Free Finding Our Way (Werewolf Wars) by Bethany Shaw Page A

with a bow of his head. “I didn’t think you’d be arriving until tomorrow. Is everything tied up in the bayou?”
    “We got all the information we could out of the few men we captured alive. How are things progressing here?” Fernando asked, walking toward the crumbling building that would be his home. He did understand that finding a place suitable for a pack of their size wasn’t always feasible, he just hoped the inside was better than the outside.
    “They seem to be sticking to a regular schedule. Monday’s and Thursdays they go to the store for groceries. They’re there now, and I have four of my men watching them. Devon and Gene Harris mostly keep to the ranch and homestead. Devon leaves more often though, mostly to visit Lark at her bakery, The Cookie Jar. Her schedule remains routine. The shop is closed on Sundays. The rest of the days she opens and arrives at the store around six in the morning and leaves for the day between three and four. I have yet to see Natalia,” Malakai said, clearing his throat.
    “I don’t believe we’ll see your coward of a sister until we take the ranch. She will pay for murdering your father—my son. Do you have any other information?” Fernando asked his eyes wandering around the camp. Malakai had around two hundred men here with him, but he wasn’t sure that would be enough. He had left a large contingent of men to finish overseeing the cleanup of the Bayou pack. The outside world could not be allowed to find out about their species.
    “They appear to be putting up some sort of fence around the property lines. Although, it doesn’t look to be anything useful, just a regular wooden fence,” Malakai shrugged. “We could get closer to get a better look, but if we do, we risk being seen.”
    Fernando nodded. “I’m sure they already know we are here. However, I want any attacks on them to take them by surprise. You’ve done well, Malakai. Come, let’s talk indoors.”
    “This way, Papa. I apologize for the state of this place. It is the only place I could find relatively close to the Harris’ that had enough accommodations for our men. This is the nicest room here though,” his grandson said as he led the way to the end of the building. He inserted a plastic card into the door and opened it.
    Fernando’s eyes widened, he was pleasantly surprised by the condition of the room. The beige carpet was worn, but the bed was made to perfection and the white walls looked freshly painted.
    “Please come in and close the door,” Fernando instructed.
    Malakai stepped inside and shut the door. “What is it, Papa?”
    Fernando clasped his hands behind his back, taking one last look around the room before letting his eyes land on Malakai. The boy looked so much like his father with his jet-black hair and chestnut eyes. His heart clenched in his chest at the thought of his dead son.
    “Luis’ death has made me realize that it is time for me to officially name an heir. I know there are lots of alphas’ who want to be my replacement. However, this is my pack. I built this pack with my sweat and blood, and I’ll be damned if I let someone outside our family take the reins. I want to name you my heir, Malakai. But first, you must prove yourself. Not only to me, but to the other alpha’s who follow me,” Fernando said, narrowing his eyes.
    Malakai’s mouth opened his dark eyes shining slightly. “I would be honored, Papa.”
    Fernando grinned, glad to see the boy had kept his wits about him. He will be a good alpha. “Good! Continue as you have been. I wish to observe you a little more before I declare my intention's to the pack. You’ve done well, Malakai. You’re so much like your father.”
    “Thank you, Papa. I won’t let you down.”

Chapter Seven
    N ora smiled and scrambled ahead of Daniel as he held the glass door for her. A bell chimed over her head as she entered The Cookie Jar and the heavenly smell of cinnamon greeted her.
    “Hey,” Lark called as she