The Lost Pack (Paige) novel Chapter 171

** Ryder’s POV **

By the time Callen and I reach the main hall of Midnight Pack to meet with Josh, the sun is already high in the sky as it approaches midday.

The building itself is impressive, an old converted war hospital, all stone alcoves and brick, they don’t build them like this anymore. It’s solid and sturdy, standing here for well over a century without crumbling, and Josh, Alpha of Midnight, fits it perfectly.

He’s waiting for us near the long table in the centre of a room near the front of the building. He looks calm but observant. His hair is cropped close, his sleeves rolled up, and there’s the faintest glint of humour in his eyes that doesn’t quite reach the rest of his face.

“Ryder, Callen.” He steps forward, offering his hand in greeting. “Glad to see you both on your feet after last night. We heard… interesting reports.”

I clasp his hand firmly. “Appreciate the concern.”

He doesn’t let go immediately. “My enforcers that I had stationed at Phoenix when the attack hit… they mentioned a…” his gaze flicks between us “..blast of light.

Lit up half the damn valley, apparently. Care to explain that?”

Callen’s expression doesn’t even twitch. I’ll give him creditfor that. He just shrugs like he’s been asked about the weather. “We think it was the hunters testing out a new kind of weapon,” he says smoothly. “Whatever it was, it didn’t do much. Knocked us off our feet, sure, but it fizzled fast. My guess is their prototype was a solid fail and gave us the perfect opportunity to get the hell out of there.”

Josh hums, the sound tow and thoughtful. “Convenient.”

“Not for them,” Callen replies easily.

I hold his gaze and add, “We’ve dealt with these bastards long enough to know they’re always experimenting. Gas, darts, flash rounds… hell, they’ve even developed a new toxin. It wouldn’t surprise me if this was just another failed trick.”

Josh studies me for a moment longer, the weight of an Alpha’s intuition heavy in the silence. Finally, he nods once. “You could be right.”

It’s the kind of answer that means he doesn’t believe us, but he won’t press it. Not yet.

“Either way,” he continues, gesturing for us to sit, “I’m glad it wasn’t worse. My men said the blast came from the centre of your camp. You’re lucky it didn’t level the whole damn thing.”

Callen sinks into the chair beside me, stretching his legs out under the table. “Luck’s not usually our strong suit,” he mutters.I shoot him a look that says ‘behave, and then turn my attention back to Josh. “You’ve already done more than enough for us, opening your territory like this. I won’t forget that.”

Josh waves a hand dismissively. “It’s time we looked after our own, Ryder. You’d have done the same if it were my people under siege.”

He’s right; I would have. But that doesn’t mean I trust the calm tone of his voice. Alphas never help without assessing what they might be able to get in return. That’s just nature.

Still, I incline my head slightly. “You’ll have our gratitude regardless.”

For a moment, the only sounds are distant chatter and the faint creak of wood as the pack members move about the building. Someone carries a tray of coffee across the room; the smell alone gives me the energy to focus.

Josh leans back in his chair, folding his arms. “Tell me how I can help you get your people home.”

That’s the opening I need.

“We need to send a large scouting party,” I say. “Eyes on the territory before anyone sets foot there. I don’t want to walk into another ambush. Once we know the perimeter’s clear, we’ll need to sweep every building, every inch of the woods. We need to be sure the hunters haven’t left any surprises behind.”Josh nods slowly. “Check for traps, and toxins too. I’ve heard they’ve gotten creative lately.”

“Exactly. I want to avoid casualties before we even start rebuilding.”

“We’ll also need weapons… long range. The hunters are using snipers now. We’ve seen the damage they can do.

We don’t stand a chance if they take us out before we can even get near them,” Callen adds.

Josh’s brows lift. “You’re asking me to arm your pack?”

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