Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 95748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Seth stepped forward, shoulders squared. “I’m Seth Volk, Alpha of the Silver Pack.”
Next to him, Erik added, “Erik Volk, Alpha of the Copper Pack.”
Jackson stood straighter, his chest rising with a slow breath as he stepped forward. Apparently he should’ve introduced himself. All right. He’d play nice. “Jackson Tryne, Alpha of the Granite Pack. Your pack attacked the Alpha of the Slate Pack, who now lies wounded. We make no promises that the entire Slate Pack won’t retaliate and kill you all after he recovers.”
The flickering light cast shadows across the gathered wolves, their breath visible in the frozen air as tension crackled like the fire itself.
A female stepped forward from the crowd, her dark eyes searching Jackson’s face, defiant yet uncertain. She stood with squared shoulders, brawny and strong, her silk cloak clinging to broad shoulders. Deep lines etched her face, placing her somewhere in her sixties, and her eyes burned with sharp intelligence. “We didn’t want to align with the Ghostwind Pack,” she said, voice rough from the cold air. “And we didn’t want war. The Alpha and his ilk took over. They didn’t represent us.” Her gaze swept over the bodies on the snow-packed ground, and her mouth pressed thin. “But they were strong.”
A younger man stepped forward beside her, barely eighteen by the look of him. His breath fogged the air as he glanced between the dead Alpha and the three Alphas standing before him. “We just want to focus on our spices and stay out of wars. But…” His gaze lingered on the fallen wolves. “We don’t have the soldiers to defend ourselves against another takeover.”
Jackson scanned the crowd, seeing a few able-bodied adults and quite a few teenagers. “Do you have any protection?”
Silence answered him.
All right. Well, he wanted to diversify, and these folks wouldn’t last without protection. For the first time in his life, he considered offering something that went against every rule of his pack that would extend protection beyond their borders. But he needed numbers, and these wolves needed to belong somewhere.
That, he could provide. “I am willing to let you all interview to be members of the Granite Pack if you’re interested.”
The kid’s eyes lit up. “Seriously?”
“Yes. We are expanding our mining operations as well as beginning to farm and ranch. Growing and selling spices cannot be that different. However, I will need to speak with each one of you personally.” Well, after Raya interviewed each wolf. Jackson paused, already imagining her reaction when she found out she would have to skip the mining conference in Vegas this year. She wasn’t going to like it.
The Ravencall female hesitated, her gaze shifting to the others before returning to Jackson. “My name is Janet, and I guess I’m the de facto leader for now.” She squared her shoulders, determination hardening her features. “What do you want us to do?”
“First, get everyone together. Make sure they understand this is an opportunity, not a guarantee. I need to know what skills each of you brings to the table. Farming and ranching require discipline. Mining is dangerous and physically demanding. There is no room for anyone unwilling to put in the work.”
Janet nodded. “We understand. We just need a chance.”
That seemed fair. “You’ll get one.”
The young man beside her stepped forward. “I’ll be there. I know how to work.”
Jackson met his gaze. “Good. We will see if that is true.”
Seth and Erik stood silent on either side of Jackson, their faces unreadable. The snow beneath Jackson’s bare feet had begun to seep through his skin, sending a dull ache through his legs. Still, he kept his posture straight. “Bury or burn your dead. Decide who wants to join my pack and understand that it means full allegiance. If we’re attacked, you fight. If not, you contribute through your spices, mining, or farming. Everyone will be trained to defend themselves, and some of you will be assigned to work where the pack needs you most.”
Janet clasped her hands together, shoulders sagging slightly with what looked like relief. “That’s fine with us. We’ve been searching for a place for so long. This could really work.”
“It could,” Jackson agreed. “Dawn will arrive in a few hours, so do what you need to do here and then head north. You may enter through the southern border of Granite Pack territory. You will be met there, and each one of you will be interviewed. No one is forced to come, but if you take the pack oath, you are in for life.”
Janet’s chin lifted, a hint of hope softening her eyes. “We’ll be there. I promise.”
Jackson focused on her. “Good. Prepare for harsh winters and long workdays. Loyalty and discipline are non-negotiable. I need people who are willing to build something stronger than what we have now.”
“We’re ready,” the young man beside Janet said. His gaze met Jackson’s, steady and unflinching.