Joel and I left the den about midmorning. We were headed deep into pack lands to spend several days just being wolves. He designated his highest ranking Betas to run the pack in his absence.
Nate was being left in charge and on the surface he had the same unfazed facade. I knew from what Joel told me he hated this, though.
Nate enjoyed his position and the level of authority he usually had, but in his heart he needed an Alpha. No part of him felt comfortable playing this part when Joel stepped out. As we ran from the den, I saw Nate take a shuddering breath and start to issue orders to the Betas surrounding him.
I felt guilty about taking Joel away from the pack, especially now of all times. They were nervous enough with all the new technology being installed and the security changes. I
