From the other side of the field, another three wolves appeared. The moon showcased their picture perfect silhouettes. Ears were pricked. Heads were tilted toward the sky. They were aligned in a staggered pattern, perhaps a defensive stance to let her know they were waiting to attack on her order.
A sudden sense of belonging enveloped her as she stood taller and prouder. Frank’s pack was her pack now. Soon, Jock’s friends would join them, too, and they would represent one of the strongest packs in the West.
“You can stand with us or against us,” she said.
“Where have I heard that before?”
“It’s a simple choice, Grant. There’s no reason for you to make this difficult.”
“What if I want to be invited to play in your loft?”
“It won’t happen.”
“Because you love them?”
She carefully considered how she best wanted to answer his question. Without much hesitation, she said, “Jock and Frank are my mates and I will do everything in my power to honor them.”
Tilting her head sideways, she studied the grey wolf closing the distance between them. She heard a deep rumble, a throaty expression of discontent.
“Call them off!” Grant screamed, obviously nervous.
“If you aren’t planning to side with Jock, why did you come back here?”
The grey wolf was now behind her, pawing at the ground in frustration as if she were the only obstacle standing in his way. He wanted to pounce upon Grant. She could sense his angst, his desire to test their strengths through the barring and gnashing of teeth. She could almost hear Grant’s bones crunching and his agonized cries.
“Go back to your den, Grant.” She glanced over her shoulder, acknowledging her protector with a tilt of her head. “You’ll be safe there until Jock returns for some of his belongings.”
She couldn’t help but feel as if she were in some sort of dream, making demands and expecting those around her to uphold her commands. Around her, the other wolves took a few steps back, whimpering their disappointment. The grey wolf remained steadfast in his stance. He was undoubtedly the beta accustomed to running at Frank’s flank.
“I won’t leave here until I speak with Jock. I have a proposal I want him to consider.”
“You won’t see Jock until morning,” she said with finality, walking away.
Before she contemplated his next move, Grant phased in midair. By the time his paws hit the ground, he was completely surrounded and all she’d seen had been a multitude of dark flashes as her pack—Frank’s wolves—came forward to defend her and honor their commitment to their pack master.
Frank’s pack was in position to strike. Her wolves were prepared to fight.
Stepping between them without any fear, she approached Grant, keeping a slight advantage by gauging their distance. She ignored the snapping of his sharp teeth, unafraid with her army of furry creatures backing her.
“I feel sorry for you, Grant. You’re holding on to someone who has already chosen a different path in life. You have options and they’ve been explained to you. Either you side with us and join a growing pack or you stand alone. It’s that’s simple.”
His eyes seemed to say, “What about me?”
“Given your current disposition, the best advice I can give you is to tell you to run. We’ll give you a head start. Go back to your den and wait for further instructions. While you’re there, you need to come to a decision. I don’t know about Jock, but Frank doesn’t give second chances.”
She clucked and snapped her fingers, calling off her pack. The grey wolf looked as if he rolled his eyes, but he followed her back to the cabin. Once there, he bowed his head in a submissive gesture, apparently expecting praise for his duty.
Tempted to thank him, Carla turned and made eye contact. She thought about rewards and how she could best express her appreciation. Then, she decided against an outward show of thanks.
The animal had acted on behalf of Frank in Frank’s absence. He was undoubtedly the beta wolf and near the top of the pack in terms of leadership.
As the Alpha female she needed her pack’s respect, particularly since she was at a disadvantage. She was human. They were shifters.
She wouldn’t show weakness even in times of gratitude. Her pack had served their Alphas well. That alone was reward enough.
Chapter Twelve
She awoke a few hours later with their hands roaming over her arms and legs in rapid succession. Jock pulled her body over his, cupping her breasts and tweaking her nipples with firm, long fingers.