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.” Grey’s father sneered at him pointedly, and Grey scowled back.During the fight with the Kotke, Grey had been dispatched to watch and ensure the human housed by the Pray wolves met her end.At least, that had been his father’s plan.Grey had no such intention—and when he spotted the woman in a battle for her life, he’d known that it was not his to take, no matter what anyone had to say about it.Not to mention that her savior—a gorgeous, sable-colored wolf who fought like a lion—had touched something inside him he still hadn’t been able to put a finger on.God, she’d been amazing.Even at the end, as he’d watched from afar, she was nearly overcome by two wolves.Just when he’d been about to step in—a move that would be looked on by the Kotke as an act of war against them—she and her little human friend had prevailed.He hadn’t stopped thinking about her since.The alpha’s droning broke through Grey’s thoughts, and he focused again in hopes of getting a word in edgewise."This reckless pup who dares to call himself an alpha has taken a human into his pack yet again, like some sort of pet.I ask you, when will the madness cease? The Kotke may not have been able to kill this human female, but that does not mean it cannot be done.”Blah, blah, blah.Next he’d mention something about loyalty and—“I call upon you all, now, to prepare for battle.We will find this female and finish her."What?Grey nearly jumped to his feet, then stopped short when his father growled low in his throat and signaled the rest of the pack to howl back in agreement.The response was low at first, tentative, but the power of the alpha was strong, and it grew louder as his will pressed in on them all.Even Grey could feel it, the desire to obey…to please him.Didn't his father feel the vibrations of the pack? The fear and anxiety? The turmoil?If he did, he certainly didn't care, but that didn't mean that Grey could idly stand by while his people fell to the knee for a cause they didn't believe in.They had already suffered enough at his father's hand.As next in line to lead the pack, it was his duty to stand in disagreement.Pushing himself from his seat, he rose and faced his father.Grey already towered over him by a good six inches, and the man glared up at him."I have not dismissed you," Joseph growled."I am not asking to leave.I'm asking you to listen.I don't—""This is a summit, not a discussion.I am telling you that this is what we will do.You will not fail me again.When we march on the Pray wolves, you and Willa will lead the pack in front, I will hold the line in the rear."Grey glanced at Willa as his father gestured toward her.Her light brown eyes widened slightly, but she stiffened her jaw and gave a firm nod until her sandy hair fell over her cheek.Grey tried to penetrate her thoughts, to will her to stand beside him and take a stand, but she only pursed her lips and pretended not to notice.Leave it to Willa not to listen at a time like this."But you—" Grey started."I believe I made it clear this was not a time for questions," his father barked."Now, all of you should spend these next few days training.These pups may be misguided, but if the Kotke have taught us anything, it's that these Pray dissenters are strong.We must be stronger."Without another word, his father stepped from the room and slammed the large, oak door behind him.Even after he’d gone, the rest of the pack did not move.They grumbled and sighed, but none of them so much as scooted their chairs back.All except Willa, that was, who was already practically leaping over the table to talk to Grey.Or, more accurately, to screech at him."What the hell was that?" she asked."Are you trying to get us both killed?""I'm not going to let him keep walking around here like he's not losing his damn mind.You know what happened to the Kotke.Six dead and even more maimed.I can't let that happen to our people.""I’m fine if you want to play hero, but save it for when you're the alpha.A time that will come much sooner if you keep your head down and play nice.Arguing now is only going to get someone slaughtered and make your father feel like he needs to stay in his position longer.We need to wait.Bide our time.""Waiting is going to get all of us killed." He stalked toward the door, and then walked through the kitchen and the foyer until he was finally in the crisp night air.A clear March evening, perfect for a long run.Exactly what he needed.He unfastened his belt, preparing to shift into wolf form, but before he was able to yank off his pants, the door swung open again behind him."It’s not up to you,” Willa said, following him out.“You aren't the alpha."He took a deep breath before turning to face her."And you’re not either,” he shot back.Seriously, when would the woman give up trying to boss him around? She should know better.Willa’s features softened.“I’m not going to ask where you’re going so I don’t have to lie if asked, and I know better than to think I can stop you, but will you at least try to be safe?" She crossed her arms over her chest."I would hate it if Joseph killed you.It would be such a hassle to find a new partner in crime around here."He laughed softly but wasn't about to let her convince him that easily.As much as her friendship meant, the pack still came first.And right now, the only way to save them was to stop the fighting before it started [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]