Of Runt (Redone)

Chapter Twenty~Nine

I have never been to a pack meeting before. They are typically required to attend but for once having father alpha hate you had paid off. However, now, Archer has insisted I attend. He stands on the porch of the packhouse, the beta and gamma standing by his sides. I stand near the middle, elbows locked with Shells. Vic however lingers near the steps. All morning him and Archer were sitting on the couch mindlinking one another as if I couldn't tell.

Whatever they were talking about I doubt it has to do with this meeting.

People are whispering waiting for him to start. He didn't tell me what it was about either. Finally he turns his attention to the group, his hands clasped behind his back. "I know these few months have been hectic. The council was pleased with the condition of the pack after our attack. However the threat is still within the vampires. The council is trying to contact Emperor Cassius to see if he has any ties to those who have been targeting the packs."

Cassius? Where have I heard of that before?

"With that being said I am not permitting anyone permission to leave packlands. If you live within the five miles of the boarder I ask that you move and within ten miles be prepared to go. Until we get this under control, there is a curfew from nine to seven unless you are on patrol. Are there any questions?"

Several people raise their hands. Archer points to one, "how soon do we need to move?"

"After this meeting while it's still day out. If you need any assistance or if you are scared contact the Gamma and he will have a patrol member assist you."

"You say the council was here for inspection, however that does not explain what happened to Irwin McCallenger."

"By order of the council Irwin was executed for his crimes against the witch David." I didn't realize that Archer nor any councilmen gave the pack a reason for the trial. "If that's all, I'll let you go so those of you who need can pack."

The crowd then starts speaking among themselves as they start to disperse. Archer meets Vic at the foot of the stairs, the brothers speaking to one another. Shell starts to lead me forward. I keep my gaze on Vic, people bumping into me as we move to him. A prickle in my hands signals my anxiety spiking. My wolf riles herself up but I'm not sure why. It just feels like something is very wrong. Archer grabs his shoulders, looking up from his brother and into the woods.

I follow Archers gaze wondering what he sees that I can't. I look back towards the brothers in time to see Archer shove Vic to the ground as a loud bang echoes through the pack. There's a moment of silence before the panic hits and screams echo. I get pulled from Shell as everyone tries to run away. I try to push through people, making it towards the outside of the panic but unable to head towards Vic. Instead I take off into the woods trying to find an unfamiliar scent.

Heading towards where Archer was looking I find no tracks, no scents, however I do find a gun. The supernatural world doesn't use guns. Witches have magic, werewolves have their wolves, vampires their strength. Guns are forbidden on pack lands, any pack lands for that matter. How could someone get one in?

The only conclusion I can find is a human mate of a werewolf. There aren't many but there still are some. Humans grow up with guns, they would be the ones to use this weapon. Reagan come back!

I ignore Shells link picking the weapon up and sniffing it. Gunpowder is the strongest scent, followed by a bitter smell I can't place but none signal that of a being. Thinking to the scent it is one I have smelled before but can't remember. Reagan now! Archer was hit!

This time it's my wolf that has me moving. I shove the gun into my hoodie pocket before running back towards the pack house. "Beta," I call out. Garrett instantly stands from Archer. I hand him the gun. "I found this over there in the-"