by E Hall
“Wolves,” Clove says. “Wounds, bites, missing limbs…”
Pepper shakes her head slowly and her gaze travels over to where we stand and then back to Clove. “They’re all male.”
Kenna glances up at me. Inside, something clicks into place. Maybe Melchior was right. The wolf is female, and for some reason, she’s targeting men.
“You know the stories,” Pepper says, but she directs the comment at Kenna.
My mate nods slightly.
Clove turns as though noticing us for the first time. “Hey, Kenna and was it Cory, Conner, Collin?”
“Corbin Stone,” I say. The guy definitely knows who I am.
“It’s nice to see you again. What brings you down here?”
He glances at Pepper and then turns his full focus on Kenna. “I was hoping to run into you. I found something I thought you’d be interested in. You should come up to Lonsdale.”
“I was planning on it. Actually, maybe you can help me. I’m looking for my father, Greyson Slade.”
Energy rises in the room like static in the air before a lightning storm.
From the kitchen, a bell dings. “Must be the bread.” Pepper hurries behind the double swinging doors.
“We’ll come up soon.” Kenna offers a friendly smile.
Clove eyes me and chuckles. “Is he your watchdog, Kenna? You’re a big girl. I’m sure you can handle paying a visit to your own property by yourself.”
Kenna glances at me. “I am a big girl, thank you very much. Corbin, can I borrow the truck?”
Clove snorts slightly.
“We’ll discuss it back home.” A slow-simmer growl grows.
“I’ve been thinking a lot about home. Yeah, we should discuss that too,” she says shortly. “I’ll see you in a few hours, Clove.” Kenna pokes her head into the kitchen. “Pepper, I have to go, but we’ll chat again soon.”
As Kenna and I leave the bakery, I say to her, “Why do I get the feeling I’m in the dog house?”
“Because you are.” Kenna turns on her heels and marches toward the truck.
Chapter 5
Kenna
If I spend another moment lamenting how my life used to be versus how it is now, it’ll paralyze me. I’ll remain frozen, stuck in a deep, deep hole of my own digging. I wanted excitement, an adventure, and a bright future. I got it. And then some.
Speeding back toward the wolf Headquarters does nothing to alleviate my frustration and uncertainty—at Corbin, the others, or the state of my life. I should’ve gone directly to Lonsdale with Clove. If he found something of interest, at least maybe he can give me answers.
I park the truck in the garage. As Corbin pulls in after me, I’m fuming. Annoyed. The last time I saw him in the Jeep, he left without so much as a goodbye.
What started as an entirely unpleasant welcome, when I was trapped in a room in the lodge, then turned into the greatest crush of my life, is now dismal again. Things between him and me are hot and cold and hot and cold. I don’t like it. I have enough back and forth between my wolf and other magic that I don’t need more from him and the pack.
My wolf yips with excitement as Corbin approaches, spinning the keys in his hand. I don’t blame her. For a moment, his masculine, powerful hands distract me. He’s tall with jeans that hang just the right way, a flannel shirt that accentuates the defined muscles of his chest, arms, and shoulders. Yes, his shoulders are hot too.
The same warmth that rose to my cheeks when Pepper asked about my hottie when we were taking out the trash in the alley flushes my skin all over again.
My wolf gets more excited by my response. I cut her an internal growl. Not now. I’m trying to be mad at my mate.
The quirk of Corbin’s lips when he spots my cheeks doesn’t help. “Can we talk?” he asks.
I put my hands on my hips. “You can listen. I’ve been thrown unwittingly into this world. I fell in love with you hard and fast. I thought things were complicated before. Now, they’re tangled beyond recognition. Being Magical’s Most Wanted, dealing with multiple kinds of power, finally finding my mother, and learning about my missing father. Corbin, it’s all too much. Then, on top of that, you ghosted me.”
“I promise, I’m not a ghost.”
His eyes float to mine and hold with a kind of softness I cannot deny. I blink into the copper buttery-ness, transfixed. Connected, bonded, enraptured by my true mate.
“Oh, right, ghosts are real. To ghost someone is an expression.” My voice falters, but then I remember what I want to say. “Your pack hates me, and for a minute there, I thought you did too.”
“There’s tension among the pack because you haven’t selected me as your alpha yet. They don’t know your place among them. It doesn’t help that you’re a tri-magical either so really, your loyalty could belong anywhere.”
I take a deep breath. “Where does your loyalty lie?”
His rough hand smooths along my cheek. I light up inside. It’s not only my wolf who’s in love with him. No, it goes beyond love into something I cannot explain.
I clear my throat. “I never liked the idea from movies that a guy could complete me—my mother proved that notion false repeatedly with all her deadbeat ex-boyfriends. However, with you, I cannot deny that I feel more fully myself than I ever have. Despite what’s going on, it’s like when we’re together, all my best qualities are enhanced. We’re stronger, kinder, and smarter together. But that’s just it. I’m not sure we’re together.”
“Kenna, my devotion is to you.” He bites his lip.
“But...” I say, knowing an objection is coming. My chest tightens.
He takes a deep breath. “But if you select me as Alpha, it will expose your Alpha wolf.”
“Why is that a problem? I thought you said the pack wants to know my place.”
“The strongest packs have a male and female Alpha who’re fated mates.”
“I’m waiting for the punchline here. I still don’t see why that’s an issue.”
His hands drift to my upper arms and he squeezes gently. “I want to protect you.”
“Considering you were absent from your nightly watch and Amanda paid me a midnight call, I suggest you get on it,” I huff.
Corbin’s jaw tightens.
“Considering Pepper’s keen observation about men going missing and the hunters’ comments about it being wolves, perhaps I’m not the one who needs protecting. Anyway, how is ignoring me protecting me?”
“It’s complicated.” He leans in, so we’re nose to nose. His breath is minty. “I want your lips against mine instead of stumbling over all of these words and feelings.”
My pulse quickens and heat rises to my cheeks. “You could also protect me from your pack. They hate me.”
He draws back. “That’s not true. They’re wary. Don’t worry about them. It’s all bluster and no blows.”
“I’ve seen them train and fight. I’m pretty sure it’s all blows. But when it comes to that, I can handle myself. What I’m talking about is how they reject me. I don’t think I can stay here.”
“Where will you go?”
As if neither one of us can remain still at all the talk about motion, we walk toward the path leading to the lake.
“I can’t ignore the pull to Lonsdale, despite how it definitely seems haunted. I want to find my father. I have a feeling he left me the diary. He’s made out to be a monster, yet so am I. Maybe there’s an explanation.”
“That’s not an option. Not really.”
I step back and throw my hands across my chest and draw a firm scowl on my face. “Is that so?”
“Not unless I’m with you.” His tone is firm, unyielding.
“Corbin, as I said, I can take care of myself.”
“Your father isn’t safe.” His expression shifts like he’s torn between wanting to protect me and wanting to help me.
“Whatever he is and whatever he has done, he’s still my father. He and my mom are the only family I have. For a little while
, I thought I was part of the pack family here. I thought I found a home. But...”
Hurt flickers in Corbin’s eyes. “I thought I was your home.”
“Not when you take off. You’ve been distant. If you haven’t noticed, I only have my mother, and she’s back in the states living her normal life. I want a normal life.”
“Then I’m not sure pack life is for you.”
The bluntness of his words seize me. “That’s just the thing...it is. I know it. My wolf knows it. They just don’t like me. I want them to. But nothing will be normal until we unravel this entire mess. Like I told you before, I’m the problem and the solution. And above all, I want a family, and I want you.”
He nods. “I understand the importance of family and what it feels like not to have one. That’s why I run the pack the way I do. Trust me, not all Alphas are like me. The pack will accept you as Alpha. The problem is—” He falters and his face falls into shadow as a group of puffy clouds cover the sun. “When we love, loss becomes greater.”
I lace my fingers around his as we loop the path that wraps around the placid water of the lake.
“But it’s worse not to love.”
“No, there is something worse than that.” Corbin chucks a flat, round rock toward the water. It lands, skips, lands, skips. He picks up another and another, causing ripple after ripple.
I suddenly worry he lost a previous mate or girlfriend. My thoughts float to Amanda. No, he didn’t seem attached to her. Someone else?
“Because we’re true mates, once you’re recognized as Alpha, there will be an Alpha Call-Out.”
“A fight like the Mate Call-Out?” I waggle my finger back and forth. “Between us?”
“No, against us.” Corbin’s words are clipped. “Once an Alpha, there are very few instances that would remove me from my role. One is the addition of an Alpha.”
“So we’d have to fight for you to keep your role.”
He nods.
“I can train. I’m strong, Corbin. I wouldn’t have an Alpha wolf inside if I wasn’t, right?” It’s like everything is caving in, going dark.
“It’s not that. I believe in you.” His voice fades. “It’s—”
The sun bakes its way through the clouds, sprinkling the water with flecks of gold that remind me of Corbin’s eyes. One moment the world feels like slate gray nothingness and then the sun changes everything. The trouble is, it’ll change again.
“Whatever it is, it’s okay. You can tell me,” I say bravely.
“We protect humans because they were here first, at least in this realm. The story goes that the first man that became wolf went on a hike on the mountain and never came back. They never found him. Then another and another left, presumably forming the first pack.”
“Were they bitten and turned?”
He nods. “We used to be savage, violent. All of us, including me.” He lets out a strangled breath. “As you know, I grew up in Scotland. My father was a lone wolf, and I grew up among humans. I had a best friend—Logan Harris. I never explicitly said I was a shifter, but he had a vague awareness. One night, we were returning to our village on horseback. A terrible storm kicked up. His horse spooked. Threw him. I rushed to his aid and realized a sharp stick had impaled him. He was going to die there in my arms.”
My stomach feels queasy even at the thought of blood.
“I didn’t think. I bit him. I turned my best friend into a beast like me.”
“To save his life,” say.
“At first he was upset, but soon understood I did what I thought was best. Things were never the same between us though. We went our separate ways. When I went to Concordia, I found him, his pack, and his mate. His fated mate. They were Alphas in this region.”
My breathing slows as I begin to understand.
“My Alpha emerged in their presence. I was fated to be the wolf who engaged them in the Alpha Call-Out.”
“You won.” He had to kill his best friend.
“He was like a brother to me.” Corbin’s voice tightens.
The story and sorrow drift between us as the wind picks up.
“I betrayed him. I reluctantly became Alpha and vowed to end our violence. That made me particularly suited for the Council. My priority is to protect and not harm.
I smooth my hand down his massive arm. “I’m sorry, Corbin.”
He sniffs. “Yeah. It’s the way of things. We don’t ask for it. I wouldn’t want that for you, Kenna.”
“What happened to his Alpha mate?”
“She moved on, I suppose. I’m not sure. But I can only imagine her heart was broken.”
“That’s tragic, Corbin, but that’s not our fate. My wolf wants to be with your pack. I want it.”
“What about your fae and vampire?”
“They don’t have a say. My wolf is the strongest of the three forms of magic within me.” I speak with confidence even though it’s just a hope.
The corner of Corbin’s lift lips. “That’s because we’re superior.”
I laugh lightly and lean into him. “I want to be part of the pack. Whether fate or something else drew me here, it also drew out my wolf. I prefer her energy to the vamps’ and fae. I’m certain this is what I want. Just as I feel her part of me, I know this is the right decision. I want to be in your pack. I want you to be my Alpha.”
“Then you can officially pledge yourself to the pack and accept me as your Alpha tonight. We’ll have the ceremony. When you do, you’ll reveal your place in the pack and they’ll become your family.”
I nod. “I won’t visit Lonsdale today after all, but soon I need to find my father and get answers.” I didn’t realize I was holding my breath, but I finally exhale.
Chapter 6
Corbin
Lost in thought, I pile up wood for the bonfire and declaration ceremony. Soon, Kenna will choose us as her pack, and she’ll reveal her Alpha wolf.
I’ve never told anyone about Logan. Recalling the memories is painful, but I shove them away. I have to focus on protecting Kenna and my pack. I don’t know when or who, but as soon as her wolf status is revealed and we bond, there will be an Alpha Call-Out. The idea of anything happening to Kenna crushes me.
There was one thing I didn’t include. Typically, the rival Alpha goes after the mate to make her his own as a sign of superiority and possession. I didn’t want to hurt either Logan or his mate, but couldn’t claim her—despite my wolfy ways, it felt wrong.
As everyone comes down to the clearing, I release the trepidation that comes with how complicated this is. Not only will there be the Call-Out, but I will be fully responsible for Kenna in the magical world and as the wolf shifter Council rep. Melchior will not be pleased. My wolf groans. He’s not interested in politics—just the wolf heart which beats faster now that Kenna nears.
I throw fuel on the fire. Soon, it roars as everyone gathers in physical form. Sparks reach toward the glittering sky as Kenna steps into the clearing. I gesture that she stands beside me. For a moment, I fear she’s a sheep among wolves. However, in truth, as a tri-magical, she’s the strongest among us, though likely doesn’t realize it yet.
“Pack Hjalmor, tonight Kenna is making her pledge to the pack. Many of you may remember the day you declared your allegiance and took your position among us. I ask that you welcome her as a sister.”
Except for the five betas, excluding Avril who is still on probation, the scattering of applause is light. It occurs to me then that she may be the one spreading the dissent about Kenna.
“Do any among you object to Kenna Slade joining us?” I eye Avril, allowing her to speak up.
None of them question my Alpha.
“Thank you for trusting me.” I make the effort to balance my dominance with gratitude and honesty at all times.
“Kenna, you’ll declare your allegiance to Pack Hjalmor. Using this silver blade, I’m going to pierce your palm. You’ll let several drops of blood fall into the fire as everyone else forms a ring in wolf hie
rarchy. Starting with our omega wolf, you’ll walk in a circle past each of your new pack mates. We will see the flames leap, like a finger pointing when you’ve arrived at your position. Do you understand?”
Kenna’s eyes widen at the silver blade in my hand. “I do.”
“Remember, wolves heal quickly. You’ll hardly feel a thing,” I whisper.
She nods slightly and bites her lip as if bracing herself.
“Kenna, do you willingly declare your undying allegiance to Pack Hjalmor and each of its members without exception?”
“I do.” She nods.
“Kenna, do you deny all ties to previous packs or other entities, if any, and pledge your loyalty, friendship, and love to Pack Hjalmor?”
“I do.”
“Kenna, do you recognize me as Alpha of Pack Hjalmor and promise to abide by all my orders and requests?” I have to ask this even though I’m certain she’s also Alpha.
She swallows and tips her eyes to meet mine. “I do.”
I extend my hand to take hers, feeling the softness of the surface and the power that surges beneath. Rubbing my thumb over her palm, I then slide the dagger over her skin, making a fine cut. She tips her hand over the fire. Three drops of blood drip into the flames.
I sense her pulse increase at the sight of blood. She swallows thickly and looks away.
The core of the fire flashes gold, then red, and then electric blue. The elements sense her various forms of magic. I nod to the omega and Kenna walks over to him.
The fire blazes as she makes her way around the circle. As she nears the betas, Avril watches closely. I know what’s coming. Kenna walks slowly past the last of the subordinates then Trigg, Camilla, Claude, Avril, Baker, and Inga. My highest beta gives her a warm smile.
As she nears me, the fire crackles and a flame leaps, like a finger pointing to where she belongs. By my side. The Alpha’s mate. There is no mistaking the meaning, which I already knew. Now the others do too. There can’t be two Alphas unless she’s my mate.