Ford

orrugated metal facility owned by the Newman Pack, humming with the sound of machinery. The air

d like my

an operations manager for three years, pouring my blood and sweat into the pack's business. I had do

d, unexplained absence and demonstrated mental instability." It was Darius's work, a nea

when he saw me. He was a kind, older wolf with a limp from

hed with concern. "Are you... are you okay? W

e, just Ciara," I said, giving him a small,

n't know, Ciara. He's... he wasn't happy a

my tone leaving n

raight for the administrative offices. Gus

ked right up to the door of the plant sup

ff, impatient voice

door open a

d. He was sitting behind a cluttered desk, a half-eaten donut on a napkin beside

he demanded, his jowls quivering.

is desk, his fat fingers alre

is desk and sat down. I reached into my bag, pulled out the folded d

n for my wrongful termination, Mr. P

s he read the words "mentally sound." But he recovere

ermination came directly from the Alpha's office.

"Oh, I fully intend to speak with the Alpha. But I tho

sheet on his desk, its columns filled wi

wasn't Darius.

of a massive internal investigation by the Pack Elders. He was caught falsifyi

right now. I just needed

nt lately," I said, my tone conversational, as if discussing the weather. "Aud

he phone, tightened. His

what? The books for t

a formal wrongful termination grievance with the Council, the very first thing the Elders do-standard procedure-is

y placed stone, building

n his brow. He stared at me, his little eyes searching my fac

ders found out Walter was stealing pack funds, he wouldn't

n was a placid lake, hiding the

ched, thick and heavy. The only sound was the