Page 24 of Cruel Alpha Bully

I turn to Kelta. “How are their numbers? Does it look like they need the territory because of their pack size?”

She nods. “They definitely have a significant presence,” she answers. “It’s entirely possible that if they take this territory, they could move on us within a year—maybe even sooner.”

I feel a touch of anxiety run through me. No matter what I do, this is probably going to end in a fight. I definitely don’t want an all-out war, though.

“We aren’t allied with them,” Dane says. “There’s no communication at all. No trade.”

I look around the table. Everyone is staring at me expectantly. I turn back to the scouts.

“How often have you seen them?” I ask. “And are they hostile?”

“We’ve spent the last three weeks doing perimeter runs and short forays into the Silver Meadows territory,” Kelta answers. “After we started seeing the Mount Wilson pack, we pulled back to our borders and ran a couple of stealth missions. They don’t seem hostile to us, but not friendly, either.”

I nod slowly, thinking. “Has there ever been an all-out fight with the Mount Wilson pack?” I ask the others.

Carson shakes his head. “Not a full-on one, no. A few skirmishes.”

“Has there ever been any positive interactions? Any communication at all?”

Sasha shakes her head. “As far as we know, there hasn’t been, but we’d have to interview the entire pack to be sure.”

“Well, nothing of note, then,” I say, thinking.

Taking some extra territory is usually a good thing for us, especially if we can do it with little effort. In this instance, where our established territory is under potential threat, it’s vital we take action.

I can’t just attack them, though. Even though the wolf in me begs to fight, I have to be careful to protect the pack.

“I’ll need to deal with it personally,” I say with determination. There is a bit of silence as everyone digests my words.

“How?” Sasha asks.

“By going in and having a meeting with their alpha. If we do anything else, it could be seen as a threat. This is the best way to make contact.”

“I concur,” Carson agrees, leaning forward over the table to lace his fingers together. “Sending in a few wolves could be seen as an open threat. Sending the alpha is an honorable thing to do.”

“They will appreciate your courage,” Seth says. “It will earn their respect.”

“No one else would be in danger, either,” Sasha says. “We’ll hold a perimeter and a support group at the edge of our territory so we are ready to come in if you need help, but we shouldn’t advance on them.”

“I agree,” I say, nodding.

Jack looks up in surprise, mouthing, What are you doing?

I grin back at him, shaking my head.

This is what I was made for.

The making of an alpha is often trial by fire. I have to put my life on the line first to prove myself to the pack. If it goes very badly, well, that will be on me to figure out. On the other hand, if I negotiate well and strengthen our position, it will mean good times for every pack member, ensuring my rule and respect.

“You are brave,” Kelta tells me. “I must tell you, some of their forward scouts are fierce-looking. We rely on stealth. They clearly have no problem with brute force.”

“Noted,” I answer, nodding. “I would like a private meeting with you and any other pack members you could spare to give me a briefing on what to expect in their territory.”

“You shall have it,” Kelta replies. “We will also keep an eye on you and follow you into enemy territory.”

“I don’t want you to put yourselves in danger,” I counter.

“We will not be. Our skills are unparalleled. It is also our duty to protect the wolves of any allied pack.”

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