Blackshadow (Kingdom of Wolves #2)

“I am thinking of holding a Beta Challenge. It would have been good if Beta Goldman had stayed, but I understand why he went to be with Alpha Gabriel. He is Beta Goldman’s son and they have always been very close. Something I always envied, I have to admit.”

“Oh, that’s a good idea. Do you have anyone you favor for the position?” Flint enquires.

“Caleb is acting as my Beta at the moment. But I’m thinking he’d make a great second Beta. I just think there may be someone who is a little sharper, stronger and a little quicker witted.” I cringe a little as that makes Caleb sound as though I don’t think he can cut it, but I don’t mean it like that at all. “Damn, I don’t mean that in a bad way. He’s a good fit, and he’s doing one hell of a good job.”

“Don’t beat yourself up. I understand what you are saying. Caleb just needs to be told what to do and when to do it, where an ideal first Beta knows without that direction,” Flint states and I nod as he’s said what I’ve been thinking for the past few weeks.

“Have you been involved in holding challenges such as this?”

“Yes, but it’s been a long time ago. First, watch how the people who are going to compete interact with other pack members. Second, you need a strong and able fighter because your life could depend on that person. Third, they have to show they have the pack’s best interest at heart. The pack comes first, as it does to you as the Alpha. Last, they have to have respect from pack members and be able to give orders without those orders causing offense. Oh, and they have to have a high regard for the mating bond, because they would need to teach a Gamma to look after the Luna once you find her. Remember a Gamma is the male who would put the Luna’s security before anyone else in the pack, even before the Alpha.” Flint rubs his hands together and looks like he’s going to enjoy this challenge.

“Okay, I’ll make sure of all of that. I have my eye on two warriors, one being a she-wolf. I am not going to be one of those Alphas that looks down on our females. They may be smaller, but they are fierce when they are guarding something. Look at them as mothers, they’ll kill anything to protect the pups, so why not the pack?”

Nodding, and with a small lift on the corner of his mouth, Flint replies. “You are going to make one hell of an Alpha, and you have my full support. Remember, you are not your father, and his sins are not your sins. He paid with his life, and you have shown your quality with the changes you have made already, and of who you are. Oh, I notice that damn whipping post has gone. I was delighted to see that when I arrived.”

“I ripped that out as I wanted the pack to see it would never be used again, and they didn’t have to fear me in that way. I’m not saying I won’t punish anyone, but not in that manner. If they needed to have a severe punishment, I would call the council to hand out what happens to them. I feel after what happened here, that would be a good move for the pack in general.”

“I agree, and therefore you are going to be one hell of a good Alpha. Now is there anything else you want to speak to me about?” Flint asks as he leans back in his seat once more.

“Actually, yes there is. I have taken a male into the pack who was a rogue in the Northern Parklands. He has proven himself to be honest, reliable and one hell of a good person. I’ve sent him, along with William, to speak to others in the Parklands who would like to be a member of the pack. These are people who have been rejected and, or banned from packs. From what Brian has told me, many who were around the Parklands where he lived are younger or were born in the Parklands so have no affiliation with any packs past or present.”

Standing, Flint walks over to the window and looks outside before turning around and giving me a serious look, which includes a frown. “I can see what you are saying, but you know that many of these people could be trouble?”

“Obviously, but they have been told they will be here on a trial basis before they can join the pack. They have to prove they are what we need in the pack, and if not we will cut them loose at the end of the trial period. They will be monitored closely by the people they will work alongside. I’m going to make sure they are not wandering around on their own, or having nothing to do. If they cannot bring something to the pack, they won’t be joining. It’s as simple as that.” I remain calm, and let Flint see I’ve given this a considerable amount of thought.

“Okay, I can see where you are coming from and as you’ve lost a few members because of one thing or another, I can understand you want to build the pack numbers. If you are careful to only take people that can add good things to the pack, like a doctor, nurse, carpenter, cook, teacher, warrior or other, then I’m going to stick my neck out and back you on this. But I’m going to be around while they are here, too. You may find other council members will be here too. Just don’t make it obvious you find them annoying, because they can break this idea if you are not careful.” Flint rubs his hands together. “I’m glad I came, as this is going to be very interesting.”

“Now, tell me where the income is coming from?” I surprise Flint by asking.

“Oh,” taking a seat once more, Flint smirks. “Well, the human realm has companies that deal with what is called stocks and shares. Years ago, a large amount was placed in one of these companies. They make money with the money, and it’s created a lot over the years. The income comes to the pack on a monthly basis and the original amount is continually being re-invested, making more money which is in the bank from where you see the payments coming.” Rubbing his forehead, Flint grins. “I don’t know how to explain it, really. Just know that the money is safe and you have a large amount that is always being held, so even if this company stops trading you will have a large balance placed in the account while you either find another company or use it in another way.”

“Can I check out this company?” I ask.

“Yes, all the details you need will be in the safe and under the name Petersfield & Border Trading Co.” Flint replies, and I nod as I’ve seen an envelope in the safe with that name on the front. I’ve just not looked at the envelope as yet.

I wind down the meeting and get us to the dining room to eat before I check on my inner circle and see what they have achieved.

Chapter 7

CONNELL

Turning to look at Flint. “I know it’s early in the morning, so hope you are fresh and will be able to keep up.” I grin, but chuckle when Flint gives me a sour look as he turns into his wolf, Bruno, who is a large brown sable with deep chocolate-colored eyes.

I change into Knight and look over at Noah’s wolf Moses, who is a dark gray with black flecks in his muzzle and chest.

Caleb, of course, is here too and is standing ready in Magnum form, quietly waiting for me to move. Knight gives a slight dip of the head to let Magnum know I’m ready and we start to run.

Knight is enjoying the run and our body is fluid, showing no effort even after an hour of constant movement. Turning, I see Bruno is keeping up without effort and I’m impressed. It seems he is keeping himself fit, although he is on the council. We all presume they sit on their butts all day reading paperwork.

You are doing well, old wolf. Knight playfully taunts Bruno.

I grin as I’m resting in the back of Knight’s mind. I always find pleasure watching through his eyes as he runs and enjoys the freedom our change gives.

Bruno responds. One of these days, pup, I’ll show you who’s an old wolf, and what this old wolf is capable of.

Yeah, of course you will. Knight replies before putting on an extra burst of speed.

It only takes another fifteen minutes before we arrive at Merry’s log cabin, and I’m surprised to see the door open. Changing quickly, I thankfully was wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt this morning. If we have to fight, at least I am in clothing where I can move easily.