Page 55 of Understanding Fate

Whatever I expected the fallout to be, this was worse. In the last twelve hours, I’ve spoken to every Alpha on the West Coast, trying to explain our situation. Unfortunately, most packs want nothing to do with getting on the wrong side of the LLC.

Doug Martin has left more than a few messages with Quinn requesting I return for questioning.

They’ve done everything short of sending someone here to take me back despite my story staying consistent.

I don’t know where my Second is.

I’ve tried reaching him, but he’s blocking the link.

No, my pack has nothing to do with the kidnapping of the Unawakened female, nor are we assisting in harboring her.

While every one of those is true as spoken, there is definitely a gray area. I made sure any plans Cain made for our Hail Mary went through allies in the area, and I specifically left to go to bed, so I wasn’t privy to those discussions and, as such, couldn’t be adjudicated against him.

I just need a little help from The Fates on this one.

You brought them together; now, keep this from tearing my pack apart.

The rhythm of my nervous tapping keeps me from losing it and allowing my wolf to lead us through this instead.

I can’t remember the last time I’d gone this long without shifting and letting him have control.

Soon.

Since returning home yesterday evening, I have messaged every member of our pack, local and serving with allies, to let them know the truth about our situation.

We’re under investigation for disregarding the LLC verdict, violating our cease-fire treaty with Reno, and preparing for a war.

Several members indicated they would be returning within the week. Cain’s parents included.

Even with the increase in members, I’m not sure it will be enough to hold our territory.

The coffee cup being placed before me pulls my attention to Quinn, who I hadn’t even heard enter my office.

“I’m starting to think you don’t sleep because I’m very sure you sent me home at midnight, and the alarm system alerted me that it was turned off around five this morning,something that has never happened. I didn’t even know you knew the code,” she says, placing the toasted bagel from her other hand next to the coffee.

Her voice is aiming for cheery but falls short, and I notice the circles under her eyes as she grabs the documents I’d signed earlier off my desk.

The last few months have been hard on us all, and I know I should say something, but I pull on my Alpha bond with her instead.

Fear comes through the strongest, confusion, and an undertone of trust.

She’s worried, but she believes in me.

I don’t even believe in me right now.

Over the last five years, I’ve prided myself on running this pack the way my dad did. By finding people I could trust, leaning on their good judgment and my own while building alliances with the surrounding packs based on loyalty.

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