Page 2 of Fated To The Wolf

“I will for you and for Aidan.”

Isaiah LaBlanc, security specialist, had just returned to Bay Harbor two days ago after receiving extensive training in border security from Master Emmanuel Cabot at the Coven on Old Mission Peninsula. The Coven was on the cutting edge of current equipment and techniques. They also leaned into magics where traditional methods didn’t meet their need, which was not something Henrik wanted to use.

The Alpha had never trusted magic, but still, Isaiah learned what he could about the protections the Mage had set up for the Coven. One of the Pack Enforcers, Javiar, was mated to Sasha, a mage who was well able to set similar protections. Isaiah would present it along with other improvements and enhancements to the Alpha.

The Bay was the Alpha's greatest weakness in terms of border protection, and a little magic would make it securewithout running afoul of the humans and their laws. But that was up to the Alpha, and magic had its own downside, which needed to be factored in whenever including it in any process or endeavor.

“Come in.” The Alpha called for him to enter, and Isaiah walked in with his formalized report in hand. He’d spent a week with the specialist at the Coven, and he had some interesting points to share. Javier was also present, which made discussing the possibility of magic a little easier. Javiar’s mate, Sasha, had the ability to give the pack what his grandfather gave the Coven.

He ran through the variety of sensors and systems available and those used by the Coven and in which capacity. He also discussed how they’ve customized systems for their own needs and enhanced surveillance abilities. "Trigger cameras and lights can be customized to react to more than just movement; they can respond to smoke, water, extreme temperatures, and also energies.”

“They can identify the presence of the supernatural and distinguish the species?” Javiar questioned skeptically.

“Yes, the coven can identify who is at their borders with a simple alert.”

“I like it.” The Alpha thumbed casually through Isaiah’s report. “You mention magics.” The Alpha narrowed his eyes as he spoke. “I know the coven uses it extensively, and the system that Sasha’s grandfather set up for them was said to be foolproof, but I’ve never been comfortable with it.”

“It would give the added security to the Bay that we currently lack without having to constantly confront the rules regarding waterfront and the public at large.” Isaiah began his pitch. “I know that a form of mage magic was used in the pastto try to protect the border, but it was extremely low level and ultimately did not perform as needed.”

“I discontinued the use, believing that patrols were the better option. When magics go awry, the outcome can be devastating.” The Alpha was still not sold.

“I investigated the process thoroughly and included the data in the report," Isaiah said, giving him the information without appearing to pressure.

"I'll read it and let you know." That was as good as he was going to get, so Isaiah left it there. The Alpha then turned to Javiar.

“This is not a slight to your amazing mate. I respect Sasha’s presence in this pack, and I value his skills.” The Alpha spoke to Javiar. “Let’s revisit this tomorrow and bring Sasha with you.”

"Yes, sir," Javiar responded with a warmth that indicated no offense was taken.

CHAPTER TWO

Aidan sat on the narrow bed and stared at the wall, waiting for whatever was to come next. Lunch had been delivered a while ago, but he did not touch it. It was probably okay because if they wanted to drug him, they could just do it. No subterfuge was necessary. But regardless, he was not interested in eating whatever it was they served. He wanted nothing from them except his brother and to be allowed to leave.

The door moved and then swung open, and Jake walked in. He then closed the door behind him, making it clear he wasn't there to free him. Aidan remained seated and simply observed waiting for Jake to speak. Jake looked at the tray of food and shook his head.

“Aidan, you should eat. It's not tainted.” He said and walked over and sat down beside him. "I know you're confused and angry, but please just try and hear me out." Aidan turned and looked at him incredulously, disbelieving that his levelheaded brother would fall so easily for whatever scam this group was running.

"What happened to you, Jake. All it takes is thick thighs and a handsome face, and you believe everything he tells you?" That was insulting, but Aidan was beyond being polite.

"That's not fair, Aidan." Jake shot back.

“You know what’s not fair, letting your friends lock me in a room and leave me, and then you have the nerve to try and convince me that they’re really just a bunch of cool guys that I’ll grow to like." Aidan jumped off the bed and started pacing the room, his anger evident. "It's been less than twenty-four hours, and you're already indoctrinated in this . . . whatever this is." He raised his hands and moved in a circle, emphasizing his confusion. He made a sudden move toward Jake, and the door flew open.

“Enough!" Hayes burst into the room and charged at Aidan, who did not move. "You will speak to him with respect, or you will not speak to him at all!” Jake immediately jumped in front of his brother as both men tried to move him aside.

"I'm okay, Hayes; you're not helping," Jake interjected forcefully. Hayes took a reluctant step back but kept his eyes on Aidan.

“What the hell have you done to my brother, you fucking freak!" Aidan shouted and moved toward him, with Jake pushing him back.

“Stop, both of you.” He demanded. The men continued to glare, but they stopped threatening one another.

“Thank you.” Jake shook his head and glanced over at Hayes first and then back to his brother. "Aidan, this is Hayes, and you're going to have to learn to get along with him because he is going to be a part of my life from now on. It isn't a fad or a fling, or however you want to demean it. This is true, and I knew it to be true the second I laid eyes on him. Please try to see what I see. You two are not so different." Only silence ensued, and once again, Jake shook his head.

"I'm fine, Hayes. Please let me talk with Aidan.” Hayes did not look pleased but nodded curtly and then left the room. Jake turned back to his brother with a ‘what the fuck’ look on his face.

"Sit down," Jake said and pointed to the bed. Aidan did as he was asked but did not look pleased about it. "Now, I'm going to share something with you that is going to sound outrageous, but it is all true." Aidan was about to say something, but Jake cut him off. "Let me speak, and then you can comment after." Aidan raised his hand, asking to speak, and Jaked nodded.

“I have one question before you begin.”

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