“I’m staying,” Dresden said, not surprised when all eyes turned to him. “Regardless of what the Council does you still have Storm to deal with.”
Roland cursed quietly under his breath. Nafarius silently agreed.
There had been discussions aplenty about what to do about Storm. Roland and Nafarius considered him an unknown threat, one that they were taking seriously. The pack was on high alert, had been since Michael’s death over two months ago. Women and children were kept close to home and the men hunted in pairs — no exceptions.
There were patrols running 24/7 with regular check ins and word had gone out to other packs in the area to be on the look out for strangers. Packs were territorial but most of them in this area of the country were related through mating. Information would come if a stranger tried to make his or her way to Wolf Lake.
Nafarius, Sam and Roland had talked with Dresden at length working to gather as much information about Storm and his team as possible. They had discussed the advantages to taking the offensive verses the defensive and even considered moving the pack. Only Dresden’s certainty that Storm wouldn’t stop until he had Sam or knew she was dead convinced them to stay. They would see this through — one way or the other.
Jude felt a shiver of pleasure at Dresden’s declaration. She knew it was selfish of her but she’d hated thinking that he would be leaving soon. They’d been enjoying each other, most of the pack having grown use to the idea of them as a couple – however temporary.
“Much appreciated,” Nafarius said with a nod of thanks. “We’ll take all the help we can get.”
“It’s the waiting that I hate,” Sam said. “I hate not knowing when or how Storm will attack, it leaves me feeling at a distinct disadvantage.”
“I’ve actually been thinking about that,” Dresden said. “If you have a minute I’d like to run something past you,” he said, directing his comment at Nafarius but including Sam and Roland.
Sensing the change in topics, most of the pack members moved onto other things leaving the clearing free for Nafarius, Roland, Sam and Dresden.
“Jude, Tasha, I’d like you to stay as well,” Sam said. “Maddie, will you please help Glenis with the twins and make sure Payton is tended to?”
“Of course,” Maddie slipped back inside. She wasn’t insulted at having been directed elsewhere. Each pack member had his or her place, Jude and Tasha were both dominant females and would naturally defend the pack against all danger. Maddie was more submissive and supported her pack by taking care of the young and seeing that the leaders had everything they needed. It was this division of labor and responsibilities that allowed the pack to operate at peak effeciency.
Nafarius, Sam, Roland, Dresden, Jude and Tasha waited until the clearing was empty of all other pack members before speaking. Eventually the pack would know everything but until then they wanted things kept quiet. “So,” Nafarius said, “what have you got for us?”
Dresden considered the man he’d come to respect and call friend. “There is no doubt in my mind that Storm is organizing an attack. I also know that he won’t make a move until he’s guaranteed of success. It may cost him in men and resources but he’ll consider just about anything an ‘acceptable loss’ if he walks away with Sam and/or the twins.”
Nafarius growled low in his chest, the sound an automatic response to hearing a threat towards his mate and their young. “You’re not telling us anything we didn’t already know.”
Dresden nodded feeling no offense at the curt statement. “I propose we force his hand, give him a reason to come after Sam when and were we choose. We draw him out, make it appear like we’re unprepared when in fact we’ll be making the first move.”
“Nothing short of Sam will draw him out,” Roland said.
Dresden nodded. “She’d be the bait.”
“No,” Nafarius said, his tone daring anyone to argue.
“Yes,” Sam said and braced herself.
Nafarius stepped into Sam’s space. Towering over her, he stared down into her face. “I said no. I will not put you in harms way.”
Refusing to be intimidated or back down, Sam stepped forward until she was pressed nearly nose to nose with her mate. “First of all, you can’t stop me,” she growled and felt power ripple down her spine. “Not to mention it’s already too late. I’m in his crosshairs and nothing you do or say is going to turn his attention. I say we use that to our advantage and get rid of the bastard.”
They locked eyes, Nafarius’ bright with anger and fear for his mate. He could feel Sam’s power radiating from her in waves of heat. “What you ask of me goes against every instinct I have to see my mate protected.”
“I’m not just your mate,” Sam said quietly. “I’m alpha female of this pack and every instinct I have is telling me to protect. You chose me – not just as your mate but to help lead and protect – don’t ask me to back down from that.”
Nafarius growled in frustration before turning away to pace across the clearing.
Sam waited knowing that he needed time to come to accept the truth of her words. Everyone else waited silently, unwilling to draw the leader’s attention while in such a agitated state.
Nafarius paced back and forth, head down and fists clenched at his sides. Every time he thought of Storm, of the danger to Sam, a small growl rumbled through his chest. He wanted to lash out, wanted to attack and destroy this threat but at the moment found himself without a target.
He’d spent the past few months considering every angle, analyzing their situation, considering and disguarding possible attack and defense scenarios. Never once had he thought to put Sam on the front lines or using her as bait to bring the bastard here. He had to admit that it was the best scenario yet.
Turning back to the small group, he said, “Alright, what do you suggest?”