Wolf Lover: Konochur (New Scotia Pack Book 2) Read Free Page A

case the members have questions and want to hear yer impressions.”
    The seven took wolf form, curling into each other for warmth and comfort. Feeling relatively safe under the cover of forest, they napped the rest of the afternoon away.
    Ken woke to the sound of a howl. It was dark and their families were very likely getting worried.
    He poked each wolf with his nose and then dashed out of the woods in the direction of New Scotia. Two followed. Two more headed in the direction of First Colony and the remaining two streaked for New Elk Mountain.

CHAPTER 3
     
     
    The diplomatic scouts made their reports to their alphas and, as SilverRuff had declared, the Council met again the day after. The discussion on whether or not to overturn Lunark’s policy on technology, particularly arms, was far from consensus. The first day was a volley of raised voices. By the second day, everyone who had something to say had been given the opportunity to speak and talks were devolving into heated argument, fueled by the resistance of the First Colony contingent.
    Liulf had been silent for the duration, carefully listening to the various points of view, trying to evaluate each on its own merit. By the afternoon of the second day, he was ready to add his opinion. When he stood, voices quieted immediately. He was not only one of three alphas who carried immense respect and authority, but also an imposing figure even among creatures as impressive as werewolves.
    He addressed the First Colonists directly.
    “I have heard yer speeches and know that each of ye speaks from the heart. I understand why ye feel as ye do.
    “When I first visited this world, I recognized it for the paradise that it was. No one of sound mind would argue that the old ways are no’ better for our kind, me least of all. If I could choose anythin’, I would choose to have Lunark forever remain as it has been.
    “Perhaps the dragons’ threats were a strange form of jest that we don’t understand.” He glanced at Ken, who met his gaze and gave Liulf a subtle, but distinct shake of his head. “But ‘tis no’ likely. My brother, Ken, has a gift for true observation and I’ve good reason to trust his judgment. If he says the dragons are a serious and imminent danger to us, I believe him. And I believe we need to prepare to protect our tribes. This is said to ye by one who has spent much of the past millennium defendin’ territory from invaders.
    “SilverRuff’s tribe has ne’er lived with human technology. For First Colony, ‘tis an unknown.” He looked at the First Colony wolves, eyes lingering on his mate for a second longer than the others. “Suspicion and reluctance is natural and warranted. The rest of us know that, like most thin’s, there’s good and bad. I also know that muscle, fang, and claw will no’ protect my mate and my tribe from this threat. Likewise, bow and arrow will no’ bring down dragons.”
    Liulf paused for a full minute as he looked around the room. “’Tis my job as alpha to protect those who have put their faith in me, old, young, wee, and strong. All count on me, as they do the other alphas and elders.
    “We did no’ ask for this. Far from it. We would all like to have thin’s remain as they were. But when dragons migrate to Lunark without permission and refer to our emissaries as food, we are left with no choice but to prepare the best defense possible. If that means acquirin’ advanced weaponry from off-world,” he pursed his lips for a moment, “I say aye.”
    As Liulf moved to sit down, the representatives from New Scotia and New Elk Mountain responded with howls and shouts and pounded the tables in front of them with their hands.
    The members from First Colony remained silently sullen. One of their elders had just begun to rise to make a response, when two Elk Mountain wolves charged into the tent, changing to human form as they arrived. One tried to begin speaking before his snout had finished retracting and