The Challenge (The Pack 2)

Chapter Nineteen

“This is insane,” Caleb burst out. He paced the living room, keeping a wary eye on Dylan, who looked scared and uncomfortable around so many unfamiliar males. Every once in a while, I saw the reappearance of his wolf and felt Dom’s arm tighten around me as he sensed it too. Wren sat next to him, patting his arm gently as she tried to remain calm for his sake.

“Maybe Dylan should go to Wren’s room while we discuss things,” I mentioned carefully when Caleb got a little too close to Wren and Dylan growled.

“You want to play with my trucks in Jess’ room?” Monster offered, fascinated by Dylan’s presence. Dylan nodded shyly, but he jumped when Dom snarled. I stared at him in shock, my eyes saying, “What the hell,” when he didn’t speak.

I don’t want his scent in your room, Dom admitted through our mental bond and the mark on my neck burned white hot. He cracked his neck, the sound loud in the room as he turned to Dylan. “I’m sorry. I would prefer you didn’t go into Jess’ room.”

“I’ll go get the trucks,” Monster said, hurrying into my room. Dad stirred from the spot where he’d been staring at Wren, and reached into the cabinet to grab a pack of cookies.

“I’ll keep an eye on them. They can play in my office,” he said to no one in particular. Monster came running back, his arms full of toy trucks and Dylan stood up, causing Caleb to take a cautious step back. Dylan looked to Wren for permission and when she nodded, he lumbered after Monster.

“You like cookies, Dylan?” My dad asked as he opened the apartment door.

“I love cookies,” Dylan answered my dad and I heard Dad chuckle.

“You’ll fit right in.”

We watched them walk out of the apartment, no one speaking until the door shut behind them. “Do you really expect me to support allowing him into my Pack? He’s retarded.”

“Caleb,” Anna cried in shock. Dom squeezed my fingers before letting go of my hand as he stood. “Caleb,” he rumbled and Caleb threw his hands up.

“I’m only stating the truth.” Caleb wheeled around, pinning Wren with an accusing stare. “How was he even allowed to be born?”

“My mother hid the pregnancy,” Wren answered, her expression defiant as she faced Caleb. “And he’s not retarded. He’s special. Unique. Loving. And a better man than you could ever hope to be.” Tears glistened in her eyes but she refused to let them fall. “I had hope when Sam told us the Navarre pack would take us in. I had hope that maybe my brother could find acceptance instead of ignorant stupidity. I took a chance and you’ve done nothing but disappoint.”

Caleb glanced down as Wren spoke, having the grace to appear chastened by her words. “He’s dangerous though,” he said, struggling against the combined weight of our disapproval.

“He’s not dangerous,” Wren corrected. “He’s gentle. He doesn’t want to hurt people. Even after everything his father has done to him.”

“His father?” Trent stepped closer and Dom stiffened next to me. “Who is his father?”

Wren froze, her gaze darting around the room.

“There’s only one man it could be. Only one who would have the power to insure his child’s survival,” Anna stated, staring hard at Wren. “We just stole the Alpha’s son.”

Wren pressed her lips together, a tear escaping down her cheek as she shook her head, unable to deny Anna’s words.

“And I thought this day couldn’t get any worse,” Trent groaned, rubbing his tired eyes.

“Wren, can you tell us about your brother?” I asked gently, going over to her and easing her back into her seat. I indicated the others should back up a little. Four shifters could be a little overwhelming.

“The Alpha took whoever he wanted,” Wren began, her voice hollow. “He wanted as many shifters as he could have but he didn’t have very many sons. Only two, in fact.” I rubbed her arm as she faltered. “My mother was older, but still able to have babies. She got pregnant and when they realized the baby had Down syndrome, they forced her to have an abortion.” Wren reached for my hand, squeezing tightly. “That didn’t stop the Alpha from trying again. This time when my mother realized she was pregnant, she hid it. Just in case. Dylan was born early. She delivered him at home and we knew as soon as we saw him.” The room was silent as we listened. Caleb sank down next to Anna on the couch as Dom stood next to them. “She would only speak to the Alpha. She knew what they’d do. She convinced him that this son would be his most faithful follower. His most loyal solider.” Wren swallowed, tears threatening to overcome her. “He agreed not to kill Dylan but said she was useless to him since all she could produce were retards.”