Cravings: Alpha City 2 by Bryce Evans

repeated to anyone. Our city and way of life depends on it. Ryder trusts you, but I…” Kayden and Zoey both looked up at Johnny. “Can you give me your word that you will keep our secret, Johnny?”
    Andrew pulled up a chair and sat beside his Alpha. Andrew made eye contact with Johnny, and both nodded to each other.
    “Yes, you can be assured that we will never tell what you speak of,” Johnny answered.
    ****
     
    Kayden didn’t know if he could trust Johnny Ringo, but he had to take a chance. They may need his help and contacts, especially now that they found Zoey in Vegas. How did they know she was in Vegas?
    “Apparently, we have a spy in our city. Nobody knew where Zoey was, or me for that matter, except a few.” Kayden sighed, then held Zoey tighter. Her body was shaking uncontrollably now, and he knew she was scared. “Claudia sent her daughter to try and get control of the wolves, and it didn’t work. Ryder’s mate is a witch, a very powerful witch. She controls the Tree of Life.” Johnny’s eyes widened as he listened to the story. Apparently, he knew about the gem.
    “Metilda tried to kill London and take the gem from her, and to do this, she kidnapped Zoey.” Kayden could see that Johnny cared for Zoey. He could see it in his eyes when he looked at her.
    “What Metilda didn’t know was that the Tree of Life isn’t just a gemstone you can steal. And the person the Tree of Life has chosen can’t give it away. It’s been in London’s family forever and passed down from generation to generation. Before London got to where they were holding Zoey, she spoke to the Tree of Life and asked for whoever took it that their powers would be taken away. And that’s what happened. Metilda tried to control the gem, and in return her powers were taken away. Ryder contacted the sentinels, and they took Metilda to prison, and Claudia wants to seek her revenge on all of us.”
    “That’s not the only reason she wants to control the city, is it?” Johnny asked.
    “Smart man.” Kayden smiled. “No, that isn’t the only reason. Before the Alpha Council was formed in Alpha City, an elf by the name of Ramone Finn sold each Alpha a parcel of land. What each of the Alphas didn’t know was that he sold them all the same land and put all of their names on the deed. So Zoey’s great grandfather got together with the other Alphas and formed a council to rule over Alpha City. Ramone cast a spell bringing each of the Alphas to the city. He handpicked each Alpha because he felt they could protect the portal.”
    “A portal, for what?” Johnny asked.
    “The portal is the entrance to Valceria,” Kayden answered. He could see the look of shock on Johnny’s and Andrew’s faces. Every shifter knew about the elves and that they lived in a magical city called Valceria.
    “I take it you have heard of Valceria?” Kayden asked.
    “Yes, yes, but I always thought it was just a myth. I’ve never seen an elf before or met anyone who said they have. Have you?” Johnny asked curiously, as he leaned forward in his chair.
    “Yes,” Kayden answered softly. Zoey looked over at Kayden, shock on her face. “Every Alpha is introduced to an elf called Bast. He is the king over the elves. Each Alpha is greeted by him. I was introduced to Bast the first day I became Alpha. Bast moved the portal to Alpha City a long time ago. Once the population started to grow, he knew it was only a matter of time before witches like the Blackwood Coven found them. If the area fell into the wrong hands, they would have tremendous power like no other. Can you imagine the power Claudia Blackwood would have if she found that portal?”
    “I can’t believe it. Well, I do, but I’ve always wondered why so many different types of shifters were in Alpha City, and why it worked so well. So you think that man who tried to kill us is part of the Blackwood Coven?” Johnny asked.
    “Yes, I do,” Kayden answered. He could see the concern in Johnny’s