Blackshadow (Kingdom of Wolves #2)

“Come on, let’s lend a hand.” I give a feral grin before throwing myself over the border to the shock of the rogues who try to run, but we soon overrun them and rip them apart.

Covered in blood, I turn to look at Flint, who has stepped to my side. “This rogue issue is becoming a major worry. The Spirit Walker Pack is getting more trouble from them and I think I need to speak to the council about having extra warriors from each pack rotating to help ease the problem.”

Alpha Lyle had appeared and is throwing bodies into a pile. “Burn them all!” I hear him shout at his patrol warriors and they get to work as he walks our way.

“Thank you for coming to our aid.”

“No problem, I already told you if we can help, we will. This rogue problem is growing, and you shouldn’t have to shoulder it all yourself,” I respond.

“How many attacks have you had lately?” Flint asks.

“We’ve had one a month for three months. Killing them doesn’t seem to make a difference. The numbers are always around thirty and we are leaving none alive. That tells us all that this pack of rogues has grown, but where are they all coming from?” Alpha Lyle looks around where his pack is burning the bodies, but all of them look sick of the situation.

“I’m going to contact the council and speak to them about getting you extra warriors. The other packs need to step up and assist. Alpha Connell, thank you for responding so fast with your help. Alpha Lyle has Alpha Aurora given you any assistance?” Flint looks worried, but I remain quiet.

“No, we have had no help from the Blood Pearl Pack. As far as I know they have had no attacks. All so far have been aimed at the Spirit Walker Pack. It’s as though they want to weaken us.”

“If they take your pack, that puts them between Blood Pearl and Blackshadow Packs, but also in front of the Wolfsfoot Pack. It’s a way in to stop us from banding together because if they take you, then we all have to protect a border of our own. I think all effort should be given in helping Spirit Walker Pack remain strong and impenetrable.” I look around and my pack members, apart from Caleb, have stepped back into our pack lands but are watching closely to what is happening.

“We will be okay for now, but any help would be appreciated.” Alpha Lyle gives a nod and walks away to speak and help his pack members. Flint, Caleb and I head back to Blackshadow Pack territory.

After a shower and clean up I hear my stomach rumble and know it’s got to be time to eat. Rushing downstairs to the dining room I can’t help but notice the few pack members here already are looking nervous. Then I hear shouting from the kitchen. Fisting my hands, I make my way over to the kitchen and push the door open. Stepping inside I watch Dahlia shouting at a young pack member who is shaking whilst standing by the counter.

“HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I TOLD YOU TO CLEAN UP FASTER. YOU ARE A LAZY GOOD FOR NOTHING…” Dahlia is screaming, but I’ve had enough.

“Dahlia, you are to remove yourself from the kitchen immediately. Go to my office and wait for me.” I don’t raise my voice, but I pulse my alpha power outward so she knows she has no option but to obey.

“Are you alright?” I ask, and the young member gives me a nod but doesn’t lift her head to look at me. “Who is the next in charge of the kitchen after Dahlia?”

“Nessie.”

“Thank you. Would you find her, and ask her to come and see me in my office, please?” I keep my voice gentle because it’s easy to see this young member is cowed by whatever has been happening in the kitchen.

I watch her dash out of the kitchen. The two other pack members are trying not to look like they are gawping at what’s happened but they snap their mouths closed and continue placing food into the serving dishes.

“Can you continue alone with kitchen duties for the moment?” I ask, again keeping my voice light.

“Yes, Alpha Connell,” they both reply quickly.

“Thank you,” giving them a bright smile, which has them blushing as I walk out of the kitchen and toward my office.

‘Silas, come to my office immediately.’

‘On my way, Alpha Connell.’

Stepping into the office, I give Dahlia a foul look as I take my seat. Taking a step towards a chair before being invited, I snap. “Do not sit. You stand there and be quiet until I speak to you.”

Dahlia swallows hard and if it wasn’t so serious, I would laugh at the sound it made and the panic in her eyes.

Tapping on the office door before it slowly opens on my command, ‘Enter’, and Nessie steps inside along with Silas behind her.

“I’ve called all three of you here, as I have something serious to speak to you about. First, Dahlia will no longer work in the kitchen, or have any position of power. She is now to be known as an omega of the pack, and will work with you Silas in the garden. Put her to good use and make sure she learns the lesson of humility, hard work and patience.” Silas grins and I know he’ll make sure Dahlia works and learns. He has an uncanny way of knowing about all the pack members. I’m not sure if he’s nosey or has a gift. “Second, Nessie, you will take over Dahlia’s responsibilities, and I don’t want to see or hear any reports that you treat the pack members in your charge, with anything other than respect and kindness.”

Nessie’s eyes fly to Dahlia before coming back to me. She gives me a big warm smile before nodding and replying. “Of course, Alpha Connell.”

“Okay, Silas report to me at the end of the first week with Dahlia.” I look at Dahlia, who is about ready to either throw a tantrum or cry her eyes out, but I don’t let it affect me. “Dahlia, if you don’t change your ways, I will banish you from the pack. The last Alpha may have allowed this type of behavior, but I will not. Now you work hard with Silas and mend your ways.”

Dahlia again swallows hard before she answers, “Yes, Alpha Connell.”