Chapter 117

0117 “It depends on the day, sometimes the hour. I am glad that Lily has someone around her that makes her feel safe, but at the same time, I want to punch his lights out for even considering sniffing around what is mine.” Dr. Hyder leaned back in his chair and smiled. “You surprise me, Son.” “How so?” “The wolf I knew six months ago was so far up his parents’ a&&, he could not see straight. The wolf who came here a couple of months ago demanding information about Lily wasn’t too much better. But something in you has shifted. I can see it.” “You could say that. Do my feelings about Brady bother you?” I asked. “Not at all. I guessed the answer before I asked. I just wanted to see how honest you would be.” “So you were testing me.” “Did you expect anything less?” I shook my head. “So my question, Dr. Hyder.” “Why are you asking me and not someone else? Your cousin Andrew is with a pack in Canada. Why are you not asking him?” “This is a delicate situation, as you are fully aware. An alpha wolf renouncing his position and joining another pack could easily lead to political problems if not war. We both know my parents are not going to accept my decision without a fight.” “That is not an answer. Why me and not your cousin?” “Two reasons. One, my cousin is close to my mother, and his pack has strong ties to West Mountain. I do not think Andrew would be willing to help me leave, and I do not trust him to not tell my mother I asked. Second, you are already aware of the problems at West Mountain, and your political relationships have already been severed. You have less to lose.” Dr. Hyder looked at me suspiciously. “How do you know Lily will agree to follow you even if you get into another pack?” “I don’t. I can only pray she considers it.” “I heard that you told Sheila to go to hell, and that you made her find her way back to the states by herself.” “I did relay that message to her, but she had two security guards with her so she was not entirely alone. Who told you about it? Are you talking to my parents?” “No, Son. I have sources in many places.” “Why does everything have to be a riddle with you?” “Next question.” “Goddess, seriously? We are back to that nonsense again?” “No. I just needed to keep you on your toes.” “Do you have any suggestions for me?” I asked, getting frustrated. “It depends.” I rubbed my temples. I was getting a headache. “On what?” “I still do not understand why you want to leave West Mountain.” “The riddles are getting old, Dr. Hyder. I already told you, and I know you already know anyway. Lily does not feel comfortable at West Mountain. After what happened on the night that Stephanie died –and given all of the pack members who I turned against her afterward- I cannot blame Lily for never wanting to go back there again.” Dr. Hyder looked at me confused. “The night that Stephanie died?” Dr. Hyder’s confusion seemed sincere, as opposed to the “I am only asking you questions that I already know the answers to” routine he had been playing up until this point. “Lily did not tell you?” “No.” “What? I thought that was what the whole riddle nonsense was about last time. You wanted me to figure out that Lily had nothing to do with Stephanie’s death.” “Son, I think that you are still missing some important pieces of the puzzle.” “So tell me what they are.” “No.” I stood up. This was getting me nowhere. “Good to see you, Dr. Hyder. Until next time.” “Son?” “You want to offer me another riddle? Ask me more personal questions?” “No. I want to offer you a list of names. I suggest you talk to them.” I watched as Dr. Hyder scribbled down a list of five names. When he handed the list to me, I was surprised. “These are all West Mountain pack members.” “No, those are all FORMER West Mountain pack members. Lsuggest you talk to them about why they left.” ***END OF FLASHBACK*** Week three I spent tracking down the wolves on the list that Dr. Hyder gave me. I have now talked to three of the wolves, and I have two more wolves to go. Once I am done, I will head back to West Mountain. Maybe. I admit, I am sort of curious what stunt awaits me. Maybe I will go just for fun.