Chapter 2 "I don't know why you had to insist on this second advisor," Max said again, leaning back into the couch with a frustrated sigh. Kent sighed, leaning back in his desk chair to stare at the ceiling instead of his beta. "We've been over this already." "We already have enough interference from the council," Max complained. "I know you don't like Wesley, but a second advisor isn't going to change the situation. It's just one more person to get in the way." "We all agreed to this," Patrick, the gamma, chimed in from where he sat in an armchair, running his fingers through his dark hair. "We agreed that the sooner we get the rogue issue handled, the sooner we can get the council out of here. We need the council. Our allies won't work with us if we don't cooperate with the council and utilize all their resources. We need these warriors. "I know that," Max growled, sounding exasperated. "I just don't like this many outsiders meddling in our business. There's a lot at stake here." "I know you're worried, Max," Kent said softly, looking back at his best friend. "I am too. But Wesley has f****d up too many things. I don't trust him and I need someone who can get this situation handled. Alpha Brent at New Sky worked with this Atwood guy last year when he was having all the issues with Pine Valley. He was impressed with how that situation was handled. He said this guy was the best." "We have to get this handled," Patrick chimed in. "Plus, we're in this together, no matter what." "I know," Max sighed. "So when is this guy going to be here?" "I don't know," Kent answered. "The commander said the guy just got back from a long assignment this morning and might not want to go on a new assignment so quickly. I guess that is not how the council generally operates, but he is going to ask Atwood to make an exception for us." There was a knock at the office door and all three turned their attention there as Kent called for whomever it was to enter. Wesley, the council's advisor stepped in, his blond hair disheveled. Leo, the head warrior, was a step behind. "We were hoping for a word," Wesley said tersely, his forehead creasing as he looked at the ranked members of the pack. "What is it?" Kent snapped. His patience was already thin when it came to this man. Wesley had caused one f**k up after another since he set foot in this pack. "I just spoke to the commander," Wesley explained, his voice thin. "He said that he will be sending the advisor you requested tomorrow." Kent nodded. "Good. I'm told this Atwood guy is the best and I need someone who actually knows what they're doing." Wesley glared at Kent, his lips disappearing into a thin line, but it was Leo who spoke. "Riley Atwood is not a guy." Leo's voice had an edge Kent had never heard before. "She is a woman and she is one of the most skilled warriors I've ever worked with." "A woman?" Max raised an eyebrow, sounding skeptical. "Yes," Leo snapped. "And an excellent warrior." "It makes no difference," Kent said with a wave of his hand. "I don't give a damn if she's a woman. Just as long as she's good at her job." "She is," Wesley muttered, glaring at Kent. "She is the best for a reason." "When will she be here?" Patrick said. As usual, he was the one looking at logistics. "Tomorrow evening. Her flight should land around 6pm," Wesley replied. Kent nodded. "Max, you will get her from the airport." He glanced up. "Me?" "Yes, Beta," Kent sighed. "She is the best advisor from the council. We're not sending an omega out. You will get her." "Evan is still sick," Max said quickly. "I can't leave Penny alone with both boys." Kent frowned. "I realize that but I can't send Patrick when Lana is so close to having her baby and I can't walk away in case of another attack. Give Penny my apologies, but you have to go. "I can get her," Wesley offered. "She does know me after all." Kent scoffed. "I'll trust my beta with this task, thanks." Wesley's eyes darkened, but he said nothing. "Sounds like it is handled then," Leo said with a nod. "If you don't have any further questions Alpha, we'll take our leave." Kent waved his hand, dismissing the council workers. "Are you sure about this?" Max asked after the door had closed. Kent sighed again, pinching the bridge of his nose. "No, Max, I'm not. But we have to try something. We have to protect our pack." "I just wish there was another way." Max stood up, running a hand through his hair. "I don't like it." "It will work out," Kent said, hoping he sounded reassuring. "You'll see."