prosperous pack, not just a prosperous alpha.
Mistakenly and because of boredom, Adam drifted off. The circling of the plane startled him awake.
He concluded they were circling the airport on Ariel’s property. When they landed, he knew there would be the bodyguards he'd requested. While becoming pack alpha and helping these wolves was something he felt he needed to do, he didn't want to die to do it.
Emilio had been an awful alpha, yet some of his people remained loyal. Why was that?
All of Adam's people had deserted him, and they had been treated no worse than Emilio's pack had. And there was the fact that his family had led them for centuries, just like Emilio's.
Was it because Emilio's father passed the torch and gave his approval to his son while Adam's grandfather did not?
Trying to think through it gave him a headache. He needed a clear head to instruct his bodyguards and explain the situation and why he needed them. There was a room at the back where they could discuss the current situation. Hopefully, the others couldn't hear because he wanted complete privacy.
The plane was landing. Adam felt the plane slowing down.
Apparently, the wolf was a better pilot than he thought he was. Maybe having Mel with him had given him the confidence to do the job correctly. It wasn't a tough landing. Adam barely felt it. Then they came to a complete stop, and the door had opened.