Hybrid

THIRTY-ONE

⫷ JAMES ⫸

A nagging voice pushes into my brain. Through wolf eyes, I see the forest surrounding me like the comforter to a nice, bid and fluffy bed. Growling, I let the damn voice in.

'Alpha Christopher just informed me that there are rogues surrounding his territory,' Caleb informs.

I stop running abrupt enough that dirt flies up around me. 'Victor's rogues?'

'Seems like it. The men on border patrol said something about red eyes.'

I let out a growl in frustration. Part of me is thankful that Aria is away from this town and away from those damn rogues. The other part of me is worried about the fact that she's with Carlos. The loose canon, probably on a self sabotage spree Carlos. Fan-fucking-tastic.

The trees surround me; I always find tranquility in the forest. Seems I need that in any way I can find it. If dad were still alive, he'd call me a weak little pussy. I slam my paw against the ground; that bastard doesn't get to rile me up from the grave. No damn way.

My wolfish paws dig into the soil as I contemplate my destination. I could head toward the border and rip those damn wolves to shreds for even thinking about threatening my mate. Hell, I want to do just that.

Then I think about Christopher's pack. Surely, the rogues would just send more over here to start a war. I don't want to put Christopher's in that position.

I head toward the main building belonging to Christopher's pack. It's hidden well deep into the forest, far enough away from civilization. The number of wolves becomes noticeable the deeper I get. I can tell my presence stirs discomfort within his pack; it's not usual for another Alpha to be roaming about another territory for too long.

Without Christopher alliance, I'm not sure what I would have done.

'Are you still with Christopher?' I ask Caleb through the mind-link.

'Yes. About to shift. In front the pack house.'

It doesn't take me long to reach my destination. It's a quaint stone building; Christopher's pack, like mine, is smaller than most. We had mentioned a few times the idea of joining our packs together, but the decision was never finalized before all Hell broke loose.

My shorts are wrapped around one of my ankles. After hearing the familiar cracks of shifting bones, I slip into my clothing and stride inside the pack house. The building inside is all too familiar to me; the meeting room is on the third floor at the end of the hall.

Walking in, I see everyone's eyes turn in my direction.

"James," Christopher greets with a gentle smile. "Please, take a seat." He motions to the empty seat beside him.

I quickly take my spot and do a scan of everyone in the room. Caleb and Kasey are across from me. Christopher's Beta, Leonard, sits a few seats down from me. At the other end of the table is Jeff.

"Rogues with red eyes," Christopher begins. "As you say, they belong to Victor?"

I nod. "Yes."

"I see. My men have fought off the few rogues who tried to break through. There were only three of them. I'm aware two rogues did break through undetected last night. One of them being your friend?"

I let out a growl. "He's not my friend."

"Oh?" Christopher arched an eyebrow. "Is he a threat?"

I pause a moment before saying something reckless. I end up sighing heavily and shaking my head. "No."

"Um, excuse me?" Kasey's voice speaks up sheepishly. "May I share my theory, Alpha Christopher?"