Chapter 29

REID:
“What have you got for me?” I ask Ryu who just got into my study room. Before he got in, I was doing nothing. Yes, I still have a lot to attend to on my desk but I would rather forgo that for now because I do not have it in me to tend to anything that involves intense concentration.
Ryu is holding a file which I’m contains more paperwork and instantly drops it on my desk before taking a few steps backward. “I looked into what you asked me to and I think I have something.”
“Okay, let me in on it,” I say, already interested in what he has to say.
“My men and I found out that the Green Dales pack went through a total shutdown yesterday after discovering something still unknown to us. The shutdown even extended to today as only the guards can be found on the streets, probably to investigate what went wrong.”
I decide to chip in on the issue, “I guess they must have been confused. They must have thought they have been infiltrated by rogues or something worse which was why they decided to take such a step.”
“My thoughts too. What we need to find out now, my men and I, is what might have caused them to go through such a shutdown. I believe it could be what we are experiencing but they possibly know nothing about that yet,” Ryu states which I agree to with a nod. “Would it be a good time to have a meeting with their Alpha?”
I think it through for a while. Of course, I do want to see if I would get to discuss with the rival alpha but I have to think about the sudden issue they have at hand. If I decide to show up on their territory at this point, then my pack could be linked to their issue and I definitely want none of that.
“When the time comes, I will let you know,” I tell Ryu. “But for now, let them tend to their issues. We would not want to be seen as the pack which has a hand in their ongoing crisis so we’ll do away from there for now.”
“Okay, Alpha,” and after a slight now, he turns around and starts to walk away from here. But then he stops and turns back to look at me. “Lest I forget, Alpha, they have stationed guards around the borderline now. So to get into their pack would have to be through the main way or they would not grant us entry.”
“I see. Thanks for informing me. And by the way, how has been the whole task in not letting the issue get to the hearing of the pack members?” I have to ask, recalling that we still have our problem too.
“It's not been any easy. Words have been getting out and soon enough, the people would father to find out what is going on. They will need answers as to what is going on presently because it feels like they are safe no more,”
I expected that response. And the truth be told, I was already anticipating being challenged by the pack members soon enough.
If it had been just a case or two, then I am sure it would be put behind files. But five isn’t something that can be hidden away from so many people. Definitely going to be a questioning issue. I had better start to look for a way to get them in order before they start a revolt against my tenure as alpha.
“Do you have any idea what we can do regarding the situation? You have been head warrior years before I even thought that I would be the leader of this pack. So you should have an idea or two about what I need to do in situations like this,”
He nods, and I can see the enthusiasm spark slightly on his face. It is not every day that I ask for his opinion on his issues but we will surely need his expertise in this kind of situation.
“I hope you don’t mind if I go informal a bit?” he demands.
“Carry on.”
“First, I think you will need to hold a pack meeting with the pack members soon. Have a word or two with then assuring them that all is well. Then you will have to explain to them the issue that is ongoing in the pack. But do not let them in on the possible solution just yet. Tell them you are looking into it already but haven’t come up with one. When you then get to meet with Green Dales’ alpha, and you get to form a cooperation with him, then you can let them in on a tiny bit. And why do I say a tiny bit? It is because you cannot let them know what you are planning lest you give away too much.”
“Wow,” I cannot help but say after he is done speaking. “All that just to ensure that the pack members are assured of their safety?”
“I know it is too long but I am sure it would work out. Your father used to do something similar to this and it always did work out.”
The expression on his face after his statement tells me that he thinks he might have screwed up. Of course, he has because I still have an issue with him that he was acting as the earpiece of my father before. So I could not help but frown at him.
“You know you could just tell me it would work out without mentioning my father. It’s like you’re telling me I am less capable than my father was,” my tone was a bit off as I let those words out of my mouth. There was no way I could hide the anger in my tone.
“I would never think that way, I promise. I was only making a reference to the past tenure so you would understand how talking with the people works.”
“Just leave,” I tell him, not wanting to hear more from him. Not sure if I would be able to stand such a topic that relates to that.
He gives a slight bow and the next moment he is out of the study, leaving me to tend to the paperwork that I haven’t seen to yet. Not to forget the extra he brought in for me.
*****
KIRA:
I am so nervous as I stand waiting. I cannot say how long I have been here but I am sure it has been long. Probably twenty to thirty minutes. But I would have to say that it is worth it.
A deep breath and I am less nervous. Although it is a lot difficult to even be alright due to how creepy this place feels. I can only hope that Bradley whom I am waiting for shows up in time or I am out of here.
This is something like a spot I tend to meet with Bradley when I was younger. He passes through this path still because it leads to his quarters so I am certain he would still pass through here soon enough because I have checked his quarters and didn’t meet him there. But it’s taking him too long already. Standing alone in this deserted area was not a good picture at all.
“Kira?” I hear his voice and so swiftly turn around to see him approaching with confusion etched on his face.
As usual, he is in his guard uniform which means he was coming from duty. I do hope he finds the job fun because I cannot imagine myself doing it. Feels like the most tedious task for any pack member.
“Hey, Brad,” I say, intertwining my fingers together behind me. The nervousness in me has surprisingly increased even after his arrival.
“What are you doing here?” he asks. He has gotten in front of me now and he starts to look around, probably to ensure if the area was safe.
“I came to see you,” I admit to him.
His brows are raised questioningly after that. “See me? What for? Is it something serious? I bet it is because you will never look for me it didn’t mean it had some sort of levity to it,”
I frown slightly at him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Just tell me what you came here for,”
Now the first thing I need to do is arrange the thoughts in my head. I don’t know if I am about to make the right decision but I know that I am not going to need things up because Bradley here would surely understand me.
“I came here because I need your help with something,” I start with that, taking my hands away from my back to at least reduce how I am tensed right now.
“Okay?”
“But before that, there is something I will like you to know,”
I take a deep breath and then exhale immediately. This is it, I tell myself inwardly.
“Brad, you remember that time you saw me in the woods behind a tree? And you asked me if I have a spirit wolf?”
His eyes narrow in possible realization. “Yes I do remember,” he says.
I lock a finger from my left hand into the one in my right hand. “Well, I wasn’t being honest with you that day when I told you I have none.”
Awkward silence takes over immediately. That is until Bradley speaks, “Wait, hold on there. Are you trying to tell me that you, Kira—”
“Yes, Bradley. I have a spirit wolf already.”