She gulped past a lump of fear. It wouldn’t do to let her emotions get away from her in this crowd. The Council meeting had lasted most of the day, and now with dusk beginning to fall the celebration would begin. At least a hundred people were milling about, and more were arriving by the second. The Council of Chiefs had chosen the Panhandle pack to host this year’s meeting, and wouldn’t you know that’s where she’d run after she killed Wyatt? Two chiefs—Jackson and Darius—were being recognized as having survived the trial period, and the whole event had turned into an excuse for one big party. She looked around, unable to hide her smile of appreciation. The host pack had gone out of its way for this reception. Trees strung with bright white lights surrounded the huge clearing and torches lit the clear areas. Long tables were piled high with food. There was even an open bar. By the time she arrived, the place was packed. She’d considered leaving town while the Council was in session, but she hadn’t seen her parents in months.
