35

“I understand that most of you, and most of the pack, have concerns with the way I am handling our current situation. I understand that many of you would prefer to handle this all by ourselves. But we need to be able to accept the fact that we cannot solve all problems by ourselves anymore. The old way of doing things, just killing someone because you suspect they are the killer? We will no longer be acting rashly. The world is evolving and we will too.”

Farryn was pleased that as she spoke no one seemed inclined to interrupt her, however, she could see the unease beginning to ripple through the council.

“I am not trying to say that we become like Aeston and open our arms to strangers, we are a Wolf pack through and through. I will not be attempting to blend this pack, but I will accept outside help in matters we cannot begin to understand.” A large sense of relief came from the males when she reported she was not going to try and open their pack up.

She sighed softly before her lips parted once more to resume speaking, before the words could escape her throat a slender female burst into the room, her red hair was a wild mess making it clear she had run the distance from her post.

“Alpha, Tony, pardon the intrusion, Zeke sent me to warn that there is suspicious activity on the southwestern border.” Tony rose partially from his seat in mild alarm. So long as no one crossed the border there wasn’t an immediate need for action but seeing the red-heads widened eyes concerned everyone in the room. Tony turned to Farryn who was doing a good job of hiding her confusion. She hadn’t yet had a chance to learn completely about the surrounding areas.

“To the South is a pack by the name of Red Moon, shortly after our arrival here they had made it quite clear they were looking to expand their territory. They are not significantly larger than us and had not tried to encroach on our territory but they’ve been looking at the land to the west. It’s open with no one in the way, all the way to the coast. I’ve been having my patrols keep an eye on them to know if they started to make a move west.”

“Because if they take the land to the west of us they will be essentially cutting us off and we will be boxed in on all sides.” Farryn finished before turning her eyes to Jason.

“Had you attempted to meet with their Alpha? Discuss a way to keep the land open?”

“I had tried once, I was told that if I tried stepping foot on their territory they would take it as a threat and attack on sight. I never got to see what he looked like, let alone speak to him.” Jason propped his cheek into his palm as Tony rose to his feet fully.

“Alpha, if you don’t mind I would like to personally go to the border.” Farryn gently scratched the bridge of her nose before nodding her head.

“Go, don’t do anything rash, if you need help then get help.” For the first time since Farryn had taken over as Alpha Tony lowered himself into a bow before exiting with the red-head. Ashia watched the events unfold with unbridled curiosity. It was clear she was itching to follow after those who left but she kept her feet planted, especially when her gaze met Tristan’s. Farryn watched the way Ashia seemed to bristle at the sight of the male looking back at her.

“Well, I suppose this puts an end to the meeting. Thank you everyone for being here, you know where to find me if you need anything.” Farryn withheld a deep sigh as the remaining members rose to their feet and bowed before taking their leave.

“That went very well,” Jason commented softly as he stretched his arms above his head.

“It went alright, but I’m worried about that pack to the south. I have pack mates disappearing and now a territory hungry pack?” She shook her head in slight disbelief as Jason flashed her a grin.

“No one ever said it was easy being the Alpha.” Farryn rolled her eyes before getting to her feet and joining Tristan and Ashia.

“Tristan, during the day you will have to stay in my company so I can keep an eye on you.” He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly but Farryn could see how tense he was.

“But at night I’ll have to be sleeping in the jail.” Farryn nodded in confirmation before turning to Ashia, ending the conversation before Tristan could make a complaint. He knew it would help keep the pack at ease, but that didn’t mean he liked the idea.

“Ashia I would like us to sit down and talk, I want to get to know you better, know how you were able to see through Tony so easily.” Ashia’s mischievous little smile reappeared at Farryn’s words.

“An honor, we talk tonight, just us.” Ashia extended her hand for a handshake. Whatever she had to say she didn’t want Tristan to hear. Farryn nodded her head in understanding before clasping her outstretched hand.

Farryn forced a smile to her lips as she led the way to one of the spare bedrooms for Ashia to use. Jason was right, no one said this was going to be easy, but she was slowly starting to gain the respect of her council and the rest of the pack would soon follow. She sent a silent prayer to no one that the Red Moon pack would stay silent, at least until she had the Tristan situation handled. If there was a fight to be done over the stretch of land that was open she wanted Tristan in the fight on their side but no one in the pack would trust him which would lead to more casualties than she cared to see. She could feel Ashia’s eyes on her as she sifted through her thoughts. Perhaps Skylar and Asher would return with news that Farryn was hoping for.