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“Difficulties?” Clearly, there was more to the tale than justdifficulties. My gaze swept their faces, seeking any clue to the story beneath the surface.
“Shifters were disappearing from our pack lands,” Mary said. “We think they were hunted down. We didn’t want to wait to be picked off, so we left.”
As I looked at my watch, I realized how late it was. “Listen,” I said, my voice firm but gentle. “I understand you’ve been through a lot, but I promise you, you’re safe here. We’re working to make it that way. My pack and I will do everything in our power to keep every shifter in this town safe. Once everybody’s rested, we can form teams for patrols. If everyone pitches in, our large numbers will make a big difference.”
“We’ll be forever in your debt,” Mary breathed, tears welling up in her eyes.
Jared wrapped an arm around her. “Count me in for patrol duty. Let me get Mary settled, and just point me in the direction you need me.”
“We have it covered for the moment. Stick with your wife and get some rest. You both look dead on your feet. We’ll prepare a list for those who are willing to help. Be on the lookout for it. Stay strong.” I gave them a reassuring nod before moving on to the next group.
“Ridge!” A tall, broad-shouldered shifter with a thick beard approached me, his hand extended. “I’m Kramer Olson, leader of a group of stragglers. We arrived earlier today. I cannot express how much it means to us that you’ve opened your territory to us.”
“Welcome,” I said, shaking his hand firmly. “How’s your pack holding up?”
“Better, now that we’ve found refuge here. We lost some members along the way, though. Hunters caught up with us near Niagara Falls. It was brutal. We figured we’d have a greater chance of success together. We’re lone wolves who have lost our packs or tried to venture to new lands, only to be rebuffed. This place is a goddess send.”
“Damn,” I muttered, clenching my fists at the thought of those bastards taking more innocent lives. An all-consuming rage threatened to flare up within me, but I fought it back and focused on the man in front of me. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you.” Kramer nodded solemnly. “But we’re here now, ready to fight back if necessary. You can count on us.”
“Good to hear,” I said, clasping his shoulder. “Together, we’ll ensure Blackwood Creek remains a sanctuary for all shifters.”
As I continued greeting the influx of weary wolves, the task before me seemed insurmountable, and the weight of responsibility bore down on me. But with each tragic story shared, my resolve grew stronger, as did my determination toprotect these vulnerable souls from the evils lurking just beyond our borders. Shifters, by nature, were territorial, and now that we were forced to come together and pool our resources, the hunters had inadvertently brought about their worst fear.
From the information Kyle had shared, I was fairly certain we now outnumbered the hunters. We were finally getting the protection we needed. But we needed a plan to make sure we were cohesive in our approach.
Seeking Isaac Frost, alpha of the Montana Pack, was at the top of my priority list. Despite his initial reluctance, I’d convinced him to join us. I was relieved when he’d finally relented. The Montana Pack was enormous, larger than any other pack. Their close-knit allegiance to each other was clear from the way they moved and interacted. Isaac had reached out to me when they’d arrived yesterday, but I’d been unable to speak with him since the hunter attack had taken up all my time.
Clawson and I went in search of the Montana Pack together. When I found them in the woods surrounding the town, most were still in their wolf forms, keeping close guard. I could feel their keen gazes on us as they patrolled the woodland and the camp.
“Ah, Ridge.” Isaac welcomed me with a firm handshake. His grip was solid and confident, the mark of a true alpha. “Appreciate you taking the time to meet with me.”
“No problem,” I responded, locking eyes with the older shifter. “I’m just sorry we couldn’t properly welcome you yesterday.”
“Understandable,” Isaac answered, his gaze flicking to Clawson before returning to me. “There are many things to take care of, after all. We value your hospitality and welcoming us so openly.”
“Of course.” I nodded at him. “We’re all in this together. How has your pack been faring?”
“Weary from the travel,” Isaac admitted. “But thankful for the sanctuary you’ve provided. Run-ins with the hunters have been far more frequent. We’ve had too many encounters and been hit hard by the loss of good people. It’s making the pack nervous.”
The pain in his eyes mirrored my own when my pack members were taken too soon. “I’m sorry for your losses, Isaac. I hope Blackwood Creek can provide some respite for all of us.”
“Which brings me to my reason for requesting this meeting,” Isaac continued, a hint of hesitance in his voice. “Are you sure you’re happy to allow my pack to stay here for the time being? We understand there may be conditions or restrictions, but we would be more than willing to aid with defenses and security.”
Being a proud species, shifters humbling ourselves to another pack, another alpha, could be a struggle. Some alphas wouldn’t want a foreign pack to be anywhere near their borders, some more so than others. Although I’d invited him here, I appreciated Alpha Frost’s respect for my title of alpha of these lands.
What I was proposing here in Blackwood Creek was unprecedented. It wasn’t natural for multiple packs to unite and live harmoniously. Still, I strongly believed that working together as a united force was the only way we could defeat the hunters.
I clasped his shoulder. “Isaac, you and your pack are welcome here. I’ll likely need help to manage the town’s safety, so your offer is greatly appreciated.”
A grin spread across his face, and his eyes gleamed with determination. “Thank you, Ridge. You won’t regret this. We will do everything we can to help protect Blackwood Creek and its inhabitants.”
Those were the words I’d been hoping to hear. “That’s great, Isaac. I’ll keep you posted on any developments and plans,” Isaid, more convinced than ever that working together was the key to our survival. With a final handshake, I left the Montana Pack’s campsite. The gravity of my responsibility seemed to intensify, almost physically pressing down on my body with each step.
As we walked back into town, Clawson pulled me aside. “I think we’ve met most of the newcomers.”
“Good,” I said, scanning the crowd one last time before shifting my attention to him. “We need to watch out for any fights breaking out. Tensions are high, given the circumstances.”
