Chapter 8

Vex raced back to Pack territory. Not only had they found another bitch rogue to eliminate, but stealing her right from under Kalaloch Packs’ nose was the crowning glory. His father would find this new information extremely interesting. Vex wants to wipe the smug, arrogant look off Duncan’s face. He crashed into the pack house and raced to the Alpha’s office.

Naren growled as Vex’s wolf, Vlad, burst through the door.

“Are you trying to get yourself killed? Whatever you have to tell me better be worth it, Vlad.”

The sickening sound of cracking bone rattled as Vex returned to human form and smiled at Naren. Seconds later, Vex’s best friend and soon-to-be Beta Kai walked in, throwing Vex a pair of pants. Vex slipped them on and explained to them what he had seen.

Naren sat stoically, considering what his son had just told him.

“So your plan is to what? Walk into Kalaloch Pack, grab the rogue, and walk on out?”

Vex stammered, “No, not exactly.”

“If so, you are dumber than I thought. Kalaloch outnumbers us 3 to 1. There will be a full moon in two days. She will have security surrounding her until then and will be initiated into the pack before you formulate a plan.”

“So what, we do nothing?” he hissed.

“If you are ever going to be a worthy alpha, you need to look at the bigger picture. Approach it with patience and focus. In time, she will become vulnerable, and that’s when you strike. Until then, we wait.”

Duncan and Luca were up late organizing security for today’s funeral. The Sheriff assigned the Alpha and Luna Tatiana’s custody, and Tia was adjusting to pack life. Alpha Bran imposed restrictions on Tia’s movements until the next full moon following the incident with Vex. The only exception is today for her father’s funeral. Luca hears chatter about a new pack member, but nothing nefarious is established. Security was on high alert because Alpha Bran didn’t want to take chances. Duncan stretched and rubbed his eyes. He knew it was going to be a long day.

Luca left to set up perimeter security around the cemetery, and Duncan headed up to shower. It was far from ideal—an outdoor event filled with humans and werewolves out in the open. However, they had done everything they could to secure it. Duncan wracked his brain for any last-minute details he may have forgotten, but his brain was tired. Alpha Bran passed him in the hallway and patted his son.

“You did well, son. I am proud of you. I reviewed your plans and found them well thought out and thorough.”

Duncan smiled, “Thanks, Dad, but I can’t take all the credit. Luca helped a lot.”

“Now, you better go get ready! We can’t be late.”

“Of course. Have you seen Tia this morning?”

“No, but I am sure your mother is taking good care of her.”

When the car arrived at the grave plot, people were already there. The turnout surprised her, but she knew almost everybody had liked her dad. She looked over at Duncan, who squeezed her hand.

“Are you ready?”

She shook her head sullenly. “As ready as I can be in this situation.”

They climbed out of the car, and all heads turned. The Alpha and Luna exited out of the car behind them. Luna Carina came and placed her arm around Tia’s waist in support. They looked at each other, took a deep breath, and headed towards their seats.

They could feel all the eyes on them as they made their way to the front and sat by Luca. Tatiana kept her eyes down, afraid someone might approach her if she made eye contact. Carina sat on one side of her, and Duncan sat on the other. Alpha Bran sat on the other side of Carina.

Luna nodded at her and mind-linked, “You are doing great!” Tia smiled weakly and looked at the casket. The viewing had been the most challenging part. As she stared into her father’s face and held his icy hand, her heart broke. He was gone, and it had finally sunk in. She felt as if a piece of her had died with him, and now she was cold and broken.

Tatiana was grateful for Carina and her family’s support today. She was exhausted and not keeping it together nearly as well as she had hoped.

Luca sensed Vlad and Kai were in the area, but they had not attempted to break through the perimeter. Stephen had eyes on them, but they just hung back and watched. Duncan received a notification, but he instructed them to hold their position. His presence at the funeral was distressing. If Vex had wanted to start something, it would have happened already. He was after her, but the fact he was not acting on it now only meant there was a bigger plan in motion.

Luca knew Vex was not patient. He wore his impatience as a badge of honor around his neck on display for all to see. It could only mean that Naren was behind his newfound refrain. Tomorrow was the full moon, and the Kalaloch pack could perform the initiation ceremony. The window of time for the Hoh Forest Pack to act was running out. If they postponed their attack until after the ceremony, it would be an act of war against Kalaloch and the Pack Alliance. Luca was familiar with their hatred of Rogues, but such a plan would be stupid even for them.

Duncan mind linked, interrupting his train of thought. The graveside service was over, and everyone would head to the reception shortly. Luca said he was on his way, then double-checked that they still had eyes on Vex. Vex was still by Stephen, so he headed down to the vehicles. If only he knew what Naren was planning. Did the Hoh Forest pack know something they didn’t? Or were they just dumb enough to start a war?

As Duncan led Tatiana to the car, he caught something out of the corner of his eye: a man about his age was running toward Tatiana with something in his hand. Luca must have seen it, too, because Duncan shoved her into the car. Luca lept from behind, connecting with the intruder and bringing him to the ground. Someone screamed, and Mike ushered the Alpha and Luna into the car. It sped off with gravel spraying behind it.

Duncan slammed the car door shut, his heart pounding as they sped away. Behind them, the scene was a blur of chaos and dust. Tatiana clutched his arm, her eyes wide with fear and confusion. The sudden attack shook her. He glanced at her, struggling to hide his worry.

“Stop the car!” she pleaded, her voice trembling.