Page 35 of Alpha's Choice
She turned to a map of the pack, the borders in bold. “Historically, patrols were necessary as pack wars were common. No treaty meant potential enemy attacks. When the Council formed, pack wars became fewer. Mediation is far more likely to occur. Rogues then became the primary problem. Before, if a wolf left one pack, it would often join an enemy pack. Now, with more pack treaties being signed, wolves who misbehaved in one pack are finding it harder to locate a new one willing to take them, as communication has improved between packs.”
“Were rogues responsible for yesterday’s attack?” Someone called from the back.
“I know as much as you do.” Lora’s response was brief.
“Maybe the Luna knows.” Lisa’s tone was snarky as she emphasized Luna.
“Tobias updated the pack with everything he knows.”
“As far as you know.” Lisa’s voice was sharp enough to cut. “Like he would tell you if he knew more.”
The door crashed open, saving me from answering. Patrick strode in, eyes dark and wild as he surveyed the class. It was easy to see his wolf was in charge.
“Mate.”
I turned to see who he was looking at, my heart sinking when I saw him heading in Lisa’s direction. Then Elliot stood from the desk in front of her, letting out his own growl. “Mate.”
They crashed into each other, their lips meeting in a frantic kiss. Cheers erupted in the class. Patrick took Elliot’s hand, and the two rushed from the classroom.
“It looks like today’s lecture will be delayed.” Lora dismissed us. “Free time until this afternoon’s training.”
I stayed in my seat while everyone left. Kylie waited with me. “Will they mark each other right away?”
“Probably.”
“That’s what Tobias expected when he hauled me out last Friday.”
“It’s a wolf’s instinct. They don’t feel secure until the marking is complete,” she said.
I wished I could give Tobias that security, but I knew I still wasn’t ready. I wondered how long his patience with me would hold, and what would happen when it ran out. The thought of him giving up on me was a punch to the gut.
Thinking about losing him made me think about Jenny. I looked at the clock. “Can we run over to Jenny’s place? We have time before lunch, and I’d like to check on her.”
Kylie nodded. Before leaving, I quickly texted Tobias a picture of two cats cuddling and captioned it.Gamma found his mate!
Kylie looked at me like I was crazy. “Did you just send the Alpha a cat picture?”
“The first of many.” I slid my phone into my pocket. “I wish I could see his face when he gets it.”
CHAPTER18
Emma
We reached Jenny’s house and knocked. Her mother opened the door and welcomed us inside.
“How are you holding up?” I asked. It had to be hard to see her daughter in pain.
“As well as can be expected, Luna. Thank you.”
She led us into the living room and I stopped short. Lisa was there, attempting to console Jenny. She shot me a smug smile. “Nice of you to join us.”
I heard the implied,finally.As if to suggest I wasn’t making Jenny a priority.
Jenny raised her head, and her face brightened when she saw me. “Luna.”
I fought to keep my energy calm. “Jenny, I hope we’re not intruding.”
“Never. My wolf likes it when you’re around.” Jenny left Lisa’s side and moved closer to me. “She finds you soothing.”
