Page 82 of Pack Kasen: Part 1

His gaze sharpens. “She knew about the schoolroom?”

I let my eyes drift around the room as I think. The rest of my pack are listening, quietly talking among themselves, and even nodding. If I were to ask again how many don’t think she’s a feral, I’m not sure I’d like the answer.

My gaze settles on Gregor. He waits, as patient as any good teacher.

“I can’t risk the pack, Gregor,” I tell him. “You know why.”

He nods. “I know. But she doesn’t belong in that cage. Deep down, a part of you knows it as well as I do. You never would have taken her from it before.”

I take my time thinking over my options. This is a big decision to make, and I never rush those.

My eyes settle on Joy who is waiting for her orders, her arms folded behind her back like the rest of my enforcers.

She meets my gaze steadily.

As the most dominant wolf in the room, no one can hold it for long, including my enforcers.

Then I sit up in my seat and focus on the pack. “This afternoon, we’re running a test.” Joy, as expected, is smug when I look at her. “During the running of this test, everyone is to remain inside the house. I have a specific task for some of you, but the rest, including all children will remain in your rooms until I howl that it’s safe to leave it.”

“How long will this test last?” I’m not surprised Leo’s mom is the one asking. She’s harried at the best of times, but asking Leo to stay in one place isn’t easy.

“No more than an hour or two.” I smile.

She nods, shoulders slumping in relief. “Okay.”

At the end of this test, the feral will have proven what she is at heart, or she will be dead.

Either way, everything ends today.

“Joy,” I call out. “Since this test was your idea, you will be playing a key role in it.”

She looks pleased.

Once she learns what role she’ll be playing, she definitely won’t be.

26

KAT

Afemale scream splits the air.

My eyes snap open.

I’m lying face down, so weak that lifting my head requires almost more strength than I possess.

Until I see something I never expected.

I forget all about my fatigue, or at least set it aside when something becomes the center of my focus.

The cage door is open.

Not all the way. Maybe a couple of inches. But open is still open.

Getting to my feet makes the world spin. When I get a whiff of myself, I scrunch my nose in disgust.

Anger takes over.

Becausethis… all ofthis… ishisfault.

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