CHAPTER SEVENTY-TWO

Fear and favor

Max walked through the packhouse on his way to the training grounds, but unlike every other morning when he did so, his pack members didn’t greet him with smiles and enthusiasm, they looked almost gloomy. Max couldn’t put his finger on it, but it was almost as if the pack was in mourning.

“What’s up with everyone?” He muttered to himself when he stepped out the back door. They went about their day slower than usual which confused Max.

When Max reached the training grounds he observed the way they sluggishly sparred, no one seemed into the training as he was used to and he approached Landon, knowing his Beta would have answers.

“What’s going on?” He asked seriously, flooding his arms across his chest with his eyes narrowed.

“Word spreads fast in packs, Max. You should know that.” Landon didn’t spare him a glance.

“What word?” His frown deepened.

“You didn’t spend the night at home last night.” Max froze, he knew people would notice, he didn’t however expect t