Page 51 of Rogue Wolf

“I do.”

Kodiak took Onai’s bloodied hand in his and pressed their palms together. “As our blood mingles, we join together for the pack. We unite to keep us safe, to train our pups, to ensure there are wolves left to fight as long as vampires walk the earth.”

“The third in line for alpha will be Channing.” It was risky to choose someone so young, but Channing had performed admirably in Kodiak’s team and had taken the initiative to organize security back at the clubhouse.

“There’s still the right of challenge,” called Moki.

“There is,” Kodiak said, not liking the underlying tone, “but the vampires must be dealt with. Our secondary and tertiary leaders will prove their worth through their performance. Then, we can reshuffle that line up, if necessary. There’s been enough infighting. It’s time for us to work together, not indulge in petty, ego-fueled squabbles over position.”

“I agree,” said Skoll.

“Me too,” Jaha said.

“And I,” said Fern.

Moki lowered his eyes. Lacking the support of the pack, his request was squashed.

The swearing-in ceremony was nearly complete.

Ash beat her drum, silencing everyone. “The alpha has spoken.”

Another drumbeat. “Channing, step forward.”

The young shifter moved to stand with Kodiak, Ash, and Onai.

“Do you agree to become the third in line for the alpha position?” asked Kodiak, looking Channing squarely in the eyes. The pup stood confidently, having matured by figurative years in just the last few days.

“I do.” He eagerly held out his bloodied hand.

Kodiak smiled. Despite his youth and inexperience, Channing was a good choice for the pack. Kodiak pressed his palm against Channing’s.

“With our blood, the promise is made.”

Ash beat the drum.

Kodiak stepped forward, ready to address the pack.

“The last few days have been the darkest our pack has ever faced. We will rebuild and move on. We will make the vampires pay for trying to destroy us.”

A few cheers erupted from the pack’s members as some excitedly punched the air above their heads. Kodiak paused, allowing them to express their excitement. Even if it was one borne of grief, they’d all earned it. And the excitement honored Olcan.

Now, it was time to celebrate. The ceremony wasn’t quite complete. Their wolves were about to be let loose, and they would participate in a hunt to commemorate the change in leadership.

“First…” Kodiak let the cheers quiet down. “We will allow our wolf forms the opportunity to embrace our new structure, to be free, to heal, to rejuvenate, to mate, or to hunt.”

Whoops echoed from the pack. Strengthening their bonds through hunting or mating, according to individual preference, would be the best way for Shadow Pack to recover from the vampire attack.

He glanced at Tamaska. A stormy expression crossed her face, and she folded her arms over her chest. He hid a small smile. He wouldn’t mate tonight—at least, not in wolf form.

Before handling anything else or indulging himself, Kodiak needed to run with his pack and lead them in a hunt. His wolf gnawed frustratedly inside him. But his wolf would have to wait a little longer for that, just like Tamaska.

“Then tomorrow at first light, we return to the clubhouse and plan our attack on the vampires.”

More hoots and whistles erupted from the pack. Their energy peaked, and he sensed their wolfish desire to roam, to enjoy the freedom they would never have in the city.

“Let’s go!” Kodiak punched high in the air as the pack screamed their approval.

Kodiak raised his arms, then released the internal barriers that held back his wolf. Familiar pain burst through his body as bones broke and muscles shortened or lengthened. Then, he crouched on all fours, howling at the sky.

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