Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 95748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Jackson had feelers out in every direction, ready to catch the smallest whisper of whoever wanted Emily and would dare to take her out of his territory. The hired thugs showed someone really didn’t want to be identified.
Erik tilted his head slightly, his gaze sharp and unwavering. “You need to start traveling with an Enforcer, Jackson. Especially if Emily’s with you.”
Jackson winced. “I’ve always avoided taking one on. The council bossed me around for too long. I’ve got several good fighters I can call when needed but having one full-time doesn’t work for me.”
The suggestion hung in the air, a hint of concern beneath Erik’s blunt tone. Jackson let the cold bite into his bare chest, grounding himself as the snow beneath his feet soaked into his skin. The pine-laced air filled his lungs, crisp and sharp, a reminder of everything that still needed to be done. “When I take a mate—I’ll hire a couple of Enforcers.”
Erik’s light-blue eyes, clear in the morning light, studied him. His dark-blond hair, pulled back at the nape of his neck, had deepened to brown over the years. “Emily or not?”
“I have an agreement with Philip, but I want one from Emily. She’s getting there.”
Erik studied him. “It’s too bad you can’t just combine the packs, but you’d have a civil war in seconds.”
“Yeah, our packs are too different and our mining operations don’t mesh well.” Jackson ran a hand down his face, the rough scrape of his whiskers grounding him in the moment. “You know, Philip could have more kids.” That would let Emily off the hook.
“Wouldn’t surprise me.” Erik shrugged. “The guy’s still strong and stubborn as hell.”
Jackson huffed a laugh and shook his head. “Yeah.” He should suggest it.
“We’re calling a meeting of the Stope Packs Coalition. All leaders meet today at eleven. I figured you and I could go together,” Erik said. “I assure you Emily will be safe while we’re gone. Luna wants to meet with her anyway to draw more blood.” His tone dropped, turning disgruntled.
Jackson fought a grin. “You don’t know why?”
“No.” Erik growled low. “Luna wouldn’t tell me.”
Jackson rolled his neck, trying to demolish a knot. “That’s both amazing and adorable. Didn’t you ask nicely?”
“Shut up.”
“You shut up.”
Erik tucked his thumbs in the pockets of his jeans, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. “Luna takes the whole doctor-patient thing seriously. Even though she’s not a doctor. More like a mad scientist.”
“That’s her reputation,” Jackson replied. “But if Emily and Luna aren’t telling you, neither am I.”
Erik’s gaze steadied on him, the humor fading from his eyes. “Is Emily okay?”
Oddly enough, Jackson didn’t want to lie to someone he almost considered a friend, so he said nothing.
Erik’s mouth tightened. “That’s what I thought. Do you think she’ll be okay?”
“Yes,” Jackson answered without hesitation. “I do.” She had to be.
The rumble of an approaching engine drew their attention. The same old, green truck from before rolled to a stop, tires grinding over snow-packed gravel. Oakley jumped out, his high school football jersey visible beneath an unzipped jacket. Jeans tucked into thick boots, he moved with the confidence of someone twice his age.
“Patrolled the eastern side. Guards are rotating.” Oakley shook snow from his sleeves.
Jackson studied the kid. Young to be an Enforcer—too young by most standards—but Oakley carried himself with purpose. From what Jackson had seen, he handled his responsibilities well. “What are you planning after you graduate?”
Oakley smiled, looking like a teenager again. “My mom and sisters come first, but the pack can help with them. I’m thinking of training in warfare and military operations.”
What a smart idea. Jackson gave a firm nod. “I like that you are finally modernizing.” He’d done so for years but needed his allies to catch up.
“We’re working on it,” Erik said, his tone practical. “I think starting a farming community within the pack is a good start. You should do the same.”
“I’m planning on it,” Jackson replied. Wolves had always taken from the wild or bartered with humans, so creating a farm was modernizing for them. The logistics weighed on him already. Raya could probably handle organizing it, but she had enough on her plate. Emily’s sister crossed his mind. She knew farming and would probably like to help, but her hands had to be full with joining the Slate Pack. Still, it might be worth asking.
“Training’s about more than muscle these days,” Erik added. “We need strategy and discipline. Tech, too. It’s not enough to fight. We have to think ahead.”
Jackson had sources everywhere and needed to check in with them. Unlike the other packs, he’d been thinking ahead since he turned sixteen. His gaze drifted toward the cabin. Emily’s presence lingered like a steady heartbeat, grounding him even from a distance. “Yeah. We need to be ready for whatever’s coming next.”