(Kael)
I stand in front of Clearwater Pack's main hall with Rowan and Thorne beside me. The journey here took most of the day. Stonehaven's rejection still sits like a stone in my gut but I can't let that stop me.
We need allies. We need fighters. Moonridge can't win this war alone.
The doors open and Alpha Derek of Clearwater comes out to meet us. He's older than me, maybe fifty, with gray streaking through his dark hair. His expression is neutral. Not hostile but not welcoming either.
"Alpha Kael," he says. "I received your message about seeking an alliance."
"Thank you for agreeing to meet with us, Alpha Derek."
"Come inside. We'll talk."
We follow him into the main hall. It's smaller than Moonridge's but well maintained. Pack members move around doing evening tasks. Some stop to
