Page 25 of The Tracker's Revenge

Chapter 9

Travis looked satisfiedas everyone followed him to the big table, as if this small concession meant he was the leader. I dug in my heels, bristling further. We all had vowed not to have a pissing contest, but I sure wanted to. This guy rubbed me the wrong way like sandpaper on my eyelids.

Yura cleared her throat and approached the table, too. “As usual,Iwill be the moderator. Let’s get started. It’s now time.” As she said this, a beam of moonlight shone through a strategically located hole up on the wall and illuminated the inlaid wolf at the center of the table.

I watched in awe as the jeweled eyes shone pure sapphire, much like Eric’s eyes. At this, everyone took a seat reverently, Travis and his posturing forgotten. When the angle of the moon beam shifted slightly and the wolf’s eyes stopped glowing, Yura spoke again.

“It has been one hundred and twenty-three full moons since the St. Louis Pack Rule met last,” she said in her melodious voice. “Over ten years filled with accord and prosperity for the packs. But, as it has always been, accord is now being threatened, so your leadership is needed to achieve harmony once more.”

Travis fidgeted in his seat, impatient with Yura’s introduction. He looked like someone who had something urgent to do elsewhere, like change his diaper or apply some hemorrhoid cream.

Yura glanced around, her wise gaze alighting on Eric. “First things first... It has come to the Supreme Pack Rule’s attention that the Unholy Vessel has been unearthed and that you, Alpha Eric Cross, are now in possession of part of it, is this correct?”

Eric opened his mouth to answer, but Travis spoke first.

“I’m sorry,” he waved a hand in the air, “but what ishedoing here? He’s just a lone wolf with no pack. No stake in our city.”

“That’s ridiculous,” I said. “Of course, he has a stake. He lives there. We all do.”

“Regardless, this,” he gestured around the room, “is called the Pack Rule, and he has none.”

“He does have a pack. It’s me!” I interjected without thinking.

Travis, Craig, and Walter laughed derisively. Jake and Ulfen frowned.

Embarrassed, I tried to become one with my chair, but it didn’t oblige.Shit!Sometimes, my mouth got ahead of my brain. I glanced in Eric’s direction, feeling like an idiot. I hadn’t even stopped to think about his opinion on the matter. But I shouldn’t have worried because the look in his eyes told me he was grateful for my support.

Slowly, he turned his attention to Travis. I expected Eric to balk at the plain hostility, but he looked as cool as an arctic wolf. “I brought this up myself,” Eric answered casually, “but I wasaskedto come.”

“He’s still a member, Alpha Hillworth,” Yura said. “Moreover, he was a witness to the events involving the Unholy Vessel. In fact, I believe he was instrumental in its retrieval. Though, I will allowhimto explain the details of what happened.”

Travis huffed. “Very well, but I do wish to initiate a motion for his removal.”

Yura inclined her head. “I shall call for a vote at the end, then.”

“No need.” Eric waved a hand. “I quit.” He smiled a smile as thin as the edge of a knife and directed it straight at Travis, whose jaw twitched, revealing his annoyance. He’d wanted to kick Eric out and hated not having the satisfaction to do it.Petty bastard!

“Let’s proceed.” Yura nodded toward Eric.

“To answer your question,” he said, “yes, the Unholy Vessel has reared its ugly head again. However, I’m not in possession of it. Toni is.”