by Anya Nowlan
“Nephew. Come on in,” he said with a smile.
Dayton obliged, stalking up the veranda. Three other wolves were seated in the spacious living area, all in their forties to fifties. Their eyes turned to him as soon as he entered.
“Guess you were expecting me,” Dayton said, considering the men.
“These are my lieutenants – Paul, Edward, and Frank,” David explained without returning the greeting.
The men nodded as their names were called.
Dayton had already guessed who they were, even though he hadn’t seen their faces before.
Uncle’s inner circle. Interesting, Dayton thought, recalling the information he’d gathered before arriving in Sweetwater.
He sat down in one of the armchairs, relaxed, and spread his arms. If his uncle thought this meeting would intimidate him, he was wrong.
“We wanted to talk to you about your plans with your father’s estate,” David started.
“We know you plan to sell the house and the land it stands on, and we’d like to buy it from you. At a reasonable price, of course. It is pack land after all.”
“And how exactly do you know all this, hmm?” Dayton asked, making a mental note to get his own lawyer instead of doing things through Mr. Miller.
“That is not important right now,” Paul spoke up, thinking he could just talk over Dayton like he was still a pup.
Paul was a tall thin man with reddish-brown hair and a stern, authoritative voice.
“Sorry, Paul, did I give you the expression I was talking to you? I was having a conversation with my uncle,” Dayton said evenly, turning his attention back to David.
Paul huffed indignantly but didn’t speak.
“As I was saying –” David started, but Dayton interrupted him.
“I am selling George’s estate, but if you want the house you’ll have to make an offer like everyone else,” he said, an edge creeping into his voice.
You haven’t spoken to me in decades, and now you expect special treatment? Dayton thought, his temper rising.
“Look, none of us want this to drag on. This is a small town, you’re not going to get a lot of prospective buyers,” Edward said, attempting to diffuse the situation.
“Oh, I’m in no hurry to leave,” Dayton responded, plastering a smile on his face.
He closely monitored the wolves’ reactions to that statement, and what he saw confirmed his suspicions.
They can’t wait to get rid of me.
“This is my home after all,” he continued, enjoying the way Edward’s plump cheeks turned pink in agitation.
“That’s not what –” Frank started, sputtering.
David cut him off.
“There is nothing for you here. Be reasonable,” his uncle said, growing impatient.
“What do you mean, uncle? My family, my pack is here,” Dayton said, really laying the fake sincerity on thick.
The men grew silent. Dayton suspected their little chat had gone nothing like they had expected.
“No one in the pack even knows you,” Paul finally spat out. “You are a stranger. I wouldn’t expect to make many friends here,” he continued, looking at Dayton with disdain.
“I think you’re underestimating my charm,” Dayton responded smoothly, getting up from his seat.
“I gather we’re done here?” he continued, glancing around the room.
No one spoke up, and he took that as his cue to leave.
Dayton couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face as he pulled on his helmet and revved his bike. David and his little leadership circle thought they could gang up on him, intimidate him into giving up his father’s land, and get on with the usual business of pretending he didn’t exist.
Well, they have another thing coming.
Seven
Rachel
“Are you okay? You seem a little distracted,” Alice said, pulling Rachel out of her little bubble.
“Hmm? No, I’m fine,” she responded, still a little far away.
You’ve gone on one date with the man, and already you’re acting like a schoolgirl with her first crush.
“So I’m guessing last night went well?” Alice asked with a smirk.
“It was definitely… eventful.”
Rachel couldn’t help but smile.
“I bet it was,” Alice said, giving Rachel a knowing look before disappearing to help a customer.
The door swung open, and Rachel rushed to look up, hoping it was Dayton, come to claim back his leather jacket. Ethan Grimpaw, Alpha of the werebear clan, stalked in instead, all wide shoulders and raven hair. He walked right up to Rachel.
“Two Grimpaws in as many days, to what do I owe the pleasure?” she asked with a smile.
“Can we talk?” was the man’s only response.
Rachel immediately grew serious.
What’s going on?
“Sure, follow me,” she said, leading him to her tiny office in the back.
Rachel took a seat at her desk as Ethan sank into a chair opposite her.
“What’s this about?” she asked, worried.
“Dayton Clearpond,” Ethan said, his eyes fixed on hers.
“What about him?” she asked, crossing her arms.
“I heard you were with him when he and David got into it at the diner last night,” he continued, sounding slightly concerned and more than a little uncomfortable at having to discuss this with her.
Can’t keep anything to yourself in Sweetwater, Rachel thought, grumbling.
“I was, but I don’t see how that is any of your business,” she said with an arched brow.
Can everyone just stop butting into my life all of a sudden?
“Rachel, I’m worried. I don’t want you to get in the middle of something dangerous,” Ethan said with a sigh, some of the hardness leaving his expression.
“He’s just here because his dad died,” Rachel said with a pointed look, emphasis on died.
“Right. And not because he was the next in line for Alpha instead of David?” Ethan countered.
“He told me he’s here to settle his father’s affairs, that’s it,” Rachel said, not really knowing why she was so defensive.
She barely knew Dayton, for all she knew, everything he’d told her was a load of bull. Yet, every bit of her said he was being truthful. She felt safe with him. Could her instincts be this wrong?
If anything, my jerk-detector should be pretty well-honed by now.
“Besides, he hasn’t been involved with the pack since he was a kid,” she said, spreading her arms. “He hasn’t, right?” she added, her trust faltering.
“Doesn’t seem like it, as far as we know. But that doesn’t mean much. He is still the rightful Alpha. Who knows what he’s up to. And I just found out he met with David and his leadership out at Keith’s old house,” Ethan said, his tone growing bitter.
Keith had been part of the Clearpond pack, that is, before he was killed in a bloody bears versus wolves battle after he’d kidnapped Everett’s mate. Like a good little wolf, he’d left his estate to the pack.
Another stellar example of the kind of people that make up the wolf pack.
“David is his uncle. Why shouldn’t they be meeting?” Rachel said, her justification half-hearted at best.
“From what I heard about last night, they aren’t exactly on the best of terms. I assume David’s animosity stems from the fact that Dayton is gunning for Alpha. If that is the case, things could get real bloody real fast.”
“Look, I don’t know anything for sure. I just thought I should tell you what I do know so you can come to your own conclusions,” Ethan said, running a hand through his hair.
Rachel considered him for a moment.
“I appreciate your concern, but I’m a big girl. And let’s not pretend that at least part of why you’re here isn’t to see if I know anything useful,” Rachel said, the words sharper than she’d intended.
Ethan sank back in his chair.
“
That’s not fair. I’m not only responsible for myself, I have my clan to think about,” he said. “And I’d like to think that I’m at least partially responsible for the safety of this town as well.”
“I get that. I just think maybe we should give Dayton the benefit of the doubt. For now at least,” she said, her tone softening.
Rachel knew she would see Dayton soon enough – the previous night had left her with no doubts about that. Just minutes ago the thought had made her giddy with excitement. Now, she was apprehensive.
Ethan gave her a quick nod before getting up and leaving. Rachel remained sitting at her desk, lost in thought.
What have I gotten myself into?
* * *
Dayton popped into the store just minutes before closing time. His eyes went straight to Rachel and stayed there as he made his way over.
Be careful, Rachel’s inner voice prompted.
Her body seemed to disregard that warning. It was drawn in his direction as if by magnetic pull, her heartbeat quickening just at the sight of him.
“Hey. Came to see how my jacket was doing,” he said brightly.
“Don’t worry, I’ve taken good care of it,” Rachel said, Dayton’s smile instantly lifting her mood.
He was as yummy as ever, clad in a gray Henley shirt accentuating his broad shoulders and narrow waist.
Whatever his exercise regimen is, it’s working, Rachel thought idly, admiring the man in front of her.
She reached down under the counter until her hands reached leather and handed Dayton his jacket.
His shirt lifted a bit as he pulled it on, revealing the taut abs underneath. Rachel gulped, hoping he hadn’t caught her staring.
“So, how about dinner again if you’re done here?” he asked, thankfully oblivious to the fact that she was undressing him with her eyes.
It’s just so I can keep an eye on him, see if he’s up to anything shady, Rachel told herself as she enthusiastically said, “Yes.”
They decided to start by taking a stroll through the nearby park to work up an appetite. Rachel’s pulse jumped as Dayton casually wrapped an arm around her. The sun was starting to set, painting the leaves gold as they lazily followed the footpath before them.
All of a sudden, she felt Dayton stiffen at her side.
“What is it?” she asked, looking around.
“I smell wolf,” he replied, stopping.
A soft rustle brought Rachel’s attention to the edge of the park. A large light brown wolf emerged from the brush, its eyes glowing yellow orbs. It took a few steps forward until it was clearly in Rachel and Dayton’s line of sight and sat down, staring at them.
Dayton stepped in front of her, his gaze trained on the animal.
“Is that David?” Rachel asked, unsure of what answer she’d prefer.
Dayton sniffed the air.
“No, it’s someone I haven’t met before,” he said, taking a couple of steps forward.
The wolf stood, turned around, and walked towards the forest at the edge of the park. After a couple of steps it stopped and glanced back at them.
“He wants me to follow,” Dayton said, looking at Rachel.
“Okay…” she trailed off, feeling like she was in way over her head.
Is this some sort of wolf communication? I really should learn more about these things…
“You sure that’s a good idea?” she continued, remembering what Ethan had told her.
David sees him as a rival to his position as Alpha. What if he wants to take out the competition?
Dayton took another deep breath, yellow starting to swirl in his blue eyes.
“He’s alone. I think maybe I should see what he wants,” he said, more to himself than to Rachel. “I’m so sorry. I will make this up to you,” he quickly added, turning his attention from the wolf back to her.
“It’s fine, it’s not like you meant for this to happen,” Rachel said with a weak smile.
She had definitely been looking forward to spending more time with him.
But maybe I should take this as a sign and get out while I still can?
“Thank you for being so understanding. I’ll come by the store tomorrow, okay?” he said, gently grabbing hold of her shoulders.
“Don’t worry about it. Now go already,” she said, placing a hand on his chest.
Dayton gave her a quick hug before walking to the tree line and following the wolf into the darkness of the forest.
Making friends in the pack already, Rachel thought grimly.
Eight
Dayton
Dayton followed the unknown wolf to a small clearing in the forest. The animal softly padded to a stop and faced him.
The wolf’s body started to tremble; the outlines of his frame grew blurry. Within seconds, a man stood where the animal had been. He was young; in his early twenties Dayton guessed. His face was smooth, no lines or stubble, his hair about the same color as Dayton’s. The young man stretched his long, lean limbs before speaking.
“Sorry to interrupt your date. I’m Sam,” he said and gave Dayton a youthful, lopsided smile.
“I’m guessing you already know who I am,” Dayton countered, considering the man with an amused look.
“Yup, that’s why I’m here. We know you met with David and his guys today. We also know he was mighty pissed afterwards,” Sam said with a grin.
“Who is ‘we’?” Dayton questioned, still not convinced this wasn’t part of some plan David had cooked up.
“Me and some other guys in the pack. They chose me to come and talk to you, scope you out.”
Sam gave Dayton a long, measuring look.
“Scope me out for what? Just get to the point, kid,” Dayton snarled, getting annoyed.
I could be having a nice meal with Rachel right about now.
“Okay, okay, I was trying to be all mysterious here but geez,” Sam said with a quick eye-roll, the smile never leaving his face.
Dayton’s lips twitched.
The kid’s got character, I’ll give him that.
“You see, the pack’s not doing all that well, as you probably already know. Our leadership has been failing us for a while now. Petty vendettas, greed, picking fights they can’t win, you name it. And who’s suffering? Us, the lower ranks, forced to go along with one hair-brained scheme after another,” Sam explained passionately.
“This war we’ve been waging with the Grimpaws is doomed. I’ve lost too many brothers, I don’t want to lose any more,” he continued, eyes downcast. “And I’m not the only one who thinks so,” he finished, meeting Dayton’s gaze.
“And what do you want me to do about it?”
Despite knowing better, Dayton was moved by the pain in the young man’s eyes when he talked about his fellow wolves.
“We want you to take over as Alpha.”
Even though Dayton had a hunch where all of this was going, he was still momentarily stunned.
“Well, actually, we first want to see what you’re all about. Who knows, you might be even worse than the other guys… But yeah, the end goal is to get rid of David, and you’re our best shot,” Sam explained.
Dayton frowned. This little visit had gone from a leisurely trip to his old hunting grounds to something far more serious.
“I feel for your situation, I really do, but I don’t think I’m your man. I’m an outsider, who would follow me? And I already have a life back in LA,” Dayton explained and hoped Sam got the message.
As much as I want to screw with David’s head, is this really what I should be doing?
“You are George’s son. It is your birthright to be Alpha. Outsider or not, no one can deny that. Why do you think David is so eager to get you out of here?” Sam pushed on, not letting it go.
“David has been Alpha for what, six months now? Give him time, he might turn things around.”
His uncle had turned out to be an asshole, sure, but that didn’t necessarily mean he was an incapable leader.
Right?
>
“Are you kidding me? He has done nothing but stir up trouble. He has us setting up bear traps on Grimpaw land for god’s sake!” Sam groaned, his voice growing louder.
Dayton’s heart constricted.
How low the once powerful Clearpond pack has fallen.
“I can see that strikes a chord with you. I can see you care about the lives lost and the shaky future of our brothers. Don’t bother denying it,” Sam demanded, studying his face.
Dayton didn’t even know most of the wolves in the pack, but he couldn’t help feeling like he had let them down somehow. The bond was powerful, and he felt the pull to be around his kind even stronger now that he was back in Sweetwater. The Alpha blood in him called him to action.
How could he stand by idly when his brothers were suffering?
Should have just stayed in Los Angeles… but then I would never have met Rachel…
“No one opposed David when he became Alpha. Even though I was next in line, I can’t just push him aside without internal support. I have a feeling you and your friends are not going to be enough,” Dayton said grimly.
Sam’s eyes lit up.
“So you’re considering it?” he asked excitedly.
“And that’s all I’m doing. I won’t jump in head first without looking.”
“That’s the kind of attitude we need around here,” Sam said sourly.
Dayton smirked slightly, shaking his head.
He has plenty of fire, doesn’t he.
“I want to meet these friends of yours. Come by the house tomorrow after dark, without drawing any attention if possible. We need to give this some more consideration,” Dayton instructed, different strategies and game plans already swirling in his head.
Sam nodded eagerly.
“You’ve got a deal, boss!”
The young man turned back into a wolf and ran off, disappearing into the evening in a flash of tawny brown.
Dayton briefly considered going to Rachel’s but decided against it. He had to relax the fists that had formed without him noticing. It was already late, and he didn’t want to intrude on her while his mind was split between her and the mess he’d gotten himself into.