Page 89 of Smoke and Moon

“I’ll handle talking to the Pack before going to see Valko.He isn’t going anywhere.”Chanin still held her hand as he headed for the door.

Morlie had no choice but to follow where he led, so she went out the door behind him.Rudie took up the rear.Morlie realized how short the assistant was as she passed the other woman.She had her by a good two inches.If most of the Pack was Chanin’s size, Morlie wondered how Rudie got by.

The sun was on a steady ascent into the lavender sky as they walked out of Chanin’s house and started past other brick houses.

Rudie peeled off and went in another direction.Morlie was sure to handle the Alpha orders.

Morlie moved at Chanin’s expeditious pace and tried to see as much as she could around her as they passed.

“Later, I’ll take you around the central area of our territory so you’ll know the location of everything you may need.”He glanced over his shoulder and looked at her.“Right now, too much is happening, and I can’t take the time.”

“No worries.I’m sure you are busy as Alpha.”Once they left the area of Chanin’s house, she saw more than a few structures that made up the town, which looked like pictures she’d seen of shipping containers.The structures were of various sizes, some multiple floors and others long or wide, all welded together.There were signs above them, but they rushed on so fast Morlie didn’t have time to figure out each place.

Finally, he slowed when they reached a spacious, open field with metal risers around it in a semi-circle.Chanin stopped at the center.“This shouldn’t take long.”

When Morlie glanced behind her, she noticed that others had begun to follow in their wake.More people poured in through the streets that appeared vacant in the early light of day, now beginning to form crowds.

Wow.Word travels fast.

She felt nervous as shifters stared at her as they climbed the stairs and took seats.A murmur built among those gathered, but no one overtly asked questions.

A man with two women walking beside him headed to the center.The man paused a few feet away and kissed both women before letting them move away to find their seats.

“Alpha.Good to see you made it back safely.”The man, who looked familiar, looked down at her.His eyes were warm, and his face kind.“Morlie, glad to see you with us.”

“Morlie, you may recall Bleddyn from the preternatural council meeting.He is my Beta and my second in the Pack.”Chanin gestured to the man.

Now Morlie knew why he looked familiar, but the day had been extraordinary and shocking in so many ways she recalled very little besides Chanin’s touch and her sister’s actions.

“Hi, Bleddyn.It is nice to be here, but I’m still sorting it all out,” Morlie answered honestly.

“Understandable.If I can help in any way, don’t hesitate to ask.It might help you to know that Amira, one of my mates, is human.Amira had a similar experience and could help you adjust.”

One of his mates?How many mates do wolves have?She didn’t know anything about shifters and their mating or breeding practices.Would she be expected to share Chanin?Did he already have another?

Her stomach twisted in knots at the thought, making her feel ill.“Thank you.I look forward to meeting them.”

A few other men gathered with them in the middle.She recalled the names Boris, Dolf, and Raul.A group of men came in and stood off to the side of the open area behind Chanin’s back.

Their appearance made Morlie a little apprehensive.The small group of men were shirtless but also seemed to be in some half-shifted state.

Chanin raised a single hand, and then even the lower discussion ceased.“Since most of the Pack is here, I want to share some things with you briefly.”

He released her hand as he stepped forward to speak to his people.“I know a lot of you have questions regarding Farkas.As you all know, my cousin has been a taint on our Pack for far too long.”

There were nods and whispers of agreement within the crowd.

“I’ll not lie to you.Farkas got away, but he is on the run.”

Most growled, but a few Lupine gasped.

Morlie didn’t know who this Farkas person was, but she was sure she didn’t want to meet him if he set off such trepidation among wolf-shifters.

“Do not fear.Farkas’s rogue Pack is disbanded, and most have fallen.There is no safe place for Farkas to hide.We will rip him from whatever hole he hides in and bring him to justice.”Chanin’s voice rang with power and authority.

Wolf-shifters cheered, rose to their feet, and chanted words supporting Chanin and his prowess.

“I’ll question Valko this day and discover what threats, if any, lay at our door.”Chanin scanned the crowd of shifters.“Until we find Farkas, I’ll ask everyone to be vigilant.Do not fear, the Omega Pack has survived much over the last few years and has become stronger.We will continue to do so.”

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