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“From what I’ve caught wind of, it seems like some shifters from the Northeast Pack are doubting the safety of Blackwood Creek. But most shifters who have come here for refuge are still saying they feel worlds safer here than they have anywhere else.”
I exhaled, grateful for the loyalty of those who recognized the sanctuary we provided. The dissention from my own pack members, however, troubled me. My hand curled into a tight fist, my knuckles turning white as I struggled to control the rage boiling within me. The stakes were too high, and we couldn’t afford any more division or doubt.
Leaning against the wall, I closed my eyes to collect myself. We had to stay united if we wanted to survive the hunters’ onslaught. I’d do whatever it took to protect Blackwood Creek and its inhabitants—human and shifter alike.
Mateo coughed to clear his throat, sounding embarrassed as he added, “There’s something else, Ridge. Christie Greenthorne and I had a, ah, run-in recently. She’s no longer welcome at my bar or with me personally. She made it clear she thinks shifters have more of a right to Blackwood Creek and thinks humans should leave it entirely because they’re supposed to be lesser.”
My forehead creased as I rubbed at the tense knot forming between my eyebrows. Christie was particularly pompous and looked down on humans, but trying to influence other shifters to think the same way? I hadn’t figured she’d stoop so low. That wouldn’t be safe for the humans in town.
I’d have to make a decision about the Greenthornes soon. It had to happen to protect everybody in Blackwood Creek.
“Thanks for the update, Mateo,” I said before hanging up. I took a deep breath, trying to center myself. The other pack alphas had a right to know about the greater danger shifters were facing from the hunters trying to cure us. I needed to talk to them sooner rather than later.
I left the room and found Lola, Audrey, and Elliot Elkins. “Where’s Tori?” I asked.
Lola pointed toward the door. “She went after Kyle.”
With a nod, I headed out. “I’ll be back later.”
I found Tori walking back, looking a little out of it. “Are you okay?”
Something was obviously bothering her, but she nodded. I didn’t have time to question her. I’d have to trust that whatever was going on in my little wolf’s head, she’d come to me when she was ready.
“I need you to come with me,” I said. “We’re going to visit my closest allies and the other alphas and higher-ups in the packs that have come to Blackwood Creek.”
She reversed her direction without another word. When we reached the car, I opened the passenger door for her, and we drove toward the woods.
“Who will we speak to first?” she asked, looking out the window at the trees whizzing past.
“The Ontario Pack. Might as well get it over and done with.”
We stopped near the edge of the woods, where the Ontario Pack was camped out. I joined Tori at the front of the car, and we walked toward the pack.
“Ridge,” Brett Longtail said as he approached us. “What brings you here?”
“Something’s come up that you need to know about.” My voice was tight with urgency. “The hunters have found a way to do something they call ‘curing shifters’—stripping them of their wolf and their memories. They’re planning to target the entire town.”
Brett’s eyes widened, and skepticism flickered across his face. “Are you out of your mind?” He shook his head. “If missing shifters were resurfacing without their wolves, we’d have heardabout it. That kind of secret doesn’t stay hidden in the shifter world.”
“Think about it, Brett,” I snapped. “The so-called cured shifters probably died while living among humans, with no idea of who they once were. The hunters wipe their memories along with removing the wolf. Do you really think they’d drop off the newly changed shifters anywhere near us or anyone they know?”
Brett stared at me for a moment, his disbelief wavering. “Why would you make something like that up? You’ve got a former shifter here among you who’s going mad and slowly dying.”
“Exactly.” I clenched my fists. “I am telling you this because as annoying as you are, I respect you as a fellow alpha. You deserve to make an informed decision about whether your pack will stay in Blackwood Creek since it’s likely going to be the next target of the hunters.”
For once, instead of acting high and mighty, Brett’s expression softened into something like genuine appreciation.
“Thanks for letting me know.” He rubbed his chin. “The risk is severe, but my pack will stay. We’ve lost so much already, but this is the safest area we’ve found so far. Besides,” Brett added, smirking as he glanced at Tori, “I’m starting to like this quaint little village, and I’m still working on catching the eye of a certain feisty she-wolf.”
Tori rolled her eyes, but moved closer to me and touched my arm. It was a clear indication of who she chose, and both my inner wolf and I wanted to show everyone exactly who she belonged with.
“Good luck with that,” she said playfully as she looked up at me. “I’ve already made my choice.” She turned and coolly addressed Brett. “Listen, you won’t have to be afraid of the hunters coming to town if you try anything with me, because I’ll happily use you as target practice.”
Then, without warning, Tori pulled me close and kissed me. Her hands roamed all over my body, riling up me and especially my wolf. She moaned softly into the kiss, making it last for several long seconds before nipping at my lip.
The crazy woman never glanced back at Brett as she sauntered toward my SUV. Heat emanated off her. We had both made our point. Neither of us paid any further attention to Brett as we left.
Opening the door for Tori, I let her sit and put on the seatbelt before closing the door and getting in on the driver’s side.
