The Defiant Alpha (West Coast Wolves #2) - Susi Hawke Page 0,5

of dread when I consider not trying."

I perked up. "Are you in?"

Closing his eyes, Six took a deep breath before slowly nodding his agreement. "I'm hesitantly giving my approval to the plan and suggesting we work together to help Thirteen tonight. If we all want to go with him, we have the powers necessary, but my gut says joining him now is the wrong choice. A single wolf—or a pair, I suppose, when we include our brother's mysterious friend, Alex—has a better chance of blending in and finding help than every one of us together."

Eleven appeared horrified at the idea. "Good gracious, yes. The logistics alone of keeping track of us out in the wild would need to be considered. But I don't even care to imagine the statistical chances of a small pack of wolves escaping undetected. We don't know what lies on the other side of the surrounding hills. No, I still don't care for the odds of a pair of wolves making it, but at least those are calculable."

With our brother finally calmed down, Five rested a hand on his arm. "We're all stressed and worried about this, Eleven. It'll be okay, though. I think Six would know if it was going to end in complete disaster. He said things won't work out as planned, but he also said it's the best idea." Turning to me, Five smiled gently. "I vote yes too, and I would beg you to try your best to stay safe and not get hurt."

One by one, the rest of my brothers chimed in with their yes votes and more words of encouragement—and more than one breath of concern. Altogether, whether it worked or not, my plan was a go. Help from the two most essential brothers, Seven and Four, was the only thing I absolutely needed to get away. Still, I felt better about leaving them behind if we were in agreement, and having them on board would aid my escape.

After dinner, we were sent to our classroom for our evening quiet time of reading and meditation before Teacher finally came in. He was a short man with mean eyes who made himself seem larger by ruling us with an iron will and a loud voice. I was so on edge; keeping my scent from betraying my anxiety took everything in me. From a lifetime of experience, I knew Teacher would seize any excuse he could find to withhold a reward, especially our monthly run. He was the one flaw in my plan, the only possible impediment to my getting away without detection.

The shiny top of his bald head reflected the florescent lights as he looked around the room. Lips curled, he gazed into each of our eyes, searching for any infractions. We knew how to play the game, though, and sat up straight with meek, humble expressions. After a long, interminable silence, he finally grunted and motioned for us to rise.

"Gentlemen, you've managed to surprise me. Either you're growing up, or you're finally realizing you have no power here. I didn't expect any of you to make it a full month without receiving a demerit. You've earned a privilege. Single-file line. You will walk as gentlemen to the exit, not shifting until you cross the threshold. While in your animal form, you will maintain this line while you take a walk around the property. You will follow the path and conduct yourselves properly at all times. You will be allowed three laps, and then you will return the same way you entered. Any deviation will bring an abrupt halt to your evening constitutional. Any questions?"

As trained, we politely waited long enough for anyone to speak up before shaking our heads. With no further excuse to stall, Teacher grunted and led us toward the exit.

When I heard Alex in my head, only years of mindspeaking helped to maintain a poker face while holding my place in line and shuffling along. "Thirteen, I'm in position. Is everything a-go? I see the guards out here with guns, so I'm assuming you're on the way?" The nerves in his voice mixed with excitement. I could easily imagine him being as on edge because of the danger of our upcoming adventure as I was. Anyone would be.

"We're coming out now. I'll be the wolf near the end of the line, with two behind me. Keep to the plan. I've got this on my end." As I got to the door, I untied my robe and allowed