Page 74 of The Alpha Dire Wolf
“The new moon will ensure that everything out there is the weakest,” I said, speaking loudly enough everyone could hear, even if it was only directed at Gerratt. “That is why it had to be tonight, and why we waited. It will give us the best chance of getting across the Dyne without issue.”
Gerratt nodded, well aware that I was talking not for his benefit but for those who were coming with us. Making sure we were all on the same page. I also wanted to verbalize what we knew so that Chase fully understood it and would stay cool.
At only twenty, he was the youngest of the group by far. But he was also the first to volunteer. Grand-nephew to Elder Germander, he did not share his patriarch’s views, and made that very clear when he’d come to Gerratt to volunteer, insisting he had to help. I had thought of turning him down due to his lack of seasoning, but Gerratt had argued against it.
If we saw anything in there, he’d said, it would be smart to bring Chase so he could tell his relative and the rest of his family. Perhaps sway some of them into my camp. I’d accepted the logic, but now, looking at him and seeing his nerves on full display, I was less than certain.
“Gerratt, you take Ricky and Ulysses. Chase and Ryker, you’re with me.”
Six adult dire wolves should be more than enough for whatever we might encounter.
“Remember,” I continued, “this is simple reconnaissance. The goal is to penetrate as deeply as we can, see as much as we can, and thenget out. We are not there to get stuck in with anything that objects. If you encounter resistance, hit it hard and move on. Keep moving. Don’t waste time, and don’t get bogged down.”
I swept my gaze over the team. All eyes were on me. Even Chase’s. He was doing an admirable job of trying to blend in with the others, but while they stood perfectly still, like only a wolf could, he was practically vibrating. Still, he kept quiet, and didn’t speak out of turn. That was good.
“We’re going to swing wide first and approach from the west,” I said, and a few heads twitched. “Yes, that means we’ll be goingaroundMount Blisbane. Far around it enough that we won’t disturb Verminax.”
Nobody wanted to dare awaken the dragon.
“What about the blood drinkers?” Ulysses said in low, gruff words. “Their territory butts up against his on the north side.”
“They know we’re coming,” I said, tilting my head at Gerratt. “We’ve secured permission to cut through their lands this time. But again, do not waste time. Got it?”
Heads bobbed.
“Once we cross the river, we’ll split up into teams, explore for one hour, and then get out. Any questions?”
After a pause, Chase raised his hand. Ryker and Ulysses snickered softly but didn’t tease him further.
“We’re not in the classroom, Chase. Just speak up.” Then I glared at the others. “You were all new and wet behind the ears too once upon a time. Except maybe you, Ryker. I think you came outta your mom with gray hair.”
There was laughter among the group as tension eased a bit. Chased smiled.
“Um. This is probably a stupid question …” he started.
“Being aware it’s dumb means it’s not as dumb as you think,” Gerratt said.
I nodded for Chase to ask.
“What, exactly, are we looking for in there?”
“No idea,” I said. “Anything. Everything. Something is going on, and right now we’re operating blindly. We need more information. Any information. Keep your eyes open. Watch out for shadow creatures. Those I’d say you can expect. They hit hard and fast. Hopefully, the new moon will keep them down as well, but if the Chained truly is behind all this, who knows. It’s been a century and a half since the last incident. Perhaps we’re just due?” I shrugged. “That’s what this mission is for. Help us figure it out.”
I was about to tell them to put their game faces on and head out, but the buzzing of my phone on the bench behind me interrupted me. I glanced at it and froze.
It was Sylvie.
“Hang tight a second,” I grunted, stepping back. “I have to take this.”
Snatching up the phone, I walked away, trying to keep calm. There was no good reason I could think of that she would be calling me this late. Something was wrong.
“Are you okay?” I asked, not even bothering to say hello.
“I’m fine now, I—”
“Now? What do you meannow?”
“Someone threw a rock at the door. A big one. It scared me.” Sylvie paused to take a breath.
