Chapter 40
Amie
inlay had passed the word to me and I would do my best to shove theF smirk on Alpha Ryder’s face down his throat. He had insulted Finlay, he had said our pack was weak and he had questioned my place as Beta. I couldn’t physically hurt him like my wolf wanted me to, but I could use my words.
“Council, my full name is Armeria Rose Winstone Sage. I am the daughter of Ron Winstone, former Beta of the Eagle Forest pack. My brother is their current Beta. My father raised me and my brother both to take part in his, as well as the Alpha’s and the Gamma’s duties. I was a lone wolf from my eighteenth birthday until I joined my pack four years later. I survived on my own. Alpha Finlay found me and offered me a place in his pack. I was serving as an advisor to the top tier due to my training and worked closely with Beta Martin. When he was killed, I took the role of Beta. I am more than qualified for the position and I am humbled that I was asked and that I get to serve my pack in this way. May I add some points in response to the request from Alpha Ryder?” I asked the council.
“Former Beta Ron is your father?” a council member asked. I had skipped that part during our emergency meeting a couple of days earlier.
“Yes,” I said.
“The council knows him well. He has always been a good and sensible Beta,” the same member said. I inclined my head.
“We have no objection to you adding to the response of your pack,” the head of the council told me.
“Thank you. Alpha Ryder states the attack on our pack as the root of his concern. What he fails to take note of is that we won. We did not just drive away the attack from a middle ranking pack. No, they were annihilated by us. We lost three members, and they are missed each day. But they paid by having their Alpha killed by Alpha Finlay and their pack being dissolved.
There is no longer a pack by that name, there is no pack land who holds its members. The few members who survived were spared by our pack. That should show you how stable and secure our pack is. They had it in them to show mercy. It is a commonly known fact that a pack is a reflection of their Alpha. Alpha Finlay has built our pack to be strong when needed and compassionate when possible. If Alpha Ryder claimed that losing our Beta is a sign of weakness, I would question what it says about his pack as his father, the Alpha, was killed in a rogue attack. Should we draw the same conclusion? Our pack has also grown, as my Alpha told you. Several of our members, including me, have no relationship with Alpha Ryder’s pack.
What will happen to us? Will you just force the original members of the Ocean Shore to reunite?” I asked. The silence in the room lasted a moment.
Finlay’s brother didn’t look as smug and I was happy about it. ‘You are amazing. If we weren’t in the council chamber, I would fucking kiss you,’ Finlay mindlinked me. I felt myself blush, and I looked down to collect myself.
“Alpha Ryder?” the head of the council asked. It looked like he was trying to hide a smile.
“The situation involving my father and the attack that killed the former Beta Martin can’t be compared. The situations are completely different,”
Finlay’s brother said.
“How are they different?” a member of the council asked.
“They just are. And I have made changes since then, we are stronger than we were. And we would open our pack to all of the Blue Mountain pack members. Whether they have ties to our pack or not.” I wanted to scoff.
Something was making him desperate to join the packs. I had seen enough of him and his warriors to know I would never accept to be a part of his pack.
“Anything else you want to add, Alpha Finlay?”
“I think my first statement and my Beta’s statement cover most things.
The only thing I want to add is if you decide a forced union is the way forward, I ask you to also rule that the pack land should be sold and the
profits should be split equally between the current members as their personal property. My pack has all contributed to the funds for buying the land. They should have the right to the profits,” Finlay said. How could I not love this wolf? Even at this moment, he was looking after the pack, making sure the profits from the pack land wouldn’t go to his brother. All council members nodded as if they approved of his thinking.
“We will recess to talk about our decision and we will reconvene after lunch,” the head of the council said. We were escorted out of the chambers and I felt empty as we stood outside. Finlay looked lost as well.
“Should we wait here or go back and eat at the cabin and come back?” I asked. He sighed and shook his head.
“I think it’s best to stay here, in case they decide to call on us earlier. You can go back to the cabin, eat and relax for a while,” he suggested. I shook my head and mindlinked Rania, one of our support staff, and asked her to bring some easy to eat food to the council building. We found a bench in a quiet area and Rania showed up with wraps filled with chicken salad and big flasks of iced coffee.
“I should have thought about asking someone to bring us food,” Finlay said and took a big bite of his wrap.
“You have a lot on your mind. As your Beta, I will pick up the slack. Eat and drink. I don’t want you to be hangry around your brother. That will end in a disaster,” I told him.
“I’m more worried about your temper. I saw the look you gave him.
Should I worry?” he asked me. I shrugged.
“As long as he remembers to respect you, I will keep my claws to myself.
But I am your Beta. If he tries to disrespect you again, I might need to show him we don’t stand for that shit,” I said honestly.
“Yeah. You should eat as well. Let’s go into this with as low risk of maiming as possible,” he told me. I wasn’t going to object. He was right, and more important, Matilda’s chicken salad was amazing. After eating, we sat in silence. We both had enough thoughts to occupy us. From time to time, Alpha Ryder and his Beta walked by. They seemed to have a hard time staying in one place. Probably not used to not being in the gym, I thought. I really should be nicer, but it was preferable that I was snarky in my mind, than me leaving claw marks on them.
“The council is ready to give you its decision,” a council warrior told us.
We looked at each other, stood up and followed them. We took our spot at
the pulpit. A moment later, Finlay’s brother and his Beta walked in with two warriors and stood in their place.
“Thank you for letting us talk this through,” the head of the council started. “Some decisions this council is asked to make are easy. But this one has been difficult. It has several layers and the consequences of it will be widespread. We have listened to both sides and both Alpha Ryder and Alpha Finlay raise valid points. We acknowledge that the Blue Mountain pack’s members have chosen to join the pack of their own free will. And because of that, this council hesitates to step in. But, there is a concern about the pack’s safety. We also agree with Alpha Finlay that if his pack ranks well during the game, this concern is not valid. The council’s decision is therefore as follows. If the Blue Mountain pack places among the top fifteen packs in the games, the council will not intervene in any way. If the pack places below the fifteenth rank, we will order a reunification to take place. In that case, we will order, according to Alpha Finlay’s wish, that the pack land is to be sold and the profit distributed equally to all members above the age of eighteen. This is the decision of the council.” I wanted to yell at them. It was unfair. No other pack was being threatened with forced union with stronger packs if they ranked lower. Why were we being singled out? But once the council made a decision, that was it. If you wanted to appeal, you needed a good, strong reason. We all bowed to the council and left. Outside the chambers, Finlay’s brother walked up to us.
“Just give it up, Finlay. There is no way you rank above fifteen on your first try. Not with a team like yours,” he said. I growled and he looked with
surprise at me.
“Alpha Finlay,” I corrected him.
“Don’t underestimate us, brother. Just because we look friendly, it doesn’t mean we won’t bite. The last pack that took our calm nature for weakness is no more. I would remember that if I were you,” Finlay said. He took my hand and we walked away. ‘If you look away for ten minutes, it would be enough,’ I mindlinked Finlay. ‘I’m not going to let you lose on my brother for ten minutes, Red. He is still my brother and I think my mother would be upset if he loses eyes and limbs,’ he told me. I huffed. ‘We need to tell the others,’ he added. I sighed. ‘Yes. And we need to tell the ones at home. I’m sure we will succeed, but if we, by some chance, don’t, they need to be prepared for what is about to
happen,’ I agreed. ‘I hate to tell them something like this when we aren’t there.’ I nodded as I agreed. ‘It will put more pressure on the team. The pack's future is now on our shoulders,’ I said. ‘Do you think they will crumble?’ he asked. ‘No. I think it will motivate us. All of us want the pack to stay intact. We will do our best for it to remain so.’ I paused for a moment. ‘Do you think your brother is desperate enough to try and do something?’ I asked him. ‘You mean sabotage our games?’ I nodded. ‘A week ago I would have said no. The risk is too high if you get caught. But now, I don’t know. We will have to keep our eyes open.’ ‘Do you want me to cancel the meeting with my brother later?’ I asked him. He gave me the first smile since we left the council chamber. ‘No, Red. You go and have some bonding time with your brother and his mate. At least one of us should enjoy meeting up with their family.’ My heart ached for him.
I was walking to where I was to meet Elder and his mate. I was feeling doubtful if I should be going or not. As soon as Finlay and I had got back to the cabin, we had told everyone about the council’s decision and then we had called home to tell the pack. No one had taken it well. I had been set on staying in the cabin and doing my part in trying to calm the pack down, but Finlay had told me to go and meet my brother. We were to meet half way between their cabin and ours. It would give us some time as we walked to the more dense part of the forest to shift.
“Amie?” I had been lost in my own thoughts, but as my name was called I looked up and saw Cindy looking at me.
“Oh. Hi, Cindy,” I said.
“So the rumour was true?” she asked.
“The rumour?” We had never been close friends, but we had got along for the most part.
“That you were here. Does it mean the part about you and the Alpha still being mates is true as well?” she asked.
“It is, at least for now,”I told her.
“For now? Rejected for a second time?” I frowned.
“We both feel it’s for the best.” It was her turn to frown.
“I just don’t get it. If I was mated to an Alpha I would fight tooth and nail to keep that bond,” she said.
“I guess we are just different that way.”
“So you aren’t even going to try and persuade him? I mean you have grown up nicely, a little womanly persuasion and the mate bond helping you out. I think you could win him over,” she told me, looking me up and down.
“Eh, thank you? But I think I will stick to our agreement,” I said. She was about to say something else, but was interrupted.
“Cindy. Amie is going to meet Beta Elder and Becky. Don’t hold her up.”
“Yes, Alpha. See you around, Amie.”
“Sure Cindy. It was nice seeing you,” I said as she walked away. For the first time in my life, I desperately wanted her to stay. There was an awkward silence between me and James.
“I heard about the council decision, I’m sorry. It has to put a lot of pressure on your pack’s team,” he said.
“Thank you. Yes, I think we will see it as motivating.” He nodded.
“If worse comes to worst, you always have a place in the Eagle Forest pack,” he said. I managed to give him a smile.
“Thank you. Let’s hope it won’t come to that. I need to get going. Have a nice evening Alpha,” I said.
“You too, Beta Amie. Please stay safe,” he said as he walked the opposite direction of me. The interaction left me even more confused. I decided to not think about it and focus on the evening ahead of me instead. Elder was waiting for me at the meeting spot. Next to him stood a woman. Her brown hair and happy eyes made her look cute as a button. She was studying me as intensively as I did her.
“Amie, I’m happy you could make it. I know you haven’t had the best of days,” Elder said and gave me a hug.
“I wouldn’t miss it,” I told him and hugged him back.
“Amie, this is my mate, Becky,” he said, and his pride was clear.
“Hi,” I said. I reached my hand out to her. She gave me a big smile.
“Hello, I heard so much about you. We are family,” she told me and gave me a warm hug. It took me by surprise, but then I returned the hug.
“We are,” I agreed. “And please don’t judge me based on anything my brother has told you. He has a massive inferiority complex as I was always the favourite.”
“Hey, I do not,” Elder objected. Becky laughed.
“I think we will get along great,” she told me and hooked her arm in mine as we walked. “Do you have any good stories about him?” she asked.
“Do I ever! I even have some nice ones mom and dad don't even know
about,” I said.
“Amie!” Elder warned me.
“Don’t interrupt her, darling,” Becky told her mate.
“But I don’t want her to tell you things which make me look bad,” he complained. Becky and I looked at each other and smiled.
“I would never,” I told her.
“I believe you,” she said. I liked Becky, I could see why Elder had got her as a mate. She had the mischief he needed to not take himself too seriously.
We got to a good place for shifting and got ready. I could feel the excitement of my wolf. She was looking forward to meeting both my brother’s and his mate’s wolves. I let her through as soon as I was out of my
clothes.
“Amie,” my brother said on an exhale.
“I have never seen a red wolf,” Becky said. My wolf puffed out her chest, enjoying the attention. I walked up to them and when Elder held out his hand, I allowed him to run it through my fur.
“You are big. I think you are almost as big as my wolf,” he told me. I wagged my tail and woofed at him. I wanted them to hurry and shift. He laughed and both him and Becky shifted into their wolves. I had seen Elder’s wolf before. He had matured and his sandy wolf was more robust than I remembered. Becky’s wolf was smaller and nut brown. Her wolf extruded the same happy and playful energy as she did in her human form.
Being in wolf form limited our communication. But the wolves were better than humans at reading body language. As we started trotting through the forest, it felt right. My wolf enjoyed running with family. When we reached a hilly part of the forest, I felt like having some fun. I nipped at the hind legs of Elder’s wolf and then took off running. I could hear the two other wolves chasing me and I weaved through the trees. They had the advantage of being able to mindlink and soon Elder made a move that had me turning hard left. Becky was there waiting and nipped at my tail. As me and Elder
set off after Becky, my wolf would have laughed if she could. We continued to play for over an hour, strengthening the bond between us. When we turned back to find our clothes, all three of us were trotting, side by side, with our tongues hanging out our mouths. We shifted back and put our clothes back on. I had the biggest smile on my face as Becky gave me
another hug.
“I get it now,” she said.
“Get what?” I asked. She paused and looked like she had said something she didn’t mean to say. I saw the hesitant look she gave my brother and I was wondering what was going on.
“She can handle it,” he told his mate and gave her a kiss on her hair. It was such a tender gesture it moved me. There was an ease in it that told me it was more of a habit than anything else. It reminded me of how our mom and dad always acted and I was happy Elder had got the same type of relationship.
“I wasn’t lying when I said I had heard a lot about you,” Becky started.
“Not just from Elder and your parents, but the pack still remembers you.
They are still upset about how things turned out,” she told me. I looked at Elder. He nodded.
“Very few thought James did the right thing. You were always helping out with things, you were kind to everyone and the pack saw you as a good wolf. They liked the idea of having you as their Luna. As time has gone by and James has remained unmated, the talk about you hasn’t died down,” he confirmed.
“Oh.” I didn’t know what to say. It was a surprise to me.
“You didn’t know how loved you were?” Becky asked.
“Well, I thought I did. But then everything with James happened and I thought that if he looked at me like that, others must do as well. For a long time I felt abandoned by the pack. It was one of the reasons I lived so long on my own,” I told them.
“We failed you back then,” Elder told me.
“No. It was a bad situation for everyone. I get that loyalty to the pack and the Alpha and his family is hard to deal with in a situation like that. I was just very young.”
“You are back now, and there is still time to make up for old mistakes,”
Becky said. I smiled at her.
“I’m happy I got to meet you. I can see how happy you make my brother,” I told her. There was a slight blush on Becky’s cheeks.
“He makes me happy as well,” she said, and they shared a quick kiss.
“When all of this is over, we need to talk about a real family reunion. I know mom and dad want to see you in person and you need to meet our son,” Elder said.
“I would love that. Let’s see what happens and we will go from there,” I told him. The future seemed far too unstable for me to make any plans.
Everything depended on what would happen for the coming three weeks.
