Blackshadow (Kingdom of Wolves #2)

Baildon shifts to human form and rubs his hand over my head. “Stay as Briar and if you need to run, then run, I will meet with you back at the Northern Parklands.”

Chapter 10

CONNELL

Today we have the rogues from the Northern Parklands coming, and I’m hoping they are amenable to joining the pack. I know Flint is interested in meeting the rogues too, and is just as open-minded as I am about them becoming new pack members, and bringing skills we can incorporate.

Walking through to the kitchen, I feel the difference in the room. The atmosphere is usually heavy in here, but without Dahlia it feels light, and I pause as I hear the talking and laughter.

Evangeline is working alongside the other pack members at the counters and sinks, and to my surprise, has a smile on her face. Now this she-wolf is usually as sour as Dahlia, but maybe the change of the person in charge is going to have a positive effect on the people working in the kitchen in a big way.

Stepping further into the kitchen, the talking and laughing cease, and Nessie, Isla and Nora turn to look at what has caused Evangeline and Betina to quieten.

“Is everything okay in here, Nessie?” I ask.

“Yes, everything is wonderful, Alpha Connell. We have been cleaning cabinets, and the pantry and organizing this morning. We won’t be late getting things out for the visitors later for lunch,” Nessie quickly tells me, but I notice she looks nervous.

“That is great. Nothing fancy is needed. The visitors will more than likely eat whatever you put in front of them.”

Giving me a dip of her head, Nessie continues speaking to me. “We are making a hearty soup, bread and an assortment of sandwiches.”

“Good. That sounds nice. I’ll have some of the soup. I just love soup and to dip the bread.” I can see they are all trying not to react with giggles, but Isla can’t hold hers back and when the giggle bursts forth she slams her hand over her mouth. I want to maintain a lighter feeling between pack members and myself so I throw my head back and laugh along with her, which has everyone laughing.

Turning when the kitchen door opens, I smirk at Flint, who has raised eyebrows at the laughter he’s just walked in on. “What’s going on in here?” He grins.

“Well, I love my soup and dipping the bread into it, hmm mmm,” I state, rubbing my stomach to make a show of it.

“Soup you say, well I’ll have some of that too,” Flint grins.

“You’ll all get soup and whatever we place out. Now, shoo,” Nessie says with a huge smile on her face, and I’ve got to admit it has me feeling good seeing it.

Visiting the garden and orchard, I hold the smile back when I see Dahlia covered in soil, hair astray and rosy cheeks with the effort she must put into the chore she is doing.

I notice Silas walking out of the potting shed so make my way over to him. “Silas, how are things doing here?”

“Good. I have seeds planted, and the greenhouse is nearly ready. I’ve also cleaned all the equipment and have it hanging in the shed ready for use. Bladrick, Noah and William have been great. They’ve worked hard, and we have made considerable headway.”

“That is good to hear. As a pack, we need to pull together, learn to trust each other, and work for the benefit of all,” speaking more to myself than to Silas.

“I still have the herb garden to work on. I’m not sure all that would be used if I grow it, but I’ll make a list and see if I can find anyone that knows more about herbs than I do.” Silas rubs his chin with this thumb and forefinger, frowning while deep in thought.

“We’ll work it out, Silas, don’t worry. You have a lot of work going on in the orchard still, so concentrate on that for now.” Gripping his shoulder, I give it a squeeze, then head back inside to my office, where I’ll look at the plans for the Lodge and what we are going to do with it.

Lunch came around quickly, and I place all the paperwork on my desk away in the top drawer before heading outside where Caleb has mind-linked to inform me that the Northern Parklands rogues have arrived.

At the front of the packhouse, I smile at the few shifters that are standing in front of me. Six she-wolves and seven males. Nice number, I’m thinking to myself. We could have welcomed more, but I’d rather have a few that have genuine interest than more who are just staking the pack out.

Bladrick, along with three patrol warriors have walked the rogues to the packhouse, keeping them from wandering around the territory. I give them a small nod of thanks, then quickly speak to the newcomers.

“Welcome to the Blackshadow Pack. I’m Alpha Connell. Please follow me to the tables and seating area you can see on the lawn. We’ll have something to eat while we ask and answer questions.” Leading them over to the tables where the kitchen staff are placing platters of sandwiches, bread, and the large pot of soup.

Knight is hopping about in my mind and giddy with excitement. It’s distracting, so I quickly snap at him.

‘Calm down, I can’t think with you acting like that.’ I cut the contact with Knight and block him so he doesn’t interfere with what I’m doing. But I find myself rubbing my hand over my heart while it’s beating far faster than is normal.

Two of the she-wolves have changed into their wolves, and are staying near the edge of the others. One of the males is speaking quietly to one while squatting in front of her, stroking her head.

Taking a step towards the three of them, I’m feeling agitated that he is touching her, which makes no sense, as I don’t know who she is.