Page 92 of Wolf's Mark

I’d talked to Mother for longer than her usual ten-minute allotment as I continued to watch over Sedona.

She’d gotten very quiet since our time spent in the elevator. I knew she was processing, but in being able to read her mind she’d all but convinced herself the story was impossible. Even with the video, she was blocking out details. Whatever tests she had planned on running could prove useful, but with the FBI still very much involved, I feared not only what they could learn.

But also how they’d react.

Taking her to the meeting might infuriate some of the elders also invited, but I needed to keep an eye on her. Other than my mother, no council members had been on the invite list.

“Enough for tonight. The word will get out. You know Mommy dearest,” Riker answered. “She’s already contacted a few of the closest packs to confer and ask for their assistance if needed.”

“The problem is that we don’t know how far this thing goes.”

“The problem is that it’s going to be tough to kill them.”

I pulled down the road leading to my house. I’d purposely chosen a site of land years ago that I’d developed over a couple of years. The location was private, surrounded by acres of woods, all of them owned by either me or my family. That allowed mepeace; it wasn’t to indulge in hunting like the lovely woman believed I engaged in.

Plus, there was some of the most gorgeous scenery in the entire town. I had my own private waterfall.

“We’ll find a way if necessary, but we need facts, not fiction, Riker.”

“Ah, the lovely scientist is rubbing off on you.”

“Maybe so. How did it go with the Italians?”

“Parker did a great job in your absence. Hopefully, they won’t cause us any additional trouble. I’ll be there in thirty minutes. Don’t count on Chase.”

Chase’s actions and attitude had finally pissed me off. “I don’t care what you need to do, brother of mine. Bring him.”

“I’ll do my best. How’s that woman of yours taking everything?”

“Not well.”

“She has information?”

I resisted laughing out of frustration. “Yes, she does. It supports what Cane told us.”

“Then the meeting will be fascinating. From what I’ve heard, most of the Alphas refuse to buy what they heard. They don’t like being forced into living what they voted against so many years ago.”

“They have no choice.”

Riker whistled. “Taking the lead finally? It’s about time. You were born and bred to be the head Alpha dog. I’ll bring more liquor.”

The lead. Mother had pushed me into accepting the top position within the Wolfen community, accepting the role as leader of our shifting empire. Our family was considered special, born leaders. I’d been marked at birth, a clear sign of my royal blood.

I’d disguised the blemish as a tattoo, hiring an artist to incorporate colorful scenes around the mark. But every wolf knew it was there. I hated it. Taking on the role would change everything in my life.

Now I did laugh. “You do that. I think we might need it. But under no circumstances is there to be fighting.”

“Understood, brother. I’ll do what I can to be your enforcer.”

I ended the call, going over the details in my mind. Bringing every Cartersville Alpha together had always troubled me. Most of the males had been forced to participate in the games early on. We all had a competitive edge.

“If I’m not wanted at this meeting, why am I going?” Sedona asked from beside me.

“Because it’s my house. My rules. And I want you there.”

“What you say goes. Right?”

Obviously, she’d gleaned a portion of the conversation. “It must be this way. We have protocol like any organization.”

---