Liam slapped his twin’s stomach hard enough the grunt made Sage giggle, burying her face in Jacob’s shoulder.
There were the main members of the pack, and a few new wolves who’d healed and woken up. Kai stood in front of the fireplace with a smile on his face as he studied them all. It didn’t quite reach his eyes though and she felt a flicker of nerves in her stomach.
All the others took a seat on the massive couch as well, Olivia sitting on the other side of Noah once he’d finally sat up. Amelia went to stand next to her mate, and then Zoe watched as the others all focused on the pair.
If she stayed in this pack, Zoe would have to accept the fact that Kai was a leader in the group and this kind of living situation wasn’t human at all. There was nothing familiar about this to her and having someone dictate her life was something she’d never allow.
The mate bond was one thing. Zoe knew Liam would never try to keep her from doing what she wanted. He’d made that clear when she’d asked what he would do if she didn’t want to stay in this pack. Liam would come with her, and she assumed Noah would too.
But clearly, they loved this pack. They loved this place if they’d never given up, even during the bad years. They’d had hope, and Kai was the reason they were doing better. Zoe honestly couldn’t say what she would do if she was in Kai’s position.
It wasn’t like she was used to territory wars, at least not like this.
“You’ve been thinking a lot,” Liam whispered, lacing his fingers through hers again.
“I have a lot to think about.” Zoe caught Chris staring at her hand in Liam’s, eyes wide in shock.
It must look strange to him after so many years of her self-imposed isolation.
“Anything I can help with?” Liam asked, pulling her closer so he could tuck her into his side and wrap an arm around her shoulders.
It was a lot more PDA than she was used to, but the others were far clingier and for some reason that made her feel a little less self-conscious.
“Yes, and no,” Zoe admitted. “I’ll tell you about it after we hear what Kai has to say.”
“Thank you everyone,” Kai said, eyes falling on each and every one of them, including her. “There have been a lot of developments over the last few months, and I know we stand at a crossroads.”
The silence was thick with anxiety and determination, but no fear from what she could tell.
“You know, I never wanted a war. I was hoping for peaceful resolution that wouldn’t take more from you all than you’ve already given over the last ten years.” Kai sighed and shook his head, his long black hair falling over his shoulders. “Cascade has forced our hand and there are two choices.”
The Alpha looked at everyone again, and then down at his mate, who smiled up at him encouragingly. The redhead seemed just as prickly as Zoe, but she was just as affected by her mate. Zoe found that reassuring too and it made her feel less like an idiot.
“We can allow Cascade to take over our pack, swearing to their Alpha and letting them absorb our territory. Or we can fight for what is ours.”
Zoe knew what the choice was going to be just by the way the air felt in the room. They were all going to fight.
Her stomach dropped as she imagined Liam and Noah fighting against other wolves in secret battles the public would never know about. What if he one time, he didn’t come back?
Liam rubbed his thumb back and forth across her knuckles soothingly and Zoe realized she was holding his hand so tight the bones were creaking. Instantly she relaxed her grip, taking a deep breath.
It would be okay. It had to be. She couldn’t lose him so soon after she’d found him.
“There are a lot of new faces here,” Kai said, turning to the newly bitten. “Cascade stole your choice from you, and I refuse to do the same. You don’t need to fight with us, but I will still grant you sanctuary until you know what it is you want to do. We’ll train you and guide you through your first shift. Then you can stay or join another pack. The choice is up to you.”
Kai’s silver gaze landed on hers, and Zoe found herself in another