Page 20 of In Your Eyes
“I would have packed for you,” she said. “But I didn’t think you’d want me in your room, going through your things.”
I flinched at the mere thought of anyone else in my personal space, touching my clothes, my books, my computer, moving things around. “You’re right. I can pack my own….” My brain caught up to the conversation, and I furrowed my brow in confusion. “Why are we packing?”
“We can’t stay here, Samuel. I will not give Dirk Keller the opportunity to harass us or speak ill of your father in front of your sister and brother.” Her voice shook with animosity, which was out of character but understandable given the circumstances. “We’re leaving Yafenack. I’ve already called and gotten permission for us to join the Etzgadol pack. The Harrisons will house us right away. I want us out of this house and off pack lands before Dirk Keller arrives.”
“Dirk Keller isn’t coming here!”
“What do you mean?” she asked in confusion. “He might not live here, but he will come and go as he pleases. He’s the Al—” She lost her breath and whimpered midword.
I understood how difficult it was to call someone other than my father Alpha. Especially if thatsomeonewas a murdering scoundrel. And it wouldn’t happen. Not while I still had a breath left in my—admittedly traitorous—body.
“No, he isn’t,” I growled. “Iam Alpha of this pack and I will not let Dirk Keller step foot on our land. He will pay for what he did to my father.”
After looking at me in concern, my mother drew in a deep breath and, with her voice calm and her expression sympathetic, said, “Samuel, you were disqualified during the challenge. That means you lost.”
I winced in response to the reminder of my failure, but I didn’t let it stop me from keeping my focus. “I discovered a syringe in the battle ring this morning, and I believe it’ll prove Dirk Keller violated the rules during the challenge and poisoned Dad. I’ve already met with representatives from the interpack council, and they’re testing it to confirm my theory. They agreed I’m Alpha of the Yafenack pack for now, not Dirk Keller.”
“Poisoned?” she gasped.
“They haven’t tested the syringe yet, but yes.”
“That’s why he was moving so strangely after he shifted.”
She was talking to herself, not to me, so I didn’t respond.
“How…. Why….” She choked on her words and shivered.
Though I wanted to help, I wasn’t sure what to say or do, so I stayed perfectly still and waited until she composed herself. My mother was strong, so it didn’t take long.
“You’re sure?” she asked me.
I nodded, my gut telling me that was exactly what had happened.
“Then Dirk Keller won’t be Alpha of our pack.” She swallowed hard. “That’s good. I’m glad.” She closed her eyes and breathed in deeply before opening her eyes again. “Everything is ready except your things, Samuel. Go fill your bags and then we can leave.”
Furrowing my brow in confusion, I said, “But we don’t need to leave. Dirk Keller won’t be Alpha.”
“That’s true, but someone will.”
I was missing something, I realized, but I didn’t know what it was.
“I’m Alpha,” I said, knowing I was repeating myself. “The council members said they’d test the syringe and—”
“Samuel.” My mother stepped close to me again and cupped my cheek.
It wasn’t easy, but I forced myself not to pull away from her touch.
“You know I love you,” she said.
“Yes.” She had told me all my life. I knew.
“If you try to remain Alpha of this pack, you’ll have to shift. People will notice if you don’t, and then you’ll be challenged.”
She was right. I had no doubt that was exactly what would happen. I couldn’t be Alpha, despite the fact that was all I’d ever wanted to be. But I could still care for the pack in the way an Alpha should. “It’s my duty to make sure everything is resolved with Dirk and the pack is in good hands.”
“Dirk Keller won’t take this lying down. And if he poisoned your father in front of a council member, he has no limit.” Her voice broke as she added, “He’ll hurt you.”
It was possible. But that didn’t change my duty.
