Kingdom of Wolves: Blackshadow - Page 47

Taking my seat once more, I open the accounts book to check the balance in the bank, and know I have to get the books up to date because I’m getting behind with things. Maybe I need to have one of the Beta’s help with this type of thing? I’ll have to speak to Flint about who would be the ideal candidate.

“Walim, go have lunch, then come back when you are done. Bring me a drink and a sandwich.” Having someone hovering over me is wearing on my nerves, and I need a minute of peace.

“Okay, Alpha, I’ll be half an hour.” I give him a nod that I’ve heard him but keep my head down as I read the figures in the book in front of me.

Tapping on the office door ten minutes later has me sighing. “Come in,” I say as I close the book and lean back in my seat.

Delta Gamzin steps into the office. “I’m sorry to bother you Alpha, but I wanted to report on the border patrol.”

“Take a seat Gamzin and tell me.”

Gamzin fills me in on the patrol, and weaknesses that he has found in the pattern of the northern patrol border. Looking at the map and studying what he is telling me, I can see that we have a gap every two hours in two sections of that patrol.

“What do you suggest?” I ask, stepping up to the map and frowning as I see it’s quite a stretch of the territory border that is being left wide open for more than a few minutes at a time.

“If we add another patrol of two warriors, we can overlap the patrol. They will pass each other here, and here, which closes that gap. I know that we can’t see all the border all the time, but with those extra warriors, the perimeter will be covered more effectively.

“Also, I think we could implement spotting points in the trees. Then, if this Alpha Soren makes a move, we can have warriors in the trees watching for any incoming movement. It would give us a little extra time to have our warriors at the ready on the border.”

“You mean like an early warning signal?”

“Exactly, and if we get ourselves some of those fancy goggles, we’ll be able to see even further than our wolves’ eyes can see.”

“Okay, I’m good with that. Speak to Beta Caleb and he’ll get everything organized. I’ll let him know he has the authority. Good thinking Delta Gamzin. You are going to be the lifesaver of this pack if this asshole comes for Hope.”

“I will do my best, Alpha.” Giving me a tip of his head in respect, he rushes out of the office just as Walim enters with my drink and sandwich.

Later in the day, I’m standing watching Hope being trained by Swift, Iona, Swan, and Chief Oscar, and I’ve got to say this is not going down well. I wince when Hope doesn’t dodge fast enough, and Swift gets a hit in on her shoulder. I can feel the frustration rolling from Hope, but she’s trying her best, sadly, her best just isn’t good enough.

Gamma Baildon is standing on my left and Beta Caleb on my right, and we are all cringing at the scene in front of us.

“She’s ‘hopeless’ is what she is,” Baildon states under his breath.

Caleb nods slightly. “You can say that again.”

We all three wince again when Hope is knocked on her ass once more. I can see Chief Oscar is getting worried that no improvement is being shown.

Iona has taken a position in front of Hope, and is giving her advice but when Hope throws the move she misses Swan, whirls around and lands on her ass. All with no form of success, and is sure not going to take out an opponent.

Walking over, I look at Hope and she has tears in her eyes. I open my arms and she walks right into them, wrapping her arms around my waist. I take a sniff of her hair before looking up at the four standing in front of me, looking more than a little uncomfortable.

“I’m sorry Alpha Connell, but Luna Hope is just useless at fighting. If anyone comes to fight, grab her, or anything, we just need to hide her until the threat is over,” Swift tells me with her eyes as large as an owl, and looking worriedly at Hope in my arms.

Chief Oscar nods before mumbling, “I agree,” followed quickly by Swan and Iona’s agreement.

“Luna Hope, if anyone comes near you to grab you, just kick them in the private parts, then run. Even a female would not enjoy being kicked there,” Baildon states, and pats Hope’s shoulder as he steps back, looking like he wants to laugh.

Hope looks up at Baildon, and seeing the twinkle in his eye, she giggles. Thank goodness we all end up laughing and the sadness that was oozing from Hope has gone.

Chapter 24

FLINT

Sipping my first drink of the day, I count my blessings that my life is full and keeps me busy. I’m envious of the pairs that are happily mated and although I am truly pleased for them, it does, however, leave me feeling that my life is not complete.

I dare not think of my deceased mate because it will bring the depression that haunts any shifter who has lost their mate. Many give up on life and simply wither until they die, but I’m not that kind of male. Every day is a blessing from the Goddess and I will fill my days helping where I can until either the Goddess deigns me good enough for a second chance mate or brings me home to her.

My office at the council building is an inhospitable place when you look clinically at it, but I spend a lot of time in those four walls filling in paperwork and the like. It is one of the reasons I’m the one who steps away from here and visits all the packs. I enjoy being at the packs, helping where I can, or guiding the Alphas, Lunas, or pack members.