Page 2 of The Healer

Jase gaped, but after a glance at Noah’s knowing smirk, he quit looking like a fish out of water. “What do you intend to do?”

“I’ll wait, bide my time, gather the elders and the strongest pack members eager for new leadership. Let Alrik stew, raise his paranoia to a new level.”

“We must bow but not shy from him.” Noah grinned. “Spur on rumors of attacks, of allies outside of Knights Ridge. Giving Colt a call might be wise. Might as well do the same for Travis. Having Fenneg’s Rabidhide and Suddale’s Dawnguard packs on your side would bolster your authority. Dane’s already on your side, but Coedwig is smallish and won’t hold any sway against Alrik.”

Rhys smirked. “I’ll tell Dane you said so.”

Noah chuckled and flicked a dismissive hand.

“Everything must fail. We’ll create a leak in the water towers, cut the power supply, drain the food stores, and cut off the pack’s finances.” Jase ticked these off on his fingers. “Not so bad we can’t repair them when you’re in power, of course.”

“A battle strategy,” Rhys said while brushing Aiden’s hair off his temple.

“I love that idea; except we need to challenge him soon.” Noah dipped his head. “I can’t keep silent for much longer.”

Rhys studied Noah’s face, familiar with the sadness in his eyes. They had all suffered at Alrik’s hands as expected of a cruel alpha. “All right. How much can we organize by sunset?”

Jase’s whoop startled Aiden awake who tried to rise, groaned, then slumped.

“Rhys?” His hoarse voice tore through Rhys who had vowed to protect his brother when their parents were killed and Uncle Sean left the pack. Finding Aiden sprawled, bloodied, and bandaged, lashed at the guilt encasing Rhys’s heart.

“I’m here, baby bear.” He patted Aiden’s bicep.

Aiden’s brow furrowed. “Argh, quit calling me that.”

“Quit trying to get me killed. I’ll take on Alrik when I’m ready. Your shit-stirring is to blame for this.”

Aiden fell silent before he mumbled, “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

“Rest, Aiden, heal.” Rhys pushed off the bed. “If you’re a good little patient, I’ll take you for ice cream in the morning.”

“Ass.” Aiden chuckled, then coughed. Blood dewed on his split lip.

Rhys nudged his head at the door. Striding out, he didn’t check whether Jase and Noah followed. Their boots thumping on the wooden floor and their wolf and tiger scents were all he needed. “Make it happen.”

Noah jerked, then beamed. “Are you sure?”

“Now you doubt me?” Rhys harrumphed. “I’ll set up a barbecue closest to the clubhouse. I want you two, and any of our pack mates, to come and go. Spend some time with me laughing and drinking beer. If I can’t have Jase’s sweet strategy, then let’s go for the element of surprise.”

Jase bounded down the stairs, banging cupboard doors as he gathered the makings of a barbecue. “The meat you brought from town hasn’t frozen yet. I’ll grab a few steaks.”

Noah yanked the door off its one hinge and leaned it against a wall. “I’ll round up who I can, then tag Jase. A crowd will gather before sunset.”

An impromptu barbecue wasn’t unheard of, and it would lead Alrik into a false sense of security. “Send someone to gather the elders. This can’t go down without their attendance.”

Rhys sighed at the reminder of how old and neglected their elders were. Anyone strong enough to challenge Alrik’s reign found a swift death. Their eldest was Sans, and that old lion wouldn’t last many more winters.

Gritting his teeth, Rhys swept up a pile of logs and carried it to the firepit. He didn’t choose the one closest to the clubhouse, but the largest. Tonight, there would be a show for everyone, with minimum damage to the dilapidated clubhouse and surrounding cabins.

With a hand in his pocket, he nursed the fire, sipping on his beer. Noah arrived with his arm across Willow’s shoulder. His younger sister was adorable with her blonde hair in pigtails. Her wide-eyed gaze darting to Rhys’s cabin hinted that she would rather be with Aiden.

He offered her a soda. “Drink half of this, then stroll to my cabin.” What would happen between him and Alrik wouldn’t be pretty, and casualties were possible. Willow out of sight with Aiden meant one less soul for Rhys to worry about.

She forced a smile. “Kick ass tonight.”

“Language.” Noah chuckled at her glare. “The elders are on their way. They’ll trickle in along with their kin.”

“Sawyer is rounding up the others.” Jase rocked on his heels, cradling a beer can to his chest.

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