Pack Beta (Were Chronicles Book 11) by Crissy Smith Page A

each other.
    “Any idea what’s going on?” Randy asked from behind her.
    Tearing her gaze away from the Lawson brothers, she turned toward her friend. “Not really.”
    They both glanced at Justin.
    Tucking his hands into his pockets, Justin stared intently at the ground. “I told you what I could.”
    Kayla snorted. Justin obviously knew more about his sister’s role in whatever was happening but was leaving it to the others to fill them in. Why she was more pissed about him hiding things than her dad, Kayla wasn’t sure. However, the revelations were going to change her relationship with everyone who had lied to her—even if they thought they were protecting her. She was certain Justin wouldn’t let her get hurt and it must have been hard to have his loyalty torn. Having to choose between her and his family wasn’t something she could ask him to do. Eventually, hopefully, they would be better friends after all this was over.
    Although she was pissed, she still loved him.
    Shawn and Angel passed the guard, stopping to say a few words to the man before joining Kayla and her group.
    “I spoke to Alex. Everything is ready for us.”
    “Let’s head out,” Shawn ordered.
     
    * * * *
     
    The large, comfortable living room in the Wilson’s main house filled quickly with the group. One person handed out hot, fresh mugs of coffee to everyone as they each settled into his or her seats.
    Chase sat in a recliner across from his Alpha. Seated on the sectional couch, Kayla, Justin, Randy and Angel spoke quietly, while Cassie and Max cuddled close on the love seat. Alex stood as he played host but Chase could see the tension in his friend’s shoulders. They were all feeling the stress from the day.
    While Alex was always helpful in Pack matters, Chase knew having a bunch of strangers in his home was still hard for him.
    The only person missing was Jacob. The youngest Wilson sibling and park ranger was setting up the added security around the ranch. Now that everyone had arrived, it was time to get started. Alex would have to fill in his brother about what they discussed later.
    Clearing his throat, Shawn drew all attention to him. “What you are going to learn today must be kept between the occupants of this room at all times.”
    He waited until every person had nodded.
    “Also, by having this knowledge, you are putting yourself in danger. No one will think less of you if you decide to walk away right now.”
    Again, everyone gave an affirmative.
    “Angel?”
    The young woman glanced around after sighing deeply. She stood directly in front of them, which put her next to Alex.
    His friend moved away, looking uncomfortable. Chase would have to dig into his friend’s reaction later.
    “For longer than we really know, there has been a group of people who were in charge of protecting those who were not human. This organization was started in secret and has always worked that way. Even when the shifters decided to go public, this group has remained dedicated to its mission,” Angel explained.
    “You’re a part of them?” Chase asked.
    “Yes. You can call it tradition. As the eldest child, I was raised knowing what my duty would be.”
    “What does this have to do with us?” Kayla questioned.
    “A lot, actually,” Angel replied. “Most agents don’t retire. The ones who do have to live carefully so that they are never discovered.”
    “My dad?”
    “Yes. After your grandparents died, he was given permission to leave and take care of you. He moved up here to live quietly and out of sight.”
    “When Marcus requested to join our Pack, I was advised of the whole story. I was also sworn to secrecy,” Shawn informed them.
    Chase wasn’t surprised but he didn’t like that his Alpha had being hiding this information. “And if something had happened to you?”
    “Marcus would have shared with my successor, who would have to agree to the same as I did,” Shawn replied, staring Chase down.
    Sitting back in the