Chapter 6 #2
I don't deny it. Gregory would know I was lying anyway. "And if it is personal? If she is mine?"
"Then you need to be very, very careful.
" Gregory's expression is grave. "Because Marcus and Garrett aren't the only ones who've noticed your interest in this human.
The whole pack is watching, Hunter. Waiting to see what you'll do.
Some of them hoping you'll prove them wrong about human-wolf relationships. Others hoping you'll fail."
"I can handle the pack."
"Can you?" He studies me carefully. "Curtis chose you as his successor because you're strong, smart, and fair.
The pack voted to confirm you because they trusted your judgment.
But that was five years ago. Garrett is ambitious, and Marcus is nursing old wounds about being passed over when Curtis made his choice.
If they sense weakness, if they think your judgment is compromised by a human woman...
" He trails off, but the implication is clear.
"They'll challenge me."
"Someone will. Maybe not Garrett. He's too young, not strong enough yet.
But there are others. Wolves who think the old ways are best, who see any change as a threat.
" Gregory places a hand on my shoulder. "I'm not telling you to walk away from her.
I'm telling you to be smart about this. Don't give your enemies ammunition. "
"What would you have me do? Ignore her? Let her stumble around our territory collecting evidence that could expose us?"
"No. But don't be seen with her so often. Don't make it obvious that she's important to you. Keep it professional, keep it strategic, until you're absolutely certain she can handle the truth." He pauses. "If you decide to tell her the truth at all."
The thought of not telling Ava makes my chest ache. But Gregory is right. I'm moving too fast, letting my wolf's instincts override my responsibilities as Alpha.
"I'll be more careful," I promise.
"Good." Gregory studies me for a moment longer. "For what it's worth, I hope she is worth all this trouble. That she's strong enough to stand beside an Alpha, wise enough to keep our secrets, and brave enough to face down a pack that will test her at every turn."
"She is," I say quietly. "I know she is."
"Then prove it. To yourself, to her, and to the pack." He turns to go, then pauses. "Oh, and Hunter? Whatever you do, deal with that rogue soon. The longer he circles our territory, the more nervous everyone gets. And nervous wolves make stupid decisions."
After Gregory leaves, I stand on the porch for a long time, breathing in the night air, trying to sort through the tangle of responsibilities and instincts warring inside me.
The smart thing would be to keep my distance from Ava. Let her finish her research, leave the area, go back to her life at Clemson. The pack would relax, the elders would stop questioning my judgment, and everything would go back to normal.
But the thought of her leaving makes my wolf howl in protest. She's ours. She belongs here, with us, even if she doesn't know it yet.
My phone buzzes with a text from Ava.
Thank you again for today. I'm already analyzing the samples and the data is fascinating. You were right. There's definitely something unusual happening in these mountains.
I stare at the message, torn between the warmth it brings and the warning Gregory just gave me.
Glad I could help. Let me know what you find.
Will do. And I'm looking forward to Saturday. Fair warning, though. I'm terrible at social events. I tend to corner people and talk about soil composition until their eyes glaze over.
Despite everything, I smile.
I think you'll find the crowd at Caleb's more receptive than most. Rachel is interested in environmental issues for her journalism, and half the people there spend their lives outdoors. You'll fit right in.
We'll see. Goodnight, Hunter.
Goodnight, Ava.
I put away my phone and shift, letting my wolf take over. He's been restless all day, and after that meeting, I need to run.
I head north, toward Blackstone Ridge where Ryan reported the most recent rogue sighting. My paws hit the forest floor in a steady rhythm, and I let my enhanced senses take over, searching for any trace of the intruder.
I find his scent near a small cave, fresh enough that he passed through within the last few hours. I follow it deeper into the territory, tracking his path through a series of interconnected ravines and rocky outcroppings.
He's covering ground methodically, I realize. He's learning the territory, mapping it in his mind.
But for what purpose?
The scent trail leads me to a ridge overlooking Clearwater Creek. The same location where I took Ava this morning. I stop, my hackles rising.
Did he watch us? Was he there while she collected her samples, while I sat nearby pretending my enhanced senses weren't cataloging her every movement, every breath?
The thought makes my blood run cold. If he's interested in Ava, if he sees her as prey or as a tool to get to me...
I throw back my head and howl, a clear message to any wolf within hearing distance. This territory is mine. She is mine. And I will tear apart anyone who threatens either.
The forest is silent in the wake of my challenge, no answering howl from the rogue. But I know he heard me. Wherever he is, whatever his purpose, he knows now that I'm watching. That I'm ready to fight.
I make my way back home slowly, checking the boundaries, reinforcing my presence, making sure every wolf who crosses this land knows their Alpha is vigilant.
When I finally shift back and climb the steps to my porch, exhaustion is pulling at me. But before I can sleep, I need to check one more thing.
I pull out my laptop and start researching EnvironTech, the company that owns the old industrial complex north of our territory. If there is contamination in the water, if something is affecting the prey animals, I need to know where it's coming from.
Because Ava is going to find the answer eventually.
Her research is too thorough, her methods too sound.
And when she does, I need to be ready—ready to help her, ready to protect the pack, ready to make sure whatever she discovers doesn't lead her to conclusions about us that I'm not ready for her to make.
My phone buzzes again, and this time it's Caleb.
How bad was it after everyone left?
Gregory gave me a lecture about being careful.
For what it's worth, Rachel and I are on your side. And so is Wade. Alex too, probably. You've got more support than you think.
Thanks. I'm going to need it.
Saturday should help. Let people meet her, see that she's not a threat. Rachel thinks if the pack gets to know her as a person instead of just "that human researcher," they'll be more accepting.
I hope she's right.
She usually is. Get some sleep, brother. Tomorrow's another day.
I set my phone aside and lean back in my chair, staring at the ceiling. Tomorrow I need to focus on pack business, on finding that rogue, on being the Alpha they chose me to be.
But tonight, I let myself think about Ava. About the way she lit up when she talked about her research, the careful precision with which she collected her samples, the trust in her eyes when she took my arm for support.
About the fact that in three days, I get to see her again. Get to watch her interact with my family, my friends, the people who matter most to me.
Get to take one more step toward a future I'm not sure we can have but can't seem to stop wanting.
My wolf settles, content with the plan. Protect Ava. Solve the mystery. Keep the pack safe.
And somehow, find a way to make all of it work.
Even if I have to fight the whole damn pack to do it.