C3 Three

I spend a significant amount of time walking through the crowd gathered on the field. I'm pleased to report that I've already had conversations with approximately nine members who have come of age in the past year. Now, I just need to speak with another twenty-four members.

Abbs has been by my side, jotting down where the new members would like to be placed within the pack. Most of those I've talked to have a clear idea of where they want to be.

When they express their preferences, I tend to nod and agree. They know themselves best, and I want each member to find happiness. It's important to note that if they decide to change paths later in life, I'm always open to discussing it with them. Happy members make for a harmonious pack.

My timing couldn't have been worse with the last two members I need to speak with. They were in the middle of a meal, so I decide to circle back to them once they're done. Both of them are mates who found each other shortly after finishing school a couple of months ago.

A pang of jealousy courses through me, as it often does when I see others easily finding their mates. Abbs has already left to spend time with Zeke.

I need to quell these feelings. Is there a switch I can flip or something? It would certainly make things easier.

Andrew and Adam try to sneak up on me, but I quickly spin around to face them.

"Tsk, tsk, my dear brothers. You'll need to be more cunning than that," I tease, wagging my finger at them.

"Come on, sis. You're a buzzkill," Adam pouts, acting dramatically.

"You could loosen up a bit," Andrew suggests, using his fingers to demonstrate.

I roll my eyes at them.

"It appears my dear brothers need a reminder of which sibling can put them in their place," I say, raising an eyebrow at them.

"It won't hurt for long," Andrew shrugs.

I shake my head and burst into laughter with Adam.

"A rare laugh indeed," Adam comments, choking out his words.

I lightly tap his arm, and he continues with his playful antics, falling to the ground. He's always been the playful sibling.

"Come on, big baby, it wasn't even that hard," I chuckle, helping him up.

"That's hot, Alpha, picking up a grown man without breaking a sweat," Blaze interjects from my side.

Blaze is known as the playboy within the pack. I'm getting tired of his snide comments. Blaze has no chance with me, which is why I tend to push him harder during training than most of the other warriors. If he has enough energy to behave like this, he can put it into more training.

"Lay off, Blaze," I assert, letting my command tone come through.

I don't have any interest in pursuing any romantic involvement with my pack members. While I'm not exactly a pure angel, so to speak, having lost my innocence during a business trip right before I became Alpha, I've refrained from any such activities since taking on my leadership role.

Besides, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, and while it was enjoyable for all of three minutes, I suspect it might be different with my mate. But right now, I don't have the time or inclination for any of that. My plate is already overflowing with pack responsibilities.

I watch Blaze slink back into the crowd, undoubtedly on the lookout for a new conquest since I keep turning him down.

"Remind me why he's even in the pack," Andrew mutters, glancing at me.

"The only reason is because he's an exceptional warrior," I reply, attempting to suppress a growl that escapes anyway.

I head over to the two members I have left to speak with, and the conversations last less than five minutes each. Both already know where they want to be within the pack—one wants to train under Doc and become another pack doctor, which suits me as we could use more medical professionals, and the other wishes to join the warrior ranks. I approve both requests.

Now, everyone can enjoy their night, and I plan to enjoy some of this time myself. Perhaps Storm and I can even sneak in a midnight run?

I make my way to the table to grab a plate of food when my phone buzzes, causing me to halt.

I pull out my phone and see an unfamiliar email address. I put the plate back down on the table and move to a quieter area near the bonfire.

I tap the button to open the email, and my eyes immediately scan the message. The return address is from a disposable email account, and it appears to be a one-time use. Great, another piece of spam, I think to myself.

Just before I delete it, the actual message attached to the email catches my attention:

"Are you ready for me? The blame for one fallen comes back to bite, Alpha Elliot."

What in the world is this? Whoever sent this email knows they were sending it to an Alpha.

"Abbs, Andrew, Adam! I need all of you over here by the bonfire," I communicate through our mental link.

Not a second later, they all arrive, jogging over to where I am. I keep my voice low so only we can hear as I explain the email.

"Let me take a look at it. You said it's just from a disposable email, but I might be able to trace it," Adam offers, extending his hand.

It's rare to see him in such a serious mood, so I hope he can trace the email. I hand him my phone.

"We haven't caused anyone to fall. We've dealt with a few rogue threats, sure, but that's something all packs do. Gray River hasn't been in a major battle since your parents' reign," Abbs muses, going over everything.

"That was a dead end. While I managed to trace it, the sender is clever. It leads to a cafe in a town out west, somewhere near the Pacific is all I could find," Adam reports, shaking his head as he hands my phone back.

This is frustrating. I despise not being fully informed. Patience has never been my strong suit, and it probably never will be.