Chapter 228

Chapter 78: Ayla “Okay,” I said as I sat down at Theo’s desk, “what’s the best way to do this? I’m guessing we want to contact them all at once.”

“A video message should do the trick,” Alpha Harden said, “We have a program designed for this kind of communication. Do you know what you’re going to say?”

I took a deep breath. “I think so,” I replied as I typed in Theo’s password on his computer.

Harden leaned over and pulled up the communication program he was talking about, opening it to the camera feature. I thought back to the lessons I had been working on with Luna Grace over the past few months. Hoping I would get it right, I hit record and started talking.

“Fellow Alphas and Lunas,” I began. “For those who haven’t met me, I’m Luna Ayla Garner of the Greytooth Pack. I’m contacting you all in regards to a serious matter that needs our attention. As acting Luna, I am requesting an emergency Alpha Gathering to take place at the Greytooth packhouse seventy-two hours from now. Please be aware that this concerns the future peace of all the packs. A peace Alpha Theo and I desperately want to protect. We depend on your attendance.” I stopped the recording and turned to Alpha Harden. “How was that?”

“Perfect,” he said.

Not wanting to let doubt sink in, I hit send. I sunk back in the chair with a sigh.

“Do you think they will attend?”

“They have to,” Harden said. “In some capacity or another. But yes, I think most of the Alphas – and Lunas – will attend personally.”

–

—

“And you’re sure this is the right move?” I asked. “We don’t know who is working with the Waar P ak. We may be inviting an army that’s against us.”

Harden took a seat in the chair on the other side of the desk.

“It was a few months before I was scheduled to take over my pack... when the Waar P ak struck the Onyxcrown Packhouse. I saw the fallout that happened after the attack. Most of the Alphas were outraged.”

“Then why does it seem like my father’s pack was forgotten?” I asked. “Left in the past.”

Harden shook his head. “They weren’t forgotten. It was a group effort to take down the Waar P ak back then. However, life goes on. They never targeted any other packs directly after that. The effort to find all of them became too costly when they were no longer a threat.”

“Justice isn’t enough of a reason, I suppose,” I said bitterly.

“It is for some,” he said, holding my gaze intently.

“Of course,” I sighed. “I’m sorry. I know we owe you a lot.”

“Not at all,” Harden said. “Your father saved me and my mate’s lives. I owe him everything. Plus, I like you, my dear.”

I couldn’t help but smile.

“Now, we need to start preparing for your guests,” Harden said, standing up. “It’s going to be a very busy few days.”

***

Theo I hadn’t responded to Malcolm in hours. He was starting to lose his control. His fidgeting had increased. He was barely able to keep still for more than a few seconds. I pushed my energy out a bit stronger again.

“You know my uncle will be coming for me,” Malcolm spat.

“I’m counting on it.”

“He’s not going to sit by and let you murder his nephew.”

“You were caught plotting against the Alpha and Luna of another pack,” I said. “It’s not murder. It’s my right. Your uncle is a Delta.

What power do you think he holds against our laws?”

“He has friends,” Malcolm replied with a wicked grin. “More powerful friends than you know.”

I crossed my arms over my chest as I sat back. “Perhaps.”

‘Theo,’ Briggs linked me. ‘You have a phone call.’

‘Who is it?’

‘Who do you think?’ Briggs replied. ‘He’s refusing to speak to me again.’

I stood without speaking to Malcolm and left the room. Briggs was waiting just outside holding the phone. I took it but didn’t answer yet, making my way to McCabe’s office first. McCabe was there with Jimmy and indicated for them to listen in. I clicked the speaker button and took the call off hold.

“This is Alpha Theo.”

“Where is he?” Charles Anderson barked over the line. “I know you have my nephew, Theo Arden. Now, tell me where he is.”

“Delta Charles, he’s being held in the city police station,” I stated plainly. “He has been arrested for treason, along with a few other serious charges.”

“On what grounds?” Charles demanded.

“That will be discussed with Alpha Anthony,” I replied. “I have no obligation to disclose any evidence to you. However, you are welcome to come witness the trial. I’m curious to see what you know about his activities of late. Particularly those targeted against my Luna and myself.”

The was a tense silence but it was brief. “I’m afraid I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he replied, sounding like it took effort to make the denial. “But rest assured I am on my way to clear up this mess, Alpha.”

“I have no doubt you will try,” I said threateningly. “I’m very interested to see how you will make the attempt. We’re looking forward to your visit.”

I hung up the phone and dialed another number.

“Alpha Theo,” Alpha Anthony answered. “We were just preparing to leave.”

“That’s good to hear, Alpha,” I said. “I just spoke with Charles Anderson. He is also on his way. I hope you have stuck with our agreement and not informed him of the Gathering that will be taking place.”

“Delta Charles has no reason to know about this Gathering,” Alpha Anthony said a little testily. “But I would still like to have a better idea of what is going on, especially since so many members of my own pack seem to be involved.”

“I would be happy to inform you,” I said. “However, it really is necessary that we wait until everyone is in attendance.”

“Very well,” Alpha Anthony replied. “We will see you shortly.”