The Pack by Donna Flynn Page B

that instinct . “Come let’s get you something warm to drink and we can talk.”
         “Some hot chocolate will calm you .” Alec told her knowing she loved th e rich chocolate drink . He had even memorized how she took it, m ilk , two marshmallows, whipped cream and a piece of chocolat e bar on top for extra flavor.
         They adjourned to the kitchen where Cade prepared their drinks while Alec sat with Mercy at the table trying to coax her into smiling. Alec’s cell phone rang and he answered immediately expecting Lucan to be on the other end, but to his surprise found an unexpected voice from his past.
         “H ello Alec , we need to talk about what happened tonight, ” t he male on the other end said, his voice instantly reminding Alec where he'd seen Kirk before . The gangly youth changed a lot since the summer Alec had spent with his pack , but now he recognized him as the local Alpha ’s son .
         A growl emanated from deep within his throat and Mercy glanced his way with surprise . “I need to handle this it’s business ,” he explained placing his hand over the receiver.
         “Why don’t you take the call out side, I need to talk to Mercy anyway .” Cade said sensing Alec’s need for privacy.
         “You may want to listen to your friend. I am su re you do not want Mercy to hear our conversation,” t he man on the other end said as he placed the phone back to his ear .
         “I’ll be right back, ” Alec assured Mercy as he rose from the chair.
         “Okay, ” she answered wearily.
         He squeezed her hand then walked out t o the porch to address the new problem . “How did you know I was here ?” h e hissed into the phone. 
         “You think your father is the only one who has peopl e working for him?” The man c huckled . “Alec, I have always liked you and I really don’t want this to be unfriendly , so let us cut to the quick. M y boy Kirk has t aken a liking to this girl, Mercy. H e will keep her in the dark about what we all are as long as none of you give him any more trouble.”
         “Why would we do that? S he’s ours, we do not need to agree to anything with you Jared.” His hand trembled as he clenched t he phone . Everything they had kept from her was now in danger of  coming to light if he did not keep his cool.
         “I have the feeling if she found out about your duplicity she would be heartbroken an d that might force her to shift prematurely . She would be lost, confused, and I don’t think she will choose those who have lie d to her to help in her time of need . Of course , as the local pack leader, I would be only too glad to take her in and help her find her place in our world .”
         “She’s mine, I have claimed her in front of my pack, ” Alec growled.
         “Ah , but you see what happens in your pack is of no consequence to me and mine . Y ou have not completed the bond , so she’s fair game . Do not i nterfere with her and my son, in return we will keep your secret.”
         Alec swore softly . T here was no way he was going to let Mercy find out what they were until she was ready to handle the information, so he had no real choice . “How do we kn ow you will not tell her, if things don’t go your son’s way ?”
         “You know me. I am giving you my word and I never go back on my word.”
         N o matter how mad he was, he knew Jared was honorable. H e only sought to please his son, something his own father might do for him , but it still rankled .
         “I’m game for a little healt hy competition , but until she knows everythin g he can't push her to make commitments she won’t understand.”
         “Of course , I would not allow my son to do something so dishonorable . Good luck, I am sorry it came to this. I have always respected you , but blood is thicker than water I am sure your own father would understand .”
         He hung up and Alec