Traditions_The Sweetwater Pack

by Terri L Vest

  Silas had straightened when hearing the point of his daughter and this rival wolf knowing each other, loving each other and having imprinted!! His anger was quickly building and all he wanted to do was go in there and rip him apart. Claire had held tightly to his hands to prevent just that, and because of it, it allowed Silas to hear more of her tale. He was furious, but he knew Claire to be very loyal and that she would never intentionally betray him. He felt her love and trusted all that it meant. He saw that she was terrified of his reaction and it broke his heart that she even had to worry about what he might do, either to her or someone she seemed to like. He took deep breaths and worked to calm his fury. The strength he drew from her love and loyalty, and respecting the fact that she didn't allow him to go in there and find this out from a rival Alpha, gave him what he needed to remain in control.

  "Claire, my love, it hurts me deeply that you knew this and felt you couldn't come to me with it, but I'm not free of fault here as I realize that my temper is the cause of this act. Thank you for telling me before I met with him. I will do as you ask and allow him his say without any threat of harm or death."

  Claire's head shot up with worry, only to see that Silas was teasing her as a way to lighten the mood and assure her he didn't hate her. With a chuckle, he winked at her, then pulled her into his arms to allow them a moment to reconnect and feel the love they shared. "Now, let's go find out what this young Alpha has to say that brings him here at the risk of Reika's scorn!" Rolling her eyes, Claire chuckled saying, "Oh dear, I hadn't thought of that! I hope I can get HER to go easy on him!" Laughing they left the room to rejoin Roy and Foster.

  Foster was pacing when they came in and he quickly seated himself where Roy had asked him to sit. He wasn't sure why the two had needed a moment alone. He hoped Claire had shared the imprint with him so it wouldn't make Silas feel disrespected, but worry poured over him on the urgency of this discussion and he couldn't wait any longer. He looked to Claire quickly and she gave him a slight nod, telling him Silas knew. "WHEW! That will help!" he thought to himself, then just dove in!

  "Silas, being the strong, connected and well loved alpha that I've heard you are, I must trust that you are aware of the connection I feel with your daughter. . . " he waited a moment for Silas to acknowledge. Once he acknowledged his awareness of it, Foster hurried on. "I feel it is because of this connection that I received the mental message I got from Reika earlier. Sir, Reika has been taken by wolves from packs beyond the state border and needs our help before they cause her any harm!"

  "WHAT????!!!" Silas roared, jumping up from his seat and slamming his fists on the table as a deep growl rumbled through his chest. "What do you mean TAKEN???" Claire had jumped to her feet and now had her hands over her mouth, softly crying out "NO! Oh no, no, no, no!! Not my daughter! Silas, we have to get her back!!"

  "Silas, my initial plan was to come to you about joining our two packs to allow us the strength and numbers to avoid a situation just like this, but clearly they were more actively pursuing their plans to invade than any of us knew."

  "But what about REIKA?? Tell me what is happening to my daughter!" Silas growled.

  "Reika sent me a mental image of her location and she is being treated well for now. As long as she doesn't attempt to run, it will continue. Therefore she is remaining quiet and continuing her ruse of being a frightened young female. They aren't aware of who she is just yet but we both know what will happen if they do find out! I feel she cut her connection to me quickly to avoid being caught forming a mental connection that lower pack members can't do.

  Sir, though it's not being presented in the manner I'd hoped for - that we could sit and discuss the benefits of joining of our packs and letting go of a rivalry that most don't even know why it exists - I would still like to ask you if you'll consider this request... even if only for now, to declare a temporary truce so we can work together to rescue Reika and work out the rest at a later time. Silas, I need you to know that I love her with all my heart and will gladly die for her to keep her safe. Please allow me to accompany you in this rescue. Reika has already stated to them when asked of pack politics that she last heard a treaty was signed joining both packs, now making them the largest in the state. It's what bought her some time and stalled the invasion." Foster stood quietly, waiting for Silas to digest what he'd been told. He knew all of it must be a horrible shock.

  Silas had begun pacing with the news and now stopped at the table to address Foster. "We will call a truce for now so we can go get my daughter. But understand this, you and I have a LOT to discuss and I'll tolerate no more secrets" he said while focusing a look so threatening that most would have retreated in it's presence.

  Unflinching and confident, Foster nodded saying, "You have my word on that Sir". The two alphas shook hands on the verbal truce. Turning to Roy, Silas jumped into action. "Roy, get the council together as well as all who patrol, all heads of families and those involved in security. All our strong and brave fighters are to be gathered as well. Foster, contact your people and gather your strongest forces and get them ready to go to battle. These wolves think they can come into MY territory and take my daughter are sadly mistaken. They think we are two large packs joined as one? ... let's show them why they just made the worst mistake of their lives! ... IF they still have lives once we're done with them!"

  Foster nodded while smiling the most vengeful, committed to violence, smile he could muster. No one was going to take his mate and get away with it!! "Silas, I will meet you in the meadow with the large tree. That should be far enough away from the border not to give us away, yet give us the room to assemble and direct our forces. Reika said her captors were meeting at dusk to decide if and when they are to invade, so we have very little time. If we move swiftly, perhaps we can hit them when their guard is down and make this a short but violent battle. Let's go get our girl!"

  Silas stopped short at the last statement but nodded and turned away to do his part. Foster was willing to combine forces to help him get his daughter back, despite the rivalry that's existed between them for many years. Perhaps there really was something to this imprinting. In the big picture, having his little flower safely paired off to a strong Alpha ally, . , , well, she could do no better! This might not be so bad after all! With that thought he hurried away to round up the strongest of his pack.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  As Reika had closed the connection with Foster, she felt eyes on her. She had closed her eyes to concentrate on the connection and now, kept them closed and focused on just breathing deep and steady. If anyone asked what she was doing she'd tell them she was trying to calm herself and prevent an anxiety attack.

  She startled when a large, strong hand closed around her upper arm. Her eyes shot open and she found herself face to face with Derrick. His gaze was a mix of distrust and worry. "What are you doing little girl?" he said in a voice that was edged in skepticism. He studied her as he waited for her answer.

  "I, ... I'm not doing anything. I was just trying to keep my breathing slow so the anxiety attack trying to claim me could be kept at bay," she stammered. Her voice had quivered a bit with emotion that she knew to be more worry than anxiety. How long had he been there, watching her? Had he caught her while she was mentally connected?

  "Hmmmm, anxiety huh? It sure looked more like something else I've seen very few do." His gaze intensified, as if he was trying to force her to break under it's pressure.

  "You know, during this whole unfortunate situation of finding you, I've never asked for your name, and you've never given it. Tell me, what's your name and who is your father?"

  "What difference does it make what my name is? I'm no one important. Probably very few even know of me," she said meekly. Quickly, she scanned her memories of the pack omega's in case he had done his homework and studied their pack. If she made up a name and he had studied them, she'd be busted on the spot. Seeing his eyes narrow with suspicion, she spoke up. "If it's important to you, then I'll tel
l you. My name is Katie and my father is Jonah Stockton. We are one of a few omega families in the pack." She lowered her eyes as if to be ashamed of her status in front of this apparent leader.

  Derrick studied her for a moment longer, then released his hold on her arm. He sighed and leaned back, as if satisfied with her answer. Clearly, he had done his homework.

  "Katie, I see your distress at the station you and your family hold. Let me reassure you that in our pack, you would have the same rights as any other member, aside from the leaders of course. We realize that you had no sway in who you were born to and therefore shouldn't be punished by it. I'd like to offer you a proposition that could be very beneficial to you and your family, if you're interested."

  Curious, Reika turned her eyes up to him. Could this provide her with an opportunity to escape? If she played this well, perhaps their guarding of her might relax and she'd have her moment to run! She must proceed cautiously! "What proposition?" she quietly asked.

  "You say that most of the pack members probably don't know you, or aren't aware of you, right?" She nodded. "Well, the shame I saw in your face when you had to identify which family you were from tells me that you may not have that good of a connection to your pack. Am I correct? If so, I'd like to invite you to join us, and bring any others that may feel the same way."

  She paused, letting his question sink in while she pondered just what he was getting at. She realized his intention was to steal away some pack members, increasing their pack size and hopefully hurting her pack numbers. Shyly, she said, "Sir, I don't have any ill will against anyone in my pack. Our leader is kind and fair, yet stern when warranted. I made my peace with my station a long time ago. It's only when dealing with strangers I come across that I feel a reason to be ashamed." Luring away pack members must be how their pack had increased to the large size she saw before her!

  Her answer seemed to take him by surprise. It wasn't what he expected. His friendly demeanor seemed to slip a bit. He was possibly a leader use to getting what he wanted, and she hadn't given him what he was looking for. "Well, Ok then. Clearly you are happy with your station and I'd be wasting my time trying to offer you something better!" he snapped. "My task now is to decide if you are of any use to us or if you're just dead weight and need to be disposed of." With that, he turned abruptly and quickly walked towards what appeared to be the gathering location of all the leaders.

  Reika watched him as he left. The way he carried himself told her he was angry. Now she was getting worried that she may be running out of time. If she had no value to him, she wondered if they would just kill her, or use her for their entertainment. Either way, she'd not sit idly by and let them hurt her. She knew she had skills that would give her a fighting chance and it may soon be time to tip her hand and let them know as well. This would result in a much more positive, and healthy end if Foster and her father were close. Aggravating Derrick the way she had seemed to either grant her more time alone or shortened it, now that she held no value to him. She had to risk calling out to Foster again. If she was going to have to run for it, she'd rather run towards the incoming rescue group! She needed to know how long until they'd be close.

  Closing her eyes once more, and keeping her face neutral, she called out. "Foster, can you hear me? Please tell me you can. I fear my time is running out!" She waited a moment before calling again. "Foster? Please answer me!"

  "Reika, my love, what's wrong?" Foster's voice was strong and full of concern. Was he close or had their connection just become stronger?

  "Foster, the leader - Derrick- tried to sway me to bring my omega family and others like us over to their pack. When I said I had no ill feelings towards my own pack, it seemed to upset him. He is now trying to decide if he has a use for me or if I should be disposed of. Please my love, come quickly, for I fear for my life now."

  Through their mental connection she heard, or more felt, the deep growl that tore through his body. She felt his need to protect her at all cost rip through him and she worried he would rush in without thinking. "Be calm my love, and be smart. Just be quick," she pleaded. Hearing voices approaching, she sent the sound to Foster then closed the connection. She knew he would know they were about to be interrupted and she had to go. As she closed the connection, she sent a burst of love to him, so he would know she loved him, no matter what happened.

  "I knew it!" said a male voice. She opened her eyes to see Lee standing before her, a scowl on his face telling her that she'd not be able to talk her way out of it this time. Instead of cowering, she sat up taller, and raised her eyes to his. If she was busted, she would go out with a fight, not a whimper.

  "I knew there was something about you that didn't match the little girl you wanted us to see. No young wolf, female or otherwise, could be that naive." Lee's voice carried the sneer that was visible on his face. "I tried to tell Derrick not to take you at face value, that something wasn't right. He may be a strong and fair leader, but he has a softer side that allowed this farce you've been trying to pull off to sway him away from what he knew deep down to be true. Let's see what he thinks now", and with that, he raised his head and howled a short call that summoned Derrick, keeping his gaze intently on her.

  Within moments, Derrick appeared out of the nearby bushes. "What's going on here? You know I was out with the members on patrol before the meeting took place. What was so important to pull me away?" He looked back and forth between the two with irritation evident on his face and in his voice.

  "Sir, I felt that you'd want to know that our little "Katie" here is not who she says she is," said Lee as he bowed his head in submission and respect.

  A bit startled, Derricks gaze quickly jumped to Reika, then returned to his second. "What do you mean? Explain yourself."

  "After you left her the last time, I felt that something was off, so I decided to keep an eye on her. I didn't know if she'd try to escape or not, but I just couldn't believe that she'd quietly sit here and wait. At first she just looked around and seemed to settle into her plight. Then, something seemed to change about her, like she drew within herself, and it almost looked like she was in a trance." Looking at Derrick, he said "I've seen this trance before, sir. It's what you do when you're communicating with the pack members out on patrol." Lee fell silent, waiting for that to sink in and watching for the moment of recognition of what he was saying.

  After just a breath or two, Derricks eyes jumped to Reika, and recognition dawned in them. His eyes squinted in suspicion and became intense as he studied her. "You were mentally communicating with someone?" he said in a way that discouraged anything but honesty. She held her steady gaze on his and gave a nod of acknowledgement.

  Crossing his muscular arms over his large chest, his voice took on a quiet, threatening tone. "Not many can do that. Only those of the upper ranks. Am I understanding correctly then, that your name is not Katie and you are probably tied to your packs upper council, and in fact, probably more like . . . your Alpha!?"

  Reika knew that she was now in trouble. With probably what was her last chance to call out, she blinked slowly while mentally sending out one word to both her father and Foster. "HURRY!"

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Foster led his best fighters from his pack through the trees with surprising speed, heading for the Sweetwater territory. He had pulled as many as he safely could from the pack without leaving them vulnerable, and the numbers were impressive. Before they'd left he'd quickly explained what had happened, what he planned for the two packs, and that they were heading out to meet up with the Sweetwater pack for a rescue mission for the pack leader's daughter. He then told them the female they were to save was his soul mate that he'd already imprinted with. Many were shocked with the news, but were very happy for their leader. It had been a long time coming for this much needed mate. He could tell that a few were not exactly happy and he told them he understood their feelings, however, as their Alpha he expected them to accept his choice and support this mission with their best eff
orts. As he organized the group before leaving, he could tell they had come to accept what was to be, and he felt confident they'd fight to get his beloved back with their own lives. He hoped it didn't come to that!

  As they raced through the trees on their way to the meeting location in the meadow, a single word slammed into him mentally. "HURRY!" was the cry that pulled his heart out of his chest. Reika was in trouble! He knew they were running out of time!

  Clearing the trees, he saw a large gathering of some of the largest and strongest wolves he'd ever seen, and they were all looking at an even larger one. Silas. With the impressive sight they were presented with, he could see the concern on his face. Foster sent a mental message to his pack members telling them to be on their best behavior and anyone stepping out of line or causing any trouble would be severely dealt with later. He didn't have time for any outdated thinking, or grudge holding from battles none of them had ever taken part in. It was a new day and he needed support from everyone!

  He could tell that Silas must have given the same warning to his pack. As they approached, the Sweetwater wolves parted to make way for the Carbon County wolves. Foster immediately went to Silas's side to tell him of the latest messages.

  "Silas", he nodded in acknowledgement and respect but didn't lower his head. The wolves must see that they were two Alphas coming together peacefully to work together, with neither bowing before the other.