Blackshadow (Kingdom of Wolves #2)

Chapter 4

CONNELL

The hair on my arms rose as soon as I opened the journal this morning. It’s peculiar to think that the words I write now will be read by future generations.

Placing pen to paper, I write:

First entry, Alpha Connell Torrance.

The pack property has been badly neglected by the prior Alpha, and all efforts are being made to bring the pack grounds to its former glory and use. By use, I mean the vegetable garden and orchard are being revived to produce fresh and healthy food for the pack. Any surplus fruit or vegetables we’ll place for sale in the town of the Wolfsfoot Pack.

Prior mentioned ‘Whipping Post’ brought to the pack by Alpha Torrance [Deceased] has been removed, and I am stating here as clearly as I can, ‘NEVER, reintroduce the archaic practice of whipping pack members.’ If I only ever achieve the removal of the said post then I feel I’ve accomplished the protection of my pack.

Many years ago, Alpha Horatio Winterstorm wrote in this journal that he held a challenge for his Beta position. I will hold said challenge for mine as well. The position is vacant because of Beta Carter Goldman leaving the pack to follow his son Gabriel Goldman, now Alpha of the Wolfsfoot Pack, along with his mate, Tatiana Winterstorm.

Under consideration at this time is where to find new pack members. The pack has had many pack members leave because of the behavior of the last Alpha, leaving the pack depleted and in need of growth. I will give more information as I know what is going to happen in the future. I am, however, looking at the Northern Parklands.

Signed—Alpha Connell

Placing the journal into the safe, I feel more than thankful my father is no longer around. It’s a sad thing when you do not regret a parent’s death, but he was past being feral and had been a danger to the pack for a long time.

I wish my pack to remember me as a great Alpha, and I’m starting as I mean to go on. All the crap I pulled growing up and following orders, and the Alpha-commanded orders I’m putting behind me. I’ll prove to each and every one of the pack members, I’m a good man, and I’ll do what is best for us all.

Picking up my phone from the corner of the desk, I scroll through my contacts and find Alpha Lyle of the Spirit Walker Pack. Pressing the call button, I lean back in my seat and wait.

“Hello, Alpha Lyle speaking.”

“Hello, this is Alpha Connell. I wanted to have a quick catch-up call with you regarding the rogue issue from no-man’s-land. Have you had any other problems since we last spoke?” I quickly ask, because I really am not one to hang around talking for the sake of it.

“Alpha Connell, we had one smaller altercation, but turned them back easily. I think it was them testing our patrol because they didn’t push, and retreated quickly.”

“Interesting. We have had no issue but if you need to call on us, we will respond quickly. The pack is smaller because of Alpha Torrance, my father and his behavior, but I’ve plans to bring in new members. I’m hoping I’ll find more warriors and that way if you need backup, I’ll have more to send.”

Alpha Lyle sighs, “I hope it doesn’t come to it, but I can’t see these rogues stepping back long term. We all heard they had a leader who had a mate, but I’ve heard rumors of them having an Alpha ruling them as a pack now. How true that is, I don’t know, but it’s worth us being aware.”

“Shit, that’s not good. But if the last leader had a mate, and now this one has taken over, it means they are dead, have taken a Beta position, or the leader was an Alpha all along and we didn’t know it.” Thinking aloud is what I’m doing, but I jump a little when I get a response.

“Exactly. All we can do is watch, and hope we catch some rogues to find out what the heck is going on across in no-man’s-land.”

“If you need us, give a shout out.”

“Thanks Alpha Connell.”

“Why don’t you just call me Connell because all this Alpha business between us is long winded, isn’t it?” chuckling as I throw that out.

“Okay Connell. You call me Lyle too.” Hearing someone shout his name, he quickly speaks again, “Sorry, I have to go, but I’ll see you at the council meeting.”

“You will, take care.” I hit the end call button and place my phone down on the desk once more. I’m relieved his pack has had no major incidences with the rogues, but something is brewing. It’s just none of us know what at this point in time.

‘Do you fancy a run, Knight?’

I’m always up for a run. Where do you want to go?

‘How about we check the patrol warriors? Let them see we are interested enough to get out and patrol with them for a few hours?’

Good idea. Let’s go.

After mind linking Caleb, I meet him out front and change into Knight, who is a large wolf, dark gray, with a white patch on his forehead. His undercoat is a darker gray, nearly black. Knight’s eyes are a darker brown than my own and have a fleck of silver if you look close enough.