Page 11 of Eclipse Pack

Bronze bursts out laughing at the shocked look on my face. Through the mind-link, he states.‘You shouldn’t be surprised, Father. We’re a product of you and Mother, after all. And don’t for one minute try to deny anything. I remember all the nights I heard you two at it, in both human and wolf form, some nights.’

Blushing furiously, I try to deflect the conversation from my sex life. ‘So… You guys like rabbits, huh?’

Finally reaching Wolfsfoot, after nine hours of running and breaks, I’m ready for a good rest and a hearty meal. Being greeted by Alpha Gabe and Luna Tati was very formal. I wasn’t expecting it. They explained later that they haven’t had many occasions to throw out the red carpet, and thought it would be good for the pack to be involved in some traditional practices. They certainly seemed to lap it up.

I would have been happy to spend more time at Wolfsfoot with Alpha Gabe and Luna Tati, but they have a busy schedule. I was informed by Alpha Lyle he also has a busy schedule and not having his Luna yet was adding to his duties. So, early the next morning, we were on our way again.

During our talks, it became apparent how hard it was for Bronze to have to wait for Taria. Titan might be desperate for Maya so they could start having pups, but Bronze was also desperate for his companion, and the bond that came with her. I’d forgotten what life was like without my Sage.

Sixteen hours after leaving Wolfsfoot and we arrive at the Spirit Walker pack house. We were met at the border by a group of warriors and escorted the last six hours. There was none of the fanfare that we’d had at Wolfsfoot, but as we journeyed those last hours we saw and felt the impact that the no-man’s-land rogues were having. Everyone looked tired and run-down. Being on alert constantly was taking a terrible toll on the pack.

We were taken to the Alpha’s office and Lyle was busy debriefing a patrol that had come back from their border. Although not attacked, they had been shadowed and taunted by rogues the whole time. Lyle thanked them, dismissed them, and told them to get food and plenty of rest.

“We can’t keep this up. My warriors are doing an amazing job, but they can’t keep this up. Being kept on high alert every minute of every patrol isn’t sustainable, no matter how well trained or determined they are,” Lyle slaps his desk in frustration. “The Council won’t allow me to go on the offensive for fear of escalating the problem. If we allow this to carry on, the rogues will be able to walk through the border, and take the pack lands at any time they see fit. I may have to defy the Council, but if I do, they will certainly recall their warriors and that will leave us even more exposed.”

“Surely, a couple of forays into no-man’s-land and kill the rogues that are taunting will disrupt them enough to back off?” Bronze’s suggestion makes perfect sense and I have to agree.

“I’ve told the Council this, but all they seem to want right now is a diplomatic solution.” Lyle looks as though he’s at his wit’s end with the council.

“What exactly have they said to you? What are the specifics of their orders?” Bronze looks across at me and states, “Father, can you take our warriors and get them fed and rested, please? I have a feeling we are going to need them in the morning. I want to discuss something with Alpha Lyle. It may be best if you weren’t present.”

“Son, I think I already know where you’re going with this. You’re a product of me, don’t forget.” Laughing as I walk to the door, I give them both a head nod and search out our warriors.

The next morning we are gathered just out of sight of the Spirit Walker border patrol. Myself, Bronze and the six warriors watch as the patrol follow their usual routine. Seeing four rogues approach from the forest and begin dashing to the border, then stopping at the last second before crossing, we see how this causes the patrol warriors to tense. There is no wonder that they are all so run down.

Letting them get ahead, Bronze sends four of the warriors over the border to slip behind the rogues. As the rogues run towards the border a second time, the four Eclipse warriors make their own charge, forcing the rogues across the Spirit Walker border. Once they are across myself, Bronze and the two remaining Eclipse warriors fall on them and they are dead in moments. We spend the day following this simple yet effective plan, and four of Lyle’s patrols have a far less stressful day.

Back at the packhouse, we brief Alpha Lyle on our day with his border patrols, and explain that we were attacked on four different occasions. Reporting to Councilman Flint, he asked us to be present so that we could best describe our day. Althoughthe councilman was surprised that the rogues would change their tactics, I pointed out how the propaganda would look if the rogues had managed to take out an Alpha and his heir in one fell swoop.

I also suggested that perhaps Alpha Lyle needed to show a little more aggression going forward, to make the rogues think twice before trying something again. Following a short adjournment, Flint spoke to the rest of the council regarding these developments, and it was agreed that any rogue wishing to test the border patrols in the future would be fair game.

I didn’t doubt for one minute that Flint believed any of my fabrication, but he was probably relieved that he could at least give Alpha Lyle some necessary leeway.

The next day, Bronze accompanied Alpha Lyle on his rounds and after a meal and brief rest, we headed back home. The stop off at Wolfsfoot was much more informal, and we gained a female for the return journey when one of my warriors discovered his fated mate. Luna Tati was ecstatic, Alpha Gabe a little more reserved and Poor Bronze, although happy for the couple, was even more determined to have his day with Taria.

Chapter 6

TARIA

Sitting at a table in the dining area, waiting for Councilman Flint, I realize that, without thinking, I have a full view of the room, exits and entryways with my back to a wall. This was discussed in one of my training classes with Chief Warrior Dixon, but I didn’t know that I was doing it until just now.

Maya speaks out saying,I have noticed. You do much more than you think.

‘Why haven’t you told me this?’

You shouldn’t need me to tell you. It is good that you do these things without conscious thought. You are being more wolf. It’s a good thing.

‘You’re mocking me, Maya. You’re trying to make me want pups!’

That would not be a bad thing,replies Maya, and continues, but I am not mocking you. It is good that your mind is working that way. It shows that the lessons are worthwhile, and you have taken much onboard with little effort.

‘What else have you noticed that I haven’t?’ I ask Maya.

How many warriors are in the room?

‘Seven.’

How many could you beat in a fair fight?

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