Even now, she struggled to recover from that fateful day.
“I feel so dead inside. All I want to do is curl up in a ball and never get up again.” Helen’s voice was flat, emotionless, as if she had no energy left even to mourn.
He nodded. Zack had been her blood-bonded mate, his death akin to her own.
One stray tear made its way down her cheek. She made no move to wipe it away instead letting the symbol of her sorrow slowly evaporate into the wind. It was fitting, the tear returning to the atmosphere, becoming one with the life force of the earth just as her mate had done.
“You’re strong, Helen. It’s hard but Zack would want you to continue on.” Kane knew his words were meaningless platitudes but it was all he had to offer. He was floundering himself, feeling lost, unsure of the next step. Helen had already said she wouldn’t continue as Alpha female which meant the leadership of the pack was up in the air. Wolves needed to know who was Alpha to feel secure. Thankfully, the issue would be decided tonight at the vote.
Today was the last official day of grieving according to Lycan tradition. It had been a week since the day Zack’s brakes had failed and his vehicle had plunged off the road, crashing down the rocky cliff killing him. He and Ryne, as co-Betas, had officiated at the departing ceremony which had been held the next day. It had been difficult, Zack having been like a father to them for much of their life.
Now Kane stood with Helen as she placed a bouquet of flowers near the headstone, her last official act as Alpha female. Ryne waited nearby, arms folded, his face clouded. Kane studied his brother with concern. Ever since the crash, Ryne had been troubled. Well, they all had been, naturally, but this was something more. The man was surly, going off on his own or spending time with Marla. While those two were a couple, Ryne had never been reticent about his activities, always speaking openly about his affair with her. Now there was a secretive air about him, as if he were hiding something. It had taken considerable cajoling on Helen’s part to get Ryne to even accompany them to the grave today.
Kane decided he’d try and talk to Ryne again tonight before the meeting. They’d both be vying for the Alpha position. As siblings they’d often been in good-natured competition with each other, and while this was more serious than a one on one basketball game, the vote shouldn’t cause a problem between them. No, there was something else bothering his brother. With a thoughtful nod, he shifted his attention back to Helen who was speaking again.
“I shouldn’t have given him that truck. Why did I think it would be a good birthday present for him?”
“It was what he wanted,” Ryne spoke up, his voice gruff. “He’d been talking about replacing his old junker for ages.”
“Well, his junker had perfect brakes.” Helen twisted a tissue in her hands. “I can’t help but feel this is my fault.”
Ryne shot a look at Kane, the kind of silent communication they’d always used, almost as if they knew each other’s thoughts.
A hint of a smile tugged at the corner of Kane’s mouth. It was like old days, the two of them in tune with each other.
Ryne raised a brow. Should they tell her?
He nodded. “Helen, it wasn’t your fault.”
“That’s what everyone keeps saying but I bought the truck. I handed him the keys. I’m even the one who called him and told him to hurry home for supper that day.” Her voice cracked, a distant, haunted look coming over her as she relived the fateful day.
Ryne shook his head. “No, we mean it wasn’t your fault. It was someone else’s.”
She looked between them, her brows knit together. “I don’t understand.”
“It could have been a flaw in the material,” Kane began, “a hole in a hose that allowed the fluid to leak out...”
“But we suspect someone actually tampered with the brakes.” Ryne finished the explanation, his dark brows knit together.
“No!” Helen gasped, her face paling. “Who would do that?”
“We have no idea, do we Kane?” Ryne gave him an odd look.
Kane frowned once again unable to discern the vibes coming from his brother. “No, we have no suspects. Zack was well-liked.”
“He was. You must be mistaken. Tampering with the brakes makes no sense.” Helen’s thoughts seemed to be racing as she tried to make sense of the revelation. “Could it have been random vandalism? But when would there have been an opportunity?”
Ryne shrugged, a muscle working in his jaw.
“Zach didn’t let anyone near that truck.” Kane pointed out.
“We can’t tell the police about your suspicions.” Helen rung her hands. “They might ask questions we can’t answer. Zack worked so hard to keep our pack under the human radar.”
“Our thoughts exactly. The risk is too great. That’s why we sat on the information.” Kane ran his hand through his hair, frustrated that they had to let the matter go.
“The authorities have already concluded it was human error.” Ryne shoved his hands in his pockets.
“Nothing can bring my Zack back regardless of the cause.” Helen took a deep breath and stepped forward to place her hand on the headstone, slowly tracing the name carved on it. “He’s gone and no one will ever replace him.” Her voice trailed off, then she pressed her lips together and seemed to gather some inner strength. “As much as I want to avenge his death, Zack would say the good of the pack comes first.”
“I’ll do my best to make sure the person responsible is held accountable.” Ryne jutted his chin, eyes narrowed as he stared out over the land below.
“We both will.” Kane began to lead Helen back to the car.
“You’re such good boys.” Helen held out her arm, reaching for Ryne so that she had one man on either side of her. “I’m so lucky to have you to lean on. You’re like the sons I never had.”
“We’re the lucky ones. You took us in,” Kane began but Helen shook her head.
“Of course, we took you in. You needed a stable family.”
“And with four daughters already, you needed two more teenagers running around the house.” Ryne added.
“You did liven things up.” Helen patted his arm.
“And I tried to keep him in line,” Kane smiled at memories of their antics.
Ryne didn’t respond.
The drive back to the house was completed in silence. Kane glanced in the rear-view mirror. Ryne was staring out the window, brows lowered, mouth tight. Helen was lost in thought as well, no doubt mourning her lost mate.
As for himself, he was considering what would happen at the pack meeting tonight. A new Alpha would be chosen, but who? An Alpha assumed his title either by default from his sire or by earning the position through a political voting process. On rare occasions a leadership challenge might occur, a fight to the death, but that wouldn’t be the case here. Political manoeuvring, even small campaigns within the pack were more the norm.
He doubted any of Zack’s daughters would throw their hat in the ring. Not that female Alphas didn’t exist—there were a few out there—however, Zack’s girls had never shown an interest in leadership. No, it would likely be a vote between himself and Ryne. As co-Betas, one of them was the most logical choice. John, another pack member, would also be a good candidate as well. He was a solid, level-headed sort though he didn’t exude the dominance needed to keep the pack in line on his own. Of course, that might come with assuming the mantel of responsibility. You never knew what you were capable of until the opportunity arose.
Brother against brother; who would the Council of Elders favour? While it was the final vote of the pack that determined the outcome, the opinion of the Council could often sway the decision. If he was chosen, he was prepared. Already the idea filled his inner wolf with excitement. It was a strong, clever animal, loyal and aware of its duty. The others in the pack acknowledged its power, showing it the deference and respect an Alpha deserved.
“Let me out here.” Ryne spoke, jerking Kane out of his reverie.
He p
ulled over.
“Are you sure, Ryne?” Helen looked around. “We’re near the lake and it’s quite a hike to the pack house.”
“I’m heading to town to see Marla.” Ryne was already opening the door.
“Oh.” Helen’s one word spoke volumes. She didn’t approve of Marla and never had.
Ryne either didn’t pick up on her disapproval or didn’t care. “I’ll see you at the meeting tonight.” He climbed out of the car and slammed the door, then stood on the side of the road. His posture was stiff, his hands fisted.
Kane drove away, very aware that Ryne was glaring at him.
Helen apparently picked up on the vibe as well. “What’s bothering him?”
He shrugged not wanting to add to her worries. “I’ve no idea. You know how he can be; some little thing probably ticked him off this morning. He’ll get over it.”
“No, ever since Zack…passed away, Ryne’s been acting differently.” Helen bit her lip and then slid him a sideways glance. “Do you think it’s the upcoming vote that has him concerned?”
“Could be.” He answered cautiously, wondering how Helen might be feeling about the vote. After all, someone was going to be taking over the position her mate had held for years.
“Ryne’s older than you. Some might think that’s a reason to choose him over you for the position of Alpha.”
“I’ve thought of that.” He nodded while his inner wolf frowned.
“I’m not so sure though.” Helen clasped her hands in her lap. “Ryne’s a good boy.”
He laughed at the description. “Hardly a boy.”
Helen shook her head. “You know what I mean. Both of you will always be boys to me.”
A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. And no matter how old he was, Helen would always be able to have him quaking in his boots as she brandished her wooden spoon.
“Anyway, as I was saying. Ryne’s a good…man.” She shot him a look. “But so are you.”
“Thanks.”
“And I think you would make a better Alpha.”
“Really?” He looked at her in surprise. Helen had never shown either of them favouritism growing up despite the fact he and Ryne often joked about it.
“Your brother is very similar to you but with a rougher edge. His wolf is smart and powerful yet wilder, quick to react without thinking. Our pack is big and influential. We need a cool head at the helm and that’s you.”
He’d been thinking along the same lines. “Well—”
“And don’t think I’m unaware that he’s a lusty creature as well. He’s had more than his fair share of women.”
“That doesn’t mean he couldn’t be a good Alpha.” He felt he had to point that out.
“True, but hear me out.” She pursed her lips before speaking. “Lately, he seems to have settled on Marla and that’s a cause for some concern.”
He nodded slowly, knowing what she meant. He, Ryne and Marla had grown up together and, like them, she’d always been on the outside looking in though for very different reasons. He and Ryne had been transient members due to their rocky childhood whereas Marla had always lived in the pack yet never seemed to fit in. She’d confided to him once that she was only three-quarters Lycan and, as a result, felt like she didn’t belong. He was sure no one suspected her secret and, if they did, they wouldn’t care but she’d never bought into his reasoning.
The real problem was that she lacked the basic pack instinct and understanding of social interaction. It was the only explanation for how often she aggravated others. He knew she didn’t do it on purpose and had often suggested she shift to her wolf form more often to improve her relationship with the creature. Her inner wolf could teach her quite a bit, he’d pointed out. She’d laughed, saying she knew all she needed to know of the beast.
“Marla isn’t Alpha female material.” Helen continued to explain her reasoning. “I’ve held the position for a long time and I know for a fact it’s no walk in the park. There’s a lot to be done behind the scenes and Marla isn’t up to it.”
“You could teach her.” Why he was playing devil’s advocate, he had no idea.
Helen shook her head. “If Ryne becomes Alpha and chooses Marla as his mate, she’ll have a lot of responsibilities, none of which she’ll want to learn. Can you picture her helping to get the house ready for delegates from other packs and preparing meals? Or listening to the pack members when they have problems with their pups? Oh no, she’ll want to sit around looking elegant, buffing her nails while waiting for someone to serve her bonbons! And that’s when she’s not spending pack money.” Helen’s cheeks began to turn pink as she warmed to her topic. “Plus. she’ll be able to influence the decisions Ryne makes and you know she has no love of the land. When she heard about that offer from the oil company, she was all over it trying to tell Zack he needed to sign the contract and not to worry about the environmental impact.”
Kane tightened his grip on the steering wheel, feeling a knot forming in his stomach. If Ryne was chosen as Alpha, things could get dicey. Ryne would keep him as Beta, surely, and he’d be able to guide him. Hopefully. Ryne could be a bull-headed bastard at times…
Chapter 3
The meeting room in the lower level of the pack house was crowded, almost all members of eligible age having turned out for the leadership vote. A number of Lycans had gathered around the front where Kane stood, offering him support and giving advice about how to deal with the debate.
Nodding absentmindedly, he surreptitiously wiped his palms on the legs of his pants. His bout of nerves surprised him. He wanted this job. Badly. He hadn’t realized how much until now. Maybe he should have spent more time this past week campaigning but he’d been busy dealing with the crash investigation and trying to keep things running smoothly. Ryne hadn’t been much help, either, disappearing for long periods of time doing who knew what.
He scanned the room for his brother. There was no sign of him despite the fact the meeting would start soon. Typical. Ryne followed the rules only when they suited his purpose.
His inner wolf stirred restlessly wanting the meeting to start. The animal was being unexpectedly unruly today and he was struggling to keep it in line. It sensed the potential to rise in the pack and some kind of testosterone surge seemed to be taking place. If the vote didn’t go in his favour, he’d be hard pressed to deal with the disappointment. There was nothing wrong with the Beta position; he’d been content to fulfill those duties but now he wanted more. Trying to distract himself, he looked around the room identifying those gathered.
Of course, the Council of Elders was seated at the front to the side of the podium. The rest of the pack occupied the rows of chairs that filled the room while others stood at the back, leaning against the walls or huddled in groups. He’d known them all for years and considered some to be close friends; how would being Alpha change their relationship? Would he still be included in impromptu gatherings and casual banter? Or would his position change the dynamics? Hopefully not.
He continued his survey of the room. John was near the front with his mate, Carrie. She was expecting their first pup and John had his arms protectively wrapped around her, his hands resting on her belly. She looked up at him, the affection between them undeniable. A twinge of envy passed through Kane and he hoped he’d someday have a relationship like theirs.
With the girl? His wolf chimed in, momentarily distracted from the prospect of being Alpha.
“The one from the movie theatre?” He murmured inwardly. “Not likely. We don’t even know who she is.”
If you tried, you could find out. A few inquiries, a search of Lycan Link’s database; It would yield the information we need. The animal pressed its point.
“If we become Alpha, we won’t have time for such nonsense.”
Hmm… The wolf frowned, torn between the desire for a mate and the importance of duty.
Kane left the creature to puzzle over the problem and returned to contemplating John. He was a good man. S
trong and level-headed.
Perhaps feeling his gaze, John looked up and their eyes met. Kane nodded and so did John. They’d been friends for years and John had assured him earlier in the day he wouldn’t be going after the Alpha position.
“I’ve got a pup being born soon. I want to concentrate on my family,” John said. “The job is yours if you want it, Kane.”
“Or it might be Ryne’s.” He added his brother’s name to the conversation.
John gave a one-shouldered shrug. “Perhaps, but I’m voting for you. Ryne’s a great guy but too volatile for my liking and I know a lot of others feel the same way.”
“Well, we’ll have to see how the question period goes. The pack has the opportunity to question the candidates before voting, you know.” Inwardly, he was pleased with the vote of confidence.
“You’ve got this, Kane.” John nodded. “You know the Book of the Law cover to cover and you’re up to date on all the issues.”
“Thanks.” He paused, considering something that had been bothering him. “If the vote goes in my favour, would you be interested in the position of co-Beta?”
John pursed his lips thoughtfully. “Yeah, probably. I’ll talk it over with Carrie first and let you know.”
He gave a satisfied nod and John went on his way.
Kane hooked his thumbs in his belt loops. He hoped to keep Ryne on as a co-Beta. His brother was good at the job but, if Ryne lost the vote, he might not take it well. Hopefully not so much so that he did something stupid like leaving the pack but it was better to be prepared. Ryne had leadership potential if he only remembered to keep his emotions under control. And speaking of Ryne…
Near the back of the room, a door opened and Kane watched as Ryne entered with Marla. She was looking smug as she clung to his arm whereas Ryne’s shoulders were hunched, his face dark as his gaze darted about the room before finally finding its target…him.