Untamed - Book 1

“Jordan, what’s wrong?” I take a seat in front of his desk and take a few deep breaths before beginning.

“What happened when the coven attacked our pack?” His concerned expression quickly morphs into a mixture of confusion and anger.

“Why are you asking? We have told the story to all of you many times over the years.” He is right, they have, but they have told me their version. Today, I come for the truth, the uncensored truth.

“You have told us a version of the events, but I want the truth. I searched the archives and dad, they only targeted the prison, primarily focusing on the interrogation chamber. If they were trying to take down our pack, they would have maximized our casualties, but the pack house was untouched.” He sits back in his chair with his hands clasped lazily in his lap.

“It’s true. They were attempting to rescue one of their own. Your grandfather had found her in the forest, on our pack lands. She was his mate, but such a pairing would have been a stain on our tree. Our lineage would have been tainted. He took her, held her, tortured her for information. When they came for her, they had used non-lethal methods until your grandfather had cornered one of their witches and tore her throat out. They banded together and their leader, a very powerful woman, began raining hellfire down on our people. She killed dozens of our men in a matter of minutes, but your grandfather was able to take her down. With her death, the others quickly fell. We won the fight, but the were council thought it would be best if the reason for the battle was amended. Your grandfather went against the goddess by hurting his mate and it would have caused our people to rebel, to turn on him. We hid the truth to maintain peace among our people.” I can hear how much he hopes I will believe him, agree with him. All I can feel is betrayal.

“So, you have lied to our people for more than a century to save face? You have forced our people to feel hatred for an entire race just so they would continue to follow you blindly?” He leans forward, his eyes scanning me for some unknown sign.

“Why are you suddenly interested in something that happened so long ago? Is it that damn witch?” I slam my fist down on his desk, the thick wood groaning in protest beneath my hand.

“Her name is Cora and I am asking because nothing was adding up, but now I see why. Our people hate her because of the lies you and my grandfather told.” I can see how angry he is by my accusation, but he takes a deep breath and sits back in his chair.

“Does this have anything to do with you and Lady Laurent?” I chuckle, not from amusement, but from a mixture of anger and irritation.

“No, but I am fairly certain the ritual won’t work. She has been refusing to follow Cora’s instructions and without it, we will not be able to form a strong enough bond. Don’t get me wrong, not being mated to her would be a blessing, but if it is what is necessary for our people, then the least she could do is attempt to seem even remotely interested.” He smirks, knowing he dislikes the Laurent’s as much as I do.

“If we had another option, I would gladly accept it, son. The council is determined to enforce their laws, so without Laurent, we have no options.” I sigh out my frustration, knowing he is right.

“This witch, Cora, do you think she can pull this off?” I run a hand over my face and slouch down in the chair.

“If anyone can, it would be Cora. Dad, what do you know about hybrids? I was trying to find information in the archives, but there is little to nothing there.” His eyes grow wide and his body stiffens.

“What made you curious bout such a thing?” I had expected him to ask and hopefully my cover will be enough to throw him off.

“Danny and I were talking about how cool it would be to have the abilities of our wolf and the abilities of a witch, but he said it is something that is unheard of.” I chuckle, trying to act amused by the nonexistent conversation.

“There have been no reported hybrids in more than 300 years. From what I read when I was younger, they were hunted down and exterminated, deemed too dangerous to exist among the rest of us. It is one of the few things that the witches, wolves and vampires all agreed on. Perhaps we all would have been better off with them running things. Hybrids were a gift from the gods and goddess, a gift that we all took part in eradicating. Considering the rarity of a wolf having been mated to a witch or a vampire, we should have seen it for what it was. Instead, we saw it as a threat to our way of life. We are all foolish creatures.” I can see his mind wandering, lost in the sea of thoughts and memories before growing stern.

“What if they still exist?” He smiles, a pained smile filled with hopelessness.

“Then they would have to be hidden away from the world that would seek to eliminate the threat of their existence. Son, if you do not wish to mate with Laurent, I will understand. You can step down and I will resume my role as alpha.” I can’t help the mixed feeling of relief and confusion at his offer.

“I can’t let you do that. What is going to happen if Cora can’t create a bond? If Laurent screws it all up?” He smiles, a genuine smile.

“If it fails because she does not uphold her end, then the arrangement is forfeit. Her father had agreed to assure the mating by whatever means possible.” I smile, catching on quickly to what he is suggesting.

“So, I should allow her to continue to be defiant.” My father nods his head, his smile never faltering.

“You keep pushing forward, son. I will support you regardless and our pack will endure.” I get up from the chair, nodding my understanding before leaving his study. I feel lighter knowing that my father supports me and even more so knowing that he is as thrilled about the arrangement as I am.