Kingdom of wolves wolf.., p.37
Kingdom of Wolves - Wolfsfoot - Book 1, page 37
“I think I will meet with one of you each morning until we have the changes in place that we need. Mayor Thomas, I think you need to remain the head of advisors, but as we are not a town any longer you unfortunately will lose your mayor title. Is that going to be an issue for you?”
Grinning as he replies. “No, it’s not an issue for me. I never wanted to be mayor, but someone had to do it and I got bamboozled into it by these three. I’m perfectly fine being an advisor and continuing to liaise with the businesses and report back to you, if that is how you want me to work.”
“Good.” I add, running a thumb and forefinger over my chin, and feel the scratch from my close shaved beard. I nearly grin when I remember the beard rash on the top of Tatiana’s chest this morning when I watched her get dressed for this meeting, but somehow hold it back.
Finishing the meeting after organizing tomorrow's pack meeting, we head back to the farmhouse, where we have a meeting with Drake.
Walking into the farmhouse kitchen, I hold my hand out to Drake, who steps forward and gives me a tip of his head in respect. “Good day, Drake. Good day, Carolina. It’s good to have you here to speak with.”
“Alpha Gabriel. We wanted to show our support to yourself, and to Tatiana as our Luna.” Drake firmly states, and gives Tatiana a small smile.
Carolina is a different support as she throws her arms around Tatiana, bouncing up and down on her toes and talking so fast none of us can understand a word she is saying. Tatiana giggles and wraps an arm around Carolina’s waist and drags her out the back door, leaving me and Drake staring at them as they leave.
Shaking my head, I turn to Drake, and he has a stunned look on his face. “I think I know how you feel, Drake.” Chuckling.
“Carolina hasn’t been in my life long, but she has made a huge difference. She is so bubbly and friendly that she takes my breath away.” Drake looks shocked that he’s said so much, and smirking, he rubs one hand down the back of his neck.
“Hey, mates, we are lucky to have them, and I’m happy to see Tatiana has another friend she can rely on, apart from Brod.” I take a seat at the kitchen table and watch Drake take one opposite, before continuing. “Now, you are Tatiana’s trainer and I hope you will continue to do that. But, once I’ve spoken to the pack and found out who is who, and what they are all doing I want you to become the packs Chief Trainer, and I’m going to see if Thomas my childhood friend will join our pack although it will annoy Alpha Connell I’m sure.”
“I can do that. But I’m a taskmaster, I don’t suffer fools. The warriors that will patrol need to be committed or I’ll ditch them, and fast.” Drake, I can see, will be stern, but I’m sure he’ll be fair.
“We’ll be building a training hall which we can hold pack meetings when necessary. Give it some thought and when we put our plans forward, I’ll need you with me to ensure we get the best training facility. Maybe we could have it on the farm, but not too far from town. That way, if we have rooms for un-mated warriors, they will be near the pack businesses if needed.” I rub my chin again, deep in thought, because in some ways the pack will always represent a town with the shops and businesses involved.
Drake nods his head. “Yes, on the farmland may be best. We can use that plot along the main road through. We need to look at a map of the farm before we decide.”
“Agree. Get a map, then we’ll get together. But know that I don’t want you taking a back seat, Drake. You will be an active inner circle member of the pack.”
“I’ll do my best. I left my old pack because of bad politics and I wouldn’t bow down to inferior members. That has never happened in the town. Everyone came here with a reason to be a rogue. What they have now is a fresh start at pack life, and I for one am grateful, especially now I have a mate.” Drake gives me a smirk and I can’t help the nod and smirk that I give back to him.
We spend another half an hour discussing the training we will give the warriors and who Drake feels will be the most dependable. Once he leaves with Carolina tucked under his arm, I pick up my phone and walk outside where I take a seat on the garden bench overlooking the herbs and make a call.
“Thomas, it’s time to reject that pack and come here to be my Beta. Now, what do you say?” That is my opening gambit and I hope that this will work out how I want it to.
Chapter 43
TATIANA
Yesterday was so busy, with Gabe having more meetings after we had the one with the advisors. It seems strange calling them that instead of the town council. I have been following along, learning and introducing as needed.
Poppa Lykos called and was so proud of me for becoming Luna of the Wolfsfoot Pack, and finding my mate. He asked why I never wanted to be the Alpha of a pack, and rather be a Luna, and it’s difficult to explain, but I tried.
In the past, all I know of Alpha’s is what I saw with Alpha Torrance. That is somebody, or something, I never wanted to become. He was arrogant and cruel; he had no regard for any pack member. Because of his example, I would rather be a Luna and help guide my mate, Alpha, to lead a pack in a wholesome manner. Respectful and nurturing.
Being a Luna in my mind allows me to flow through the pack, checking if anyone needs anything, watching the pups grow and being a second mother figure to them. Making sure the businesses are running, and if not, reporting to my mate so he can look into it, and do whatever is required. I’m the eyes and ears for the Alpha and the reasoning if he needs it.
Carolina has spoken to me about opening a nursery for the pups, and I think it’s an ideal solution, as some of the young mothers have told me they struggle to continue working when the pups arrive. Their mates don’t want them to work, but because it was a town and not a pack, they needed the extra income to live a comfortable lifestyle.
Between us, we created a plan of how the nursery should be, and added plenty of notes for the advisors and Gabe to look at. It’s a venture that the males will struggle to see the value of, but I’ll make sure Gabe sees it and understands why we need this in the pack.
Maisy-Bell has plans drawn already for her cottage, and I love what she has drawn. A kitchen with breakfast nook at the back, overlooking the pond and the farm beyond. A utility where the washing machine, dryer and cabinets are placed on one side and on the other a freezer, sink unit and tall cabinet for cleaning items like brooms. There is a nice sized living room, bedroom and bathroom, all she could need because she said she doesn’t want a dozen rooms to clean.
This morning I walked the area with Maisy-Bell, and she loved the pond and the open fields around her. The barn isn’t too far away from where her cottage will be located, but it’s far enough away that it won’t be impeding her lifestyle.
Walking out of the farmhouse kitchen now, I notice Maisy-Bell sitting on the bench near the herb garden and Carolina is on her knees weeding. Well, she’s pulling up what Maisy-Bell is directing her to pull.
Taking a seat next to Maisy-Bell, I inhale the fresh smell of mint, which has perfumed the air as Carolina is moving it around to pull the weeds out. I love the smell of mint and it reminds me of when I first came to the farm, and Momma Akela was making a jar of mint and onion relish. That was a good afternoon and the memory will last a lifetime. We had laughed and talked and had become friends before we eventually became mother and daughter.
“How long are you two going to be? Because we have to be at the council offices in an hour for the pack meeting.” Looking at Maisy-Bell to Carolina and back again.
“I’ve nearly finished. It wasn’t bad Tati, I just wanted to help you where I could, but I wasn’t sure what were weeds as I’ve never been a gardener.” Carolina looks over her shoulder at me rather sheepishly.
Giggling, I stand and turn back to the kitchen. “Hurry and clean up. We need to get you both made up to official pack members. Then I can put you to good use.”
The shocked look on their faces has me laughing out loud, and I scurry back into the kitchen, rushing up the stairs and into my bedroom to get ready myself.
Walking into the council offices an hour later with Maisy-Bell on one side of me and Carolina on the other, I look around for Gabe. Seeing him speaking with Drake, and the advisors, I hurry over and throw my arms around his waist, looking up with a bright smile on my face.
‘Sorry, I shouldn’t have thrown myself at you like that’, I mind link to say and I have a pink flush on my cheeks as I’ve embarrassed myself in front of everyone.
Gabe responds, ‘Hey, you can throw yourself at me anytime. I don’t care who is with me.’ Leaning down Gabe kisses me, not caring who is in the room watching our show of affection.
“Come on, you two, let’s get this meeting over with. I want to get my cottage started. I don’t want to listen to you two bumping and grinding at night.” Maisy-Bell states, loud enough that everyone around laughs at our expense. Well, my expense because Gabe has no shame, me I’m bright red and want the ground to swallow me.
Carolina has the loudest laugh going on until I turn and give her the stink-eye. “You have some nerve to laugh. You and Drake disappeared for days, and you have been walking bow legged ever since.”
When Carolina blushes, Drake chuckles and Gabe drags me into the back garden of the council building where most of the pack are standing waiting for the meeting to begin.
“Good day everyone. First, thank you all for coming, and I know its early days for us being a pack, but I am not a dictator and not intending to be one. I want you to speak out, say what you would like to happen in the pack. Let us know if you need anything.” Gabe stands tall next to me, and I feel so proud to be at his side. “We are going to open a room in the council building where you can bring ideas forward. One idea already brought forward is a nursery where the pups will be safe and learn before entering the school system.”
Muttering and nods of agreement and interest flow over the pack and when a young woman holds her hand up, I smile when Gabe chuckles. “Yes.”
The young woman I know is Tiffany, and she is the mate of Rathor, who is on warrior patrol at the moment. They have a pup who is only a few weeks old and, from what I have been told, Tiffany had a hard time birthing the pup.
“Can anyone apply to work at the nursery?”
“Carolina is the person you need to see to get your name down for a position on the nursery staff. She will be the one in charge and if you have experience of pups, which I know you have as you have a pup of your own, then I’m sure you will be of interest.” I respond, taking the nursery topic away from Gabe.
Carolina steps forward and looks at the pack. “I’ll be interested in speaking with anyone who would like to work at the nursery, or give a little of their time now and again. Please come and see me after the meeting.”
I squeeze Gabe’s hand because we’ve not confirmed we’ll even have a nursery, but the interest for one ensures we will, as soon as we can get it built. Giving me a slight head nod, I know he agrees we build the nursery and get this off the ground for the benefit of the pack.
“Warrior training, I’m not giving options. There is evidence that something is brewing in no-man’s-land, and I want everyone to defend themselves, young and old alike. I’ll not take excuses, because we cannot have weak links that stand around waiting for someone else to save them.” Gabe is showing a firm stance on this, and I can see most are nodding in agreement. “My Beta will be here tomorrow, and he is a skilled trainer. He will assist Chief Drake, who you will ALL give respect to, and I’m telling you if he says jump, you will respond with ‘how high, Chief’.”
Brod has been standing quietly, but I can see he is bursting to say something, and he steps forward before anyone can stop him. “Alpha Gabriel, how old do we have to be to train for warrior status?”
I look at Gabriel, who looks at Drake. Drake eyes Brod before he responds. “You can start training toward being a patrol warrior when you turn sixteen, but you cannot become one until I’m satisfied you are up to scratch and can do the patrol safely, for yourself and for the partner you will patrol with.”
Brod nods, grins, and steps back, but I can see the determination on his face. He also has a head start, as he has been training with Drake and me for months now, and it shows in his body. He is stronger and more muscular than others his age. I’m thankful he hasn’t found his mate yet because he has so much ambition as a pack member. It would have been a waste if he’d met his mate this early.
“Brod, report for warrior training at the paddock on the farm tomorrow morning, six o’clock sharp. Everyone else sixteen or above come also, no excuses because if you don’t turn up your parents will be held as responsible as you.” Drake states firmly, and I see parents squirming at the prospect.
Tomorrow is Saturday, so there is no excuse about school being in the way. They are due to leave school after their sixteenth birthday if the tutor feels they have learned enough. It’s not like the human schools, as shifters' lives are so different in every way.
“I will meet with the tutors, and business management, and if I find that parents are allowing schoolwork to be ignored, then I’ll be seeing about a suitable punishment for the parents and the pups involved."
Looking at the parents to show how I’ll be following through with what isn’t a threat but a promise. Gabe throws an arm around my waist, drawing me to him, giving me support and showing the pack he is supporting my decisions.
A voice shouts, and everyone turns to see what is happening.
“ROGUES, HEADING TOWARDS TOWN ON THE NORTH SIDE.”
None of us wait to see who is shouting, but I turn to Maisy-Bell. “Get the women and pups in the council building. There is a basement. Get them in and lock it down. We’ll be back as soon as we can.”
I don’t wait for a reply. I shift and allow Ebony to come forth. Chasing behind Phoenix and everyone who has shifted. Carolina shifted to Claret and is running alongside me. I know she was a warrior, so she is perfect to be by my side.
Reaching the end of town and running into the forest towards the border where no-man’s-land and Blood Pearl Pack verge we hear fighting, which means they are in the town’s territory as we have not run far enough to reach the border.
I recognize some fighters as Blood Pearl Pack warriors, and can’t help but wonder why they are on our territory, but don’t have time to think for long when a large wolf heads my way.
Ebony growls and surges towards the wolf, and I feel Claret at the side of us. Ebony and Claret jump into the air, and when the wolf rears onto his back legs, Ebony throws herself underneath, raking her claws along his belly. Claret jumps and bites his shoulder, hanging on and taking a chunk with her as her body weight takes her past.
The wolf turns and runs back towards the border, howling as he does so. The rogues turn and chase after who we now know is the leader of this group. We all give chase, but as scared rabbits, they stay a little ahead of us until they reach the border and disappear into the forest in no-man’s-land.
Turning to find Gabe, I notice someone standing on the forest edge across from us and squint as I try to see who it is. Looks familiar but with the shadows from the forest I can’t get a clear look, but in the back of my mind I think I know this person.
Licking down the side of Ebony’s muzzle distracts me and seeing Phoenix bedside me nuzzling and whining. I shift and walk into Gabe’s arms as he also shifts.
“Alpha Gabriel.” We hear and turning we see a warrior from the Blood Pearl Pack standing tall with her arms behind her back. “We entered your territory once the rogues were beaten away from ours, but we didn’t want them to take the town by surprise and when your two warriors were becoming swarmed, we stepped up to help, telling one warrior to run to you to get help.”
Gabe steps forward and holds his hand out to shake. “We thank you for your help. I’m sure our warriors would have been dead if you hadn’t stepped up to help. What happened exactly?”
“We were on a patrol exercise. That’s why there are more than the usual two of us. We were running the perimeter of the border, showing where the weak spots were, anywhere we needed to be particular about watching. The places where we’ve been breached now and again. When we encountered the group of rogues, we quickly intercepted them and drove them off the territory, but they turned and headed towards the town. That’s when I decided to step over the border and help.” The young woman looks a little worried, but I think she did something brave and needed applauding for that decision.
Stepping forward before Gabe can respond. “We thank you for your assistance. I’m sure you know we have only just turned from town to pack and it’s a time where we are setting things into place, organizing routines and, to be honest, everything else.”
“I understand, and I think you have both done a great thing by taking the rogue town into a legitimate pack. I wish you and the pack well. I’ll report to Alpha Aurora and she may contact you.”
“Thank you. We appreciate you stepping in to help. I will give a glowing report to your Alpha when I speak to her.” Gabe gives the warrior a smile before turning us both to face back home. “Let’s get back, everyone.”
It doesn’t take a minute for everyone to head back, but I notice four warriors are staying near the border, making sure the rogues don’t come back. Thankfully, apart from a few cuts and bruises, everyone is fine, and I see Drake fussing over Carolina, who isn’t happy about it, as she is a warrior in her own right.
Turning, I see Brod walking alongside another young male, and my stomach churns as I didn’t realize he had run out here with us. I look up at Gabe and he shakes his head before speaking to me in our mind link. ‘Leave him alone. I watched him and he fought well. He’s much more advanced than some of the eighteen-year-olds. Drake has taught him well, and I can see him being a warrior and trainer in the future.’
Back at the council offices, the mothers and pups are released from the basement, and everyone makes their way home. I check as many of them as I can when they leave, just to show we are taking our positions seriously.
