Chapter Twenty-Six

A Chapter by Tina Kline

“So.” said Miss Fern, feeling a little guilty being here with Mr. Redwood. She knew she shouldn’t be doing this, that she was betraying Armand and her Pack. “What is it you want?”

“It’s simple.” replied Mr. Redwood. He paused a moment while they both watched several huge intricate snowflakes spiraling horizontally to the snow covered ground. They were at least a foot and a half wide. “What I want, Miss Fern, is for you to help get me into the Village.”

Miss Fern took her eyes off the large snowflakes and looked at Mr. Redwood. His dark brown eyes looked a little too eager and excited. His whole body was tense. This won’t end well, she thought, but I don’t care. Armand is going to take Miss Feather as his Mate and cast me aside, that’s obvious. The hurt burned in her, increasing in intensity every moment of her existence, with every breath she took, with every beat of her heart.

“How am I to do that? I’m surprised no one has caught us here together.”

“I provided diversions.”

Miss Fern made a short, ugly sounding laugh.

“I don’t blame you for being bitter Miss Fern. I know Miss Feather is back and with Armand’s Wolf Son and a little female. Wonder who the father of that one is?”

“I don’t care.”

“You do. Now, how about helping me. Get your revenge on Armand.”

“Maybe I want revenge on Armand with good reason but Miss Starfire hasn’t done me any wrong.”

“She is Armand’s Wolf Sister. Hurt her and it will hurt him.”

“I don’t go along with that. That’s just wrong. I’m not that desperate I’d hurt someone who’s done me no wrong!”

“Well, Miss Fern. Will you help me or not?”

“I need a better reason.”

Mr. Redwood heaved a big sigh. Getting Miss Fern to help him was going to be harder than he had thought. “Just get me into the Village. I’ll get Miss Starfire on my own.”

“Perhaps.”

“Come on. How about some Pack loyalty. I’ll take you back if need be.”

Miss Fern looked away, fighting the tears that suddenly wanted to be released. Yes, she would probably be ousted from Mr. Black’s Pack once Armand took Miss Feather as his Mate. She sure would need somewhere to go then. Miss Fern didn’t know if all Packs would reject her once she became a cast off of a Pack Leader’s Son or not. She looked at Mr. Redwood. “Okay. You agree to take me back I’ll help you get into the Village or somehow get Miss Starfire out of the Village.”

“I agree to take you back Miss Fern.”

“Okay. I agree to help you get Miss Starfire. How much help do you already have?”

“Enough.” Mr. Redwood said, feeling almost giddy with his relief Miss Fern was willing to help him. He was a Wolf Person of his word and would follow through on his part of the agreement. He would take Miss Fern back into his Pack. Once he had what he wanted from Miss Starfire perhaps he’d take Miss Fern in as well. Perhaps he’d enjoy both Wolf Females. He smiled.

Then he got down to making plans. The sooner he had Miss Starfire the better.

* * *

“Are you serious Mr. Stalker?” Louise asked, feeling so stunned by what she heard Mr. Stalker say she wasn’t sure she had heard him correctly.

“Of course I’m serious!” Mr. Stalker said. “And my taking Miss Starfire as Mate will solve this situation.” He glanced down at Miss Starfire who quickly looked away from watching him when he did.

“Wolf Daughter, I know this is sudden. What do you have to say about Mr. Stalker as your Mate?” Mr. Black asked. He didn’t really think she’d have anything to say, it was all too sudden and unexpected.

Miss Starfire stared hard down at the floor. Mr. Stalker wanting her as his Mate? She had never thought of Mr. Stalker in that way. She had known him all her life. He had always been there, friends first with her Wolf Mother and Wolf Father then becoming her Wolf Father’s Second when he had become Pack Leader. But becoming her Mate? How could she even think about such a thing? But I have to now, she realized. Miss Starfire glanced at Mr. Hunter, then at her Wolf Mother. “I don’t know.” She finally said in a tiny voice.

Mr. Black looked at his Mate. “What do you think, my sweet plaything?” he asked.

“I know she’ll be treated well. But will she be happy?” She gave an apologetic look to Mr. Stalker. “I mean nothing negative by that question.”

“I know you don’t. It is a legitimate concern. I understand.” replied Mr. Stalker.

“I don’t think Mr. Stalker would make a terrible Mate. At least he’s not abusive like Mr. Redwood.” said Mr. Hunter.

“Do you believe that Mr. Hunter?” asked Miss Starfire. She was starting to feel anxious, unsure of herself.

“Yes, I do.”

Miss Starfire looked up at Mr. Stalker. Suddenly she wanted to say yes to him. She wanted to be Mated and settle down. She just wanted to feel safe and secure; she wanted all the chaos started by Mr. Redwood and partially by Mr. Thunder just to end. She wanted to enjoy the physical part of being Mated that she had only just gotten a taste of with her twin Wolf Brother. Mr. Stalker smiled down at her. He wants me to say yes right now. But what about Mr. Hunter? He says I should but…I don’t know. Miss Starfire felt her body start to tremble. How can I really decide? I must say yes. I must!