“Oh, that’s not suspicious at all.” I rolled my eyes.
Malcom was approaching so I gave Kyle a little nudge. “Meet Malcom, my brother.” It sounded weird saying the words but I had no doubts he was honest with me. I somehow knew.
Kyle extended his hand and Malcom accepted. After an awkward handshake, the two males stared each other down for a moment.
“Well, this is awkward.” Sheila had joined us in the little circle we formed near her tent.
“Kyle, Malcom; Malcom, Kyle,” I said. “Now we all know each other.”
“You’re telling the truth?” Kyle asked. “About your father?”
“It’s my deepest, darkest secret, so maybe not say it so loudly,” Malcom said.
“Alright. So you’re going help us, right?” Kyle said, cutting to the chase.
“Um, sure, but I usually like to know what I’m getting into,” he replied.
“Alec didn’t tell either of you why I might return to Wolf Creek after all this, did he?” I asked.
“I imagine it’s to break that bond,” Sheila said.
“There’s more,” I admitted.
“Lola, I don’t think you should…” Kyle didn’t get to finish his warning before I lifted my shirt and pulled my waistband down just enough to show my mark.
“…show them,” he finished with a sigh.
“Holy shit, is that?” Sheila leaned in and then looked up at me. “You’re an alpha.”
“That’s impossible,” Malcom said.
“Hey, you’ve heard my story. I doubt it’s as rare as the packs want us to think. The males just want to keep the power,” Sheila said.
“You’re going to challenge the alpha,” Malcom said.
“I’m going to challenge the alpha,” I agreed.
“You’re insane,” Malcom replied. “But I’m in.”
“Same,” Sheila said. “I might not have my mark anymore, but for you, I’d step up and fulfill my role as a protector.”
I hadn’t expected so much support. For a kid who grew up with no friends, I sure had come a long way.