Page 54 of Breathe Again

I pulled out some Goldfish from the pantry and poured some into a bowl. “Shh, don’t let Cole know they’re here.”

Zander laughed but nodded happily. “Cole doesn’t like anything processed,” the kid informed me.

“So I’m learning. And that’s a big word there. You must be very smart.”

He grinned as he shoved another cracker into his mouth. “I am. I’m two now.”

Well, that was that, I guessed. He seemed content enough, and I needed to head back in and get things straight with Luke.

“Can I get you anything, Kelsey?”

“No, we’re fine. Thank you. Cole was so worked up that Kyle thought it would be best to come straight here. If there’s a threat in the area, he wants to be entirely informed about it.”

“I can appreciate that. Man, it’s hard to look at him and see Kyle, the Alpha. You know? Well, I guess you don’t. I mean, I know he’s Alpha, but he’s still just a kid in my mind. So weird.”

“I’m sure you’ll be seeing a lot more of him now. Both of us, I hope.”

I felt like she was fishing for answers I didn’t yet have. “Thomas has been going over stuff with Cole on top of him preparing for your arrival and the celebration. It’s been a lot to take in, but we have every intention of moving to San Marco once things with my brother are settled.”

Kelsey gave me a curious look and I realized she didn’t know.

“Oh, I guess you don’t know. Cole is now Thomas’s second, at least until he and Lily produce an heir, so we’re sort of tied between two packs. He and Thomas wanted to discuss and come up with a plan while you guys are here.”

“Wow, uh, I see. I think that’s great. And congratulations. I don’t think I said that earlier. Cole is quite special to our family. It makes me happy to see him finally at peace.”

While I knew she meant it as a compliment, it came as a double-edged sword, knowing that I had been the cause of his unrest for so long.

“Enough girl talk, already. We’re waiting on you two to hear what this man has to say,” Kyle grumbled. Kelsey rolled her eyes but smiled as she we walked back into the living room, leaving Zander to happily eat his snack.

“Sorry,” I said, taking a seat on the couch and insisting the rest of them sit as well. “Have introductions already been made?”

“Yes, they have,” Cole assured me.

“Okay, well then Luke, why don’t you tell them what you told me earlier.”

He took a deep breath and let it out. “Okay, well, you know how Thomas locked up two of our wolves? There’s a small group, about five of them planning an escape during the celebration. Once they have them out, they will all head for the festivities to cause as much damage there as possible. I don’t mean they intend to necessarily harm anyone, just property destruction, possible riot inciting, looting, whatever they think they can get away with and cause enough chaos to get out of Collier land without being caught. They’re all a bunch of idiots, and Jedidiah has no control over them anymore so he does nothing.”

“Many of us are fed up with his ways. By not taking a stand or discouraging their behavior, he’s essentially agreeing with it, and things are getting out of control. Since he split the Packs and Jedidiah has no mate, no pups, and no siblings that migrated with him, there’s no line of succession, leaving a void that too many of these idiots will be quick to fill.”

“He can appoint an heir in that case,” Kyle informed him.

“Oh, I’m aware, but he won’t. He’s an egotistical maniac hellbent on playing everyone against each other. They worship him, and he strings them along with the possibility. Not all of us agree with him or are willing to play his games. His health isn’t good, and I fear what will come of the Pack if he dies without choosing an heir.”

Cole and Kyle shared a look and Cole spoke next. “There are legitimate ways to overthrow him and take Alpha from him. Sweetheart, I need you to call Thomas. He really needs to be advised on what’s happening with the Larkens.”

“That’s the other thing,” Luke said. “With Thomas stepping up now as Alpha, it leaves Collier without an heir. At least he has a mate with the potential of one, but there’s been talk of overthrowing him and merging the Packs back.”

I was furious at that thought, but reined in my temper and gave him a smirk. “They clearly are idiots, because Thomas now has a legitimate heir.”

Kelsey winked at me and nodded, but Luke and Kyle both looked confused.

“Who?” Kyle asked.

“Me,” Cole said. “Taking Elizabeth as my mate has put me next in line for Alpha. I’m Thomas’s second until he and Lily produce an heir. It’s on the agenda to discuss while you’re here.”

“Shit. I hadn’t thought about that, but you’re right.” Kyle’s face blanched and he stared at Cole. “Are you planning to give up Westin Pack for Collier? I mean, of course you are. You’re Thomas’s second now. Shit. I just hadn’t even considered. How did I overlook something like this?” Kyle was clearly upset by the revelation.

“We aren’t looking to pick a Pack right now, if that’s okay with you. It’s something I know Cole plans to discuss with both you and Thomas. Obviously, we have some obligations here, and if, God forbid, anything happens to my brother, that decision is clearly made for us. Until then Cole is Westin. It’s a part of him, and being your Beta is important to him. We’ve already agreed we’ll be living in San Marco for the unforeseen future, if you’ll have us,” I told him honestly, feeling a flood of love from Cole through our bond.

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