CHAPTER SIX
TINY'S POV
It took thirty minutes for me to check the traps on foot.
Littered throughout the forest, and only a handful held promise. Two rabbits and a puny gray squirrel. I slip my catch into the satchel and re-thread the traps. Maybe tomorrow would prove to be more promising.
I didn't have time to be slow. But my limp is establishing my limitations. I know Cyrus warned me about relying on my ability, and the dangers that would occur if rogues discovered me.
Just this one time.
The lie echoes in my head as I set the satchel inside a hollow tree stump. The two mountain cotton tails were plump, but not enough meat on the bones to feed twelve ravenous kids. I need at least two more to provide for the house. After that, I'm supposed to gather apples too.
Akila is expecting a specialty dish, and the family is counting on me to provide dinner. No pressure, I lie to myself.
Cyrus won't find out. I ponder on the possibility, he's preparing for the festival.
Pushing my back against the stump, I rest on the floor of the forest. Leaves crunching under my bare feet. I set my bow at my feet and close my eyes.
"It's now or never," I mumble as my surroundings fade and darkness envelops me.
____________________________________________________
KOBAY'S POV
"Son."
My attention shifts to my father who stands beside Silver Crest's beta. The aged man nearly topples over my father who looks rather small compared to Cyrus's frame. But my father's short frame was a facade for his vicious ruling as a former Alpha. Those who crossed him met a deadly fate. It's because of my old man that Redwood is respected. Many fear us for the hell he's created.
But I am not my father. I am reminded of this constantly.
"Gahiji has asked me to prepare an offer for you," Cyrus said slowly.
Torrus, my father, strode to stand by my side. Placing his hand on my back as he smiled, "it's a high honor."
Ignoring his remark, I watch Cyrus's eyes, "what's the proposition?"
"Since the fall of Blackwell," Cyrus said clearing his throat, "Gahiji has been taking in rogue women and children to provide a better life for the innocent. But his kindness has attracted the rogue king."
My breath hitches at the mention of the Blackwell pack. And all I can think about is her. The pain and fear she, as well as her family, must have endured in her last moments. I once was a young lad who wandered too far in foreign lands, stumbling across the Blackwell princess. The image of Iris comes to mind. She was her father's image made over; bold, a voice for those less than her, and kind. We may have been kids, but I knew from the moment I met her and Lily that I found my future. A fate sewn into the stars only to end in flames reigning the skies.
Cyrus continues, "we've sent some of our most promising scouts to filter our lands, but my alpha has asked me to propose a deal to you."
I nod as my father grips my shirt impatiently, "and that is?"
"As you may remember, Leonidas and Gahiji were confidantes." Cyrus replies, "Gahiji has asked for you and your men to assist us. Help us preserve the festival from the rogues and my lord will pay you with his Blackwell shares."
I can hear my father's greed lodge in his throat as he tightens his grip. "I thought Gahiji didn't claim Blackwell's land after the fire."
"He didn't." Cyrus clarified, "Leonidas left a will. He gave Willowsbane forest to Silver Crest in case something were to happen to him and..." He trailed off as his eyes landed on my brooch. His voice raspy, "his heir."
"Yes," Torrus sighed, "it was a horrendous loss for us all. She was Kobay's playmate before the fire."
I ignore my father as I sit in my thoughts. Here lately, she's all I can think about as my elopement to Vanessa approaches. Our unification would unite Redwood and the Walker pack as one. The promises I made to her died. A piece of me did too. I've fabricated a lousy engagement just to get closer to my enemies. Marry Talon Walker's daughter so I can watch the life fall from those responsible for my greatest regret. Even if it's my father-in-law.
"I see," I reply shortly, "I reject the offer."
"What?" Torrus hissed.
I step away from my father to stand in front of Cyrus who looks baffled. I hold my hand out to the man, "I propose that my men and I will accommodate you on Gahiji's task as allies. Think of it as a gift. I do not expect payment when Silver Crest is offering hospitality for the festival."
Cyrus blinks with a simplified expression of relief as he shakes my hand, "as you wish, Alpha Kobay."
"It's nice to see that Gahiji is resurrecting the Blackwell's tradition." I replied, "I'll gather my men within an hour and join you at the border."
Cyrus bowed showing his appreciation, "thank you. Gahiji will be pleased to hear you spoke in honor of the Blackwell tribe."
The man is quick to remove himself from my office. Watching his figure wane down the hall as my gamma Ryan shows him the way out. My father groans in agitation, leaning against the wall. "You just let Willowbane fall from your hands."
"That's right." I answered coolly, "I will not accept land that is willingly offered. Gahiji isn't a foolish man."
"Pretty foolish to offer a land that enraged war," Torrus huffed.
"Except he's not." I murmured, "he must anticipate Redwood to be in ties with the rogue king due to the arranged marriage between me and Vanessa." I ponder on the true reason, "the Walker pack is known for their ties with that scum. If anything," I pause, watching my father twitch, "Gahiji has something far more precious of Blackwell than a piece of land."
"Clever boy," my father says as his greed subsides in his eyes, "Redwood's finest alpha."
My father is known for his heavy words and hollow meaning. His praise falls on flat ears. I gather myself as I make my way to the door, "I trust you'll have the rest of the pack's council join at the moon festival. And father--"
"Yes, son?"
"Bring Ty." I order, "my brother should be in attendance, illegitimate or not."
Disgust washes over his strained face, "as you wish."
I should press on the matter, but I know how he thinks. He perceives Tyler as a waste of genes. Simply because my little brother is mute. The jackass isn't even aware of Ty's incredible ability. He doesn't bother speaking to him or learn how to. If I could bring Ty with me now, I would. But if rogues are gnawing on Gahiji's heels, I need to be there to make sure it's safe first.
I leave my father in my chambers. I conjure a hunting party by mind-linking my beta and gamma. Second in command, beta Dominic responds diligently followed by Ryan.
'Alpha?' The two respond in unison.
'Gather our finest warriors and prepare to leave. Silver Crest has asked for our assistance.'
'Yes, Alpha.'