First they went to the bank. The manager took one look at David's account and they were treated like royalty. Clara left with a new charge card. David didn't mention a limit and she didn't ask. Next they went to target. It took three shopping carts to get everything on the list. Once they loaded up the van David grabbed Clara's hand and started walking her back inside.
"Is there more?"
"Now we're going for you," he said. "I want you to grab whatever you think you might need until the spring, we'll probably get out again, but you never know."
"What about to visit other packs?"
"Winters are too tough for us," David said. "Our visit to James was the last of the season. We do most in the summer."
"Why are these visits so important? Just to find mates?"
"There are currently forty-one packs in the continent. All have under one hundred members. Last I heard we are the smallest. Most are in the west, or Canada. We are social creatures and it is fun for most of us, and meeting mates is key, but I think it's mainly to keep the peace."
"I take it there wasn't always peace?"
"Legend has it we used to war all the time. Then the council formed, made laws and now most packs get a long."
"So what are the rules?" Clara picked up a winter hat and tossed it in the cart. David grabbed three more and through them in. She gave him a look and he shrugged.
"No pack may have more than one hundred members, alpha responsibilities, each pack must see every other pack at least one time in ten years, all new packs need council approval, a declaration of war needs council approval, they cover the election of the alpha, the determination of the beta, and then there are some things about human interaction and outcasts. That's about it."
"Sounds like a lot to me," Clara said.
"It really isn't. Like you said yesterday the council is a bunch of old rich men. They keep to themselves. Every three years there is an Alpha summit where all the leaders attend, but other than that it's rare you see an elder. The average wolf will never meet them."
They continued walking through the store. David turned the cart into the clothing section and started throwing shirts and pants in the cart.
"Those don't look like they'll fit you." Clara looked at the women's t-shirts and sweaters he was picking at random.
"And you were being too picky, so I'll buy you everything and then you can pick when we get home."
"I have enough clothes." Clara said. "I'm a simple girl."
"You took one bag. That's not enough clothes. I'd ask James to send the rest of your things, but I don't think there are many. Why not start fresh?"
"I feel weird having you pay for this. I've paid my own way since I was sixteen."
"I'm not paying for it; the council is technically. As Alpha I determine how money is spent and I think you're a fine cause. Besides, this isn't Rodeo drive here. Relax and have some fun."
Clara looked at a rack on her right. She picked up a print sweater and threw it in the cart. David gave her his signature grin and she felt her heart melt a little. Clara looked on the next display of shirts. They were plain long sleeved cotton. She picked up a black and a white one and added them to her pile. David reached behind her and grabbed one additional in every color.
Deciding two could play that game Clara walked straight ahead out of the women's section and into the men's. She started grabbing one of every item, once her hands were filled she walked back to David and the cart. She dropped the clothes on top of the pile he had been adding too.
He returned with another arm full of women's stuff. He looked at the men's sweaters and up at Clara. She wore a smug smirk, but he kept on smiling.
"Now that's the spirit," he said. "Let's head over to the shoes. You can pick me out some sneakers while I'll get you boots."
The cart was overflowing with clothing already, but Clara had a feeling if David got his way they would be pushing five or six carts out filled with things just for her.
"Fine," Clara said. "You win. I'll start shopping."
"We're not putting these back though." David reached into the cart and pulled up a pair of fleece pants Clara had grabbed for him. "These have little English Bulldogs, I'm keeping them."
"You like bulldogs?"
"I had one growing up," David said.
"Tell me about him."
"She was an adorable little wrinkly thing..."
David went on about his childhood dog and Clara hung on every word. They continued like that for the rest of their trip around Target. Soon they were loading up the van and Clara couldn't believe how quickly the time was passing. Every moment spent with him made her forget about her past and focus on her future.
~*~*~*~**~*~*~
Lucas sat on the bench in the cell. He leaned forward with nothing to do but wait. The seconds felt like minutes, when finally, the footsteps echoed down the hall. Lucas rose as James walked in the door.
"Have you made a decision?" The Alpha asked.
Lucas nodded his head. He kept his jaw tight and eyes locked with James.
"Care to share? Am I getting a pack member or sending out an Outcast?"
Lucas rolled his shoulders back. James looked annoyed, but Lucas would not change his glare.
"Neither. I feel you are no longer competent as Alpha of this pack. Your actions have led to the loss and kidnapping of a pack member. I believe I am more qualified and am formally issuing a challenge."
James sneered at Lucas and let out a roll of a laugh.
"You do know how an alpha challenge works correct? I have to get a council member down here. Then before the fight even happens you need to have ten percent of the pack behind you. That would mean eight people. Have you ever even spoken to eight people?"
"I am not the only one who has issues with your leadership."
"You're a great fighter Lucas, but we both know you could never take me in one on one combat. If it even comes to that. You're essentially throwing yourself out, but being a pain in my ass while doing it."
"As a pack member I have the right to challenge."
James shook his head.
"Council members are not known for their flexibility. If he arrives and you don't have your ten percent he might rip your head off, literally. It will be a death sentence."
Lucas did not show his fear. He went over the plan again and again in his head. He was certain six members would back him. That gave him a week to find two more. Not everyone loved James as much as he thought. Besides, there was no other way to get Clara back.
"Alright," James said. "I accept your challenge. Arrangements will be made for as soon as a council member can arrive. I will contact them now. In the interim I am no long your alpha. Lucas felt a sting in his chest, like his heart was loosening and spreading away. You may stay here until the challenge, but will not disrupt the pack. If you bring harm or violate any rules of my home, I will kick you off the grounds until the challenge."
"You're letting me stay?" Lucas asked.
"Only because I have to," James said. "If you win and become alpha you will realize there's more to it. But the second I get a reason to toss you out I will, so if you so much as lay a finger on one of my members you can wait on the edge of the land until our challenge."
