Chapter 43

Sam

I was going to kill whoever was on the other side of that door. I yanked the door open to the startled face of my father who took in my dilated eyes and rumpled hair. I probably reeked of pheromones. His face turned stricken, and color rose in his cheeks as his eyes widened in surprise. Any other time, it would have been amusing. Not this time.

"I can come back," he stuttered. I glanced back in the cabin. Megan was up and knotting her bathrobe. I heaved a sigh and ignored the urge to adjust my pajama bottoms that still felt four sizes too small and held the door so my dad could come in.

"I…" He cleared his throat, uncharacteristically uncomfortable. "I'm sorry to barge in, but I felt like this shouldn't wait."

I gestured toward the table. Megan filled the coffee pot, and Dad sat as she put grounds into the filter.

"I didn't open yesterday's mail until late last night. There was a letter waiting there with some interesting information," Dad started. It had better be life-altering information. Meg joined us at the table, and I resisted the urge to pull her into my lap. "There was a business card for a Victor Atwood with a phone number and a message to call regardless of the hour."

"Atwood? I wonder if there's any relation to Shelby from school?" Meg voiced.

"I doubt it—Victor Atwood is the Alpha of a pack that wants to settle in this area."

"Oh, Shelby isn't a wolf."

"He wants to settle near here? How big is his pack?" I demanded, hackles rising at the thought of another Alpha moving into our territory.

"I'm not sure of his pack numbers, but he said he'd like to meet to attempt to work out a peaceable agreement."

"Did he say why he wants to settle here?" My full attention was now on this matter.

"I believe his family is from this area, so he feels it's somewhat ancestral, though it must have been many generations removed. The Wolfes have been here for over three hundred years."

I scowled. "Do you think he's interested in joining packs?" It wasn't unheard of for packs to join up, but it didn't happen often, and it required one Alpha to surrender to the other so there was only one Alpha over the whole pack.

"It's possible. We didn't talk overly long. Just long enough to solidify a meeting. The meeting is tentatively set for Wednesday, but I wanted to check with you that the time works."

I was momentarily stunned. It was unlike Dad to be so considerate of my schedule. Typically, in Alpha fashion, he made the plans, and everyone else followed them. His expression remained open, and I knew he was making his best effort to make good on his promise to build a bridge to stem the gap in our relationship. I smiled.

"Wednesday is good." Then I sobered. "But I want to be sure that Meg has full protection. We still don't know who is behind the attacks."

Dad nodded. "I thought of that." He glanced at Meg. "Would you feel safe if you were with Mary, Rev, and Cade?"

Megan glanced at me, and I nodded back. Of the pack, those were the three people I trusted most with Megan's life.

"Yes. If Sam agrees." My confidence soared with her sureness in me.

"I agree those are the best to make a protection detail right now."

"Wednesday evening then?" Dad asked.

"Fine. I'll bring Megan down to the house and meet you there?" I offered with another glance at Meg to be sure she was comfortable with the plans. She nodded, and Dad smiled at both of us. Two smiles in fifteen minutes—real smiles!

"All right. Again, sorry it's so early. I have to get into the city today for a client. I've got my cell on me. Also, I set Steve Rivers on the trail of young Kypson to check him out more fully."

"You know, I like him. I think he could be a good addition to our pack."

"I hope so. He needs a home."

Dad clapped me on the shoulder and nodded his head at Megan.

"You two have a good day. Don't be late for school."

I glanced at the clock on the wall as I shut the door behind him. Six forty-five. We had plenty of time not to be late. Heat raced to my cheeks again as I found Meg and our eyes met. She quickly cleared her throat and turned to pour a cup of coffee. Sighing, I went to gather my things for the shower.