The White Wolf stood at the beam, breathing. Father broke it. “Pack," he said hoarsely. No one did.
Derrick kept his head down. Father stared.
“I will not."
The Wolf stepped forward. Her coat took the light like law. “Do you command me?" Father asked.
The Wolf didn't answer. She shifted.
In three heartbeats Audrey stood where the Wolf had been, hair wild, blouse torn, eyes bright.
“I do," she said.
“Kneel," Audrey said. He opened his mouth. He closed it. “I am the Alpha." “You were. Kneel."
It was an elder, even older than the shaman, lowering himself to both knees.
“For the Luna's child," he said.
Another elder followed. Then three. No one did.
“Father."
“Silence," Father said, .
Father's shoulders jerked as if the moonlight burned. He half knelt, then froze, as if compromise
