Page 21 of Eclipse Pack

Wolfing down the last peanut butter cookie, I look at the white chocolate cookies and sigh. I can’t face another cookie, I think to myself, as my hand reaches out and takes one. They are so tasty that I can’t help myself.

The office door opens and my father, Alpha Chet walks in. I jump out of his chair and take one in front of his desk.

I notice him smirking at my move, before he speaks. “It won’t be long before you don’t have to do that, you know? You don’t have to do it now unless there’s someone else around. I appreciate the courtesy though, son.”

“Sitting in the Alpha’s chair on a permanent basis will take some getting used to. I still see it as your chair, your desk, and your office. Even though I’m in it such a lot these days, it’s not mine yet,” I grin at my father and see the humor in his eyes. “I’m going to miss the pair of you when you join the council, you know that don’t you?”

“It’s going to be strange for us too, son. Not having to be up at the crack of dawn every day. Being waited on hand and foot. Undisturbed meals cooked by a chef. Free time to do as we like and not wonder who is going to disturb us. I just don’t know how I’ll cope in such a stress-free environment, I really don’t,” Putting the back of his hand against his forehead for dramatic effect has me laughing.

“Being with Mother twenty-four seven. Never being alone. Hearing her voice in your ear all day, every day. Eating all your meals together. Not forgetting her boundless energy, of course, that will have her volunteering the both of you for any and all committees, fundraisers, and events. I just don’t know how you’ll fit inanyfree time, I really don’t.” Slapping my hand to my forehead, I see the reality of my words hitting home as my father’s face drops.

“Aw, shut up! My dreams of a tranquil life have just been shattered. Torn asunder by my evil-minded son. If you’re not careful, words like that may cause me to rethink my retirement, and then where would you be? Huh?”

“Oh, Father, please have a rethink. I could take Taria as my mate immediately, and we could do diplomatic visits to the otherpacks, maybe even to the Northern and Southern sectors. We could be gone for months at a time, enjoying ourselves while you watch over the dreary day-to-day pack tasks. That sounds appealing,” I grin at him and seeing his eyes flare, I know that Shaman is enjoying my teasing.

“Typical only child. Got an answer for everything. It’s at times like this I wish we’d had a dozen pups!”

“It’s a bit late for that now,” We both jump as we hadn’t heard Mother enter the office. “You wouldn’t have coped with a dozen pups, you old fraud. You struggled to help with the one we had when it came to diapers. You gagged and faux vomited so much every time you had to change him. It was amusing that we kill to eat when in wolf form, that you made such a fuss over a dirty diaper.”

“You pair have always ganged up on me. I wish I’d at least had a daughter as well. She would have stuck up for her dear old dad.”

“Oh yes, I can just see it now.” Raising her finger, she pretends to wrap something around it and smirks at him. “That’s where she would have had you. After all, it’s where I’ve had you for the last twenty-five years.” Bursting out laughing at my father’s horrified face, my mother winks at me. Taking a cookie from the plate on the table, she takes a nibble from it and then pops the rest into her husband's still open mouth.

“Oh, and while I remember. Xavi asked me to tell you that Michael the awful elder member that you had locked in his dwelling, is dead. They found him as I was coming to get you for lunch. I said I’d tell you rather than him mind-linking such a thing to you.” Seeing mother taking another cookie, I look at my father and he spits his cookie all over the desk.

“Dead? He’s dead?”

“Xavi said there was a note. Apparently, as soon as his wolf became free of the wolfsbane, he told Michael what he thought of him and his actions, and begged the Goddess to remove him from such a dishonorable host. Hearing it from his wolf struck home more than anything you or the other elders had said to him, and he took his own life. Losing his wolf may be why none of us felt him leave the pack? Losing his wolf probably did us all a favor. I’ll visit his family when I leave here, see if they need anything.”

“Mother! I’ve never heard you sound so callous about anyone in my whole life.” I’m at a loss for words. She has always been positive about everyone and genuinely upset whenever someone passed on.

“Oh, come on, Bronze, he was a nightmare, he didn’t have a redeeming bone in his body. His family will be better off without him.” Finishing her cookie, she takes another and heads out of the office.

I sit there staring at my father, who hasn’t said a word as yet. He just stares back at me, trance like. It only takes a few seconds for him to shake his head, and he’s back in the real world.

“Well, I never saw that coming. I’ve asked Xavi to give me his report as soon as he can, but I’m sure your mother will be correct in her summary.” Looking at me for a comment, I don’t have anything to say, so I just shrug.

I’m surprised no one knew he was using wolfsbane. His family, or closest friends, must have noticed his wolf was quiet or absent,Titan speaks to Shaman.

Shaman responds,I also think that this should be so. We will see what Cerberus can uncover while his human investigates.

Taking a cookie from the few remaining on the plate, my father stands and starts to walk to the door. “Lunchtime, these cookies are making me hungry. Coming?”

“No, thanks. I’ve had so many cookies I don’t think there’s even room for a glass of water in my stomach,” I rub my stomach to show it’s slightly bloated.

Once my father has left, I sit back at the alpha desk and try to decide what I need to do next. I’m still two members short for my inner council, and I want to have them all attend a meeting before we go live, as it were. They at least need to be introduced to each other formally, and as to what their duties will be.

You asked me to suggest someone for your inner council. I have someone but you may not be happy about it.Titan sounds hesitant, and that is not a trait I have ever seen in him.

‘Why would I not be happy about one of my pack? They are from the Eclipse pack, aren’t they?’

Yes, and no. They are Eclipse pack, but also a Shadow Warrior.

‘There’s a Shadow Warrior in the pack? Does my father know this?’

Oh, Bronze. Come on. There are several Shadow Warriors in the pack. There are several in every pack by necessity. How could they be effective if they were not readily available?

‘So who do you suggest then?’

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