Silver Rain

Chapter 10

Felix had nearly torn the hinges off the door to his study. His anger seethed like a tempest within him, fueled by the fear and frustration of Calvin's reckless actions. How could he have been so careless? Olivia's safety was paramount, and yet Calvin had jeopardized it by taking her out of the pack house, exposing her to untold dangers.

He made his way behind the imposing desk that dominated the center of the room with Calvin following too casually behind him for Felix's liking. Crafted from dark, rich wood, its surface was polished to a high shine, reflecting the warm glow of the lamp that stood upon it. Piles of papers and leather-bound journals were neatly stacked atop the desk, but one was opened and its papers scattered.

Ablbet one wall, the walls of the study were lined with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, their shelves filled with volumes on a wide array of subjects. From ancient tomes on werewolf lore to modern texts on pack dynamics and leadership, Felix's collection spanned centuries of knowledge and wisdom. The scent of aged parchment and leather permeated the air, adding to the room's aura of scholarly reverence.

Calvin took a seat in front of Felix's desk, a place he had taken many times before. Felix leaned against the edge of his desk, his expression stern and unforgiving as he fixed Calvin with a steely gaze. The lines of tension etched into his features betrayed the depth of his frustration, his jaw set in a tight line as he struggled to contain his anger.

Mull him, his wolf said, He took her without telling you!

"Explain yourself," Felix demanded, his voice low and authoritative. "Why did you take Olivia out of the pack house without my permission?"

Calvin shifted uncomfortably in his seat, the weight of Felix's disapproval heavy upon him. Felix's lifelong friend ran a hand through his hair, a nervous gesture that betrayed his unease.  "It's not that big of a deal-"

"Not that big of a deal?" Felix roared.  He felt his heartbeat rise with his temper.  "Not that big of a deal?  Goddess, tell me what would happen if you two were attacked out there? Our lead would be lost!"

Calvin narrowed his eyes, "You realize she's more than just a lead, Felix."

"Of course, I know that," he snapped, his voice tight with frustration. "But that doesn't mean we can afford to be reckless."

Felix's voice echoed in the room, filling the space with an intensity that matched the storm brewing within him. He paced behind his desk, his steps measured yet agitated, like a caged beast ready to pounce.  Calvin stared at him, a stare that could read Felix well.

"You have no idea what's at stake here," Felix continued, his words sharp with anger. "Olivia is not just some pawn in this game. She's our best chance at finding a solution to this mess we're in."

"What did the elders say in your meeting?" Calvin leaned back in his chair.  He knew Felix way too well.

Felix stopped pacing behind his desk and stared at Calvin.  "What?"

Calvin repeated himself, his tone even more casual than it was before. "This morning, what did the elders say?"

Felix looked down at the file that lay open on his desk.  Olivia's face stared back at him.  It was a picture from two years ago when she was offered an award as a research assistant.  Her face was one of pleasant surprise as she shook hands with the person who was presenting the award.  Underneath that, two other photos had been taken by one of his pack members who had been tailing Olivia for the past few days. In one, she was walking alone, seemingly lost in thought, while the other showed her laughing with another girl at a café, the sunlight casting a golden glow around them.