Lone Wolf (The Pack 5)

Lips pressed together as he eyed me. “You weren’t where you said you were.”

I tilted my head in acknowledgement. “No, but you never wanted me here.”

“For good reason,” he retorted, his eyes skipping behind me. I didn’t need to turn to know that Dru had stepped up behind me. “Who are you?”

“Dru.” We replied in unison and he closed his eyes briefly, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“God help me.”

“We have bigger problems,” I said, right before the scent of ozone met my nose and I could see Dom’s nose crinkle. “Yeah. That.”

“What is that?”

“You dare to invade my land?” Gran’s voice cracked like a whip and Paige cowered slightly behind her sister. “How dare you come here?”

“Technically, we’re on our land, not yours,” a familiar voice piped up as Jess stepped around Dom, his enormous bulk hiding her completely, and we could all see Gran was taken aback by her presence. “And why exactly are you keeping a member of our Pack prisoner?” She crossed her arms over her chest, either unable to feel the power pulsing from Gran or just not caring. It was really hard to tell with Jess.

“I’m Dominic Navarre, Alpha of the Navarre Pack, and Caleb is mine,” Dom bit out, looking pissed. “Who are you?”

“Watch your tone, pup,” Gran snarled, sweeping closer and I could see Dom’s chest swell slightly. He wasn’t the only one though as Trent, Liam, and Monster all tensed. Paige hadn’t been exaggerating when she’d said there was an army. Over a dozen shifters stood at the edge of the forest, a mix of members from both Dom and Anna’s Packs, ready to do whatever it took to bring me home. My gaze skimmed the varying shifters, some young, others older, all capable of fighting, but I paused as I came to Dylan. I was surprised to see him since he didn’t care for me at all with good reason. I hadn’t exactly welcomed him to my Pack with open arms all those years ago, a fact I wasn’t proud of.

A Down syndrome wolf shifter was dangerous, unpredictable, and often uncontrollable. While they didn’t intend to hurt anyone their emotions could often get the better of them. Dylan was no different, but he was fiercely loyal to one wolf shifter in particular, following him wherever he went. My gaze strayed to Monster, or Theo Carter, brother to Jess Carter, who was mated to Dom, my Alpha. Where Monster went, Dylan followed, no exception. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised then that he was here. The only one who had been as interested in the Ghost Pack as me was Monster and I could see his avid gaze taking in every nuance of the confrontation.

Static electricity filled the air and I tensed, ready for whatever she was about to dish out, when another voice spoke, “Don’t think about using your tricks, Mildred. I would hate to know you’d fallen so far as to break our laws.” The electricity fizzled instantly and Gregory stepped out from the forest, a cane in his hand. “It’s been a long time, Millie.”

“Do not call me by that ridiculous nickname,” she commanded, not an ounce of her inherent regality diminished by his reprimand. “And not nearly long enough, Gregory.”

Gregory shook his head. “What are you doing, Mildred?” The oldest member of our combined Packs had a disappointed expression, one that would leave any young shifter quaking, but Millie only narrowed her eyes at him. “Kidnapping a Pack wolf? Threatening to use your power against an allied Pack?”

“Allied?” I burst out, turning to stare at him as Dru turned an accusing gaze on Gran. “No one said anything about an alliance with the Ghost Pack.”

“I don’t recall anyone asking,” Gregory chided gently and I lowered my head in acknowledgement.

“Wait a damn second,” Trent interrupted, holding up his hand. “I’ve been here before and wasn’t exactly welcomed.”

Gran gave him a cold stare, stating, “You have never been here.”

Trent opened his mouth, ready to argue no doubt, but when I saw the frantic beat of Dru’s pulse, I shook my head, and he swallowed whatever he was about to say. “Sorry, I must have confused you with some other Ghost Pack.”

Dom’s eyes flickered to mine, What exactly has been going on here?

Later, I promised over the Pack link I shared with him.

“Your wolf came onto our land without permission. Detaining him was well within my rights.” Gran or Mildred – Millie just didn’t fit the stern woman facing down multiple shifters – flicked her fingers. “As for any alliance there may have been….that died with your previous Alpha.” My stomach clenched knowing she referred to my father, and his death over a decade before. Dru glanced at me, the sympathy in her eyes telling me she must have known some of the story. Gran made a show of looking around. “I also don’t see your Alpha here. Why is that? Scared?” She taunted, letting her eyes glow slightly.