White Wolf Waya took out a bear turquoise, carved pipe from his pocket, and packed it with a few fresh herbs from a pouch he had been saving for this special occasion. It was rare to have this type of conversation with anyone in the tribal pack, so he wanted it to be memorable. He fumbled a minute under his ceremonial robe, pulled out a lighter, and lit the pipe while taking a few puffs. The earthy-colored herbs turned to several shades of rose and amber. Once satisfied with the vibrant hues that emitted from the pipe, he handed it over to Lenox, who was seated on his right in his study.
"Now, I'm sure this will not come as a surprise, Lenox. The rumors have been buzzing around the tribal packs quicker than a bumblebee. I've asked you here in my study because I'd like to talk about you becoming the chief of the tribe." White Wolf Waya said while patting Lenox on the shoulder.
Lenox's eyes widened as his gaze met White Wolf's. He had an idea this was why the old man summoned Lenox to his home in New York. Rumors had been flying around for weeks that White Wolf wanted to retire. Waya had seen little of the countryside, except the campgrounds they frequented for the PowWows they performed in. But Lenox refused to believe any of it was true until he heard Waya utter the words for himself. Lenox beamed at the old man and then darted his gaze over to the large picture window overlooking the gardens of Waya's home just as heat rushed over his cheeks. The embarrassment of his excitement was getting the best of him. He couldn't show weakness. Certainly not during one of the most important conversations of his life. Overindulgence in any emotion was a major flaw for an alpha.
"There are a lot of our kin tribes here in New England, Lenox, and you'd be great overseeing all of them with Ronan. You are both great Alpha Warriors and would make influential leaders among our people."
Lenox took the last puff of the pipe and almost choked on the smoke when he heard what Waya was proposing.
"I'm sorry. This must be a misunderstanding. What do you mean Ronan and I will oversee the New England states together?"
White Wolf raised his brow as he took a few puffs on the pipe.
"I mean that I'd like you to co-chief with Ronan, so I may retire. This is a big territory to cover, and it is best if there is more than one successor. The job of chief has become complicated over the years. There's a lot more paperwork now that society has become more civilized. I feel it is best to share the burden to lessen the stress. You may split up the territory amongst yourselves, or you may both be co-alphas. I'll leave that to you both. However, it is best to take some pointers from Ronan when dealing with laws forged with local government on sacred land."
"But I am stronger than Ronan. I don't understand why you would not pick me as the soul alpha chief." Lenox said.
He clenched his fists, hoping the pain would help make a semblance of what White Wolf was telling him. No other tribe in either of the Americas had co-chiefs. So, to start now made no sense. Especially since Lenox was a stronger warrior than Ronan. It had been a while since any tribal pack was led into battle. The last time they were, Lenox had been the one leading them. His war tactics were also more genius than Ronan's. Even though the previous decade had been peaceful throughout the tribal packs throughout New England, they were still packs. It took little for one alpha to butt heads with another. This was why Lenox was insistent on tactical training with his warriors daily. Anything less, and they'd be useless in a war.
"Yes, you are powerful. And I don't deny that you are probably physically stronger than Ronan, but you are younger than he is. Ronan's vision with our people is to lead us into an era of peace among all the packs for the next millennia. The tribal packs have never been this peaceful with one another in our history. Ronan has a great vision for us all, and I believe our people are craving peace. Our people will do many beautiful things with your persuasion and his vision.
"It sounds like you're saying that Ronan has the brains, and I have the brawn."
"No, I do not mean that. I am merely saying I'd like you to ease into the position of the chief by having Ronan help you. You are young and have much to learn, Lenox. With Ronan's guidance, I believe you will learn well." White Wolf said as he patted Lenox on the shoulder.
He took another puff from the pipe before continuing.
"Let's have dinner with Ronan and the rest of the elder tribe. My wife has prepared a feast in celebration of today."
Lenox nodded and lowered his gaze. He tried not to let the chief's words sting his badly bruised ego, but it was hard. Even as Waya dangled a beer, the edginess of the conversation was difficult to shake. They both headed into the great room. Various discussions buzzed in Lenox's ears, but his mind clung to the previous one like a wet towel.
How can he think I'm too young? I am the strongest out of anyone in the tribe, and I should be the only alpha.
Lenox looked over at both Ronan and his daughter, Fallon. Their eyes were light. Giddy with the news and celebration. He clenched his fists again, wondering how he would face his son Gavin with this massive blow. Lenox had been practically bragging all week about becoming the chief and made Gavin train harder to prepare for being his beta.
This type of transition would be complex. Lenox and Ronan didn't always see eye to eye. This idea of co-leadership was finalized as far as Waya was concerned. But Lenox was determined to change his mind. As Lenox went over scenarios, fights brewed between him and Ronan in his mind. Every tribal pack discussion seemed to be a significant issue that he mulled over. He cared for Ronan--considered the man a brother. His son Gavin would one day marry Ronan's daughter, Fallon. They were betrothed to each other when they were pups. But through the years, they'd fallen in love on their own. They were soon to be engaged. Ronan was as close to a brother as Lenox would ever know. And, for that sake, he had to at least try to make this work. White Wolf would not likely budge in this co-alpha decision he cooked up unless Lenox tried to meet Waya halfway.
Lenox took another pull from his beer as if the motion would swallow the decision Waya just made for his brother and tribe deep within his subconscious. They were all there to celebrate, and there was little he could do to convince the council otherwise when the pipes and booze were out. Lenox headed over towards the table that displayed snacks. The drive to New York made him famished, and he only just realized the pangs his stomach was giving off when the food was placed out on the long dining table.
He perused the spread, reached for a potato chip, and immersed it in the onion dip next to the overflowing bowl of salty goodness. As he was going for another one, a hand had blocked his arm.
"Lenox! I'm glad you are here! It's great to see you!" Nikiti said.
"It's been a while, old man! How are you and that beautiful family of yours?"
"We are well!"
"Do you plan on making it to Connecticut this year?"
"Probably for the annual Pow Wow in Mashantucket, but not any sooner."
"Send me a text when you head back into town in October."
"I sure will! And congrats on being a co-alpha! You will lead this tribe to greatness. I just know it."
Lenox smiled through the beer bottle he quickly shoved in front of his face. The word co-alpha cut through him like a knife. The pit of his stomach tightened as Nikiti patted his arm again.
I should be the soul alpha!
A rumble grew in Lenox's chest as he clenched his fists again. The sensation from his nails driving into his palms almost felt like he was piercing his skin. It was a desperate attempt on his part to block out his anger. Another hand rested on his shoulder, breaking him from his thoughts.
"Dad, what are you doing?"
"I'm just enjoying the food and a beer. Why Gavin?"
"Because it doesn't seem like you are enjoying yourself. What's the matter? And don't lie. I already know when you do. Your right eye twitches. So it does you no good to tell me different."
"Gavin, go back to your girlfriend and leave me be."
"So you can stew? No. Not a freaking chance in hell, Dad." Gavin said as his gaze locked onto his father's. "This is about Ronan, isn't it?"
"Gavin—"
"Don't Gavin me! Spill!" Gavin said as he directed his father back towards the study.
Gavin placed his drink, and his father's on the dark mahogany desk towards the study's back. A red and ivory Persian rug framed the floor around the desk.
"Dad, I get this will be hard for you, and it's hard for me. You know Ronan wants Fallon to become pack leader with me once you two wind up retiring. Since mom died, you and I haven't exactly had to answer to anyone but each other and our own wishes. But maybe being part of a family unit is exactly what we need? We haven't been moving on very well, and maybe this will help us do so."
"Your brain has turned to mush because of that girl of yours. A family that rules together only works for the humans. We are werewolves, Ronan, and meant to lead the alphas. This is our destiny, and the role of the alpha isn't meant to be shared with anyone, son."
"Bullshit! Fallon is the best thing that ever happened to me, and you know that! She was the only one that was there when Mom died."
"You are out of line, son!"
"No, you are the one that's been out of line for a long time. Dad, I know a part of you died the day she did. I mean, if I ever lost Fallon, I'd probably do the same as you've been doing for the past six years. But Dad, when she died all of those years ago, I didn't just lose her that day. I lost you too."
Lenox took in a breath as he gazed into his son's eyes. When he was younger, they were always a deep verdant green, but now they were a whiskey color, something much more fitting for his maturing thoughts. A smile formed on Lenox's face as he thought about just how wise his son really was. Lenox palmed his son's cheek with one hand and drew his son into his chest to hold him as he used to when he was a pup.
"Oh, son! Leave it to you to lead me in the right direction. I can't say that this co-alpha thing is going to work. But you are right that I should at least try."
He pulled away from his son and reached for the drinks, handing Gavin his. Lenox raised his beer.
"Here's to new beginnings with our family!"
* * *
"Why are you allowing Ronan to treat you like a dog, Lenox?"
Keme grunted as he stomped his foot into the floor to make his aggravation about this territory bullshit well known. He smoothed out some of his light hair and took a pull from his beer.
"I'm not allowing Ronan to do anything to me. He had nothing to do with this decision. All of this is coming from White Wolf Waya. You know that."
"Bullshit! I've discussed this countless times before with the elders. You should be the soul alpha in your tribal pack!"
Keme pounded his fist onto the oak desk in Lenox's office. Lenox's brows furrowed at the sight of Keme's flaring nostrils.
Keme screwed his eyes shut and took a deep breath before continuing. The packs in New Hampshire and Vermont were getting pissy about territory boundaries. This went on for the past two years. Keme was itching for a war to prove he was the soul alpha of both states and Canada. The last battle he had waged on vampires and witches, and the outcome didn't turn out so well, so this seemed like the best chance for him to prove himself among his pack.
"We need strong leadership, and you are the one who can provide that strength. It is imperative, especially now, since our alliance with the vampires is uncertain. I've trusted none of them. Not since Alec and Armand tried to defy nature and bring abominations into this world. Waya has told me I must remain civil. However, I've recently learned that one of them was going against the 14th-century peace treaty. It is my duty to make sure that no one tries to mix magical races. All bloodlines need to remain pure. It's what the gods want."
Keme crossed his arms and let out his chest. He needed Lenox to take him seriously and join in his cause. He wasn't sure if any other packs would go up against the gypsies and the vamps. It was hard enough convincing Conan and Dante to fight them last year, and Keme still had his proverbial tail between his legs after having to retreat from that fight. He didn't expect Zhang to help the vamps and witches' cause. Of course, he probably should have expected it, given the old man's loyalties to lie with witches. He is a sorcerer, and being a distant cousin to witches makes them his only family.
"Heavens Keme! I had no idea! Surely it's just a rumor." Lenox said with widening eyes.
"I don't trust Alec or Dracula as far as I can throw them. Alec's been with a werewitch named Morgan. That union would be fine under normal circumstances, but she's a dire, which means she's got some power behind her. I also believe her to be Obsidian incarnate. Obsidian was a gypsy vampire, and we can't have a child born with a trifecta. I am counting on you to lead your northern New England tribal packs so we can fight against the real evil. See that you become the soul alpha. Ronan is too soft for something like this."
"I'm sure Ronan wouldn't want this happening any more than you. If we talk to Alec—"
"Don't you remember the days of Kate? There is no reasoning with that vampire, Lenox. Kate was his niece, and he fought us tooth and nail. He nearly wiped out half of the Americas before European settlers discovered the territory. We have to fight fire with fire."
Keme couldn't help but wink and brandish a half-smile. He prayed that bringing up Kate was enough to persuade Lenox into fighting for the alpha position. The tribal packs respected Lenox, meaning Keme would have the backing of all the New England tribal packs at his disposal. He'd not only gain territory, but he'd have a chance to win back Morgan, as well.
Ronan would never help Keme because he felt the treaty had become as rigid as the older wolves in the tribe. He wanted to redraft the pact. Keme believed magicals should only go so far back with genes like humans. He felt only the bloodlines of the magical races in the present life should be considered for unions. Lenox accepted the old ways and feared the gods. He'd fight for the treaty as it stood today.
"But what if I cannot convince White Wolf Waya that I should take the lead?"
Keme's eyes narrowed slightly at the question, and he grunted before responding. Lenox was strong. By him talking like this, it proved Ronan and Waya were turning Lenox into a puppy dog.
"Do you need a nipple to nurse that beer bottle? You are pussy whipped—can't you see that? Those two have clearly made you soft. This isn't how a powerful wolf reacts to what I'm telling you. We can't have half-breeds or a trifecta on our hands any longer. Perhaps you should leave the tribe and train with me. I will toughen you up so you can overpower them both and gain your rightful place in the New England tribal packs. I count on your strength and bravery in this second battle I am facing with the King of the Vlads."
"Alec is here in The States now? I thought he and Lilith were still in England with Dracula?"
"No. Alec came here for revenge against the Rom Baro Gypsy witch Raine and Skye--his soulmate. About a year ago, the whole mess started. I lost our first fight because I only had Conan and Dante backing me. I'm hoping to get stronger and go up against them again, and I sure could use you and your tribal packs by my side on this."
"Are the gypsies going against the treaty, too?" Lenox asked with a gasp. "Because they are human and—"
"No. You need not worry about the witches. But Alec is trying to bed that werewitch, and we cannot have them mate. It goes against our common trifecta law."
"That would be most unfortunate," Lenox said as he shook his head. "I will do my best to convince them of these dangers. If they do not listen, I will take you up on your offer. No werewitch should mate with a vampire. The offspring would truly be an abomination. We cannot have another Kate on our hands." Lenox shook his head again.
"Very well. Keep me posted."
Keme shook Ronan's hand before finishing his beer. Lenox led Keme to the front stoop, where Keme grunted before transforming into wolf form and darted into the thickness of the forest surrounding Lenox's home.