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“It would be an opportunity for you,” the Alpha answered carefully, his gaze cunning. “You could find a mate there. Possibly a higher position within their pack.”

Beta was the highest position, second only to the Alpha and I had been born to take the position in this Pack. Hearing him say that though, made me question my place.

“Go to school, Dom,” Dad said sharply, his tone demanding immediate obedience, and I moved without hesitation. “Alpha, we need to speak privately,” I heard him say as I exited. My steps slowed as soon as I was out of the building though, and Gregory appeared at my side.

“He’s worried you’re going to challenge him,” Gregory claimed and I shot him a disbelieving look.

“That would never happen,” I answered instantly, meaning it. “My Dad is Beta.”

“Yes, but if you challenged the Alpha, he would be forced to take the fight. Having your father fight in his steed against you would make him seem weak.”

“I wouldn’t do that to Caleb,” I gritted out, angry anyone would think I would try to steal his position from him.

“Being Alpha, it requires power and cunning. Ours has no shortage of either, but it came at a price,” Gregory informed me, decades of wisdom etched in the folds of his skin. “He has to consider any possible threat to his position. As unlikely as it may appear.”

“I wouldn’t,” I stated and Gregory gave me a considering glance.

“Not even to protect this breeding female? Jess.” I snarled, spinning to face him, as we came to a sudden halt. “I’ll take that as a yes,” he said mildly. “You see my point?” I swallowed, nodding roughly as I backed away from him. “I think everyone but the Alpha is aware of your attachment to this girl. You guard her nonstop.”

“My wolf doesn’t like being away from her,” I admitted and he nodded.

“It’ll get easier,” he commented. “And harder,” he added with a knowing laugh. “All good things do.”

I shook my head, “I won’t leave.”

Gregory hummed. “I think your father understands. He’ll smooth the Alpha’s ruffled fur. We all will.”

“This pack to the North? You know of them?”

“I do.” He chuckled mirthlessly. “Not liking outsiders is an understatement. I’m surprised they would contact us.”

“Would they help us?” I asked and Gregory sent me an inquiring look. “With the Hanleys?”

He took a deep breath, pondering the thought. “I don’t know,” he finally admitted. “It would be worth a discussion.”

“Allies would be nice. And if they have all these breeding females as the Alpha mentioned, I would think they would want to guard against the Hanleys,” I proposed and he nodded. “Unless they’ve given some of their solid stock to the Hanleys,” I said, mockingly using the Alpha’s term.

“No, not if they have the same Alpha,” Gregory denied. “He would never allow that.”

“He might not have had a choice,” I mentioned and Gregory’s expression changed to one of resignation.

“Let us hope that isn’t the case,” he said heavily. “Now go before you’re late.”

***

“Is Anna walking with us today?” I shouted at Caleb as he came through the Field House door.

“No, she rode home with some of the others,” he answered absently.

“And Jess?” I questioned automatically, even though her dad had picked her up and dropped her off every day. I could only hope that meant she’d taken my advice about walking alone. She’d made no attempts to go to High Valley either, but she hadn’t really gone anywhere in the last two weeks except school and home.

“She’s fine,” Caleb replied, still lost in thought as he wandered aimlessly around the empty space. Friday afternoons meant most of the students and staff left right when the bell rang, giving me and Caleb the opportunity to get in a real work out. We could lift weights that would seem impossible to others and maintain a pace that would make an Olympic athlete jealous.

Today, though – I wasn’t in the mood.

The Alpha’s remarks had struck home and I knew something had to give where Jess was concerned. She was at risk and didn’t even realize it. Breeding females were normally protected by their pack until they found a mate and even then they could be at risk of being stolen by a rival pack. Leaving Jess defenseless and ignorant didn’t sit well with me.

“You want to get out of here?” I asked, surprising Caleb.

“You don’t want to work out?” He questioned and I shook my head tiredly, exhaustion tugging at me.

“Not really,” I admitted, cuffing his shoulder as I added, “Pup.”

He knocked my arm, a glimmer of the first genuine smile I’d seen all day appearing. “What’s wrong, old man? Need a nap?” He joked, agilely avoiding my next swing. “Those late nights catching up?”

“They are,” I admitted with an easy shake of my head. “We’re going to have to talk to her.”