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But people were hurt, bleeding. Injured. That came first.
Kodiak sought out another of his team. “Fern, take Shota and check the injured. Attend to their wounds, then give their names to Ash so she can update their statuses.” Given their relationship, Kodiak hoped Fern could keep Shota on track. Shota needed to focus on helping the pack, not on challenging Kodiak for his position as the new alpha.
Additionally, Fern was an excellent healer. She’d put her skills to good use for anyone in need of medical care.
The lack of pack connections outside of the room suggested to Kodiak that no one was missing, but he had to make sure.
“Channing and Elias, check for anyone outside or in the house who might be too injured to come here.”
The two nodded and left.
“Skoll and Onai, deal with any vampires. Burn their parts and make sure they don’t return.” Kodiak clenched his fists tightly. “Then bring our fallen members out back. We’ll give them the send-off they deserve for their bravery and commitment.”
They went over to Olcan with grave expressions.
“We start with him,” Onai said.
He nodded. “Yes.” He looked about the room. “Everyone else, find a team to join. And take note of what needs to be done here, what needs to be strengthened, fixed.” The rest nodded, breaking off into small groupings.
Skoll went to pick up Olcan.
“Wait a moment.” Kodiak wanted to say one last farewell to his alpha.
It was just him, Tamaska, and Onai and Skoll. Something in him cracked and he took a breath to steady his emotions. He no longer had that luxury, of indulging in such feelings, now that he was the alpha. And he understood why Olcan seemed so harsh at times.
“We’ll need more bleach, boss,” Channing said, clearing his throat like he was interrupting something. Which he was, but that was the way of things.
Usually Channing would make a bad joke, but not tonight. Tonight he swayed a little, and his injuries, though not life threatening, were bad.
Yet he stood there with the stubborn energy of youth, and the unerring understanding that he needed not to crumble yet.
It was…admirable.
No doubt the pup wanted to say his goodbyes, too, from the way his gaze kept skipping to the still form of Olcan.
“I’ll send someone out for more at the first light. You need to see Fern now. Make sure your wounds heal and don’t cause you further grief down the road,” said Kodiak. He moved closer to Channing and placed a hand on his shoulder.
“We still have a battle coming, don’t we?”
“That we do.”
Channing’s gaze hit on Tamaska and then he said, “Figured.”
“It’s no one’s fault but the vampires. Everyone did what they could.” He lowered his voice. “And they want her, for something terrible.”
“Humans…”
“Didn’t do this.”
The pup frowned. “But Shota—”
“Isn’t in charge and the humans didn’t do this.”
“You like that one.”
He considered Channing. “I do. But Olcan accepted her, and she didn’t do this. If anything, she’s an important key. And good leaders understand how to see these things. Try.”
“Okay.”
