Page 148 of Warlords, Witches & Wolves

“My pack has no young wolves. My father was the last to fully shift. I have been told, and I’m sure you’ve heard the rumor, that my line and my pack will be declared dead, and the lands divided this gathering.”

Macey nodded. “How does that help Owen?”

“Because before they declare it dead, I can surrender my rule to another,” Ajax said. “It won’t be easy to convince the packs, but it can be done.”

“A pack needs five wolves and two vampires, you have too many vampires and not enough wolves.”

“Zach will join us,” Owen said.

“And I can bring in another,” added Ajax.

“Who?” Macey asked.

“Lyra.”

Macey frowned. Lyra had already been shifting at the last gathering, so they’d drifted apart. “Why would she leave her pack, for this?”

Ajax smiled. “You aren’t the only ones with a vested interest in change.”

Macey stared. Ajax and Lyra? But Lyra had always hated vampires…she was the first to sneer at gatherings. And it was all a lie. For how long had they been a thing?

“And your pack agrees with this?” Owen asked.

“If you don’t change, you die,” the old man said from his bed. “Death Valley Pack has been my life and my family. I’d rather see it change and thrive than be erased.”

“They know the situation. I had planned to plead for an amalgamation rather than a spilt, but now….”

Now he didn’t have to.

“It still has to be approved,” Macey said.

“My father will vote against, and he will rally the hardline traditionalists to his side.”

“Then we have to convince everyone else,” Ajax said.

“The surrounding packs will want your land, they will vote against the take over.” It will be a very close thing. “Many will vote no because of me.”

“Because of us.” Owen squatted in front of her. “But we can’t be the only ones who want change. We can use that to our advantage.”

“And if this all fails? Where does that leave you?”

“Outcast.” Trouble stirred in the depths of his blue eyes. He knew the risks and had weighed them and found them worthy. “You will find another pack.”

Or was she now tainted? Would she become a rogue on the run with her outcast wolf? That wasn’t the life she wanted either. The only other option was to go to her father and admit she was wrong, and while her parents would take her back, she’d rather move forward. “I don’t want another pack.”

“Then let’s start winning people over, starting with those waiting outside with their ears pricked up.” He held out his hand, and she took it and stood.

She looked at Ajax and Owen, hope filling her chest until she might burst. “Do you have a plan? Or do we step out hand in hand and let them make some assumptions?”

Ajax nodded. “I knew you had a spark in you, newbie.”

“Tonight, let’s give the gossip mill some grist to chew on. Tomorrow we work.” Owen pulled her close. “Are you ready?”

“Yes.”

He opened the door, and they stepped out hand in hand. Wolves and vampires lingered in the central clearing, chatting like they hung out there every night. They all turned at the open door. She watched as their expressions shifted to shock or wonder or disgust. She quickly catalogued who would be against them.

Owen lifted her hand. “Fuck the rules, love’s more important!”

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