GABE“So, what are you thinking oh fearless leader of ours?” Jamerson asks as I roll another barrel his way to change out.I lean against a case of liquor, some of our own brand, Propping an elbow on top. He was talking about the Raven Knights pack. “I think you should tell me your thoughts.” I shrug watching him re-hook the line to the keg.“No. No. You don’t get to put this on me.” He laughs, glancing at me. “This is your call, Gabe.”Swiping a hand down my face, realizing I need to shave when I feel the rough stubble scratch my palm. “The cause is sound. The money not so much.” I cut Jamerson off as he tries to rebuttal my statement. “But… I keep thinking of my sister. How she didn’t have a choice, how her voice wasn’t heard. Then think of how the alpha is willing to give up everything he has to keep his daughter out of the hands of a tyrannical pack.”“So, we’re taking the job?” Jamerson stands to his full height now all the kegs have been changed, crosses his arms, and sits on the

STIXSThe clock on the wall reads 10 pm. Internally I groan and outwardly I shift uncomfortably in my seat. The dress annoys the shit out of me as it gathers around my waist.I wonder how much longer I needed to sit with my father and entertain Alpha Crane. Who was not going easy on the wine either.The ticking of the second hand on the clock got louder as I tried to drown out Crane’s slimy voice while he proceeded to tell my father the benefits of our packs merging under him once he claimed me.I tilt my head and flick my gaze from the clock to my father whose face seems to be reddening with each passing second. Finally, I pay attention to the conversation.“With our growth and your fuel crops Crimson Moon will be the most powerful pack this side of the world.” Crane sips the dark berry drink, a few drops dribbling down his potholed chin. Not bothering with a napkin, he wipes the spillage with the back of his suit jacket. “You will be able to step down from Alpha and my heir will take

GABEI don’t offer the four strangers a seat and certainly wasn’t going to be hospitable and offer them a drink. “State your offer.” I coldly demand wanting them out of my bar and away from my town.I had no interest in their offer for the pure fact they gave me bad vibes. I hated packs and ranks like these fuckers. They thought they were better than everyone else. That the laws only suited them when they decided.The laws of the packs were fashioned by assholes like this who wore fancy attire and sly smirks thinking their money gave them power.It was because of packs like these four came from that were the downfall of my father and mother. My parents had caved to elite packs, giving in and going against everything they stood for, and at what cost? Their daughters? The ultimate cost was their lives.They allowed Seffy to be used as a bargaining chip. Making a deal that didn’t benefit anyone in the long run. A deal that went south because I didn’t allow it to happen.The biggest of the

GABEThe road was quiet and long as we made our way to the River Knights pack. The slight breeze the ride on my bike created in the otherwise stagnant air was welcomed.I found myself closing my eyes at times, letting the wolf inside guide me, while I enjoyed the ride and relished the freedom it brought.The only other time I felt this free was when I ran in wolf form, but even then, it wasn’t the same as feeling the rumble between your thighs and the breeze through your hair. The hum of the bike was soothing and the crack it gave when I kicked it up a gear was like a beast being set free.The sky turned from its usual orange hue to vibrant purples and reds, making the usual dusty air seem clear and more breathable.As night descended and the violet sky turned dark, revealing sporadic stars, I began to slow my bike down, mind linking the others to pull over.We parked our bikes in a circle and built a fire, laying out thin rubber mats to sleep on.“We should reach the Raven Knights pac

STIX“I can't see.” I smack Ruby and press a finger to her lips scowling at her lack of tact and inconspicuousness before we were caught spying.Though I was sure my father already knew we were in here, that’s why neither of us could see, he was standing right where the peephole was.“Please excuse our lack of organization today,” My father begins to explain to our guests, “A body was discovered last night… a murder.” I could hear the disgust roll off his tongue and knew as the Alpha, he felt the loss of a pack member, but he put up a good front.“A murder? In your own pack?” I recognized the voice as Killian’s, as he spoke, Ruby’s body gave a slight shiver and she sucked in air through her teeth.“Aye,” My father replies, “It’s why we need you. Speaking of which…” I hear my father fumble around, moving from my view and giving me clear sight of the Renegade Alpha.It was my turn to shudder as a shiver wracked through my body at the sight of the tall dark and well-built godlike creature