Chapter 156
Late into the nigh keep trying to work out ways to approach this pack that won’t have m seem too aggressis, but not have me seem weak either. There’s a fine line that needs to be
walked.
Trying to close my eyes is impossible. My thoughts are just too big for my mind to shut
down.
She’s my
insomnia
The morning comes quicker than I would have liked, but it’s a hunt we’re on, and the
mornings are always the best times to start the chase.
1 shake off the sleep with coffee and a big breakfast that has me finishing even my father’s plate. I smile to myself, remembering the first breakfast Rya and I shared. I could hardly
eat, I was so nervous watching her. The delicate way she held herself. The way she was so happy with the place I brought her to. I did make her happy. I just need to take things slow. when I see her. I’m not sure what I even should say, but I have to do something.
The shirt that I have on is stretched uncomfortably tight across my chest. If I flex my too much, I think I could tear it down the middle. I think I need to ask my dad if I can
borrow one of his t–shirts.
back
After breakfast, we’re greeted by a welcoming party before entering the territory of this pack. It’s as if they have been warned beforehand of our arrival.
Stopping outside the pack house, we all get out once again. This time greeting me is an Alpha way past his time. He’s using a walking stick to keep his balance on feeble legs that are withering with age and wear.
eyes that take all of us in. They don’t dismiss any of us because of position. With a welcoming sharp smile, he leads us to his
is just
as
elderly, but both have
shari, keel eyes ésszal a
table.
Their warriors flank s
but keep their distance standing against the walls. None are posturing toward us in threat. Not even an eye is flicked our way; nothing but statues stand
The Alpha’s Greatest Mistake
Chapter 156
at attention. They have been trained well.
The table is old, worn, with many cracks and grooves dug into it. I don’t think it’s ever, heer refinished, because the quality has held up through the generations. Taking his seat, the Alpha has a sli imace while he sits, hips no longer the same, degenerating with age.
This Alpha holds his warriors with a current of absolute controlled strength, and my father
is taking notice of him. My father must see something I don’t, so I pay attention. Arthritic Kingers gnarled with age curl around the spoon he’s using to stir the tea with. Blowing on
the steaming liquid before he puts it to his mouth, he’s starting to lose the ability to hold a tea cup without fine tremors vibrating the liquid. He sips it slightly before putting it back
down. He’s not in any rush; it’s as if he has all the time in the world.
Nature will eventually take him, sooner rather than later.
Around the table already sits a group of maturing wolves, male and females. All of them sip
their own tea.
His voice is quiet, yet the strength he throws around is unbending iron. In this moment, I
know I will get nothing out of him or this pack.
The eyes and ears do as I was trained: watch and listen. I’ll try to learn what he wants me to.
My father is even leaning in slightly, all attention on this wolf who he’s impressed by.
“We understand you’re looking for a she–wolf who might have been traveling in our territory a few months past. Is this correct?” He waits for my answer.
“Correct.”
“It seems that no she wolf fitting your description has entered our territory around that
time.” No twitch of his face, no eye moment, no flinch of body alerts to any lie he might be
hiding.
“Now, if a she–wolf did come into my territory…” A pause of breath, his eyes looking around
the table, they nod their heads toward him as a group. In this moment of clarity, I know that he is entrenched deeply; he will not be moved by me to divulge any information about
Rya.
“We wouldn’t tell you. There must be a reason why a young female wolf would leave a
Chapter 196
pack, Every single syllable he speaks hangs in front of him for me to understand clearly. He takes another sip of his tea while looking at me intently.
“She left because of me. I said and did some things to her that were not honorable. I didn’t think things thre was rash, and it cost me a great deal of time that we could have bee together. All I want is to be able to find her and try to make things right between us again. let her slip through my fingers.” The older female wolves give each other side eyes and send me nothing but disgusted looks.
We all have to learn from our mistakes. That’s how the moon teaches us. Maybe when you
meet up with this she–wolf of yours, you will have become a better wolf.” Another sip of tea that he drinks slowly.
