Alpha Queen (Claimed by Wolves #4) - Callie Rose Page 0,54
don’t. But you all met her just like I did. She didn’t treat us with hatred or cruelty. Gwen may be a bit of an outcast, but she only ever helped us.”
Trystan chuckles. “We didn’t give her much room to deny us.”
He has a point, but I don’t let it take the wind out of my sails. “Look, I know it took time, but I’ve finally learned to trust my witch. And I think most of you have learned to trust my powers too,” I add, casting a look around the group. Everybody’s watching me silently, giving me their attention in a way I’m not used to. But I’m the alphas’ mate, after all. I probably should get used to it. “Now, we need to consider trusting another witch to keep our families safe.”
A long, uncomfortable pause fills the room. Even my mates still don’t look convinced, though I know it’s not because they aren’t willing to trust me. Hell, it may not even be because they don’t trust Gwen. More that they don’t believe she’d actually want to come here and help us. So I’m formulating another plan of attack, a way to convince them all that Gwen is the answer, when Elder Jihoon speaks.
“I believe we should listen to Sable,” he says, his eyes thoughtful. “She has not led us wrong yet. My limited knowledge of this hermit witch suggests she could indeed be a strong ally, given the chance. This could, perhaps, be our moment to begin bridging the gap between wolf and witch.”
The elder finishes up with a smile at me, and I flush with pride at his acceptance of my idea. If the pack won’t listen to me, maybe they’ll listen to him.
It takes a bit more convincing, but I stand firm behind my idea, convinced it’s the best option available to us. I know it’s a risk, but the adage that “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” feels more true than ever in this case. If there’s any witch in Montana who’ll be likely to help us in our venture against Cleo and her coven, it’s Gwen.
After several more minutes of back and forth, Ridge finally nods. “Okay. I agree that it’s worth a try. All in favor?”
All four of my men voice their agreement, and to my relief, most of the other shifters present do too.
“So we need to reach out to the mountain witch,” Dare says. I can hear a slight strain in his voice, but it’s the only indication that he’s not entirely comfortable with this plan. It means a lot to me that he trusts me enough to go along with my idea, despite the fact that he doesn’t like it. “Do we send a small pack? Or a single ambassador?”
“I’ll go.” Amora raises her hand.
I shake my head. “No, I’ll go. I think a group of shifters racing toward her secluded cabin might spook her.”
“We can approach as humans,” Amora points out, looking amused. “We don’t have to howl at the moon while we sprint at her, fangs bared.”
I grimace. “It should be me. I just thi—”
Trystan cuts in. “No.” His face softens a little, his blue-green eyes burning as he catches my gaze. “You’ve gotta let us have this one, sweetheart. It isn’t safe for you to travel to Gwen’s. We can’t all go with you, and I can’t stand the idea of you going without us.”
I start to argue, but Amora reaches out and puts her fingers on my shoulder, shaking her head. “It’s better this way. I can be fast, and you can stay with the alphas to organize and figure out a plan of attack on the coven. You know Cleo better than any of us. It’s important you be involved in the planning.”
Of course I see what she did there, making it sound like I’m too important in this aspect of things to sacrifice for the trip to the mountains. But I still don’t like the idea of other shifters going without me.
“I’ll take several people with me,” Amora says, speaking to the group at large. “Strong fighters. We’ll look out for each other.”
Ridge nods once. “That would be best. But you have to promise me to be safe—don’t venture too close to Wolfsbane Mountain on your journey. Watch your back.”
I can see the worry in his eyes. Amora’s been his longest friend and confidante, and no matter what anybody says, going to Gwen’s and passing the witches’ stronghold on the way