Logan's Choice (Dark Hollow Wolf Pack 3)

Logan took another deep breath. “From what Ian tells me, you think your heritage comes from the Cherokee Indians. ” Nods went around the room. “When a written history started, most of the laws were transcribedwithout any explanation as to why. ” Again nods went around and several leaned forward to listen. “I think it’s possible the oral legends had been twisted, things le

ft out, others added through interpretation and even personal beliefs. From what I could find in my research, you’re not descendants of the Cherokee, but the Creek Indians. The Creeks were mostly driven out of this area by the Cherokees, but there was a small population here in Western North Carolina, much more savage than the Cherokee. ” He paused, knowing he was treading a thin line. “I think your true ancestors came from a branch of the Creek. I think they were the shifters. It’s well known they killed and wounded their enemies, and even raped on their raids, to humiliate and prove their superiority.

“Without fully understanding their own natures then, in a blood lust they bit without even thinking ofwhat it would do. They didn’t practice leaving live captives, but if just a Werekin bite saved Nicky, their bites could have saved victims they left for dead. This may be where the stories of monster werewolves came from. These poor victims were turned and without the care and protection of the one who turned them, without the feedings, they went feral and were quickly killed by their own people. Your beliefs about keeping your humanborn Werekin under strict control so theywon’t go feral may have developed from all that. I think there were feral-werewolf creatures, but not as a result of a lack of control and discipline of Werekin in the clans. I think they were victims of these attacks, bitten and abandoned during raids. The same basic thing may have happened in Europe where the Hunters originated, going all the way back to the Viking raids by shifterswho didn’t have any more understanding of what would happen during a raid than the Creek did. ”

A general discussion broke out, most of it angry. Ian, however, beamed at him with pride, making Logan brave enough to blurt out the rest.

“I think my father is planning to create ferals. ”

“What the fuck are you talking about?” Casey demanded.

“Why would you think that?” Marco asked in a calmer voice.

“The experiments he’s doing. He said he was trying to develop synthetic wolf blood to feed me. He didn’t give a damn about feeding me at all, so what is he really trying to do? I think he’s trying to develop the blood in the hopes of creating a change, then withdrawing the blood to make feral creatures. He probably heard the stories about Nicky from the human workers. It would have intrigued him. He doesn’t know it takes a combination of the bite, the knot, the sperm, and the blood for a complete transformation. All he knows about is the blood. Think about it. How much support would you get from the local communities if monsters started attacking their people? Not to mention the fact ferals would make quite a fighting force against the wolves. ”

“Damn it, Logan,” Casey grumbled. “If you’re right all he has to do is capture our mates and starve them. ”

“Or capture a wolf and torture him until he agrees to bite humans to turn them. Then my father can withhold the blood. ”

“Which he’ll probably concentrate on doing once he fails to create one synthetically,” Logan said. “I think that’s what Dawson was setting up for when we intercepted him in the woods—a place to hide out near the lodge so they could kidnap pets or lone wolves. That’s why your wolves need to be on high alert, make sure none of you travel alone, and your Werekin need selfdefense training. ” He gulped. knowing how the next would be taken. “And combat training. ”

Complaints, denials, and refusals filled the room until Marco stood. Nicky walked over to stand beside him. Marco stood and raised a hand for order. “We all need time to consider what’s been said. We’ll meet again tomorrow. ”

He turned to Logan. “Thank you. ” Ian stood, his arms going around Logan. Marco smiled at Logan. “And thank you, Ian, for managing to bring this man into our clan—to make him a true Werekin. ”

Ian planted a breathtaking kiss on Logan, one he fully returned. Logan was through being embarrassed by his love for Ian.

“You don’t mind me kissing you like this in front of everyone anymore, baby?” Ian asked.

Logan shook his head. “No, not anymore. ”

“Good,” Ian said gruffly. “It’s about damned time. ”

THE END