Page 38 of Wolf Traded
“The alpha females are meeting today?”
“They think we can fix this but I don’t know why they think I can help. It’s my fault.” Jara sighs still snuggled against my chest.
“They like you. Lynn told me as much when she came to the bar last night. She basically told Kyle his mate was right when she called him an overgrown toddler.” I chuckle. The fact that the alpha females are standing up for themselves fills me with glee. It’s about time they stood up for themselves and what they believe in.
“I still feel guilty even though hopefully good things will come from this.”
“I think now that the heat of the moment is over that you were not completely at fault. Kyle was obviously looking for a fight though I’m not sure why. He’s always been pretty neutral.” I don’t really get the change in him all of a sudden. “You should go to the meeting so we can put all this mess behind us and try to come to a peace agreement.”
“I will do anything I can to come to a peace agreement but I don’t like that they refuse to trade with our pack or refuse to recognize their own shortcomings.” She huffs.
“They have nothing to trade that we need, Jara.” I rub my hands up and down her arms soothingly. This woman amazes me in her fierceness. She has only been with our pack less than a week and she is already standing up for them. It makes me proud and tells me that I did pick correctly when I bargained for her in the first place.
I don’t tell her I would have traded anything for her but all Grayson wanted was her agreement to be mine. I wonder if he realizes yet how foolish he was to reject this beautiful female who is already turning the packs on their heads? “That’s not the point Archer. They look down on us while their own wolves live in poverty.” She shakes her head.
“It’s their loss. They are backwards and it will either blow up in their faces or they will learn to adapt.” I shrug. It bothers me to say it and that they will never learn. It bothers me that the fate of our species may be in danger because of them but at least I know that my pack will survive. “Go shower. I need to make a call and then I’ll take you to the sun room.” I kiss her forehead and take a step back from her.
She smiles slightly before walking into the bathroom and dropping the towel before closing the door. “Tease,” I growl and her tinkling laugh fills the space just as the door closes between us.
Just as I am about to sit on the couch to call Angela there’s another knock on the door. Sighing I head to the door to find Alpha Callahan there. “Archer, good I was hoping to catch you before we reconvene.”
“What can I do for you, Callahan?” I ask stiffly because I know this can’t be a social call.
“It’s actually what I can do for you. Several packs are out to get you personally and your mate.”
“I was made well aware of that at the peace talks yesterday. We both know that was not disrespectful to Kyle, Callahan.” I raise an eyebrow and he just nods.
“I think it’s bigger than that though. I can’t say much because I haven’t heard anything concrete. I just wanted to give you warning. Maybe, lay off preaching about human technology and adapting to the times for now until all this garbage is behind us.”
“You would like that wouldn’t you? You know sticking your head in the sand doesn’t stop the world from spinning. Innovations are still made and rights are given where there weren’t any before. Ignoring it doesn’t mean it’s not happening.”
“I’m well aware of that, Archer and maybe eventually we will be as smart as you but making waves when so many are jealous and out for you and your mates blood is probably a bad idea. I have always admired you and your father’s willingness to adapt to the times and provide for your pack. I’m sure the others will come around eventually but maybe until then let’s not rock the boat.”
“I will watch my back, Alpha. I have been doing it my whole life.” I nod and he turns to leave. I sigh and close the door. I’m not surprised there are whispers about a possible threat. They want my pack as its one of the most prosperous but the weak wolves won’t outright challenge me for it.
Unlocking my phone, I dial Angela. “Hey Archer, what’s up?” She sounds breathless and for a second I stiffen thinking there is something wrong with the pack. “Sorry on my daily run.”
I guess the alpha’s warning has me a little jumpy and expecting the worse. “We need to double security around pack lands. I was just warned of a possible threat to me and Jara.”
“Then you need security. You shouldn’t be there without enforcers.” She argues and it’s an old argument we have had every year.
“You know enforcers aren’t allowed. It’s neutral territory so peace can be agreed upon.”
“You expect too much out of some of those alphas, Archer.” A long suffering sigh escapes her. “They have no honor.” I don’t have to be a mind reader to know exactly who she’s talking about. I can’t believe I ever thought that Grayson has a shred of decency.
“You have no idea. Jara was treated like trash from the moment she walked into the peace talks with me yesterday and they were looking for an excuse to start a fight.” I grumble the words. “Just make sure security is doubled and call Jordan to get more alarms and security cameras.”
“I didn’t want to tell you this until you were back but it looks like someone has been snooping around the pack house. I’m not entirely sure because I didn’t see your office before you left but there are papers that I am sure you wouldn’t have left out.”
“My desk was completely cleared before we left. The drawers were locked but a shifter on a mission could have broken the locks. Check them to see. If we have a spy within the pack we need to find them and quick. There is something brewing here. I’m not sure what but I can feel a storm coming and we need to be ready for anything.”
“You’re right. I’ll double patrols and get ahold of Jordan to deal with security and quietly look in to whoever is snooping around. You keep yourself and Jara safe until you can get back to pack lands. I don’t like this, Archer.”
“I don’t either, but we will survive and adapt. We always do.” My hand is gripping the phone so tight it might crack. I can’t believe one of my own wolves would spy on me. It can’t be true, can it?
“Archer?” Jara’s voice from the bathroom startles me. “Is everything okay?
She’s wearing a bright green sundress that ties behind the neck and shows off her perfect cleavage. “Shit, I’m gonna kill you, Angela.”
