Chapter 4 - Jack

The back room of Gladys's diner is so warm, I'm having trouble focusing on the conversation. I didn't get much sleep last night. Even the strong coffee served up by Decker's mate isn't enough to wake me up properly.

Listening to Bailey negotiate with Decker, I'm more nervous than I should be, especially after only a few hours of very restless sleep. The place is nice, and the pack is welcoming, but I hadn't really considered the fundamentals of marriage too much until last night.

Three other pack elders are here with Gladys and Decker: Nash, Rob and Belle. I met them all during the peace talks last year. So far, they haven't said much, just listened as the alphas discuss the benefits of a marriage alliance.

"I'm very pleased that you've agreed to our offer," Bailey says, smiling. That full-on, star-quality charisma he's always had never fails him, and I can see the others getting dazzled by him. Bailey has impact. He's a man people want to agree with.

"I'm very glad you suggested it," Decker says, nodding. "I know that communication has been off the last few months, and I personally apologize for that. I want you to know you can call my private number at any time, and I will answer you. Even before this marriage, we have a pack bond, and I will honor it."

Bailey nods, his face very serious. "I have heard… things. From my scouts. Is there any trouble in your pack you would like some help with?"

Bailey asks the question as lightly as he can, but I see Decker's eyebrow twitch.

"There are indeed… issues," Decker says, sighing. "I am happy to disclose every last detail to you, if you like. By suggesting this marriage, you have proved to me you want a strong alliance, and I want to give you one. Certain members of our pack have been letting us down lately, and we need to figure out what to do."

"I'm more than happy to help," Bae answers. "We can plan the wedding, and you can give me a rundown of these issues. Remember, we want a strong position in case the Sawpit Pack ever decide to move on either of us."

"I believe their pack is very small and weak," Belle announces. She's a small, gray-haired woman with a steady gaze. "We should be in no danger from them."

"Belle—" Decker starts. Baily raises his hand to quiet him.

"They appear small, but have large numbers—I've seen them with my own eyes. They are also not weak. They are extremely bonded and loyal to each other. Yes, I killed their alpha, but there were plenty of strong wolves there that could take his place. Make no mistake, they are fierce, and dangerous, and all of us should be well prepared in case they ever become desperate enough to attack."

Belle nods slowly. "I would like to discuss this with you further. I want to make absolutely sure you do not intend to sacrifice us in defense if it comes to a fight."

Bae smiles. "I will call in my wild scouts. They can give you some extra information about our fighting techniques."

Belle nods, satisfied. Gladys gets up to organize more coffee and pie. I'm grateful for both—it's very early, and we left Silver Meadows at the crack of dawn.

"How you doing?" Bae asks, leaning over to me. "You've hardly said a word."

"There isn't much to say," I answer, shrugging. "It seems like you guys have it all figured out."

Bae laughs softly. "Well. I can't thank you enough for doing this. It looks like this was exactly what we needed to gain their trust. Hopefully, you'll get to meet your bride today."

"Yeah," I whisper, feeling tension creeping through my body, knotting my muscles. Bae gives me a slap on the shoulder, then turns back to Decker, who is helping his wife bring out the pie and coffee.

Suddenly, the door on the other side of the room smacks open. It hits the wall with so much force, it sounds like a gunshot. Everyone jumps and swivels towards the door instantly. Bae leaps to his feet as if he's ready for a fight.

At first, the figure by the door doesn't really register. It's just a dark shape, covered in a long, hooded rain slicker. The guy takes two steps forward, dragging someone behind him. I hear Decker gasp in disgust.

The guy in the doorway throws off the hood. My blood runs cold. I recognize him immediately. I could never mistake those sharp features and cold, flinty eyes.

This guy looks like he's spent the last thirty years scowling.

"Peter," Decker says softly. "What are you doing here?"

It's still early, and my brain isn't quite awake yet, but elements are starting to collide in my mind. I'll never forget this asshole, and how he reacted when I caught him stacking illegal guns into one of his work trucks. I'll also never forget how Bailey ordered me to stay away from the entire family because he and Decker dealt with the problem, and any interference from me could break the alliance.

Lena.

That's why I was at this bastard's house in the first place—to see her. Then I was forbidden to see her. I had to give up the one thing I wanted to protect her feelings and do my duty to the pack.

Lena.

There is a sharp cry as Peter jerks his arm forward and drags the other person into the room, shoving her ahead of him. I knew who it had to be, but seeing her is a shock that shakes my bones to the marrow.

Her strawberry blond hair is loose, flowing in damp tendrils around her face. There are a few dead leaves and twigs clinging to the fine strands. She's wearing loose jeans and an old faded sweater that doesn't look very clean, and there is a smudge of dirt on one cheek.

I've never seen anything so beautiful in my entire life.

As I stare at her, fully aware I'm being rude but powerless to stop myself, I see her eyes filling up with tears. I can feel my arms flex in response.

I will protect you. I was born to protect you!

Peter yanks on her arm again, breaking our look. When I flick my gaze over to him, he's staring right at me with a cruel, sharp grin. Yeah, he recognizes me, alright.

I hope he remembers with great clarity how I handed his ass to him when he tried lying right to my face!

"Good morning!" Peter announces as if we're meeting at a formal high tea and he hasn't dragged his daughter here at the wrong end of an ox plow. "I apologize for being late."

He takes a couple of steps towards the table, dragging Lena with him. Belle stands up suddenly, as if she wants to tear him to pieces right here and now.

Join the club.

"I just wanted to bring the bride to meet her new husband-to-be," Peter says in that glib tone. He's looking right at me with this weird stare. He really doesn't like me, but it's obvious he has a personal stake in the alliance.

So far, everyone is too shocked to respond, even Bailey.

"She's a virgin, you know!" he announces. His tone has changed a little, getting rougher with a country drawl to it.

I guess he can't pretend to be a human being for very long.

"Lena is the best candidate for the arranged marriage," Peter continues, dragging her a bit closer. "She's completely untouched, submissive, and… ah, attractive."

He spits out the last word as if he doesn't quite believe it.

I take my eyes off Peter for a second to look at Lena. She's staring right at me, her big, deep green eyes shining out of her pale face. She looks like a wounded angel, and I want to rush over there and beat her father into a bloody pulp to make him let go of her.

Even though she's looking at me with a heavy dose of fear, I can also see hope.

Maybe she wants me to rescue her.

I shake off that thought. I'm sure after I rejected her, she won't want me anymore.

"Peter," Decker says, shaking himself out of his stupor. "Get out. Now!"

"But I was just bringing Lena to—"

"I told you last night! The decision has not been made yet. How dare you walk in here uninvited and embarrass all of us in front of—"

"My family is from the founding wolves!" Peter hisses. "We have always held a high seat on the council. If I want to come to the meeting, you can't stop me!"

"That may be so," Decker replies. "But bringing your daughter here and presenting her in this way is completely out of line. I told you last night that the decision had not been made. The choice is not yours alone."

Peter glares at Decker, and for a few seconds, the air seems to sizzle between them. When Decker moves to go around the table towards them, Peter throws up a hand.

"Okay, okay. We'll go. Don't get your damn balls in an uproar."

Peter turns around and yanks on Lena's arm hard enough to make her stumble. I almost leap from my chair but manage to stay still. I keep my eyes on her until the door swings shut.

The room is full of a deafening silence. Finally, Belle says softly, "I'm sorry you had to see that."

"I also apologize," Decker says. "Peter Andres has become a major problem the last few months. We strongly suspect he's involved in criminal activity, as well as instigating violence within the pack. I am currently looking for a way to have him kicked off the council, possibly even out of the pack."

"Hasn't this person been in trouble for a very long time?" I ask, barely able to control my voice. Bae gives me a look, and I just shrug.

I know when I had the fight with Peter, Bailey had to get involved. He dealt with Decker over the matter. This kind of upset is just what we didn't need at the alliance meeting. Now everyone is on edge and suspicious.

"Yes," Decker agrees. "I fully admit that. However, he was right about being from the founding wolves. He has a lot of support, and we can't just kick him out."

"Even if he is breaking the law?" I ask, my voice a bit stronger. Bailey kicks me under the table and gives me a ‘what are you doing?' look.

"So far, we have no evidence of that," Decker says. From the disgust in his voice, it's obvious that they've tried and failed.

"Rest assured, these bad elements will be fully investigated and dealt with," Gladys says. "We will not allow a few errant members to stand in the way of this alliance. We should go back to our discussion about the marriage—we want to celebrate the good things for today."

I can tell she is very obviously changing the subject, and from the way everyone is reacting, it feels like this is not the first time Peter has manhandled his daughter. I already knew he was a violent person, but I didn't know he was low enough to actually hurt his own flesh and blood.

Everyone has sat back down and started talking again, and I realize they still want to choose a "suitable" bride for me.

If they kick Peter out of the pack, Lena will be an outcast, too! I can't let that happen.

"Excuse me," I say, cutting through the other's voices. "While I appreciate your efforts in choosing a suitable bride, I do believe that Lena is the only one I can accept."

Decker looks at me with surprise. "There are others from far better families—"

"I realize that," I reply. "But Lena is a virgin, which is very rare. I'm fairly sure you cannot guarantee that in any other female in your pack. She also carries the blood of the founding wolves. She will have very strong children with me—she is a bride fit for a beta."

I glance around at the others, and Belle has a little smile on her face. She gives me the slightest of nods, and I can't help smiling back.

She knows I want to rescue Lena, and she approves.

"Fair enough," Decker says. "Your reasons are sound. Let's discuss the details, then."

As the others begin to plan the event itself, I try to process what I've just done. Even though I want to think carefully about the future I've just committed to, there is only one thing on my mind.

I can't wait to see her again.