Page 16 of Wolf Trapped
‘Thank you, everyone, for coming on short notice. I never like giving this type of news, but with humans and a strange wolf being spotted in our pack lands, I feel it’s a must that we start patrols.” Whispers and chatter fill the air, shock and fear evident on some of our pack mates' faces.
“What about those of us who aren’t strong enough to protect the pack?” An older woman shouts over the noise of the pack, and they all quiet down.
“We will implement a curfew for everyone unable to patrol,” Archer yells so all the pack members can hear him. “I don’t want anyone that isn’t on patrol going into the woods, and pack runs will all be put on hold for the foreseeable future. Keep an eye on the cubs. I don’t think the humans mean any harm, but I don’t have to explain to you all how catastrophic it would be if a human saw one of us shift.”
Everyone starts talking at once, shouting their worries to Archer, but no one can be heard over the others.
“One at a time.” Archer roars, quieting the crowd so an annoying voice can screech and be heard in the near silence. Fucking shit. This bitch is getting on my nerves.
“This is all her fault.” Rochelle shrieks. “None of this started happening until she came here.”
The older woman beside her shushes her, but she is on a roll. Angela stands, blocking me from her as pack members turn to Rochelle at the back of the pack.
“Arthur, control your daughter.” Archer roars, taking a threatening step forward. “Jara has nothing to do with this and will be under curfew with the rest. Any disrespect shown to the alpha female of this pack will be taken as a direct disrespect to me.”
“She’s bad luck. She brought all of this to our door. I wish you had just let them exile her.” Rochelle cries. Everyone around her except her parents takes a few steps away from her as if she might be contagious.
Archer’s slow movements are deceptively calm. His posture is rigid, and his shoulders are rolled back as the crowd parts for him. He is about to lose his shit on either Rochelle or her father.
“Rochelle, shut your fucking mouth.” Arthur snaps at her, and her eyes widen comically. I don’t know Arthur well, but that is the first time I have heard him swear. It’s just out of character for him.
“But, Dad, don’t you see?” she whines, crocodile tears filling her eyes, and I roll mine. Angela turns, peering over her shoulder at me with an exasperated expression.
“The alpha found his mate, and it's not you. I am this close to washing my hands of you completely.” He bellows at the whimpering female.
“What? You can’t be serious.”
“I am dead serious. Apologize to the alpha and his mate for your actions, or I will tell him to exile you myself.”
“Oh, I don’t plan to exile her.” A malicious grin crosses Archer’s face. “An alpha in the eastern region is rumored to be just as ruthless, maybe even more ruthless than I am. I hear he’s looking for a mate. The rumors about him make the ones about me look tame. Maybe I should send you to him to learn some fucking respect, hmm?”
“No, alpha, please don’t send me away.” She cries, and tears actually do fall this time. I sigh.
This is the most ridiculous pack meeting I have ever been to, and it’s all because of an idiot with a god complex.
“She is so overdramatic,” Angela whispers under her breath, moving to my side now that whatever danger she thought was coming has been contained.
“She’s delusional.” I shake my head, putting my hands on my hips.
“This act is actually working on them, though. Am I in danger from the pack?” I whisper as I scan the pack member’s faces. Some are staring at me with barely restrained hostility.
“They won’t dare act on whatever feelings she is stirring up. The alpha won’t tolerate disrespect.”
“Arthur, get her out of my sight. If she pulls anything like this again, she is gone.” Archer roars over the woman’s whimpering cries.
“Yes, alpha.” Arthur bares his neck to Archer before dragging her away.
“That goes for all of you. I will not hesitate. My mate is an extension of me. Disrespect of any kind will be dealt with swiftly and without mercy. This is your only warning. Meeting over.”
“Everyone who can, see me after the meeting to be put on a schedule,” Angela yells over the quiet chatter. Jacob is the first to walk over to her, and I grin. The grin fades quickly, though, when I see the rage in Archer’s eyes.
Archer storms to the front of the clearing where we are standing and lifts me over his shoulder like I weigh nothing. I don’t bother commenting because the alpha is seriously on edge right now, and he’s the only thing standing between me and some angry pack members.
Pack members move out of his way as he races back to the pack house. My body jolts on his shoulder, making me grunt. His arm tightens on my ass, securing me to him as he throws open the back door to the house and lets it slam shut behind me before turning and clicking the lock.
He finally sets me on my feet, staring at me as if reminding himself that I am still here and safe. “Archer…”
“I don’t want you leaving the pack house without me.” he crushes his lips to mine before I finish my sentence. It’s over too quickly as he pulls away, running a hand through his hair in frustration.
