Banished by the Alpha

Meeting

Lucas POV

            Corbin and Connor’s vehicle pulls up the drive to the pack house at 1pm sharp, as expected. We waste no time on small talk before we jump right in hammering out terms for their return. I am very eager to make a deal quickly; I want my mate within the pack border and under my roof as quickly as possible. I know she’s been fine the last three years as a rogue but I can’t help but feel that I need to keep her safe and have her near me. I’m sure it must be part of the package of us being mates. I reassure Granite that nothing is going to happen to her and that she has been training with Connor and working on a farm, she can protect herself. I try to calm down myself down also, as I’ve gotten a little anxious about her not being close by.

            “I’d prefer that Connor not challenge me for my position at all.” I respond as I bring myself back to negotiations from my thoughts of concern.

            “It is pack law that he is allowed to challenge an Alpha for his title, BUT we could agree to a term of say, five years without a challenge. I believe that would give him enough time to see how you lead and decide if you are doing a good enough job to remain in command. If, after five years, he does not feel you are being the Alpha the pack deserves, he can challenge.” Corbin reasons.

            “Fair enough. I feel I’m a firm but considerate Alpha and have been more than adequate at keeping the pack safe from rogues and attacking packs these last three years. Plus, the pack will have its Luna and there will be more of a compassionate side to things from here on out, I’m sure. With my Luna to balance me, I have no doubt we will run things to your satisfaction.” I say more to Connor than Corbin.

            Connor shrugs. He seems to be pretty neutral on the subject, probably because I just pointed out that his sister would be helping me lead the pack. He can’t want to overthrow his sister unless I’m royally screwing up my job as Alpha. If I was doing that bad a job the pack would be in a horrible condition now and not continuing to grow and flourish. The pack businesses have also continued to thrive and grow under my leadership.

            Since the meeting is winding down Corbin takes a moment to call his wife. He lets her know they can come see the house we agreed upon near the southern border and the mall Emily loves to visit. In a way her dragging her sister out shopping is the entire reason I found my mate and they would be rejoining the pack. It’s a nice little house with a big garden and a few fruit trees. They would also have a small chicken coop and room to keep a few of their goats. I assumed Corbin chose it because it was similar to the life, they have been living these past few years and would be an easier transition. He does still have a 15-year-old son, Mark, that would be home for a few more years. I was lost in my thoughts again. I let out a sigh as I drag myself back to what is actually happening.

            “Where’s Cory? I want to tell her all about it myself, Nan.” Corbin was saying to his wife, Nanette. “Well go get her from the orchard. I’m sure she is only out there to kill time and keep her mind busy until I called.”

            We hear his wife’s muffled yells for Corinthia. I’m guessing she’s just yelling from the door. But soon she is clearly getting concerned. We hear Nanette ask her eldest daughter where her sister is.

            “Nan, where is Cory?” Corbin is sounding a bit more concerned also.

            I watch as Corbin’s expression turns to irritation and he covers the phone while his wife and daughter talk to say, “It seems she hinted to Emily that she wanted to shift and run to the border so she would be nearby when the time came. Em tried to convince her not to but she’s still not responding.”

            “That’s wonderful, I’ll have the patrols in that area find her.” I smile as I prepare to mind link my patrols to find Cory and bring her to the house.

            We hear a screen door slam over the phone as Nan heads out to check their orchard for her daughter. “Wait,” Corbin stops me before I can start the mind link. “She’s there but she’s unconscious. Nan says it looks like she’s been attacked while out in the orchard. There was a wolf and man running in the distance when she made it to her.”