Page 36 of Mortal Blood
“Cali?”
“Yeah, I get it.”
“I hope you do, because what happened tonight…”
“It was Black Wind, then?” Cole asked, but Blaine shook his head.
“What happened tonight was a retaliation.”
Chapter Twelve
“What do youmean, a retaliation?” Cole demanded. “You’re saying the Black Winds didn’t start this?”
Blaine dipped his chin in a nod. “That’s exactly what I’m saying. Alpha Cain sent out a hunting party three days ago—into Black Wind territory.”
“Fuck. He forced their hand.” Cole slammed his fist down on the table. “What the hell was he playing at?”
“Honestly, I don’t know,” Blaine said. “I counselled him against it, I warned him something like this would happen, but he wouldn’t listen to reason. Cole, your father started this war…and I think he did it deliberately. We have to find a way to stop him.”
I sucked in a sharp breath. Blaine had once told me that so much as suggesting there might be someone better to lead the Iron Shadow pack was treason, and what he’d just said? That was a whole lot worse.
Cole turned to his friend. “Jax, if you want to leave now, I won’t hold it against you.”
Jax snorted. “Like hell. You’re my future alpha. Whatever’s happening, I’m already part of it.”
Cole held his gaze for a long moment before nodding.
“But, uh, just out of curiosity, whatareyou planning?”
“Hell if I know,” Cole grumbled. “Blaine?”
“There’s been talk recently,” he said. “There are people who think Cain shouldn’t be leading the pack. And after tonight, there are going to be a lot more.”
I blew out a breath. “You’re talking about rebellion.”
“I’m talking about an alpha challenge.Cole’salpha challenge.”
Cole shook his head quickly. “Blaine, I’m not ready. I’m still in the damn academy, how the hell am I supposed to lead the pack from there?”
“You’ve had the pack’s respect for a long time. If you challenge Cain and win, they’ll follow you.”
“And if he loses?” I demanded. “Hell, even if he wins. Blaine, that’s hisfather.”
“And this is inevitable. Cain cannot lead this pack.”
“Then why don’tyouchallenge him?” I demanded.
“Cali,” Cole said, reaching for me, but I jerked my arm away.
“No. Why should you be the one to take the risk? What’s wrong with him? He’s twice your age, if he thinks things are so wrong, why doesn’thedo something about it?”
“That’s not how it works,” Cole said.
“Why not?” I spun round to glare at Blaine. “You once told meanyonein this pack could challenge for alpha, so tell me, why can’t that be you?”
“I’m not a leader. The pack wouldn’t follow me.”
“But they’d follow him?” My voice came out angry, but deep down, I knew it was true. The packwouldfollow Cole. He was everything an alpha should be—except ready. “That’s bullshit.”
