Getting the Wolves Together

The attitudes of the rogues had changed from doubt to respect by the end of the trials. Ronan nodded, a little smile pulling at his lips. "Not terrible," he said. "Perhaps you are worth tracking after all."

We focused on the dissident wolves after the allegiance of the Rogues was guaranteed. Their captain, a grizzled warrior called Ryker, was less readily influenced.

"You think one victory makes you a leader? His tone sharp as he questioned.

Luca said, his voice calm, "No." But it shows that we are ready to battle for this pack—and for every member of it.

Ryker watched him for a moment, then nodded grudgingly. We will follow you, he said. "But if you stumble, we won't hesitate to handle things ourselves..."

The mark on my wrist burned intensely as we made our way back to the pack house and the pendant flashed with brightness. A whisper quiet yet firm kept repeating in my head: