Page 11 of Convincing the Heartbroken Beta

She gave him a tight smile. “In your opinion, has the threat been contained at the site? The other pack Alphas all believe so.”

Brandon glanced around the table, catching the eye of everyone before returning his attention to Vera. “Yes. But only at the site.”

She nodded. “Well, it would see we’re all in agreement that the site is clear, but the Yukon Delta Pack is still a threat. That leads us to our next issue. Alpha Petrov has been charged with overseeing Wolf Creek and the Deltas since the attack on his omega last spring. But the Deltas have become too fractured, and we don’t know if there are pack members who are still in collusion with the Russians. It will take a thorough, ongoing investigation that could take some time. Finding a permanent Alpha for the Yukon Deltas no longer seems practical.” She folded her hands and rested them on the table. “I move we dissolve the pack and relocate the remaining members into new packs. Do we take this motion to the floor, or go ahead and vote?”

Nic spoke up. “I’d like a discussion. While I agree that the Delta pack is too fractured to be taken over, there are some serious issues to consider before we ask members to abandon their homes. How would it be decided where pack members go? Do they apply to another pack, and if so, what would that process look like? What if a delta who has done no wrong applies to all the packs, but no one will take them? What then?”

The Alliance members mumbled to each other, a few nodding as if in agreement with Nic.

“What if we handled this situation by doing things the other way around?” Everyone regarded Brandon. He continued, “Appointed an Alpha to oversee whoever wanted to stay, but, with the caveat that it’s no longer the Yukon Delta Pack. Give it a new name that’s not specific to deltas. However, anyone who wanted to apply to another pack would also have that option.”

Boris, the council treasurer interjected, “We still don’t know who can be trusted in that group. What if the new Alpha is one of those who was involved in that experimental prison? We need to conduct an investigation first.”

Brandon nodded. “Yes. We do. However, that’s why trying to relocate pack members before the investigation is complete would be difficult. Other packs would be too suspicious, or members might retaliate against deltas and their families if they haven’t been cleared of any crimes yet.” Brandon tapped his pen against the notepaper. “I’d like to volunteer to head the investigation. My second is more than capable to temporarily handle pack business, and there haven’t been any pack issues in ages anyway.”

Upon reflection, he’d decided that a bit of distance between him and Sascha would give them both time to acclimate to their new circumstances.

Vera studied him before speaking, “All right. I can see there’s a lot more to consider here and we need more intel before a vote should be called regarding the Yukon Delta Pack and the criminal actions of former Guardian member, Hawk Ivanov. However, Alphas Ivanov and Petrov will be placed in charge of the investigation. Then they can provide us with new information. In which case, I amend my motion and move we table this discussion until the Alliance meets in two weeks.”

Brandon gave a curt nod. “I second.”

Vera “All in favor?” The ‘ayes’ carried the vote and Vera leaned back in her chair. “Brandon and Nic, take a security detail with you and do a head count at the Yukon Delta Pack tomorrow. Maybe get a feel for the mood there and who might be willing to talk.” She furrowed her brow. “Nic, now that things have settled here at Wolf Creek, who did you appoint as your second?”

Nic rubbed the back of his neck. “I didn’t. I was actually going to discuss that at the next council meeting.”

She tilted her head. “There’s no one in your pack who’s worthy? What about Jackson? He’s been part of security for the pack for years.”

Nic scrubbed his face with one hand and Brandon could almost read his thoughts. Jackson had been appointed by Nic’s traitorous brother. At the same time, Jackson had shown himself to be nothing but loyal to the pack. Brandon had interacted with him on more than one occasion when attending Alliance meetings.

“President Vera, I’d like a fresh start. I take the blame for not honoring my role as pack leader the way I should have. I’ll forever be making that up to the Alliance.”

“You’ve proved yourself, Nic. The Alliance has acknowledged that. You didn’t hide your brother’s disloyalty and you chose what was right for the greater good.” She patted his hand and gave him a smile. “That’s what matters. Your actions.”

Nic glanced at Brandon then returned his gaze to Vera. He had the feeling he knew what Nic was about to say.

“I’m hoping the Alliance will do the same when it’s time to judge Hawk’s actions. He did what he did not only to save his own omega, but for all the omegas. If it wasn’t for his determination to bring Jasper here—even though he knew it meant he might be imprisoned—we might not have uncovered those atrocities. Who knows how much worse the outcome could’ve been?”

Vera narrowed her eyes at Nic. “Agreed. But please don’t tell me you want this wolf, this new Alpha, as your second?”

“With respect, he’s not newly an Alpha. He always has been.”

She sighed. “Of course. But he’s still new to the responsibility of an Alpha, the different dynamic of leading rather than taking orders.”

Nic cleared his throat. “Again, with respect, I beg to differ. He didn’t do such a great job following orders when he busted Jasper out of the Guardian Pack.”

Brandon held in a chuckle as Vera arched her eyebrows.

“Fair enough. We’ll take this matter up at the next meeting, but he’s not to be named your second in the meantime. Understood?”

“Understood. While me and Brandon are conducting our investigation, I’ll leave my father in charge with my sister as advisor.”

Vera’s features softened. “How is your father doing?”

Nic dropped his gaze before meeting her eyes again. “He has his good days and his bad ones. But fortunately, the good ones still outweigh the bad.”

She laid her hand across his. “Let’s pray to the gods it stays that way for a long time yet.”

They wrapped up their conversation and all rose from the table. Brandon gathered his notes then shoved them into the scratched and faded leather messenger bag he’d had since he was still a pup. The bison skin was from his first solo kill and he considered the satchel lucky. As he slung the bag over his shoulder, he noticed Nic hanging back.