Kingdom of Wolves - Page 90

The council members follow Alpha Connell and Beta Goldmaninto the packhouse, while Thomas and I quickly head to the warrior building wesneakily took over. Walking inside, the plan on the wall showing where the warriorsneed to be during the next 48 hours is clear. Thomas and I need to be at themain packhouse door keeping check as guests arrive. Checking the time, we havean hour before we need to be at the packhouse door, hence, we both rush to ourrooms to freshen up and be ready.

Standing at the door with Thomas, we nod at guests as theyarrive, keeping our distance behind Alpha Connell. When Flint walks past thefaint scent of my mate passes with him. But when Ulmer and Porter pass by, theydon’t carry it. I look at Thomas and he grins, giving me a wink. We both knownow that I need to check where Flint has been before he came to the BlackshadowPack.

Once arrivals seem to have calmed, Alpha Connell turns toThomas. “Stay on the door for an hour, then swap with Gabriel. I want you bothto find your mate if they are here. They may have passed without you noticing.While I know that is unlikely, let’s not take the chance of missing a matebecause we were lackluster.”

I walk around the edge of the room. Listening to conversationsas I pass, and mostly they are giggling women or males hoping to find theirmate. A high-pitched squeal has my eyes flying to the dance floor where a womanthrows herself at a male who’s grinning like a fool. Mate, they both shout,then kiss right there in the middle of the dance floor. Do I blame them forthat exhibition? No, not at all. We are all probably jealous if the truth istold.

Seeing Flint and the two council members sitting on one sidenear the table laden with food, I make my way over. “Good evening. Are you allenjoying the ball?”

Flint chuckles. “Yeah, it’s great to see the young onesfinding their mate. We’ve seen three couples already.”

“I’ve just seen one, and it is good to see mates find eachother. Flint, can I ask where you have come from most recently?” I try to keepthe conversation light, as I’m not sure I want him to know all my business.

“Well, I was at Blood Pearl Pack, Wolfsfoot Town, and aswift visit here at Blackshadow Pack before that. It’s been very busy, but Imanaged a week at home when I took Merry back and settled her into her ownhouse, as she has kindly joined the shifter council.”

That gives me little to think about because I can dismisshere. I’ve met everyone and been training with the whole pack, so I know mymate isn’t here. That leaves Blood Pearl and Wolfsfoot. Blood Pearl Pack is notsomewhere I would ever visit unless Alpha Connell had to go and needed warriorsalongside him. Wolfsfoot, I have not visited in quite a long time, I wouldguess three years. Rogues too, which means my mate could be a reject from apack, or she rejected the pack herself. Either way, it isn’t a good sign of howmy mate has been treated.

The thought of a mistreated female has my mind wandering toTatiana Winterstorm. I’ll never regret doing what I could to help her get awayfrom here. I just wish I could have done more, even to escort her from theterritory, but I knew if I did and was caught, Alpha Torrance would have killedme. I hope she is safe and has a good life now.

“Did you have a reason to ask?” Flint questions, and I shakemy head in the negative before giving another small smile and walking away.

For the next thirty minutes, I circle the room, eat a fewpieces from the table and watch the dancing. Another male finds his mate andpicks her up, carrying her out of the ballroom, much to the delight of everyoneelse.

Back at the main packhouse door, I swap places with Thomas,and he eagerly walks out of the hallway into the ballroom. I hope he finds hismate, as he is such a good male and deserves happiness.

Forty minutes later, I turn when I hear footsteps nearingand I see my father walking over to me. “Did you not find your mate?”

“No. She’s not here, but she is in the Blood Pearl Pack orWolfsfoot Town. I’ve picked her scent up from Flint and that’s where he’s been.At least it’s narrowed down somewhat.”

Gripping and squeezing my shoulder, I’m not sure if it is inencouragement or sympathy. But I will not dwell on my mate not being here. I’llfind her even if I have to get permission from Alpha Aurora to visit her packand speak to her unmated females. Wolfsfoot, I’ll visit as soon as there is anopportunity.

The evening seems to go on forever, especially when we seedisappointed pack mates walking out, heads down and looking dejected. One I seestorming out is Evangeline with a male behind her, turning she looks at themale but before she can speak, he loudly states. “I, Artur Crowfoot, reject youEvangeline Scarcroft as my mate.” He immediately holds his hand to his chest,but he doesn’t go down onto his knees as Evangeline has but whirls around andwalks out of the building.

Porter Riverrun walks over to Evangeline and looks down atwhere she’s kneeling on the ground, holding her hand over her heart. BothThomas and I stand firm near the door and watch as Porter squats down in frontof her, and clearly states. “You really blew that, didn’t you? Did you think a strongwarrior would ever allow you to speak to them as you did? To look down on them?You need to grow up, but know you just lost your fated mate and you have nochance of getting him back.”

Porter stands, gives us both a nod of acknowledgment, andthen whistles as he walks away. We watch Evangeline get to her feet and staggeraway, but she gives us a filthy look because we witnessed her humiliation.

“That ended the evening well,” Thomas says, and I look athim in some disbelief, but the grin on his face has me laughing along with him.I inwardly have to agree. Evangeline got some payback for all the nasty she hasthrown on others.

Chapter37

TATIANA

Walking downstairs, I’m not looking forward to theconversation I’m sure I’ll be having with Momma Akela, Poppa Lykos, and Flintif he is still here. But I know I can’t avoid them, or what is to happen.

Brod runs down the stairs behind me and wraps an arm aroundmy neck, kissing the top of my head. When did he have a growth spurt, becausehe’s taller than me now?

Entering the kitchen, Momma, Poppa, and Flint are sittingaround the kitchen table. “Good morning,” I mumble as I pass, and open thefridge for a jug of orange juice. Pouring a glass for myself and Brod.

Leaning my back on the sink, I look at Flint and give him ablank look, something I’ve never done before. I’m not one for being nasty,holding grudges, or being spiteful, but I just cannot be nice to him at themoment.

Brod doesn’t care. He gives him a sneer, then stands next tome, giving me the support, he knows I need.

Poppa turns and looks at us both, and I have to admit helooks sad, but he’s decided and made that decision before discussing it with meat all. Which told me my opinion didn’t count.

“Brod, I think you need to go home while we speak withTati.” Poppa Lykos says.

“Not likely. I’m staying right here with my sister andbestie. If you want me to leave, you’ll have to throw me out, and I’ll tell younow Arrow is pacing, snarling, and ready for a fight.” Brod eyes Poppa Lykos,then turns the hard gaze to Flint.