The coldness in Ryne’s gaze had Kane stiffening. Hatred, aggression; there was no hint of brotherly love about him. Ryne barely acknowledged those around him, several patting him on the back obviously expressing support of him as a candidate. On some level, Kane noted the crowd around Ryne wasn’t as big as the one he had around him. It would seem the chance of the vote going in his favour had increased.
Strangely, the realization did nothing to calm his inner wolf. The animal had begun to pace, its hackles rising at Ryne’s silent challenge. Without realizing it, he took a half-step towards Ryne, only to pause when Helen caught his arm.
“Behave yourself, Kane.” She hissed the warning to him. “People are watching and starting a fight won’t win you any votes.”
He took a deep breath. She was right. “Sorry.” He gave her a crooked smile.
“I don’t know what’s going on with Ryne,” she whispered her concern, “but stay calm and remember you are the best candidate for the job. Our pack needs you.”
“Sure.” He glanced at Ryne again and then forced himself to look away, noting Helen seemed quite composed given the circumstances. She possessed a strong spirit and he was fortunate to have her on his side.
“Attention. Attention, please.” William, a member of the Council stood at the podium, tapping a gavel. “This meeting is now called to order.” He waited a moment until every one quieted down. “As you know, we are here to choose our next Alpha. Zack’s mate and blood off-spring have abdicated the position so we now open the floor to any and all who wish to be considered for the job.”
“I step forward for consideration.” Both Kane and Ryne spoke together.
The unplanned unity of speech caused a nervous titter to fill the air. Even though the vote was supposed to be civilized, emotions ran high in the room. Whoever won the vote would need to heal any rifts quickly. A pack divided wouldn’t last long.
“Ryne Taylor and Kane Sinclair, your names are allowed to stand.” William scanned the crowd. “Is there anyone else?” A heavy silence filled the room as gazes darted about the room looking for a raised hand. A second ticked by and then another. When no one spoke, he banged the gavel. “We have two candidates for consideration.”
Those gathered seemed to relax. Knowing two of their own were up for the job, eased the tension. The chance that an outsider could step forward was always a possibility. News of Zack’s death had been reported to Lycan Link and an official statement sent out on the Lycan news wires. Given the size and long history of the pack, the tragic event was considered a matter of public interest in the Lycan community. It also meant that any wolf hoping to rise to power knew of the vacancy and could have shown up. Everyone was thankful that hadn’t happened.
William consulted his notes. “Following protocol, we will allow time for questioning before the vote. I know many of you have concerns about the push by the oil company that wants permission to do exploratory drilling in part of our territory. As you are aware, they want to buy a large tract or lease it...”
Kane’s eyes drifted back to Ryne. Marla was whispering to Ryne, seeming to encourage him but Ryne wasn’t reacting well to whatever she said, his scowl deepening.
“Kane, can you answer our first question?” William’s voice jerked Kane’s attention back to the front.
Damn, what was the question? He had cleared his throat to speak when Ryne suddenly pushed his way to the front.
“He isn’t fit or deserving of being Alpha! I issue a challenge!”
A collective gasp filled the room as everyone surged to their feet.
Kane blinked, a red-haze of rage clouding his vision, his wolf taking over.
Our brother has challenged us for leadership, a fight to the death. The animal snarled in rage. All blood ties are now broken.
His hands curled into fists and he began to stalk towards his opponent, vaguely aware of Helen, her face pale as she shook her head in denial.
The crowd parted before him, shrinking back as they sensed his mood. Once at the front, he stood facing his challenger, a low rumble rising from his chest, a sound that was echoed by Ryne.
They were evenly matched in size and strength both as humans and as wolves. Indeed, they’d often been mistaken for each other in their younger years, only personality traits and eye-colour separating them. Both quick and clever, they were a formidable team. But now, now they were dominant males each intent on gaining leadership of the pack. Breathing heavily, material stretched over bunching muscles as the air shimmered around them. Their inner wolves struggled to be released, manipulating the energy around them to bring about a transformation, as low growls filled the air.
“Enough!” William banged the gavel several times, raising his voice as he tried to gain control. “Everyone take their seats. And you two,” he looked at Kane and Ryne. “Stand down. I want you on opposite sides of the room while the Council of Elders confers.”
Eyes locked on each other, both paused before responding, only respect for the law causing them to move back to neutral corners.
Nervous whispers filled the room as the pack waited to learn what would happen. Kane ignored the sounds around him, his eyes fixed on Ryne. His wolf did not trust the other to stay where he’d been told.
The Council of Elders huddled together, no doubt caught off-guard by this unexpected turn of events. A Council was comprised of retired Alphas and aged members of the pack whose wisdom and experience were considered valuable in guiding the pack and ultimately the Alpha. Not all packs had a council but, given the size of this territory and the number of Lycans involved, it was helpful to have extra input, especially in cases like this.
William left the huddle for a minute to get the Book of the Law. The Council would want to ensure they were following proper procedure for such a grave situation.
Minutes ticked past before the members could be seen nodding. A decision had been reached. As the spokesman, William approached the podium again and took his place. He cleared his throat and then waited for silence. When he had everyone’s attention, he began to speak.
“Ryne Taylor has issued a challenge for the leadership of this pack. It is his right, even though highly unusual in these enlightened times.” William fixed Ryne with a pointed stare but Ryne didn’t flinch. After a beat, William continued. “We now must hear from the other person under consideration as Alpha. Kane Sinclair, do you accept the leadership challenge from your brother or will you step down?”
Even without looking, Kane knew all eyes were focused on him. He could end this now, refuse the challenge and let Ryne take the position, avoiding bloodshed. It was the easy way out, some might even think it was the logical choice. Had that been Ryne’s strategy, knowing his brother was the cool headed one?
His inner wolf railed against that choice insisting they were destined to be Alpha. His logical half also expressed doubts especially in light of his conversation with Helen earlier in the day. He looked out over those gathered; packmates, friends. His duty was to the pack and the land they lived on. Ryne was his brother yet the good of all took precedent over family ties.
Slowly, he inhaled and nodded. “I accept.”
Pandemonium broke out. Ryne lunged at him, snarling even as others reached out, managing to hold him back. Helen was crying, others stood in shock. Supporters of Ryne started to push and shove those on the other side while William banged his gavel demanding everyone settle down.
By chance, Kane turned his head just in time to see Marla slipping out the back door.
Chapter 4
That night, Kane lay in bed staring at the ceiling. Mid-summer heat filled the room, drifting in through the open window, causing a sheen of sweat to slick his skin. He kicked off the covers and folded his arms behind his head. It was his thoughts rather than the heat that was keeping him awake. The challenge had been scheduled for the next day. Well, technically today since it was now well past midnight. He’d yet to fall asleep. By this time tomorrow he’d be Alpha…or not. His fee
lings were still conflicted on that point.
He watched the passage of the moonlight as it slowly traversed across the wall of his room, skimming over his dresser, slowly illuminating a photo of himself as a youngster with Zack. He was holding a fish and Zack had a hand on his shoulder. He, Ryne and Zack had gone camping together; swimming, fishing, roasting marshmallows.
“Look Zack. I caught a fish!”
“Good job, Kane. Reel it in slowly.” Zack coached him along. “It’s a big one. Enough for all three of us for dinner.”
“I’ll take a picture.” Ryne grabbed the camera Helen and Zack had given him.
“I did it! I did it!” He’d held the fish up high, a feeling of pride swelling within him when Zack had placed a hand on his shoulder.
“Way to go, Kane.” Ryne had snapped photos while offering praise.
The sound of their young voices echoed in his head and a bittersweet smile twisted his lips. Those innocent days were gone forever. It was still hard to believe how quickly things had changed.
Trying to distract himself, he brought to mind an image of the brown-haired girl. She always soothed him with her soft smile and deep green eyes. He could picture her standing beside him, her hair blowing gently in the breeze. He’d reach out and tuck the strands behind her ear, then lean down to kiss her…
Right. It was foolish fantasy and he was far too old to be mooning over someone he’d only seen once and had never even spoken to. An Alpha, or at least a potential one, had more weighty things to think about. With a sigh, he let the vision fade.
He ran a hand over his bare chest. There was an ache inside him, a pain over what amounted to a betrayal by his brother. Half-brother to be accurate but they’d never dwelt on that fact. A harsh upbringing had forged a deep bond between them…or so he’d thought.
Their mother, Mindy, had phenomenally bad taste in men. Her relationship with Ryne’s father hadn’t worked out while his own father was a bastard. They’d never known when they’d be fed, when they’d be on the receiving end of a drunken rage or when they’d wake up to discover they were moving to a new pack. There’d been a few good times but, for the most part, life had been tough. Yet no matter what happened, they’d always had each other. In fact, for years he’d hero-worshipped his older brother. Ryne had often picked up on the mood in the house and found them a place to hide until the storm that was his father passed out.
Well, those days were well in the past. And so were the brotherly feelings apparently. How was Ryne spending the night? Was he equally torn over the coming event?
He rolled over and punched his pillow into a more comfortable shape then settled his head on the cool surface. It did little to quiet his thoughts though, questions keeping sleep at bay. How long had Ryne been planning to issue a challenge? Was that why he’d been so moody all week? Or was it one of those rash decisions Ryne was known for?
Knowing he wouldn’t get any rest, he got up and pulled on a pair of jeans before padding downstairs. The house was silent, the floor boards creaking faintly as he walked the familiar pathway. He intended to go for a run but a light shining at the end of the hall drew his attention. He hesitated, not really wanting to talk to anyone, but a sense of duty had him veering from his chosen path towards the kitchen. As he’d suspected, a lone figure was sitting at the table, a cup of tea in her hand.
“Hello, Kane.” Helen addressed him without turning around.
“You’re up late.” He entered the room and pulled out a chair to sit in, the scraping of the legs on the floor sounding louder than normal in the silence of the night.
“I could say the same about you.”
He shrugged. “I couldn’t sleep.”
“Me either.” She stood and went to the cupboard and took out a cup. “I’ve been thinking about what you said. That someone tampered with Zack’s brakes. I still can’t believe anyone would do such a thing.”
“I know. I was shocked when Ryne showed me the evidence.”
“And you’re sure it wasn’t just an accident?” She poured water from the simmering kettle into a teapot and carried it to the table.
“Ryne’s good with mechanics. He said it wasn’t natural wear and tear. Especially not on a new truck.”
“It was hard enough losing Zack, but this news…” Her voice trailed off and she sat down heavily. “It’s been a hard day.”
“Yes, it has.” He scrubbed his face, then dragged his fingers back through his hair.
“The meeting tonight was quite a shock.”
“To put it mildly.”
She poured some tea into a cup and pushed it towards him. “Try this. It’s camomile.”
He looked at it skeptically. “I doubt a cup of tea will help.”
“Nadia highly recommends it.”
Nadia was their nurse practitioner, a font of modern scientific wisdom and medical folklore. He took a sip and made a face at the sweet flowery taste.
“The challenge is weighing on your mind.” Helen prodded gently.
“Yeah.” He stared down at the cup he now cradled in his hands. “Did I do the right thing, accepting the challenge? If I’d stepped down—”
“Ryne would be Alpha.” Helen cocked her head. “Is that best for the pack?”
“Maybe… I don’t know.” He shrugged one shoulder.
“Will you be good for the pack?”
“Yes!” He looked up. “Of course.”
“And that’s why you made the choice you did. You want what’s best for the pack.”
He gave a short laugh. “Or maybe I have an over-inflated opinion of myself.”
“Not you.” Helen smiled. “Or at least not yet.”
“Not yet?” He quirked a brow.
“I’ve seen a lot of Alphas in my time and some of them were pretty arrogant. Having a pack hanging onto your every word, almost worshipping the ground you walk on, can go to your head.”
“I’ll try to remember that.”
“If you forget, I’ll pull out my wooden spoon.”
They both chuckled before the gravity of the situation once again invaded their thoughts.
“What the hell was Ryne thinking, Helen? He knows a challenge is to the death.”
She nodded and blinked, a tear slowly dripping down her face. “You’re both like my sons. I don’t want either of you harmed. After losing Zack, I don’t think I can handle much more.”
“I know.” He turned the cup in his hands thinking of all the times he, Ryne and Helen had sat at this very table having a late night conversation. She used to wait up for them when they were teens, claiming she couldn’t sleep until she knew her boys were safely home. “I don’t know if I can do this. He’s my brother, Helen.” He glanced up at her, not trying to hide the torment that twisted his gut.
“Kane, you know the Book of the Law better than most. Are you sure there isn’t a way around this? Some sub-clause that could be used? A new interpretation that hasn’t been considered before?” Helen reached out and touched his arm. “I remember when you and Ryne were at the Academy and studying for finals. There was a passage in one of your text books that you were debating.”
He frowned as he searched his memory. “I remember that. The point was that the Book of the Law was written centuries ago. Alphas need to consider the spirit and intent of a law, rather than the exact wording, before enacting it.”
“Maybe you can use that to your advantage?”
He leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowed and then slowly nodded. “Perhaps… Of course, it’s a moot point unless I win.”
“You will. I have faith in you.”
He spent the rest of the night reading passages from the Book of the Law, checking precedents and considering his options. When he was done, it was almost morning. His eyes were gritty, his body weary and he hoped he hadn’t made a mistake putting energy into planning his strategy rather than resting. Would he have enough strength now to defeat Ryne? He wasn’t sure.
When light began to break, he
headed out, shifting into wolf form to go for a slow run, not enough to tire himself, just to warm up and, of course, to see his territory one more time. Technically, it wasn’t officially his, but he’d felt a deep connection to it ever since the day Helen and Zack had announced he and Ryne would, from then on, forever be part of their family.
He recalled the day the direction of his life had turned around. The previous night, his father had announced their family was leaving and he and Ryne had been silently packing their meagre possessions into bags. Every time they returned to Oregon, he’d hope their mother was telling the truth when she said they were there to stay. His father always ruined it though, causing trouble until the Alpha kicked them out. It happened no matter where they went until it reached the point he didn’t dare make friends or get close to anyone because it never lasted. Leaving hurt too much if you became attached.
His mother entered the room, her face bearing signs of strain like always, lines around her mouth, shadows under her eyes. He’d seen pictures of her when she was younger; she’d been beautiful back then. Now, even to his young eyes, she looked older than her years.
“You can stop packing.” She nodded towards the duffles.
“The bastard has changed his mind?” Ryne looked up, a t-shirt balled in his hand.
“Don’t call him that. You need to show some respect to your father.” She shot a sharp look at her eldest son.
Ryne snorted. “I only respect people who deserve it. Besides, he’s not my father.”
Trying to calm the situation, Kane spoke up. “The Alpha changed his mind and said we can stay?” He’d heard the argument the previous night; Alpha William and his father had waged a war of words outside his bedroom window.
“No, Kane.” She shook her head. “We’re leaving.”
His stomach suddenly felt like it had ice in it. “So we can’t take our stuff?” He didn’t have much. A new shirt Helen had given him for his birthday. A battered copy of the Book of the Law Zack had shared when he’d expressed interest in learning more about pack law. Zack was the Beta and had always taken extra time with him, answering his questions.