Blackshadow (Kingdom of Wolves #2)

“Dismissed,” I state and watch as Nessie, then Dahlia, leaves the office. As Silas leaves, he at the last-minute turns and gives me a dramatic wink along with the largest smirk I’ve ever witnessed.

Chapter 8

FLINT

Sitting with a bottle of water in one hand, I lean back on the bench and watch Silas, Dahlia, and a few other pack members in the garden. The greenhouse and the potting shed are erected. The equipment shed is being built now by two pack members I have not met before. They are working carefully and checking that it’s being built right by looking at the paperwork on how to erect the thing.

Dahlia has a face on that would rival a dwarf in the stories of old, scrunched up and all frown lines. I can’t help the laugh I’m holding inwardly. Alpha Connell sorted out that situation quickly and with no damn need for a whipping post.

My eyes take on a faraway look as I consider what I’ve witnessed in the last two days while I have been here. Alpha Connell has grown into himself, and his status is far better than I expected. He is going to be one heck of a good Alpha. I hope he finds his Luna and soon so he can settle even more into the position, and find some peace in his soul after what he witnessed from his father.

I don’t think anyone will know the full extent of the cruelty Alpha Torrance handed out to his pack and his son. I’ve heard some things, but nothing will ever be proven now. But I will watch Alpha Connell and if he needs help, I’m more than happy to step up and give him that help.

He is nothing like his father at all, and the Alpha power which turned his father into a madman is thankfully not affecting Alpha Connell. He is truly an alpha in his own right, and the heritage he has from his mother will stand him in good stead.

Alpha Lyle is holding up well with his pack. He’s a damn good leader, too. He trains hard with them all, never allows them to do anything that he doesn’t, or hasn’t done himself. His father, who is now a council member, taught him well and I know he is more than a little proud of his son.

He does, however, need help, and I’m going to contact the council members and get something organized, even if I must travel to every pack to get that help.

I’m sure that Spirit Walker Pack is being targeted so the rogues can make a dent in the defense of the other packs. I am surprised that Alpha Aurora hasn’t offered help, but she’ll be shocked when I turn up and give her a dressing down for her negligence. She should know better than sitting on her butt doing nothing and it has me wondering if something is going on with her pack she’s not informing the council of.

Alpha Gabriel has his pack organized, and as it is the town for everyone around here too, he has done a good job keeping pack issues separate from the stores that are trading. Luna Tatiana is one heck of a good Luna. She supports her mate in such a way nobody would deny they are anything but in love and true mates.

I have no worries about the Wolfsfoot Pack, but I need to ask if they have pack warriors we can allow Alpha Lyle to use. I know that the two packs are more than a little friendly, and I’m sure that help will be forthcoming.

I’m looking forward to seeing what develops tomorrow when the rogues from the Northern Parklands arrive. Speaking to the other council members, they were shocked but agreed that if Alpha Connell could bring them into the Blackshadow Pack, it would be good for everyone concerned.

The Northern Parklands runs alongside the Shifter Council territory, and we have never had any issues from them. We know many are banished members or are offspring from banished members. Some of them didn’t deserve the fate that was thrown at them, but thankfully the older generation of Alpha has now gone and the new generation is more understanding and deals with issues in a more humane manner.

Last evening in my room, I spent three hours in a telephone meeting with other council members. I’m thankful I’ve not had to travel back and forth as we used to years ago.

Merry was happy to hear that her cabin could be used as a resting place for the patrol warriors but asked that Silas move the herbs to the kitchen garden when I informed her of the garden and orchard being restored.

Councilman Roman Walker offered to travel and speak with the pack alphas, and after agreement he will speak to them and report back to the council. We will need to know their stance on helping Spirit Walker Pack, and Alpha Lyle’s position with the rogues from no-man’s-land.

That saves me some time, but I will still speak to them as I know that I can throw my weight around somewhat. I can also mention invitations to the Blackshadow ball if I need to, and the fact they may not get any invitations.

I will contact the other areas and see if any wolf shifters they have living amongst them want to attend. It’s an ideal time for them to find their mate, but I know it may not be something they want. It is their choice, and I can only offer the opportunity on behalf of Alpha Connell.

“Move your ass, Dahlia. I want that herb area cleared before lunchtime.” Glancing over, I see that Dahlia is sitting in the middle of the patch they cleared for herbs, and she’s covered in dirt, looking more than a little disheveled. I’m sure she’ll lose some of her weight with all the exercise she’s now doing. But I have to admit I like a she-wolf with meat on her bones, but because it’s natural, and not because she’s lazy.

Dahlia lost her mate quite a few years ago, and since then she’s had a miserable aura about her. I can understand her loss as I lost my mate a long time ago too, but you cannot allow your life to stop because of it. Although I didn’t know Dahlia’s mate, I’m sure he wouldn’t want her to be as she is.

Hearing my name, I turn and see Alpha Connell walking over to me. I give him a questioning look, and he smirks as he takes a seat beside me.

“Are you having a lazy moment?”

“Oh funny! I was taking stock of what I had to do, where I had to go, and who I needed to speak with.”

“Ah, well, come and have some lunch. It’s sausage with mashed potato and onion gravy. I’ll tell you, it’s better than the damn sandwich Dahlia fed us every day.”

“Lead on.” I grin and follow Alpha Connell into the dining room, which smells heavenly.

After lunch, I roll my sleeves up and work beside Alpha Connell and others to cut hedges and clean up areas around the packhouse. Each of the pack members helping are eager and more than happy to be working alongside their Alpha. I know the pack is going to survive and flourish. It’s easy to see, and it’s more than a little heartwarming.

Chapter 9

HOPE