our new territory, so we had a better plan when we returned. It took us a full day to reach the location with us camping overnight. The place wasn’t anything special. A simple cabin in the middle of the woods. There were other carriages stationed around the building, which meant the other Alphas were already waiting. We disembarked and entered the wooden cottage and stopped in the doorway. In the middle of the room was a large, round table made of oak. At the table were the four other Alphas that controlled this state, those who decided to grant us sanctuary.
Their gazes were not without scrutiny as they took in our appearance. We were all dressed in our best. I was wearing my pants with riding boots, a vest, button-down shirt and jacket, the high quality of British fashion. Our Alpha was wearing what looked to be several layers of clothes befitting a woman of status. Her corset had her breasts sitting up on her chest, and they were decorated with a silk scarf for modesty and an emerald necklace. The other males were dressed as I was, as a gentleman would be dressed.
As I looked at the other Alphas, all but one was dressed in what I assumed was the highest quality in American fashion, not too different from our British fashion, perhaps a few less layers. There was an Alpha of Asian heritage that wore clothes from his native Japan. His outfit looked to be the most comfortable out of all of the garments, if I was being honest. The one Alpha who shocked me the most looked to be a boy, no more than fifteen or sixteen years old. The aura I got from him was not one of a natural-born wolf. I didn’t even know a bitten wolf could become an Alpha. Maybe he was mated to one and inherited the position as Julie had from Connor. I was curious.
“Please, take a seat,” said the one female wolf amongst the males.
“Thank you,” Julie said and walked closer to the table.
We followed her and stood behind her quietly, and we weren’t the only wolves who’d accompanied their Alphas to this meeting. Each Alpha had at least two other wolves with them, all standing behind their Alphas with serious looks on their faces. The tension in the cottage was thick enough to cut with a sword and as I looked around, I noticed there weren’t any other piece of furnishings in the cottage. Just the table and chairs. I guessed that was to add to the atmosphere that this wasn’t a friendly place; to not make one’s self too comfortable. This was going to be an interesting meeting, I was sure.
“Do you know why you are here?” asked the male Alpha of Asian descent.
“Perhaps, we should start with introductions,” suggested a male Alpha with blond hair and blue eyes that didn’t quite look as cruel or judgmental as the others.
The Asian Alpha only sighed and made an offhanded gesture as if allowing the other Alpha to proceed with what he deemed unnecessary. “Make them, then.”
The blond Alpha smirked and looked at Julie. “The rude one here is Akio Takeda, Alpha of the Pineleaf territory,” he said, motioning to the pretty Asian Alpha. “The lovely lady to my right is Selena Ortega, Alpha of the Rose Garden territory.”
“Charmed,” Selena said.
The blond Alpha winked at Selena, then turned to the next Alpha. “Our newest Alpha—”
“I can make my own introduction,” interjected the child-like Alpha with a distinguished Russian accent.
“Very well,” said the blond who’d yet to introduce himself. Supposed he was saving his for last.
“My name is Josef Astor, Alpha of the River Rock Territory. Please do not make the mistake of assuming I am a child simply because I have the appearance of one. That is my only word of advice,” Josef warned.
The blond Alpha cocked an eyebrow and cleared his throat. “I am Benjamin Eastland, Alpha of the Lakeview territory.”
Julie nodded. “I am Julie McGregor, Alpha of the…” she paused, because we were no longer known as the McGregor-London pack, having lost our London territory to the dragons.
“You are in new territory now, my dear. You may give your territory and pack a new name,” Benjamin said.
“Thank you,” Julie said. “I am very grateful to the four of you for allowing us sanctuary,” she said in her most gracious tone.
“Your letter was vague on details regarding the loss of your territory. Care to elaborate?” Josef asked.
Julie swallowed, then