Page 5 of Predator (Stope Packs #4)

Fresh from her shower, Emily walked carefully down the stairs to the expansive kitchen where a lovely breakfast had already been laid out.

Nadia stood up awkwardly, chewing on a piece of toast. “Sorry. I didn’t know how long you were going to sleep since you were injured, and I got hungry.”

“That’s fine, of course.” Emily poured herself a cup of coffee and sat, inhaling the rich aroma.

“Are you hungry?”

Emily shook her head. “Not really.”

Nadia dug into an omelet like she hadn’t eaten in years. “This is great food.”

Smiling, Emily took a sip of coffee. Its warmth spilled down her throat and settled in her belly. “Yes. Our cook is one of the best.” Setting her mug down, she leaned forward slightly. “So, I don’t know much about you. Where did you live before joining Erik’s pack?”

“We worked as a farming co-op,” Nadia said cheerfully, reaching for her orange juice. “But rogue packs attacked, and we didn’t have much choice but to join the Copper Pack. They gave us farming land, though.”

Emily wanted to know more about this new sister. “So, you like to farm?”

Nadia paused, her fork hovering above her plate. “Not really.” Her gaze—eyes as familiar as her own—met Emily’s.

Emily chuckled. “You don’t like to farm, but you’re a farmer?”

Shrugging, Nadia stabbed a piece of her omelet. “Yeah. I like to organize. Anything, really. Drawers, houses, communities, farming equipment. You name it. If there’s a spreadsheet around, I’m happy. Especially if it’s color-coded.”

Finding her new sister quite delightful, Emily leaned back in her chair. “We could use some help here. I finally talked my father into updating the computers for the mines a couple of years ago, but they still do most things old school and could certainly benefit from the organization.”

Nadia’s eyebrows rose. “Seriously?”

“Yes. My—I mean, our , father is a great Alpha when it comes to protection and strategy, but he’s not so great with business.”

Nadia munched on a piece of bacon. “What about you?”

Emily offered Nadia a small shrug. “I do some work for the mines, but to be honest, it’s not my passion.”

“Oh, yeah? What is your interest?”

“Writing,” Emily said. “Romantic suspense, mainly.”

Nadia’s eyes lit. “That’s cool.”

“Yeah,” Emily replied, swirling the coffee in her cup. “Aside from that, I help optimize mining operations with mainly logistics and safety. I review tunnel layouts and airflow systems, making sure everything runs smoothly. It keeps things efficient and helps prevent accidents.” She liked the contrast of work with her creative side writing and her mechanical side keeping people safe.

Nadia watched her. “Sounds like you’re a problem solver.”

Emily smiled. “Something like that.”

Nadia leaned forward, curiosity lighting her eyes. “Even though you told Philip you’d become the Alpha, I could tell you have no interest in the job.”

Pausing, Emily took another sip of coffee, the warmth giving her a moment to gather her thoughts. “You read me correctly. Part of it is that you’re constantly challenged by people who can take you down. While I can fight, it’s not the life I want.” Her fingers traced the rim of her mug. Trusting her new sister with the whole truth felt like a gamble. They didn’t have enough history yet, but something about Nadia’s open expression made her think that maybe, just maybe, she could tell the truth about her health.

Nadia nodded. “Fighting all of the time would suck.”

That was true if Emily could even win a fight. That possibility seemed further away every single day, and she had no clue why. The only healer they had in the pack was Edra, a two-hundred-year-old female who still relied on herbs. Not that they weren’t helpful sometimes, but she couldn’t figure out what was wrong with Emily.

“What do you know about Jackson’s pack?” Emily asked, her gaze steady.

“Nothing,” Nadia replied. “I’ve heard of him and his Granite Pack, but you know what—?” She angled her head toward the doorway. “Caidrik,” she bellowed.

The guard dog appeared almost instantly, his stance firm and gaze intense.

Nadia blinked. “That was fast. What do you know about Jackson? We both know you haven’t told us everything about his pack.”

Caidrik’s chin dipped slightly. “I don’t answer to you, little Nadia.” His gaze shifted to Emily. “Or you, for that matter.”

Emily drew in air. “Do you mind providing a little information?”

“Like what?” he asked.

“Geez,” Nadia grumbled. “They’ve fed and clothed you. The least you could do is answer a couple of questions.”

Caidrik’s nostrils flared.

“Are you two together?” Emily asked, not wanting to cause a problem between the couple.

“God, no,” they said at the same time.

Emily barely bit back a laugh as Nadia flushed a pretty shade of peach.

“Caidrik only joined our co-op a couple of weeks ago,” Nadia explained. “He obviously has fighting experience. When our new Alpha asked if anyone would serve as my protector, he stood right up.”

“I’m not much for farming,” Caidrik said simply. “I was just looking for a place to belong.”

Nadia’s gaze softened. “The co-op’s a good place. Or it was, I guess. Now, it’s part of a pack.” She frowned slightly. “I’m still not sure how I feel about that.”

“You have a pack here,” Emily said gently. “Your blood ties you to us. I’m hoping you might decide to stay.” She looked at the obviously strong warrior leaning against the wall. “I’m sure you’d be welcome, as well, Caidrik. We always need soldiers. You worked with Jackson in the mine?”

Caidrik nodded. “Yeah. I worked with him. In the mine. For a bit.”

That felt like a lie. Emily went on instinct, not missing that her sister listened raptly. “I can sense that you have Alpha blood in your veins. Right?”

“None of your damn business,” Caidrik shot back, his tone flat.

“Be nice. We’re guests,” Nadia scolded him with a glare.

Emily patted her hand. “You’re not a guest. You belong here.” She had to convince Nadia to stay. Something deep inside told her this sibling might be more important than either of them realized.

Her feet were completely numb today, a chilling reminder that whatever this illness was, it was killing her. Her father figured she was still slightly off because of the kidnapping attempt months ago which had given her a heck of a concussion. She hadn't told him that she'd again visited Edra, the healer. Edra had no idea what was wrong but had said the sickness mimicked the illness that had killed Emily’s mother…and grandmother. Most of the pack didn’t know about that. The uncertainty gnawed at Emily. Every morning, she woke hoping the sensation would return to her feet. Yet every morning, it didn’t. How could she even start to plan for a future if she didn’t know if she even had one?

Clearing her throat, Emily turned to Caidrik. “I’m not asking for pack secrets, but you have spent some time with Jackson’s pack, right? I’ve heard they have modern doctors or healers. Is this true?”

One of Caidrik’s dark eyebrows rose. “Why?”

It was a good question. “We need to modernize a bit here like I’ve heard the Volk Alphas are doing with their packs. A medically trained doctor would be nice.”

Caidrik didn’t look like he believed her, yet he spoke anyway. “The Granite Pack has programs in place for younger wolves to attend universities.”

Anticipation ran through Emily. “Really?”

“Yes. They’ve been sending younger pack members to study engineering, modern mining techniques, and medicine. I think they even have a wolf who’s a licensed CPA. They had two doctors, fully trained in western and wolf medicine when I, ah, worked there. Jackson keeps it quiet, but the Granite Pack is much more modern than most. Even their mines use newer ventilation systems and automated drilling equipment. Safer and more efficient.”

Emily’s heart lifted slightly. So, they had a real doctor. The rumors were true. Perfect. “Well, good,” she said casually. “I’ve agreed to help Jackson find a mate.”

“Why?” Nadia burst out, her eyes wide with disbelief. “Why would you help him find some other mate? Especially since you turned him down.”

“I had no idea they were so modern,” Emily murmured. “I’d love to see how their pack operates. We’re trying to modernize here, as well, and I could probably get some ideas during my visit. Their use of technology could help improve our mine safety and efficiency.”

“Humph.” Nadia eyed her suspiciously. “I think you have the hots for Jackson and just want to spend more time with him.”

Emily’s cheeks warmed slightly, but she ignored the teasing, already thinking of the possibilities that awaited her in Jackson’s territory. “He’s sexy and, yes, intriguing, but I don’t want to be his mate. The guy’s overbearing.”

“That’s for damn sure.” Nadia poured more orange juice into her glass. “I’m glad you see it. Way too bossy.”

From the corner of her eye, Emily noticed Caidrik cutting her a look before glancing away. “I’m going to check the perimeter.” He strode out of the room with his usual gruff demeanor.

Nadia frowned. “He’s always so grumpy.”

“They all are,” Emily replied, the memory of past encounters with Jackson’s pack flashing in her mind.

Before Nadia could respond, polished shoes echoed against the wooden floor. Philip Nightsom entered the room, impeccably dressed in a three-piece suit like usual. He’d been out with his soldiers most of the night, and Emily hadn’t gotten a chance to speak with him yet.

“Good morning, daughters.” His voice carried warmth and hesitation, but his shoulders relaxed when Nadia offered him a smile.

She cleared her throat. “How could you offer Emily to Jackson Tryne to mate?”

So, going right for it, was she? Emily hid a smile.

Philip grimaced. “I panicked. When Erik took over the Copper Pack, with his brother Alpha of the Silver Pack, who’s a distant cousin to Jackson, I just, well, panicked. But I fixed it last night, right? When I told Jackson that Emily will take her place as Alpha here? I just need everyone to believe that for the next thirty years or so, and I’ll come up with a better plan during that timeframe.”

Emily pushed her temper away. “That’s not all, is it?”

“Hmm?” He adjusted the cuffs of his jacket, the lines around his eyes deepening with curiosity.

She kept her voice even. “I agreed to visit Jackson’s territory to help him find a mate in exchange for a ten year license to the Embervault Mine.”

Philip paused in mid-movement, his posture stiffening. “Jackson has a big mouth,” he muttered, almost to himself.

“Tell me about it.” Should it hurt that her father had tried to use her to barter for a darn mine?

Sighing, Philip lowered himself into a chair. “It’s an old mine between our territory and theirs, about four hours away if traveling in wolf form. While it once produced high-quality granite for the Granite Pack, the real prize now is the slate found deeper within it. But it isn’t ordinary slate. The deposits there contain a rare variant known as obsidian slate.”

“Obsidian slate?” Nadia asked.

Philip poured himself a cup of coffee, his gaze distracted. “It’s darker, denser, and has a natural sheen that makes it highly sought after for luxury flooring, high-end roofing, and architectural designs. Unlike standard slate, it’s resistant to weathering and can be cut into thinner, more flexible sheets without compromising its strength.”

Emily leaned forward, her pulse quickening. “So, if we could access that mine?—”

Philip nodded. “It would change everything. Our slate mines are productive, but none of them yield obsidian slate. It’s in high demand for custom homes, upscale commercial buildings, and even art installations. We’ve had architects and developers specifically request it, but without access to Embervault Mine, we’ve had to turn down those contracts. If we could secure mining rights, even partial ones, we could triple our profits and expand our influence across multiple regions to get ourselves out of debt. As you know, we’re floundering.”

True. They’d spent too much time gathering territory and scheming to take over the Copper Pack…which would’ve happened if Erik hadn’t stepped up and agreed to be their Alpha. Subsequently, the mines had suffered. Terribly. “Why haven’t we negotiated access before now?” Emily asked.

“Jackson’s grandfather secured exclusive ownership before the obsidian slate deposits were discovered. When we approached him, he refused outright. Said his family was focused on granite, not slate, and that the quarry wasn’t for sale. But he never reopened negotiations, not even after we offered a percentage of the profits. It’s been locked down ever since.”

Emily considered the implications. Access to that mine wouldn’t just stabilize their finances. It could elevate their pack’s status. “So I’ll go help Jackson find a mate, and all will work out.”

Her father met her gaze. “He doesn’t want another mate. He wants you.”

Emily sighed. “His ego wants me. I’ll go, but his little plan won’t work.” She made the statement with full conviction but didn’t miss the quick glance that took place between her father and sister. “He’s not that charming,” she protested.

Nadia appraised her. “He just wants you in his territory, and we all know it. I say you stay here. Forget him.”

Like Emily could ever forget Jackson Tryne. “We need access to that mine.”

“We do,” Philip said. “Jackson texted earlier today that his final offer is you in his territory for two weeks in exchange for the mining license. I think he wants to court you and seems to be quite confident you’ll end up wanting to stay.”

“Is he, now?” While the pack needed that slate, she needed a doctor. Apparently, Jackson had at least two in his territory. “Don’t worry. If Jackson makes any moves, I’ll rip out his throat.” If this illness didn’t kill her first.