No Quarter by Anita Cox

bonding mark on Nala’s neck. “Good for you, little brother!” After wrapping her arms around his shoulders and squeezing, she kissed his cheek five times before releasing him.
    “Now,” Wendy wagged her finger at him, “before you even ask, the doctor said the pup is fine. We’re both very healthy and I’m no worse for the wear.”
    The feeling of relief from Colin washed over Nala. She felt she could even breathe easier, which told her that her poor mate had been overwhelmed with anxiety he was trying to hide from her.
    “That’s really great news.” He looked to Zoltar. “You’re keeping up patrols?”
    He gave one firm nod. “I have at least three of my men guarding her at all times. There is round the clock surveillance and nightly patrols. They won’t hit the school again, not without one hellova fight on their hands.”
    Colin smacked him on the back. “That makes me feel a little better.”
    “We’re going to meet in Grace and Roman’s apartment. This way,” Zoltar said as he held his arm out to guide them.
    Wendy looped her arm through Nala’s, who fought the urge to jump. Leaning toward her, Wendy whispered, “I’m very happy for the both of you.”
    Unsure how to respond, she smiled and looked over at Colin before turning back to Wendy. “Thank you. So tell me, how’s the nausea? Any better?”
    “Oh yes! The Pixies gave me some ginger root to chew. It’s a little spicy but it really does the trick. The doctor says that it should be subsiding any time now.” Lowering her voice to a whisper, she continued, “I’m having weird cravings though. Yesterday, I wanted pumpkin pie and pickled herring. It sounds absolutely revolting, but it’s what I wanted.”
    “Yuk.” Nala snickered. “That does sound repulsive.”
    “Here we are,” Zoltar said as he stopped in front of a door. He knocked twice.
    Roman opened up the door. “Hello. Grace is in the back, cleaning like a maniac.”
    Colin opened his arms and the two hugged briefly. “Good to see you. I miss you around Belfast.”
    “Not as Alpha dear. No offense. He’s my friend.”
    None taken. Colin’s use of their connection made her heart jump. Suddenly, she felt soft, like room temperature butter.
    True to Roman’s words, Grace was scrubbing the table like it hadn’t been cleaned in a decade. “Hello, Grace.” Nala stood a little straighter in front of her queen.
    “Come, sit.” Grace flagged them over and then took one more swipe with a towel.
    She tensed during the small talk, eager to find the answers to her questions. When it was finally time, she filled them in on the events of the previous day. “The problem is, I’m not worried about them. Apologies, Roman, but I really do not trust your sister.”
    He held up his hands, “No offense taken. Don’t trust her at all. She’s always been power hungry and offensive to anyone she deems less worthy.”
    “She referred to them as lower Lycans. I don’t know what that means, but the connotation makes me very uncomfortable. My biggest fear is that I sent Richard and Trina to bowels of hell.” She took a deep breath. “This isn’t a challenge the Alphas before me have faced. Couple that with the fact none of us have heard from FOSE, I don’t know how to proceed. We’re not just a pack of Lycans anymore. But we are a pack and I need to know what the best thing is for my pack. So I’m seeking your guidance.” She folded her hands in her lap and lifted her chin. Admitting her need for help was a difficult pill to swallow. Alphas are prideful. It is one of their qualities. But pride and humility had to dance in harmony for an Alpha to be successful, to have a healthy and protected pack.
    “FOSE has had their hands full with the Separatists issue. Very little has been done to regulate integration. There are no clear cut rules for us yet.” Roman looked to Grace. “I think she should put the whole pack first without concern for those who cannot adapt. What do you