Chapter 17
POV Aiden
Although I doubted Eric’s readiness to take on Alpha responsibilities, he needed to be ready. This whole situation could blow up and escalate quickly. Omaha Gavin has always been a thorn in my side and his presence on the board irritated me. His only reason for being there is his age, being over one hundred years old he is a pack elder. Holding no special knowledge or area of expertise he stood up to speak purely on his own self-worth.
“Alpha, you can’t be serious.” He whinnied looking around the room for back up from the others.
I knew he would be a problem; he is without fail driven to question my decisions. When Eric takes over, I will gladly take his spot on the council.
“So far Alpha Eric has undergone his first shift, ran patrols four nights in a row and saved the life of a young pup. What have you accomplished this week, Omega Gavin?” I stood my ground. Ready to make my case to any who would doubt my decision.
Looking around the room, much to my surprise, not one of the other council members shared in his objection. See that no one shared in his disdain he sat back down. Arms crossed and with a heavy humf.
“Getting back to the matters at hand. Dr. Stevenson has identified one of the bodies found in the cave. Which leads us to believe that they are Beta Lorenzo and his family. We can’t be completely sure and Alpha Donte has denied they are not on pack territory. If it is that raises the question as to why Alpha Donte is lying. We believe Beta Lorenzo has a living sister, the girls next of kin would be responsible for her now according to our laws. Miss Evens has expressed concerns about this. I will let her explain. Miss Evens if you would.” I sat next to Joann and Eric letting Miss Evens have the rooms full attention.
“Thank you, Alpha. As some of you know the girl was found with a betrothal pendant, but what you might not know is the contract implied by this must be made by a blood relative. I have my doubts that her father or mother would have gone into such an agreement. The only other known living relative is the aunt. I do not believe it is wise or in the best interest of the pup to return her to her old pack or family.” Miss Evens went to open one of the books she had brought with her when Omega Gavin stood back up and interrupted her.
“This is not our problem, there’s no reason to put our pack at risk over one girl. We need to send her back to her pack, none of this is any concern of ours. This is their problem!” His beady little eyes once again searching the room.
Pinching the bridge of my nose in frustration I was about to respond to him when I heard Eric’s voice. “What if it was one of your daughters Gavin, what if you did everything you could to keep them safe, died trying. Would it still be ok to you? Would it be our problem then?” Eric said.
Looking up at him I couldn’t help the prideful smile I felt creepy to the corner of my mouth. I just leaned back and continued watching.
Omega Gavin started spitting and sputtering words. “That’s not the same they are pack members, I’m a pack elder.”
“Technically none of your daughters are part of this pack anymore. They left with their mates to other packs.” Eric said simply.
Omega Gavin’s face turning red, his ability to hold his temper crumbling. “Well, she’s no concern of ours!”
The expression on Eric’s face fell, he looked around the room before he spoke again. “This pack was founded on the belief that the old ways were cruel and wrong. Who are we if we turn our backs on this girl? Who are we if allow this child to be used as a puppy mill for the Lycans? What is the point if we leave this innocent child to that fate?”
Omega Gavin was subdued at these words being reminded that he had joined this pack to protect his own family from those ways.
Beta Darien quickly stepped up to move the conversation along. “We should send a few members to speak with Alpha Donte in person. Could be he isn’t in a situation to give information out over the phone. Right now all we can do is guess why they would run, why come here and if they came here looking for our pack, why hide out in a cave just a few miles off pack territory for weeks?”
“All we can do is speculate for now Beta” Miss Evens took the opportunity to regain the floor. “I agree Alpha Donte should be able to give us some answers but given the circumstances we can’t expect him to talk to just anyone.”
“Beta Darien and I will go speak with Alpha Donte.” Eric said shocking us all.
Joann’s voice filling my head. “Aiden do something! He can’t go.”
“My love we just announced his place we absolutely cannot withdraw it now. It will be fine; Darien will be with him. It’s a day's trip there and back.” I tried to reassure her.
The council voted unanimously to send Alpha Eric and Beta Darien to the Blue Lagoon pack to get as much information on the situation as possible. When it came time to vote on what to do about the girl Omega Gavin once again made his disapproval about it known before Dr. Stevenson stepped in.
“Returning the girl now is out of the question, she is in no condition to travel, I strongly advise against any attempts to move her in this state.” Dr. Stevenson said.
“Can we at least agree that she stays here in our care until she is healed, or we know enough to make a decision?” I could override the council as Alpha it is within my power to do so but I really didn’t like to.
When we ended the meeting Eric and Darien left to pack what they needed for the trip. Since the Blue Lagoon territory was just under six hours away, they decided to leave this afternoon. I would call ahead and let Alpha Donte know they were coming but after our last conversation I saw no point in it.
