Intuition

Explain. Flint’s wolf stared at the Alpha across from him.

Trouble, Dolan. You’re in over your head. Noah answered in a knowing tone.

How so? He replied.

You changed things on the mountain without the input of the other Alphas. He replied calmly.

We are aware of that much. Flint nodded.

Jay approached the pair in the form of a large, dark wolf. The glow in his cyan blue eyes reminded Flint of his mate, making the other Alpha instantly recognizable to him. Daniel jogged up to the group a few moments later, even his wolf carried a disgruntled air. Noah waited until all four of them stood in circle to begin speaking.

This summit was called by Alpha Daniel. He should begin. The SilverCrest Alpha stated.

The time to discuss the HillCreek treaty came and went. The aftermath has cost the lives of four NorthWood members. Something must be done. Daniel explained in a flat tone.

What do you suggest be done? Jay asked with furrowed brows.

To begin, StarLight should be restricted from holding the Call in their territory. He replied.

How would that aid NorthWood? Flint asked sternly.

By attending an event on StarLight territory, it would make it look like we agree to your treaty. We do not. Daniel replied hastily.

Watch your tone. The StarLight Alpha growled.

Noah growled in a deep tone, signing his displeasure. Flint and Daniel glanced at him before retaking their seats in the snow.

The Calling is already set this year. Our packs have already accepted the invitation. Jay broke the tension. NorthWood doesn’t come, it effects everyone.

Taking our pack to GreenTree, to StarLight territory at all, will incense the enemies we have to attack. We will not do such a thing. Daniel responded.

The rogue problems of your pack haven’t been forgotten. Flint interjected. We are prepared to do all that we can to aid you in defending yourselves.

How do you plan on doing that? Got another random treaty you and your Luna want to force on the mountain? He snapped.

The Alphas stepped toward each other quickly. In an instant; they were circling one another, exposing their teeth. Jay thought to step in but he was curious as to what would happen next. The howl of Noah seemed to pause the conflict. Being in SilverCrest territory meant obeying the rules of their pack.

Noah spoke for all of his wolves, as did the other Alphas. Going against his will would mean they were all in for a disastrous exit. Not to mention the respect they all held for the oldest Alpha on the mountain. There was a lot to be said for maintaining control of the most animalistic pack on the range for so long.

Enough. Noah growled once he had their attention.

The treaty happened quickly. We admit that. The pack was dealing with a direct threat during the signing. The oversight made in not consulting the other packs was no small one. Flint eventually swallowed his pride enough to speak.

He backed away from Daniel and spoke to the others as well. He held his chin high, displaying his power for those around him. Flint had learned much from his Father, but this was something he learned much later. The ability to admit one’s own mistakes was a strength Elijah never possessed.

We recognize that once the treaty was signed, the remaining rogues in the valley weren’t tended to. StarLight’s war against said threat took a dramatic turn just after the signing. The pack had more to deal with at the time, as did we as their Alpha. Flint tried to explain the reasons behind his actions.

HillCreek is already a pack that has relocated away from all of us. The treaty is done. All there is to do now, is move forward. I have a plan for that. He finished his speech, awaiting a reaction from is peers.

What plans?! Daniel snarled in annoyance.

He admitted fault but the results are the same. Noah again drew everyone’s attention. What plans do you have, Dolan?

In an interrogation of a rogue leader, we learned who is behind the attacks on NorthWood. Flint negated the fact that he’d had this information for some time.

Are you suggesting all four of our warriors were killed by one, singular rogue? Daniel scoffed.

No. We are saying that one rogue is commanding the others. Strategizing their attacks against you. The wolf lifted his chin confidently.

What proof do you have of this, beyond the claims of your enemy? Noah asked.

Our enemy claimed she would do exactly as he did to StarLight. This is how it began. Flint replied. Not just my enemy. Several rogues have named their leader.

What name? Daniel growled.

Sarah Becker. He answered in the same tone.

Recognition flashed through the wolf’s eyes. Flint nodded as if to tell him he was correct in seeing a personal vendetta toward himself. When Bastian was in custody, he had said Sarah wanted her old Alpha dead. Denise said something similar before her own death.

Becker... I know her. Daniel acknowledged.

StarLight has considerable resources among the rogues in the valley. We could find her. He met the wolf’s gaze.

So can we. He replied quickly.

If Starlight finds Sarah Becker before you, in a reasonable amount of time, would you agree to come to the Call? Jay probed.

How much time? It would take a month to organize my pack for the journey. Daniel grunted in frustration.

Two weeks. Noah stated.

That leaves you three weeks to mobilize your pack. Jay interjected.

Flint’s wolf restrained the annoyed growl rising in his chest. He nodded shortly, realizing this may be as good a comprise as he could find. The human part of him wanted him to explain more to get more time, but the wolf ignored him.

We stop here. Noah stood. There is more to discuss. We will meet again tonight.

Daniel was clearly frustrated. He ran off into the woods to spend some energy. Jay nodded and glanced at Flint. The large white wolf lifted his chin in a gesture for him to go.

I need to talk to you about another matter. Flint's wolf stated as Jay disappeared from sight.

I thought I sensed something. What? Noah replied shortly.

This isn't pack business. It's more personal. He answered.

The older Alpha turned to face him curiously. It wasn't often that the humanized packs came to SilverCrest for anything other than required business. He, too, had some questions for Flint. So, he awaited an explanation.

Do you know anything about the Alpha power as it grows each generation? He asked.

Your Luna is pregnant. She can't hold the power. Noah realized immediately what was happening.

She is handling it. For now. Flint growled in frustration.

If she isn't strong enough to hold the power, she's already dead. The Alpha's response seemed to pierced the quiet of forest, and Flint's chest along with it.