Grounding.
“I’ll keep the Hollow standing,” she said.
“I’ll keep the Council from forgetting who the fuck I am.”
She smirked. “Then go. Show them what you are.”
I smiled. “And what’s that?”
“The alpha of our pack.”
Chapter 24
Wolfe
The Pack Councilhad moved since I was last there.
It was no surprise—their whole governance model was based on the idea that they moved with the land, just as we did. No territory was truly theirs, because all territories were. That’s how they liked to say it, anyway. Poetic. Unanchored. Above it all.
Or something equally wordy and loftier sounding.
It had taken me two days to get here. I’d headed straight north, cutting through human towns, weaving around cities. The three-day summons felt more like a calculated slap once I realized how far they were from the Hollow. Like they wanted to see if I’d obey. If I’d dance for them.
But I’d made it. There were fewer tents pitched this time, and the large sprawling marquee somehow managed to look both intimidating and inviting as I approached.
The terrain had changed the deeper I went—greener, thicker, quieter. This part of the national forest was dense with age and shadow. Ancient trees tangled together overhead, light filtering down like smoke through stained glass.
They’d chosen a spot that was deep in a national forest, a wide stretch of green, knotted with paths, and in the middle—tucked beneath old trees that had grown there naturally—stood the marquee.
Canvas stretched tight over wood, weatherproofed, anchored with purpose. No banners. No guards. No scent of dominance in the air.
It looked like it was supposed to. Temporary.
But nothing about the Pack Council ever really moved. They just made you feel likeyoucould be replaced.
I stepped through the grass, boots nearly silent, my pack over my shoulder. I didn’t need to brace myself or prepare myself for this encounter; I was ready. My heart was steady and my eyes were clear.
The few shifters I passed…stepped aside. They didn’t speak, they just watched. Some were alphas of other territories, some I knew, some I’d met long ago when Lars had been more mobile.
I passed a few other wolves—some alphas, a few betas, all of them watching. A couple I recognized. I gave them a nod, nothing more. I wasn’t here for small talk.
The air shifted as I stepped into the marquee—thicker somehow. The faint scent of sage and smoke clung to the entrance, a half-assed attempt at cleansing. I knew just by that that the eccentric shaman I had met previously wasn’t here.
I wasn’t sure that was a good thing.
Through the flaps that led to the chamber, I saw them sitting. Chairs in a half-circle. Half-empty, like the last time I’d been here. One look and I knew I was right; the shaman wasn’t here.
A few I knew by name. Two I knew by reputation. They all looked at me as I walked into the chamber.
“Pack Council is adjourned for today,” the one in the center said. “Everyone out. Alpha Wolfe, you stay.”
I wasn’t surprised. I walked forward as everyone else left. The shifter in the center watched me, dark eyes that were unreadable, as I approached.
“I am Alpha Deryn.” He looked me over like the druid had the crow the other day, as if he was wondering how to dissect me. He was a pale man with a face lined with age, but eyes as sharp and clear as glass. “Alpha Wolfe,” he said, voice smooth but shallow. “You’ve been summoned in accordance with Council Law. Do you acknowledge this call?”
I didn’t sit. Didn’t lower my gaze. “I’m here, aren’t I?”
“Will you submit to inquiry?”
