Chapter 14
1190 Words
BLAKE
I headed toward the car parked in front of the house. I was already running late as it was. Ma had thrown one of her tantrums again—her new habit since Lucy left.
It had taken Pa and me hours to settle her into bed, and he'd decided to stay home with her.
“I’ll be going with just the driver,” I told Rahl as he approached the car.
He stepped aside, and I climbed in, gesturing for the driver to move.
It’s been weeks since she left, and things still haven’t returned to normal. Ma had received a fake message—one I sent through a burner phone—saying Lucy was fine and just needed some time away.
I had told Pa the truth about Lucy, but I’d left out the reason for her sudden departure. Some truths cut too deep.
The car stopped just as I managed to push thoughts of her out of my mind. I got out and walked straight into the hall.
The elders were already gathered around the table when I arrived—the council made up of the alphas of the four packs and their successors.
“Thank you for coming on such short notice,” I began as I made my way to them. “This meeting is urgent and necessary. I’ll be taking my father’s seat in his absence.”
I sat at the head of the table—a deliberate move to reinforce my authority—and was flanked by Alpha Rhode and Alpha Brian, Pa’s closest allies.
Alpha Brian started the meeting. “I believe we all know why we’ve been summoned. Alpha Marcus couldn’t make it, so his son will take his place and voice.” He paused, his tone darkening. “The rogue attacks have gotten worse. We need to stop them before they spiral into chaos. Last night’s attack on my pack was brutal. We’ve got several wounded—children, adults—and to make matters worse, our armory was raided. Everything’s gone.”
“I agree with Alpha Brian,” Alpha Rhode said firmly. “We must act—and fast.”
“I feel the same,” I added cautiously, choosing my words carefully. “We need to employ the help of the Satorum wolves. This situation is getting—”
“You’ll do no such thing,” Alpha Lucas barked, slamming his fist on the table. “Who gave you the right to speak? Know your place, boy. Sit down and keep quiet!”
Successors weren’t supposed to speak unless spoken to—but I wasn’t just a successor today. I was here with my father’s authority. And I would do whatever it took to protect my pack—even if it meant calling on the dreaded Satorum.
The Satorum wolves were chosen by the moon goddess herself, sworn to maintain the balance between good and evil. They were incorruptible. Efficient. Ruthless in their justice.
“Alpha Lucas, with all due respect, I’m presiding over this meeting and will be shown the appropriate respect,” I said coolly, letting the weight of my voice settle over the room. “I will not be undermined. The Satorum wolves *will* be summoned—”
“Are the rest of you really going to sit there and let this child dictate what we do?” he interrupted again.
“Alpha Lucas,” I growled, low and dangerous.
Tension filled the room like smoke. Alpha Rhode stepped in. “Both of you, enough. I think summoning the Satorum is the right call.” Lucas shot him a murderous glare. “But it should be put to a vote.”
“A good idea,” Alpha Brian agreed.
I was burning with rage but nodded. The vote was cast—and the majority sided with me. The Satorum would be involved.
Alpha Lucas stood and left the room, his son trailing behind him like a shadow.
---
I stood on the pavement outside, waiting for the driver to turn the car around.
“You think you’re clever, huh?” a cold voice crept up behind me. “You’re playing a dangerous game.”
I didn’t need to turn to know who it was.
“You don’t scare me. And I won’t be silenced by threats,” I said, turning to face him, my glare sharp as knives.
“You *should* be scared. I’ve dealt with bigger fish than you—you’re barely a ripple.”
“Your days are numbered, Lucas,” I snapped, letting go of caution. “I know you’re behind the raids. That’s why you’re so desperate to keep the Satorum out of this.”
He threw his head back and laughed, loud enough to draw a few curious glances. “Blake, Blake, Blake… you naïve little thing. The Satorum won’t be summoned. And *you’ll* make sure of that.” He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “Unless you want your little one dead before the next full moon.”
I froze.
I knew exactly who he was referring to.
My stomach twisted with fury. “She means nothing to me,” I lied, my voice sharp. “She’s dead to me. So it doesn’t matter either way.”
“We’ll see about that,” he said, walking away with a cruel chuckle.
---
I was a storm on the ride home.
If he could use her as leverage, that means… he *has* her. Or at least knows where she is. What the hell has she gotten herself into? I was this close to storming out and dragging her back myself. But I gave her my word. I swore I wouldn’t interfere.
And she's not welcome here anymore.
But damn it… what am I supposed to do now?
I can’t live with myself if something happens to her.
I know just the person I can trust with this.
Damn her. She always finds a way to make me chase after her.
“Rahl,” I said the moment I stepped out of the car, “get someone to cover your shift. Meet me in my room.”
A few minutes later, a knock sounded on my door.
“Come in.”
“Sir,” he greeted, standing at attention.
“I need you to do something for me. This stays between us—no one else, not even my parents. Understood?”
He nodded once.
“I need you to find Lucy and keep your eyes on her. Don’t lose sight of her, not even for a second.” I saw the flicker of confusion in his eyes. “Just like her shadow. Don’t let her know you’re there. You’re the only one I can trust with this. Her life might be in danger.”
“Understood, sir. Do you want daily updates?”
I paused, considering. “No. Only contact me if she’s in immediate danger. Never mention her name in this house. If you need to pass along any information, use a burner phone.”
I told myself this was just for old times’ sake.
But I knew better.
- Writer
