Game of Destiny by Dripping Creativity novel Chapter 20

Game of Destiny

Chapter 20-1

The shrill sound of my alarm dragged me from sleep early that morning. I lay still for a few moments, allowing myself to adjust to the familiar yet new sensation of the pack bond coursing softly through my mind. It wasn’t an overwhelming presence, more like a gentle hum in the background, a quiet reminder of the connection I shared with every member of the pack. My previous pack bond hadn’t been completely broken when I ran away; the distance had gradually dulled it until it was barely noticeable. Even during those first months in my new home, I could still feel its faint echo. But a pack bond is a living entity—it requires care, attention, and regular visits to the pack’s territory to keep it strong. Without that, it fades away. Now, however, a fresh bond had taken root, along with a deep connection to this pack’s land. The feeling was comforting and exciting all at once.

Eventually, I rose and prepared myself for the day before heading downstairs for breakfast. Cadence’s family had kindly invited me to join them, and I gladly accepted. It was a pleasure to meet his parents and older sister, learning more about the people who shaped him. When Cadence asked if I wanted to accompany him and his sister to the river later, I had to decline, knowing I needed to begin my new work today.

“Where have you been?” Medow inquired as we crossed paths outside the conference room.

“I had breakfast with Cadence and his family,” I replied, glancing at Sam nearby.

“Is he trying to woo you?” she teased with a knowing smile. We both chuckled before joining Finlay and Martin in the room reserved for meetings of the pack’s highest ranks.

“What are you up to?” Finlay asked, watching me pull a chair from the side and rearrange the other seats around the table.

“I’m fetching a chair so I can sit down comfortably,” I explained.

“Why do you need a new chair?” he questioned, clearly puzzled. I surveyed the table: Finlay occupied the head seat, Martin sat to his right with an empty chair beside him, and opposite Finlay were Sam and Medow, sitting next to her mate. Another chair opposite Finlay remained vacant.

“I’m not going to sit in the Luna’s or the Beta female’s chair,” I told him firmly. Finlay sighed, rolled his eyes, and motioned for Martin to scoot his chair closer to him. I then moved the Beta female’s chair next to Martin’s and positioned my own at the corner between the two empty seats.

“Happy now?” he asked as I settled in.

“Yes,” I smiled, and the others laughed along.

“Now that we’ve settled the critical issue of chairs,” Finlay began, casting a pointed look my way, “let’s officially welcome Amie to our group. I think we’re all eager to hear her advice.” The others nodded enthusiastically.

“Thank you,” I said, feeling both honored and a bit uncertain. “But as I told Medow yesterday, I think you’re doing a far better job than you give yourselves credit for. The pack is thriving and peaceful. Honestly, I’m not sure what I can add.”

“The pack is strong, and I agree with you,” Martin said. “We’ve mostly got things under control. Well, Finlay handles most of it—he’s a natural Alpha.”

“But what concerns us are the threats from outside and how we can prepare the pack to face them,” Sam added, and all four nodded in agreement.

“We’re a low-ranking pack, but that’s mainly because you couldn’t participate in the last games,” I pointed out. “I’d think that packs and rogues looking for land would target one of the confirmed weak packs.” Finlay and Martin both shook their heads.

“We’ve chased away wolves that have come close to our borders,” Martin explained. “So far, it’s only been one or two at a time, but we believe they’re scouts.”

“Packs or rogues?” I asked.

“Both,” he replied.

Chapter 20-2

Finlay continued, “We think it’s because the confirmed weak packs have already been targeted, and all the good land has been claimed. Most of those packs are now stuck on barren land or forced into the cities.” The thought made me shudder.

“And then there’s us—with all this incredible land,” I said, looking out the window at the vast wilderness beyond. “I can see why they’d be willing to take the risk.”

“So, we need to prepare,” I added. “Even if we’re a strong pack, not everyone can fight or defend themselves. What’s the plan if we get attacked?”

Finlay stood and pulled a map from a locked drawer, spreading it across the table. The map detailed the pack’s territory, marked with symbols indicating various strategic points. They explained the measures they had taken to protect the pack: hideouts in two locations within the village and seven more scattered across the land. Most were natural caves they had fortified, stocked with food and blankets.

“It looks solid—a good foundation,” I said thoughtfully. “But we should add general pack training that everyone participates in. Something that teaches everyone how to find shelter if caught by surprise.”

“Everyone? Even the pups?” Martin asked skeptically.

“Especially the pups,” I replied. “We all know they have a tendency to go exploring, either alone or with a friend or two. They need to know what to do if we’re attacked.”

“Should we just make sure they stay close to an adult?” Sam suggested. Finlay, Medow, and I shook our heads.

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