CHAPTER 7
LIAM
The mansion that housed his pack was enveloped in a tense and heavy air as Liam sat at the long dining table, surrounded by his family of wolves. There was an unsettling silence that took over the room, interrupted only by the whispers of concern exchanged among the pack members. The recent loss of three of their own, murdered by an unknown enemy, had left a deep mark on them all.
The echoes of resentment and frustration resonated in his mind. The search for the one who had attacked their territory had yielded no results. As the best tracker of the pack, he had been unable to find the scent of the creature, and that gnawed at him. He had burned two warehouses where several of his men, and one woman, were injured, and the thought of not having been able to adequately protect them filled him with rage. His anger transformed into a dark desire for revenge.
-We haven’t found anything, Liam -said his beta, frowning as he leaned forward in his chair. His concern was palpable-. The patrols have yielded no results.
-What have you heard about King Hassel?
-we don’t know anything. He just passed through my territory in L. A. with that creepy beta he has and sent me here as backup -responded Odin, another Alpha and his best friend. Liam nodded thoughtfully.
The figure of his father, in a wheelchair and visibly weakened, watched seriously from one side of the table. His eyes reflected the accumulated sadness of years and past challenges, but also the wisdom that can only be gained after multiple battles. He was a constant reminder of what was at stake.
-I see -answered Liam, clenching his fists, keeping his thoughts to himself. Hassel was looking for the killer on his own, and that annoyed him because it made him feel unworthy of taking care of his pack-. We cannot allow this plot to expand. This creature is toying with my patience and blatantly screwing with me, no more. He wanted all my attention; well, now he has it. -That had awakened the protective instinct in him, and he wouldn’t rest until he found him. And as selfish as it sounded, he had his mate and their pups to protect.
A deep silence filled the room as all, both female and male members of his pack, looked at him, their leader, determined and fierce. Each of them knew that their confidence depended on Liam’s strength, on his ability to protect them against this new enemy.
-We have been able to rule out the hunters; they disappeared a long time ago, thanks to you, Liam. And the fact that we have been able to remain hidden -interrupted Gigit, her voice heavy with worry-. But the idea of another possible race of wolves wanting to enter our territory in Chicago is something that looms over the entire pack. It’s a latent possibility.
A shadow of doubt crossed Liam’s face as he contemplated the news. Competition in his territory was something that needed to be addressed with extreme caution. The Nordic gods would help him, but inside him, anxiety grew at an alarming rate.
-Double the security. I want double patrols beyond our borders. I need the men to stay alert and ready for any attacks that may arise. Women and children must remain inside the central territory of the pack to keep them safe.
The look in his father’s eyes, filled with concern, met Liam’s gaze.
-Son, don’t let this situation consume you. You have other responsibilities to attend to… like your future family.
Liam felt the weight of those words pressing on his chest. His little wolf, Shane, needed to be okay. She was carrying their little pups inside her, and the idea of something happening to her while he wasn’t by her side was a terrifying notion.
-I know, father -he replied gravely-. I will do what needs to be done, but I cannot allow anything to happen to my pack; they are my family too. I will ensure Shane stays safe. -“That is, if I can keep her locked in the attic for a while,” Liam thought.
-Your sister? -his father asked.
-Being Shane’s shadow. And honestly, I think that has nothing to do with me anymore. Lia feels it’s her duty to protect her. -Alec’s brow furrowed.
-That doesn’t make sense.
-Tell me about it. -Liam sighed.
With a determined movement, he got up from the table, defying the tension that surrounded him. He was going to keep investigating. He couldn’t afford to stop until he got the name of the enemy who had caused so much damage to his pack.
As he made his way toward the door, Gigit’s voice echoed behind him.
-Be careful, Liam. Not only are you fighting for your pack, but you’re also fighting for your future.
A spark of determination shone in his eyes. There was something at stake that went far beyond the protection of his pack; it was the future of his family. And that would push him to keep scraping the depths of hell if necessary, to find and eradicate the threat lurking in the shadows.
With each step, he reaffirmed his promise. He would do whatever it takes to protect Shane and their pups. He would not allow fear to dictate his actions. He was the alpha, and that day, in the depths of his territory, he swore to himself that he would go to hell for that bastard… the battle was about to begin.
Followed by Gigit, both got into Liam’s car and headed north of Chicago to start the first patrol. Before crossing the double iron doors, he saw Odin leaving the mansion accompanied by his beta. He looked at him before getting into his car. Others had also exited and were getting into their SUVs, taking directions opposite to his.
Liam felt too tense to remain still, so it was he who drove.
-Send a message to my little wolf and ask how she’s feeling. -Liam handed him his phone.
-Is she sick? -Gigit looked at him worried.
-No. -he couldn’t tell her anything about the pups yet. Not if he wanted to keep his genitals intact; Shane would undoubtedly cut them off if he said something about the pregnancy-: Do you need more shit than we already have to want to know if she’s okay? -Liam growled.
-Fuck, you’re so angry. Calm your furry ass down, man.
Liam turned his head, taking his gaze off the road, and watched Gigit, his eyes changing color and showing his canines.
-Do you not care about Marc’s safety?
-No. -he answered confidently.
-What?!
-I’ve told him the truth about everything and asked him to work from home.
-You’ve told him everything?
-Yes. Haven’t you?
-And has he stayed home, like a good obedient mate? -Liam couldn’t believe it.
Gigit nodded.
-Fuck! Am I the only one with a stubborn mate then? -he complained.
-Why haven’t you told Shane anything about what’s going on? -Gigit insisted.
-She doesn’t need to know.
-Yes, she does. She’s part of the pack.
-She is, and still, she doesn’t need to know anything. That’s my job-to protect her.
-For the Nordic gods, just listen to yourself! You sound like a caveman. You just need to beat your chest and piss on her leg.
-You’re right.
-Should I? -Gigit looked at him wide-eyed.
-Yes, you should. I’m going to piss on her leg and mark my territory.
-Fuck! -Gigit shook his head and sent a message to Shane.