by Cheree Alsop
Jordan nodded at her fiancé’s side.
Alex shook his head. “I’m not, and I’m not a good leader.”
“We’re still alive because of you.”
Silence filled the room after Tennison’s response. Alex let out a slow breath.
“I could argue that,” he finally said.
“But you’d be wrong,” Trent replied. “As your Second—”
Alex stared at him. “You’re my Second now?”
“Of course,” Trent told him. “I handle the details you don’t have time for; I make sure someone covers for you when you’re gone.” He gave Alex a straight look. “Like when you took off gallivanting with Mr. O’Hare without letting anyone know where you’d gone.”
“I wasn’t gallivanting,” Alex sputtered. “What does that even mean? I was forced to go with him and…” Alex shook his head with a huff. “That’s beside the point! I shouldn’t have a Second because I’m not an Alpha!”
“You are,” Trent replied.
Alex didn’t know whether to punch something or jump through a window. He felt as though the werewolves looking to him to be their leader had no idea how unworthy he was to lead them. He could barely keep his own thoughts under control, much less meet the needs of seven other students who watched him with matching smiles as though they had already known the outburst he would make at their decision.
“Alex.”
He turned at the gentle touch to his arm. Siale’s gaze was soft and understanding. It took some of the frustration from him just to see it.
“Yes?” he asked quietly.
The little furrow formed between her eyebrows. “You need us, Alex.”
Her words were completely different than what he had expected.
“I need you,” he repeated with a hint of confusion.
Siale nodded and a slight smile turned the corners of her lips. “Werewolves need Alphas, and Alphas need their pack. You chose to be a lone wolf, but no werewolf is meant to be alone. A pack brings support, love, and stability.”
She held his gaze. He felt in that moment like they were completely alone. The instinctual part of him still tracked the werewolf students who watched them, but for the human side of him, everything else fell away. He held onto Siale’s words because he felt how much he needed them.
“Alex, you’ve done so much for all of us and for this school, and we know that the things you’ve had to do have scarred you.”
Alex felt laid bare as if her words took away his clothes, his skin, and exposed the marks on his soul that he carried from his encounters with the General, with Drogan, and in his rescues. He dropped his gaze, ashamed of how weak the scars made him.
“Alex,” Siale said softly. When he didn’t look up, she continued, “Someone once told me that my scars were beautiful because it meant I survived.”
Alex’s eyes burned when he looked back at her. “Yes,” he said, his voice rough through his tight throat. “But I think I’m past the point of beautiful. Sanity doesn’t feel like my strength anymore.”
Siale set a hand on his cheek. He closed his eyes, concentrating on her touch.
“That’s why we’re here,” she said just above a whisper.
The silence that settled around them was filled with the breaths of the pack that had chosen him. Alex felt unworthy to be their leader, but they wouldn’t leave. He didn’t know what to do or how to face them.
“In the wild, wolves don’t choose the flashy new young wolf to lead them,” Cassie said from somewhere behind her brother.
Tennison spoke up when she stopped. “They choose the grizzled, scarred veteran wolf who knows how to protect them.”
“Nobody wants a leader that hasn’t been proven,” Von said.
“Yeah,” Terith echoed. “The point of leading is using what you’ve learned in your experiences to protect those who look to you for guidance.”
Alex turned around to face them. He asked the question that bothered him the most. “But what if I can’t lead?”
“You already have,” Trent said.
Tennison nodded. “You’ve led this entire school, Alex. We fought against Drogan’s men together, survived the mutants, and you’ve led our pack numerous times on Jaze’s missions. You lead all the time.”
Alex fought back a smile at the werewolf’s encouraging tone. “It’s a lot easier when there’s a mission to follow.” He waved a hand to indicate the room. “It’s this that I’m not good at, the everyday, making sure everyone’s needs are met stuff.”
“That’s why you have such a good Second,” Trent pointed out.
Jordan smiled from his side. “Yeah, and why you have a pack that can take care of itself. We picked an independent Alpha because we’re self-sufficient. You don’t need to walk us through our homework or anything.”
Everyone laughed at the thought. Alex had barely squeaked by the last several terms by studying Trent’s notes well past midnight for weeks and weeks. The little werewolf was the sole reason Alex had made it to his senior year. His best friend had been looking out for him ever since their very first term at the Academy.
He looked at Trent. “You’ve been my Second since we started here, haven’t you?”
A light of pride appeared in the smaller werewolf’s gaze. He lifted his shoulders in his usual shrug, but the same pride could be heard in his voice when he replied, “Someone had to help you survive the boring stuff.”
Alex made up his mind. He held out a hand. “Welcome to Pack Alex. Will you be my official Second?”
Trent stared at Alex. He shook his friend’s hand with a look of awe as though he hadn’t actually expected their argument to work. “Yes, I will,” he said, his eyes wide.
The other werewolf students laughed at his expression.
Alex grinned. “Thank you.” He looked around at the rest of his new pack. “And thank you for giving me a chance. I’ll try my best.”
“You already do,” Siale said.
Now Alex sat up, careful not to disturb his fiancé as she slept beside him on the couch. Despite his insistence that everyone pick a room in his quarters, they had all come back to sleep on the floor of the main room again. He couldn’t help the smile that crossed his face at the still forms on the floor. The sound of steady breathing and a few snores from Von’s corner filled the air.
Another chill ran across his skin. At that same moment, the watch Trent never took off his wrist buzzed. The small werewolf’s eyes flew open and he glanced at the screen.
“Alex?” he whispered.
“I’m up,” Alex replied. He climbed off the couch.
“Is everything okay?” Siale asked sleepily.
“I’ll find out and let you know,” Alex told her.
He followed Trent to the panel and stepped inside.
“What do you know?” he asked when they were far enough away from the others so as not to wake them.
“They found another lab and there’s a chance Drogan’s there.”
Alex paused. “Why aren’t we waking the others?”
“I’m not sure,” Trent said. His watched buzzed again. He glanced at it and his eyes widened. “Nikki just went into labor.”
Both boys took off down the tunnel into the darkness. Instead of turning to the Wolf Den, they took the branch for the medical ward. A few seconds later, the panel for the medical wing opened and they stepped through.
All of the professors already lined the halls. Vance gave Alex a nod while Gem smiled at them, her short blue hair askew at the late hour. Her hand strayed to her own noticeable belly. Colleen and Rafe sat in the chairs at the end of the hallway next to Mouse. It was one of the few times Alex could remember seeing Rafe within the Academy walls. The thought sent a thrum of worry through him.
“Is Nikki alright?” he asked Brock.
The human ran a hand through his messy brown hair in an effort to straighten it. His hair refused to obey. “I’m not sure. They’ve been rushing in and out. The last thing your mom said is th
at the umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck.”
Ice ran through Alex’s veins. He wanted to go inside the operating room, but knew better. He was about to ask Gem what would happen to the baby when Jaze came out.
All eyes looked at him hopefully, but Jaze motioned only to Alex. Alex’s heart was tight as he followed the dean down the hallway to the small waiting area set aside for the nurses. Jaze leaned against the nearest couch looking more exhausted than Alex could ever remember seeing him.
“Alex, I need your help.”
“Anything,” Alex said immediately.
“We need to hit Drogan’s lab, but I’ve got to stay here with Nikki and the baby. You need to lead the team.”
Alex stared at the dean. “What about Chet or Vance? Surely there’s someone more qualified—”
Jaze shook his head. “You know Drogan, and you know what it takes to get everyone out of there alive. I need someone I can trust to lead my team. Can I count on you?”
Alex wanted to say no. He wanted to tell Jaze that there were so many other werewolves who should be entrusted before him. But Alex took another look at the dean who had been a father figure for most of his life. Instead of the strong, determined leader of the Academy, he saw a father worried for his wife and unborn child; instead of the man who had taught him to fight like Jet, he saw his brother’s best friend pleading for a favor from someone he had never let down. Alex drew in a small breath and nodded.
“You can count on me.”
Jaze gave him a tired smile. “I knew I could.” He stood, his shoulders a bit straighter. “Brock will keep me posted on your progress. Be careful.”
“I will,” Alex promised.
He followed Jaze back up the hallway. The dean disappeared into the operating room without another word. All eyes shifted to Alex. Trent already stood by the panel waiting for Alex’s orders. Alex realized then why all of the professors were there. Many waited to see how Nikki and the baby were, but the others were Jaze’s team wondering if Alex would be able to take on the role of his mentor.
“Never stop fighting,” Alex whispered. He squared his shoulders and met Trent’s gaze. “Wake the others. We have a mission to accomplish.”
Trent nodded with a grin and disappeared back inside the hidden passage.
“What’s the plan?” Professor Chet asked.
Alex looked at his combat instructor. “If Drogan’s there, he’ll be protected. We need to make sure everyone is prepared for a firefight.”
“Got it,” Chet said. The Alpha motioned to Vance and Dray. The werewolves ducked inside the passage.
“Mouse,” Alex began.
The little werewolf cut him off. When Alex looked down at the little professor, he was surprised to see the older werewolf drop his gaze the way he did whenever he addressed an Alpha.
“I would prefer to stay with Jaze in case they need help with the delivery,” Mouse asked with his eyes on the floor.
Caught off-guard, Alex didn’t know what to say. His gaze flickered to Brock. The human nodded encouragingly.
“Alright,” Alex replied. “Trent can fly the chopper. I’d appreciate it if you’d keep Jaze posted of what’s happening.” He paused, then said, “Unless, of course, things here need his attention more.”
Professor Mouse gave a relieved smile. “Thank you.”
“Rafe and I will get in contact with the Black Team,” Kaynan told Alex.
Alex had forgotten the Black Team entirely. He gave the red-eyed professor a smile of gratitude. “Thank you. Let’s be prepared to leave in ten.”
“Will do,” Brock replied.
All of the adult werewolves from Jaze’s team left the medical wing. Alex looked up to find his mother watching him from the doorway of Nikki’s operating room.
He gave her a quick hug. “How is she doing?”
“It’s going to be rough,” Meredith replied. “Dr. Benjamin says we might have to do a cesarean.” Worry creased her brow. “But you have a job to do. Stay focused and get back here as fast as you can.”
“I will,” Alex promised his mother.
He put a hand on the wall panel.
“Alex?”
He turned.
Meredith hugged him again. “I’m so proud of you. Be careful, okay?”
He nodded and stepped into the darkness.
Chapter Eleven
Alex jogged down the sloped tunnel toward the Wolf Den. He could hear the commotion of Caden handing out guns, Brock setting up headsets and earpieces, and Trent starting the helicopter.
Kaynan’s voice reached him. “Keep it tight and follow Alex as you would Jaze,” the professor said.
“He’s younger than all of us,” Chet pointed out.
Alex paused in the darkness just inside the door.
“I’ve seen his leadership skills,” Vance replied. “Alex can do it.”
“What if he freezes again?” Brock asked.
Alex’s heart clenched.
“Again?” he heard Dray ask curiously.
“You shouldn’t have said that,” Trent said.
Alex was surprised at the anger in his best friend’s voice.
“Alex has this.” Trent’s tone was firm. “If Dean Jaze believes in him, you should, too.”
Silence filled the Wolf Den for the space of a heartbeat.
A deep voice broke it. “Of course, Trent. We’ll follow Alex. Jaze would never turn his team over to someone who wasn’t worthy.” Vance’s voice was light, but carried truth when he said, “But Alphas question authority because we should. We’re born to lead. Alex is young and hasn’t taken up the reins as a true Alpha yet. We follow our instincts as much as our heart. If there is reason to question, we should.”
“There’s no reason to question.”
The surety of Siale’s words calmed the doubt that had filled Alex at the professors’ questioning.
“Alex has this,” Trent echoed.
Alex stepped into the room. “Let’s go.” He grabbed the gun Caden held out and checked it on his way to the helicopter.
“Did he hear them?” Terith whispered.
“I’m not sure,” Cassie replied.
Alex climbed into the helicopter and was grateful when Kaynan and Vance did the same. His team and the rest of Jaze’s followed without question. Kaynan took the seat next to Trent and put on his headset. Trent’s hands shook slightly as he checked the helicopter equipment. Alex squeezed his shoulder.
“Trent, you’ve got this,” he said into his headset.
Trent threw him a worried look. “I’ve never flown by myself before.”
“You built me a motorcycle.”
A slight smile touched the small werewolf’s eyes. “What does that have to do with flying a helicopter?”
Alex gave his friend a confident look. “Anyone who could build a motorcycle from scratch can handle this. Trust me.”
Trent let out a breath. “You’re right. I’ve got this.”
Alex sat back. He watched the chopper rise through the split greenhouses and into the night.
“These missions always happen at night,” Tennison said. “Why do you suppose that is?”
“Our sources sweep at night,” Vance replied. “They’re sneaky like that.”
Alex stared at the huge professor. He had never known Vance to joke about anything. When the Alpha looked at him, he realized the coach was trying to lighten the mood. It worked to ease the tension a bit in the helicopter.
“Brock, what do we know?” Alex asked.
“A few things,” Brock replied. “We know that Drogan’s given up his apparent penchant for warehouses. They’ve taken up residence in a mansion purchased under an alias, and by the looks of things, this operation has been going on for quite a while. We also know that there are thirty-five guards, give or take.”
“Where does Drogan find these guys?” Jericho asked with a shake of his head.
“Good question,” Chet answered. “I don’t suppose there’
s a network for muscle looking to be hired by homicidal werewolves in the middle of an identity crisis.”
“We should search for that,” Kaynan said.
Dray shook his head. “I think you’d have to throw in torture-inclined and willing to die for someone else’s losing battle.”
“Term too broad?”
“Exactly,” Dray told the red-eyed werewolf. Both of them grinned.
“Also,” Brock cut in as if slightly annoyed at the professors’ banter, “We’re not positive that Drogan’s there, but I’d be willing to bet he is.” The sound of a wrapper crinkling ended his statement.
“What are you eating?” Dray asked.
“A cupcake,” Brock replied. He paused, then said, “I have a stress-eating disorder.”
“It’s okay,” Kaynan said. “The first step is admitting it.”
“The second is not eating the box of donuts under your desk,” Chet said.
“It’s impossible to hide anything from werewolves,” Brock muttered.
At Alex’s orders, the helicopter landed within the hills at the edge of the city’s limits. They jogged silently through the trees until they could overlook the location Siale guided them to.
Alex stared down at the mansion that made the one Kalia had lived in look tiny.
“What’s the power situation?” Alex asked in a whisper.
“I’m going to cut the grid,” Brock answered. “Less chance of questioning that way. I’ll give them a wild goose chase for a bit on locating the source to buy you guys some time.”
“Thanks,” Alex answered.
Without Jaze to guide him, the task looked intimidating. Guards patrolled the walled lawn and rooftops. Three separate buildings made up the main living structure along with a pool house and series of sheds and garages.
“How do you suppose our pal got the financing for this place?” Kaynan whispered.
“Politics,” Chet replied. “Someone on each side of a war makes the money. Drogan apparently has the ear of some very influential individuals.”
“Let’s hope we catch him in the act,” Vance said, his low voice a quiet grumble.
Alex nodded in agreement. “Kaynan, Rafe, sweep the left lawn. Chet, Vance, take the right. Dray, you, Jericho, and Terith clear the front and set up a post to monitor traffic. We don’t want anyone coming in or out while we search the place. Trent, Cassie, and Tennison, you’re with me. We’ll hit up the back. As soon as we get the signal, move in. Take the lights as go.”
