Return of the Alpha (7 page)

“All of those years as a human don't appear to have affected you,” she said.

I could see she was beginning to flag, but I didn't want to take advantage. “You're joking. I'm almost done in,” I lied.

Over the last few metres, I dropped back a few paces. I didn't want to make it too obvious.

“Looks like you're doing the cooking, Louise” Craven said as we reached the finish-line. I sensed he knew I'd let her win.

Although we didn't manage any hunting—the deer were AWOL—we had a thoroughly enjoyable day.

“Time we were making tracks,” Jessie said. “Or the babysitter will want overtime.”

“What are you going to cook for us, Louise?” Craven asked. “I'm starving.”

Before I could reply, Pirus pulled up suddenly. The rest of us followed his gaze.

“Who is it?” Jessie asked.

Pirus's Jeep was surrounded by a number of vehicles: two 4 x 4s, two vans, and a pick-up truck.

We all sniffed the air. Craven was the first to react. “Shifters.”

“At least six of them,” Pirus said.

I had their scent too, but still couldn't see them.

“Any idea who it could be?” Craven asked.

Before Pirus could reply, eight male wolves broke cover of the trees, and began to move slowly towards us. Their leader was a giant of a wolf; only marginally smaller than Craven.

“What do you want, Duston?” Pirus stepped forward.

Craven and I exchanged glances. We'd both picked up on Pirus's thoughts. Duston was the pack's beta.

“What are you doing with this scum, Pirus?” Duston glared first at Craven and then at me.

“It's been cleared with the alpha,” Pirus said. “But you already know that.”

“We don't want our territory contaminated by outsiders. I suggest you lead them to the border, and see them on their way.”

“They're my guests.”

“The border is that way.” Duston pointed his nose to the west.

“Step aside or the alpha will hear of this,” Pirus said.

“Hear what? That these intruders turned on you and your mate, and in the ensuing battle all four of you were mortally wounded. A simple betrayal. A terrible tragedy.”

I glanced at Jessie. I could sense her fear.

Craven stepped forward. “Why don't you and I resolve this issue? As beta, I assume you have ambitions to progress to alpha one day. What better way to bolster your position than to have seen off another alpha?”

“You're no alpha. At best you're a beta, and from what I hear you're no more than a lone-wolf.”

“You have nothing to worry about then.”

It was a brilliant move by Craven. We were outnumbered two to one, and whilst I still fancied our chances in a fight, I was concerned Jessie might be injured or worse. Duston seemed to hesitate. The eyes of all his companions were on him. If he refused the challenge, it would be seen as a sign of weakness. That wouldn't be good for a beta who had aspirations to take control of the pack one day.

“I accept your challenge,” he said. “But understand this. After I have killed you, I will show no mercy to your friends.”

Everyone moved back so Craven and Duston had plenty of room.

Duston had youth on his side. Craven had the better physique, but not by much. You could have cut the tension with a knife. The two rivals circled one another—neither wanting to commit first. And then...

Duston was lightening fast. It took something special to catch Craven off-guard, but that's exactly what happened. Duston hit Craven side-on, knocking him off balance. The wolves standing opposite us began to growl their approval. Duston went for Craven's throat, but a well-timed paw from Craven connected with Duston's jaw, and sent him sprawling across the ground. Craven was back on his feet with no obvious sign of damage.

This time it was Craven who made the move; he rushed head-on at Duston. The beta staggered backwards under the force of Craven's charge. Their paws clashed as each tried to land a telling blow on the other. Duston seemed to get the upper-hand, and raked his claws along the side of Craven's face. The smell of blood soon had the wolves opposite howling their approval. I'd watched Craven in a number of fights, but this was the first one where I'd had any doubt of the outcome. Sensing his opportunity, Duston pushed off with his back paws, and lunged for Craven's throat. For a moment, I thought he'd found a way through Craven's defences, but at the last second, Craven rolled to the side. Duston totally missed his target, and that gave Craven the opportunity he'd been waiting for. Before Duston could turn around, Craven was on him. There was a sickening crunch as Craven's jaws snapped tight around Duston's throat. The sound which emanated from Duston was chilling. By the time Craven released his grip, the beta was prone at his feet—bleeding out.

The wolves opposite were now pacing back and forth as though uncertain what to do. This wasn't the outcome they'd expected. If they decided to attack, we'd be in trouble. After a few moments, they shifted back to human form. I felt a great sense of relief when they dressed, climbed into their vehicles and drove away.

“I'm sorry if I've caused any problems for you,” Craven said once we'd shifted and got back in to the Jeep.

“Forget it,” Pirus said. “Duston had it coming to him. He's been garnering support for some time. Everyone has been expecting a challenge.”

“Still, your alpha isn't going to take kindly to my having killed his beta.”

“I'll explain the circumstances. I don't think there'll be a problem.”

“Even so, it might be better if we leave now.”

Pirus glanced at Jessie. “Okay. That might be for the best, but you must promise to let us know what you find out about Marlow.”

*********

We said our goodbyes to Pirus, Jessie and the kids, and then set out for Terroun. We still had no idea where Marlow was being held or even if he was still alive. Craven had always been convinced that Marlow had been killed as they fled Lawler territory, but he hadn't actually seen him die. We had to be sure. After all, hadn't I also been presumed dead for many years? If Marlow was still alive, Milton would almost certainly have had him moved back to Maja.

There was a possibility that Hill, alpha of the Terroun pack, might have some information on Marlow. According to Craven, the Terroun routinely had a number of shifters undercover in the neighbouring territory.

We travelled as wolves by night.

“The sun will be up in an hour. We should get some rest here,” Craven said.

“How much further to Terroun?” I asked.

“Four of five hours at the most.”

“Why don't we keep going?”

“It isn't worth the risk. Besides we need to be rested when we arrive. If Hill does have any info on Marlow, we'll have to move straight away. It won't take long for Milton to hear of our arrival.”

We both shifted into human form.

“You're looking much better.” I ran my hand gently across Craven's cheek. The deep gouges which had been inflicted by Duston had almost completely healed. “I was a little worried about you back there.”

“Duston was a fool,” Craven said. “He had the makings of an alpha, but lacked one vital quality. Patience. If he had bided his time, he'd almost certainly have become pack leader.”

“I hope Pirus and Jessie will be okay. Do you think the alpha will punish them?”

“Pirus didn't seem worried. He appears to have a good relationship with the alpha.”

*********

The sun was still low in the sky when we arrived at Terroun territory.

“Craven?” the border guard looked surprised to see his former alpha. “Welcome back, sir.”

“How are things?” Craven asked.

“Not so good. The alpha hasn't been well.”

“I need to see Hill now. Can you arrange that?”

“Wait here a minute, please. I'll make a call.”

Craven looked concerned. Hill was one of his oldest and dearest friends.

“The alpha will see you straight away. I have some uniforms in the office. You're welcome to take those if they fit.”

“You look great,” Craven said.

I looked anything but. The smallest uniform was at least three sizes too large for me. Even after I'd turned up the sleeves and legs, I still looked ridiculous.

“You don't look so hot yourself.”

Craven had exactly the opposite problem. He'd only just managed to squeeze into the largest of the uniforms which looked like it might burst at the seams at any moment.

“Oh my!” Hill laughed. “What have you two come as?”

He was lying in bed—looking pale and drawn. At least he had been, until he spotted us. Now his cheeks were red from laughter.

“Who needs medicine? Seeing you two dressed like that is the best tonic I could ever have.”

Craven smiled, but I could see the worry lines etched on his forehead.

“If I'd realised this was the reception I'd get, I'd have gone straight to Maja.” Craven stepped closer to the bed. “How are you, old friend?”

“I've been better. I'm glad you got my message.”

“What message?”

“I thought that was why you'd come back. I sent word for you to return and resume your role as alpha.”

“I never saw it. We're en-route to Maja in search of Marlow.”

“Who?”

“He was the one who got Louise out of Maja all those years ago. He also rescued me from Lawler territory. We both owe him our lives.”

Hill began to cough. It was several minutes before he managed to compose himself again. “It sounds like you both owe him a great deal. I can understand why you'd want to find him, but Terroun needs you.”

“We've made our home in Darmoor territory. The alpha there has just asked me to succeed him.”

“But Terroun
is
your home.”

“It used to be. And it will always occupy a special place in my heart. But Darmoor is where we belong now. I'm sorry.”

“Is there nothing I can say to make you change your mind?” Hill said, as he fought to hold down another cough.

“I'm sorry, old friend. What about Rayma?”

“That's part of the problem.” Hill took a long sip of water from the glass on the bedside table. “Rayma has disappeared.”

“When?”

“Two weeks ago.”

“What about Freda?”

“She's okay. Except of course she's sick with worry. Will you speak to her?”

Craven glanced at me. I was desperate to set off in search of Marlow, but what could I say? Hill and Craven went way back. He couldn't simply walk away. “Sure,” I said.