Free Werewolf Nights (The Pack Trilogy Book 2) by Chanel Smith Page B

for almost two centuries. You expect the top pack to simply walk away from our most cherished home, even as our Alpha and our samurai rush to the rescue of another pack that refuses to jump ship as well?”
    She sighed.
    “I suppose not.” Petra thought for a couple of moments and then an evil grin spread across her face. “You know Itchiko went with Raya to Chen’s place. That leaves us without a Protector in our time of need!”
    Before Andre could say a word, Petra opened a locked drawer in her desk and withdrew a beautiful old sword. She moved to where Andre was sprawled in one of their comfortable leather chairs. “Andre, kneel before your Alpha’s mate.” It wasn’t a question, and the werewolf had no choice in the matter whatsoever. It showed on his resigned face as he moved to do his Alpha’s mate’s bidding.
    Once he was on his knees with his head bent, Petra said, “Andre. In the absence of our Alpha, I stand in and declare that you are now Lupeinescu Pack Protector and shall remain as such until Itchiko is able to take up those duties again.” She took the point of the sword and placed it under his chin, forcing his head up until she could see his eyes. “Do you agree to the sacred burden of ensuring Pack Lupeinescu’s safety to the best of your abilities and will you give up your life to protect this pack if need be?”
    Andre’s eyes widened. Whatever he’d expected, this wasn’t it. This was an honor beyond all honors; he was aware of that. To Petra’s shock, the man’s eyes filled with tears as he responded, “Yes. With all my heart, I’ll protect the pack up to and including my own death and I’ll do so with pride.”
    Petra held up the other object she’d taken from the drawer: an ornate gold bottle. She motioned for Andre to open his mouth. He did so, and she sprinkled several drops from the bottle onto his tongue. “Blood to blood. You now have the blood of the pack in your own veins. Any threat to Pack Lupeinescu shall be a threat to you.”
    She gently tugged Andre to his feet, then took the sword and sliced both of their forearms: blood dripped steadily to the hardwood floor before she took his arm and pressed it against her own, the blood from both wounds mingling freely. Instantly a small light illuminated in her head. The same light was seen in Raya’s and Itchiko’s minds. Andre was now an official pack protector. It wasn’t something that could ever be taken away, even when Itchiko returned to duty.
    “That’s that,” she said and turned to put the sword and bottle away.
    “I can’t believe that just happened,” Andre said quietly. “A whole part of my mind opened up. I never knew of this! You, Raya and Itchiko; you’re in my head. The whole pack is, as well, but they’re all grouped into one light.”
    “Oh hell! Speaking of the entire pack, I should warn you…”
    The office door burst open, and the other six pack members rushed in amongst shrieks of joy. They threw themselves on Andre, hugging and even kissing him. His eyes grew enormous.
    “… that they’ll want to celebrate,” she finished with her own grin.
     
     
    Chapter Twelve
     
    Early Friday morning, Itchiko took the lead on checking out Tara’s defenses and warning system. On horseback, he, Chen and Raya rode around the perimeter of the seven hundred acre property. It only took a few hours, as each took a separate section and shot video.
    Seated in Tara’s formal dining room, Itchiko went over the findings.
    “Well, you do have some security measures. You made sure to protect the main drive and the other small road points of entry, which is good. Ninety-five percent of your perimeter is wide open and that ain’t no good, as you’d say.”
    “What can we do in such a short time?” Raya wondered. “Those Rats could be here now for all we know. Going by past attacks, though, they hit after midnight.”
    “Still isn’t nearly enough time,” Itchiko said as he punched buttons on his