Page 289 of Claimed By the Rival Alpha
“I don’t know about ‘trust,’” Dom said, “but if we’re just talking about pack knowledge…well, Lance.”
“Lance? Really?”
Dom shrugged. “If nothing else, adding him to the team will allow us to keep an eye on him. We might even learn more about his goals.”
“I’ve heard about this guy,” Kai said. He was approaching his late forties, his red hair graying at the temples. “Nothing substantial, but the Kings talk about him a lot. He seems to have a lot of connections.”
I made a face. “I think I’d rather throw myself at the council. They might have information at the meeting.”
Dom shrugged. “Still. Something to consider.”
“Maybe as a last resort.” I couldn’t even picture myself getting close to Lance, let alone sitting down and having a conversation with him about the history of the Kings Pack. But Dom wouldn’t have suggested something like this without thinking it over.
“If you do end up meeting with him,”Dom said telepathically,“you might get him to admit something about what he and the Wargs Council are planning.”
That was true enough, but I still wasn’t very excited about the idea of talking to him.
After a couple of hours, Dom and I left the others to their work with Kai in charge while we met up with the Kings Council.
When we arrived at the meeting room, we exchanged greetings before I asked them straight out, “Is there anything else you can tell me about the portals the Redwolfs were obsessed with? Or about any of the people working closely with them?”
Edward scratched the top of his bald head and yawned as if anything involving the former alphas bored him. “It’s been months since any of us have thought about that, but as far as I know, we’ve told you everything. I, for one, don’t have anything to add.”
The other four nodded in agreement.
“You’re all positive that there isn’t more information you can give me?”
Colby leaned back in his chair and stroked his gray mustache. “We don’t have any more information to give you. We only knew what we saw Troy and Gregor doing. Nearly everyone they worked with left the pack after the ferals attacked us. There is an unfortunate degree of separation between us and any layperson the Redwolfs worked with. You’ll want to talk to someone more in the mix, I’d say.”
“Like who?” Dom asked before I could.
“Lance, for one. He’s been part of the pack since he was sixteen, and from what I can tell, he seems to know everything that goes on in this pack.”
Dana smiled. It was the first time I’d seen the older, cruel woman show any sort of genuine expression that wasn’t mocking or spiteful. “That boy will make a fine addition to the council someday.”
I didn’t need to look at my beta to know that he was shooting me a knowing look. He might as well have just said, “Told ya so.”
“Or you’ll have to do your own research, Alpha Shepherd,” Grant said. “But before we let you go and do that, we want to hear how this merger is going. How are things progressing?”
I suppressed a sigh. No need to let them see how disappointed I was. “Things are going smoothly for the most part. As far as I know, both the Wargs and Kings are making a real effort to make things work. There are fights and skirmishes, but that’s to be expected with such a big change.”
“And what about housing?” Grant asked. “Are Kings finding adequate places to stay on Wargs’ land?”
I raised a brow. I couldn’t tell if the old man was being tactless or taking a subtle dig at my home territory with the word “adequate.”
I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. “Bryn, as you all know, is handling the relocation, so she would be able to give more specific answers. What I can tell you is that those who have settled on Wargs’ land are cared for. And not that you asked, but the Wargs who have settled here are comfortable, too.”
“Of course they are.” Grant nodded. “That’s to be expected.”
“Uh-huh.” I guess the old man just lacked tact. “How about your meetings with the Wargs Council? Are you all getting along?”
“The Wargs can be…” Ross hesitated. “Blunt?—”
“I’d say rude,” Dana jumped in.
“Crass, even, at times,” Edward added.
“—but we seem to agree on most points.” Ross went on, ignoring the other two. “It’s refreshing to see that they are also passionate about their pack. We all want what’s best for our people.”
