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werewolves gradually leave behind their human etiquette and embrace the habits of their wolf? Of the wilderness?
    “I’m sure you’re wondering where your mate is, Nicole.”
    Truthfully, Hayden was more concerned over having a second helping of venison, though she doubted the pack would appreciate her lack of concern for Nicolas. “I am,” she agreed placidly. “I’d also like to thank you and your pack for healing me.”
    A collective pause swept through the group, instantly putting Hayden on edge.
    Had she said something wrong?
    “This is not my pack,” Amber Beard informed. “We call this an… impromptu pack, if you will. Many of us happened across each other out of mere coincidence. We all have one thing in common and one common goal. It was easier to band together rather than fail individually.”
    Hayden examined each member of the ‘impromptu pack’, noticing there was no general hierocracy. Amber Beard seemed to take the lead; otherwise, everyone else, even the males, seemed rather subdued.
    There was no struggle to gain dominance, no struggle for authority. Each member only shared a collective ominousness.
    She was afraid to ask, but she was never one to back down from a challenge. “And? What is it that you all have in common?”
    “Nicolas Slayter.”
    Hayden froze at the admission. “Nicolas Slayter,” she repeated, her tongue turning heavy with shock. “What… what do you mean?”
    Had she underestimated this pack? Was she wrong to assume Nicolas was safe and unharmed? She’d thought his absence was because he didn’t like socializing and mingling with others. But what if the pack had found out his true identity and killed him?
    Amber Beard and the others gazed at her with various levels of perplexity.
    “He’s the rogue Alpha, of course.”
    Hayden straightened her shoulders, losing her appetite. She had to play along. It was difficult to remember that most others didn’t know about Celeste. “I know that. But how is he tied to all of you?”
    “And you,” the female next to Hayden mumbled.
    “The rogues took someone whom we love very much.” Amber Beard jerked his chin towards the group in general. “We were able to trace them to a compound, which is guarded by a pack of rogues. We all have a mate, a child, a pack mate, or in your case, a brother that is being held prisoner there.”
    She tried not to outwardly react to the admission that Cole was now her brother. Nicolas certainly knew how to twist things.
    “I’ve been here the longest amongst this group,” the man continued, “I’ve seen many individuals try to take on the security at the rogue complex by themselves. It never ends in their favor. Never. I’ve seen more beheadings these past few weeks than I have in my entire lifetime.”
    Hayden grimaced, scanning the others in the group and instantly noticing their grave, but determined expressions. She realized she did share a comradeship with these people. Like Cole, many of their loved ones were taken captive by the rogues.
    She assumed Celeste wanted to turn Cole into her fourth Carrier. What Celeste wanted with these other werewolves, Hayden didn’t know and could only speculate.
    “You’re planning on attacking the rogue hideout together,” she presumed.
    “We are.” Amber Beard motioned toward two burly men. “With these two having just arrived, and you and your mate, I believe we have enough people.” There was a sudden shift in the leader’s expression. “We can’t thank your mate enough.” 
    Several members nodded sincerely, their expressions clearly indicating they thought highly of Nicolas. Hayden could only stare in muted horror, her stomach tightening with dark humor.
    “Cayden was able to recover weapons for us and more ammunition. While you were healing, he accompanied Jax to a Hunter’s supply shed and brought back much needed artillery.”
    It was difficult to comprehend. Even Jax, cryptic and bitter man who greeted her upon waking,