“I didn't know things had gotten this bad,” Callahan said, setting down a pitcher on the countertop after shoving the brew content down his throat. “Whew! That was a strong one,” he added, and his body trembled at the effect of the drink. “Just what I needed.”

Callahan Finn was the Alpha of the Summer Rain Pack. He had light blonde hair, brown eyes, and a golden retriever personality, which was somewhat ironic, given his towering height of six-foot-five. His wolf was the same color as his hair, making him stand out among other wolves.

With a subtle grin, Asher glanced at the front door, his finger traveling around the rim of the glass before him.

Asher Grey, Alpha of the Ghostbound Pack in Starlight Valley, was currently in a state of discombobulation and was the reason for their gathering today. He wore a gray robe, crafted from soft earth-torn fabrics. The robe, a symbol of his title and the mantle on him, was adorned with animal skins and woven beadwork. Upon his head was a hat resembling the head of a wolf.

“Where are Rowan and Articus? They should be here by now,” he said, scanning the bar for at least a glimpse of them.

Asher had gray hair and black eyes. He always had a mysterious look on his face, and his stare or glare often sent shivers down the spine of anyone unfortunate enough to get on his bad side. One could say Asher was scary. His Pack always thought it was to be expected of a great leader such as him. It was a good thing to look intimidating; that way, their enemies would know not to mess with the Pack.

“They’ll be here soon,” said Fannar Agdluak, also known as the Yeti because of his white wolf’s ability to easily blend with the snow. He was the Alpha of the Forest Peak Pack, with white hair and eyes, clear gray of ice.

“You gonna drink that or what?” Callahan asked, gesturing at Asher's drink, but the latter just kept staring at him. “Oh, come on; don't look at me like that.”

“Like what?” Asher asked casually.

“Like that!”he blurted out, highlighting Asher's expression. “Like I'm overreacting to the situation on the ground. Your situation.” He picked up the bottle without taking note of its weightlessness and attempted to refill his tumbler, but it was empty. “Shit,” he mumbled softly.

“He has a point, Asher,” Xander chipped in, sitting next to Fannar.

Xander Black was the Alpha of the Moon Shadow Pack. He had black hair and black eyes, the same as his wolf.

“Well, thank you,” Callahan said and signaled the bartender at a distance, “Hey, Eric… Keep the good stuff coming, will ya? I know I'll be needing them.” The last statement was spoken under his breath as he examined the label on the empty bottle in his hand.

“Cal is right, you know. Things are getting out of hand. I mean, you said it yourself. Your crops are dying, the land is barren, and even your Wards don't know what's happening. That can't be good,” Blake said, leaning forward.

Blake Bennett was the Alpha of the Yellow Cicida Pack and the easy-going one of the seven Alpha friends known as the Knights in the Sky. He had auburn hair and hazel eyes, and wore charmed beads around his neck and wrists—ever a man of tradition.

The front door swung open, and Rowan and Articus walked in, heading straight toward their friends at the usual spot.

“Look who finally decided to show up,” Fannar said as he refilled his pitcher.

“You're late,” Asher said to them.

“Are we?” Rowan asked teasingly, glancing at his expensive wristwatch. “No, I think you guys are early,” he joked and sat down.

Rowan Zev was the billionaire Alpha of the Moonwood Pack. He was a tall, muscular man with golden eyes and black hair.

“It was Rowan's fault.” Articus took his seat and relaxed with crossed legs, which he would later uncross after listening to Asher's ordeal.

“Wait, what? How's this my fault?” Rowan wondered, perplexed. “We didn't even drive here together.”

“Yes. But it's still your fault, though. Just admit it.”

Articus White was the Alpha of the White Moon Pack. He was an albino with white hair, white lashes, and blue eyes who happened to be Rowan's best friend.

“Cut the crap, you two,” Asher said to them casually.

“What's up, Ash? You look like shit,” Articus teased. He couldn't help but notice the disturbing countenance on his friend's face.

“That's because some shitty things are happening in my life right now.” He gulped down his brew and sighed. “I'm in trouble.”

“Yeah, I can see that,” Rowan said, his worry flashing in his gaze. He glanced at Articus and then at the others, who obviously had an idea of what was happening.

Asher exhaled and filled them in on the situation.

A fearless Alpha was proof of a fearless Pack, and a dangerous and mysterious Alpha was proof of a dangerous and mysterious Pack. Fortunately for the Ghostbound Pack, Asher was both. He was one with the ability to instill fear in his opponents at one glance, and that made him remarkable.