Erika's POV
In the meeting room of the Fly Rock Pack.
All the pack leaders were listening to Alpha Charles' speech intently, except me, the Gamma of the pack.
Last night I went on rogue hunting as usual and didn't come back until two o'clock this morning. I got up at seven to attend this meeting. So I was sleepy and tired.
I soon lost my concentration. It was hard for an eighteen-year-old girl to sit through a boring meeting.
"Do you understand, Erika?"
Alarmed by a harsh male voice, I sat up and looked around. What had Charles just said? I hadn't fallen asleep, but I still missed it.
Beta Steve sat opposite me. He sneered. "Huh, fallen asleep again?"
I rolled my eyes at him and just ignored him. Steve was jealous of me. He would gloat at every possible opportunity.
Sorry, what did you just say? I mind-linked Charles. I was unable to talk and could only communicate through mind-link.
Charles tugged at his hair and looked at me speechlessly. He used to get angry, but he had gotten used to it.
"You must not go rogue hunting alone! The border encounters are increasing drastically, and the West Ford Pack has provoked us several times these days. Take some warriors with you next time you go rogue-hunting!" Charles growled at me.
I don't need any warriors. I can handle everything myself. I mind-linked him.
"I know you are strong enough. Just to be safe, bring at least two warriors with you."
Alpha, seriously, you don't have to worry about my safety. I mind-linked him.
"That's the order!" He commanded as the alpha of the pack.
OK. I mind-linked him and shrugged.
It was not that I would do as he said.
"There's another important issue," Charles said with a frown, "As you all know, the West Ford Pack is causing more and more trouble these days, which could lead to war if we can’t come to an agreement. In order to prevent a war, I have to contact the Blood Moon Pack to form an alliance.”
Alpha’s words caused an uproar. We all knew that by "forming an alliance" he meant "asking for help". Although I worked hard to train new warriors, we didn't have many warriors and getting into war would be disastrous for us.
But the Blood Moon Pack was backward, unorganized, and barbarian. They were the last ones people wanted to ask for help. It was said that the alpha of their pack was the most savage and cruel alpha that had ever existed.
Much as I disliked the Blood Moon, I had to admit, it was a good idea. Blood Moon Pack had never lost a battle. Forming an alliance with them was the best choice if we were to prevent a war.
"I know they are savage. But that’s exactly what we need. Hopefully, we can avoid war by forming an alliance with them. I mean, who wants to be the enemy of the Blood Moon Pack? What do you think, Erika?" Charles looked at me.
I mind-linked them: It’s a bold move. We don’t know them well and things might get out of control if the Blood Moon Pack is involved in the border issue. However, it is the most effective way to prevent a war. Yes, I’ve been training our warriors for war and our warriors are strong and well-organized. But we all know what war means…
"That’s too risky. How do you make sure that the Blood Moon Pack is willing to cooperate with us?" Steve questioned me before I was even finished.
Alpha doesn't ask for your opinion. You can challenge me if you think you have a better idea. I dare you to challenge me. I mind-linked with my chin high.
Steve gritted his teeth and glared at me.
"Fine. I..." Steve spoke.
At this time, Charles cleared his throat and interrupted Steve, "I’m willing to give them what we have, weapons or warriors, as long as they can stop a war."
Everyone gasped except me and Steve.
Wait for my challenge. Steve mind-linked me.
Well, any time. I mind-linked him.
"I know it’s a high price. But think about how many warriors will lose their lives if war really comes. Even if we give the Blood Moon Pack warriors in exchange for their help, we can always train new ones. It’s just a matter of time. We still have Erika, the best fighter, after all," Charles said as he looked at me proudly.
Yes, I agree. It’s the best choice. I mind-linked.
I hated giving my warriors to other packs. But I didn’t see any better choice.
A faint smile finally appeared on Charles’s face. "That’s settled. I’ll talk to Alpha Derek of Blood Moon. They might visit us in a few days."
I took a nap after the meeting. It was afternoon when I woke up again. Then I went to the training ground immediately. As the Gamma, I was responsible for training the warriors.
Three years ago, I challenged the former Gamma and killed him. That way, I became the youngest Gamma in the pack. That was the rule, anyone could challenge the pack leaders for their position. But the Gamma position should belong to me because my father was also the Gamma of the pack before he and my mother were killed shortly after I was born. The pack leaders could pass their positions to their heirs after their heirs turned twenty-four.
I divided the warriors according to their ages and capabilities. Today was the training for young warriors.
After the training, I picked up two warriors to go rogue-hunting with me. I chose Orsen and James. They were the best young warriors in the pack. I could go rogue-hunting alone without worrying about their safety. The others looked at Orsen and James enviously, but they had no opinion of my decision.
Let's call it a day. I mind-linked them.
"Wait!" A voice sounded when I turned around and was about to leave.
