Ch. 491..500
Chapter 0491
I walk next to her and wrap her up in my arms, she buries her face in my stomach and holds me tight around the waist. She's not crying though. I'm not sure if that's because she is focusing on staying calm for him, since they can feel each other through the bond, or if she's coming to terms with the worst possible outcome. I don't say anything, if she needs to talk to me she will.
This time it was hours before a healer came back into the room. Someone brought in a small cot for the Luna to lay on and rest, and she insisted that I sit with her. She has kept contact with me since I hugged her, she seems to be as reluctant to let me go as the Alpha was. When the healer enters we both sit up straight, listening intently.
"The Alpha is out of surgery now. When they are done dressing his wounds they will bring him back in here for you to sit with him. It would be best if you stayed while he heals. It will make it progress more quickly. The young Alphas and a few others have been asking to see you for an update. What would you like me to tell them?"
"Cameron and Dakota can come back, they need to see their dad. You can tell the rest he's out of surgery and I will update them all soon."
"I can go talk to them Luna, I need to update my team and make sure we have security set..."
"No, you need to be here when he comes back, you promised you would be here. He needs to see you as much, maybe more, than the boys."
I just nod. I don't agree with her, but I don't want to argue with her either when she's like this. The last time I was in a room with the four of them, I was called a traitor and accused of all kinds of things. I really don't want a repeat.
I stay by the Luna as they wheel in the Alpha, fast asleep on his bed. At least he has color to him now and with the drape of the blankets, you would never know what he just went through looking at him. He jus looks peacefully asleep. Luna Ava doesn't move from her chair right away, she just sits and stares. I really wish I knew what was going on in her mind.
The twins walk in soon after and I can hear Kaley's high pitched squeals from the hallway.
"A Luna needs to be with her Alphas at a time like this... get your hands off me and let me through...I will have you know..."
Dakota slams the door shut and takes a deep breath. When he turns around he avoids eye contact with me and stands next to Cam on the other side of the bed. They both look sad and lost, like the little boys used to know.
"What did they say mom?" Cam finally asks after a long silence.
"Nothing yet, we were waiting on you. He's here and alive and that's the most I know." She finally stands and walks to them wrapping them each in an arm. They both tuck their heads into a side of her neck and wish could take a picture of the moment, even though it is not an ideal situation, this moment is special and precious. These
massive guys lean into their mother,
who's at least a foot shorter than
them, for comfort.
The lead healer walks in and looks around the room at all of us. I lower my head and make myself as small as possible back by the cot Luna and I were just sitting in.
"You can speak, everyone here is family." My head shoots up at the Luna's words. But I don't get to question them when the healer starts to speak.
"There was a significant amount of damage from the wood. The Alpha's entire oblique muscle on his left side will more than likely have permanent damage. Splinters also pierced his kidney, part of his liver, the lower lobe of his lung and his intestines He has a lot of healing to do and after don't recommend he remains in the Alpha position, you boys should prepare yourselves." She gives the twins a serious look. This is not a suggestion. "For now he is stable and we are monitoring him hourly. He has not opened his eyes yet, but I believe he will when he's ready. Let us know if anything happens or changes." She looks each of us in the eyes, then turns and leaves, taking the buffer of her neutral presence with her.
I stayed against the wall next to the cot, wishing it was on the wall closest to the door, not the furthest. I just want to leave. My chest still hurts and I know it's not from the fight with the Alpha or being thrown by him, it's from seeing them.
I don't know why the Luna wants me here. This just isn't my place. I take a deep slow breath and steel myself to just move towards the door, it won't go unnoticed and it will be super awkward. I turn and start walking.
"Skylar Makain, stop right there. You will stay in this room until the Alpha wakes up. He needs you."
"Why?" I ask, still facing the door. My voice is more confident than I expected. "I have a team to organize and patrols to work out. I need to coordinate with Delta Kyle and I am going to be bombarded with questions from people in the waiting room. Please let me do my job."
"Your job is here right now, and you can organize everything from this room, don't run away from us." She doesn't sound angry or sad, she sounds hollow, all business.
Now I am angry. It licks up my insides like a flame and I see red. My wolf is letting her anger seep into mine as well. She has felt just as betrayed as I have. Wolves are pack animals, they need their pack and she was just as betrayed by them as I was. This woman has been like my mother for a very long time, but when push came to shove, it was not me she chose to protect.
"You have made it very clear where I fall in your list of priorities, Luna. I have not run yet and I don't intend to, this is my pack just as much as it is yours. Why would I want to stay in the company of people who openly despise me, think that I'm a traitor and would sacrifice my pack? did my duty, My Alpha is safe and protected, I am not needed here. I will send Gamma Brett to stay with you. I think you need to be with someone at all times until the Alpha wakes up. And as we are all aware, no one from the pack is allowed to mindlink with me. So I cannot coordinate with anyone while I am here."
I turn to leave again, feeling very much like the teenager I never really got to be. But, proud for sticking up for myself for once. I love them all, but it's not enough right now, they need to love me the same amount in return.
Chapter 0492
Firm hands grab my shoulders and I stiffen. He doesn't try to move me, just keeps me from opening the door. I take a breath in and that's when I noticed it, I can smell Cam's thick citrus smell, but faintly blending with that is her. The smell might be a day or so old, but it's there on his skin. He's been with her, they probably both have. It takes everything for me not to let the tears behind my eyes fall. I took another deep breath willing them back and it was a terrible idea.
"Please stay Tiny, he wants you here."
I shrug his hands off. "If you put your hands on me again, I will remove them with the weapons you gifted me. And we have had this conversation before Cameron. We are not friends, only my friends get to use nicknames."
"And get to touch you apparently." Kota says bitterly.
I turn sharply. "So we're going to do this now? Fine. Everyone knows you haven't been allowed to touch me, talk to me or in general come near me." Kota rolls his eyes. It pisses me off. "Had s*x with Kaley in the last two days?" I go directly for the lowest blow and look between the two of them just staring at me open mouthed.
"I don't know what you're..."
"Talking about?" I narrow my eyes. "Remember. I can smell the difference between you two. You may dress and act the same for everyone else, but you can't hide from me, Dakota. Do you think I wouldn't smell her all over you? Go be a hypocrite to someone else."
They both have the decency to look ashamed at least. Even the Luna stays silent. None of them explain or defend themselves. I don't break the silence, they can live in this awkward moment forever, I have time apparently.
"Skylar, you don't understand, this is so complicated, so many more things are at play here that you realize." Cam, always the placating one.
I just laugh, I'm not touching that with a ten foot pole. I don't know if there is some way that Kaley can listen in on their conversations, but I don't want her knowing we suspect her and her father of this whole f*cked up situation. We still haven't put all the pieces together yet either. I know there is something I am missing.
"Please stay, just until he wakes up, he wants you here for a reason." Luna Ava is pleading with me, still tucked under Kota's arm.
Why am I even considering this? None of them deserve my help or consideration right now. So why can't I just storm out like my logical brain wants me to?
I groan. "Fine. I need some things so I can work. Some of us do spend every waking minute taking care of this pack, not just pandering to the princess' every want and need. If I am in this room, I am his protection detail, no one comes in without my say so. I still want the Gamma here for the Luna. Beta Daniel can be your go between to get you guys set up to run the pack. Mateo should begin working as your Beta as well learning the ropes since you guys are all being thrust into this sooner than expected. I want two of my warriors at the doors to this wing and at the hospital entrance. If you can't handle my demands, then I am leaving."
Cam and Kota don't even look at each other before they nod.
"Whatever you need, Skylar." Cam says, and it sounds so patronizing, but it's what I asked for.
"I think we are going to need a bigger room. I'll just step out and..."
"You stay put! You do not leave this room until Gamma Brett is with you. No offense but I don't even want you going to the bathroom alone. This is the perfect time for anyone to try and attack you and if you get hurt or worse, the shock and pain might kill the Alpha."
Her hand flies to her mouth. Clearly this is not something any of them considered based on all of their looks. I just roll my eyes.
"The most efficient way to kill an
Alpha is to take out the Luna first. This is why get paid the big bucks and apparently get no sleep. You aren't my first Luna detail and it can get pretty bad. I would like to avoid the worst possible scenarios." I rub my eyes. "Are you going to get everyone set or should I figure that out?"
"Gamma Brett is on his way and Beta Daniel is out in the lobby waiting for orders from the boys." Luna Ava chimes in. "What else do you need?"
"I will contact my team and they can coordinate with Delta Kyle and get warriors on the doors. I also would like Lenny here in the hospital to prepare food for all of you. She's the only one I trust and having her here will make it easier to protect her. Have Beta Daniel go and get her. Everyone close to you will need to be protected from whatever the f*ck you all got yourselves into." I am not holding back my absolute irritation any more I guess. I am also a
masochist and I want to see if they
put a warrior on Kaley.
*** Alright, sh*t just continues to go down. I'm stuck at the hospital until the Alpha wakes up. Or until I can find a legitimate reason to just walk out. This is what I need..."***
I go through what I need from my team. They help me fill in any blanks and get a solid plan set. They divvy up and take on tasks like we always do on a mission. This well oiled machine just operates and I
couldn't be more thankful for all of them just going with everything that has been thrown at them since we got here.
***"You are too f*cking nice. I would have punched them both in the teeth.”***
***"So, helpful Lil. Elena said to go
with my gut, and I am. Let me know
when everyone is set. I also have
Lenny coming to the hospital to
keep her safe and so she can take care of the Alpha family personally. You guys are out of luck for prepared meals for a little while. I would also like a laptop with all your best access, Nathaniel. I'm going to need to have something to do while I
am stuck here or I might bust some heads. I might as well be on
surveillance duty."***
Of course they all laugh at me, I'm usually too antsy to do the sit down surveillance stuff. This is going to suck.
***"I'll sneak you in some whiskey, Midge. That will take the edge off."***
***"Or make me more violent. I appreciate the thought, Wyatt."
11***
***"So does that mean the birthday barbeque is off?"*** Jena asks.
****
I guess, unless I get some kind of 'get out of jail' card, I'm stuck here. And we are all on mission right now. So it's not great timing."* ***"On it!"***
***"Wait! Lil, what does that mean?"***
None of them answer me. F*ckers.
Chapter 0493
I go back to sitting on the cot and lean my back up against the wall, pull my knees up to my chest and just stare at the Alpha. The three of them want me here, fine, but I don't have to play nice and friendly. I want to link Sam and Oliver, but the twins don't know that I can yet and I don't want to slip them information they shouldn't or wouldn't know. They do deserve an update from me though.
I rub my hands over my face. I have to play this right and to do that I need to know what kind of hold Kaley and Kevin really have on them, but I don't know if these three will be able to tell me anything anyway. I decide to let Oliver and Sam know what's going on, but make sure they know they can't interfere unless they get directions from the twins, Luna or their dads. Naturally they were both pissed.
"My team is organizing." I decided to start a conversation. Luna Ava has pulled up a chair next to the Alpha and is holding his hand and stroking his cheek. The way she looks at him is so amazing. I know it isn' just the mate bond pulling her towards him. They are so in love it makes me jealous. I can't wait for someone to look at me like that. "What is the status of the Gamma and Lenny? My warriors are in place and haven't seen them yet." I don't take my eyes off the Alpha.
"Gamma Brett just got here with her. There was a complication at the packhouse." Cam says.
"What did Kaley want? Access to your rooms at the packhouse or access to the hospital?" I say in a bored tone. Nothing she does surprises me anymore.
"Here." Dakota huffs out and scratches the back of his neck.
"Look, I don't care what choices you have made, I have no control over you or have any right to make requests of you, but if she is here, then I will not be, period."
"Skylar..." Cam pleads, but before he can continue Gamma Brett and Oliver walk in the door.
"What are you doing here?" Again, not holding anything back, I stare past the Gamma and at my trouble making friend.
"Dad said everyone close to the Alphas needed a protection detail, I am here for you." He gives me that half smirk and a wink that tells me I am not going to win this argument, but he really wants me to try. Then he saunters over and sits right next to me, close enough for every inch of my left side to touch his right. "I also caught Lil on the way in and she said to give you this."
He hands me a backpack and now I know I'm in for trouble. I can guarantee she told him about our conversation and they are conspiring together. He just smiles wider as I take it. I open it slowly, I'm almost afraid of what I will find. Lil has been known to pack some prank stuff on missions, especially if it's long and drawn out like this one.
"Gamma Brett, we are going to need a bigger room if all of us are going to be here with the Alpha, do you know if the hospital has a space that can house us all?" The Luna asks.
"Not off the top of my head, I'll go ask." He thumbs over his shoulder and starts to head towards the door.
"I'll come with you, I need to stretch my legs." She jumps up from her chair. "Boys, let me know if anything, and I mean anything changes while I am gone."
The twins nod.
I pull out my laptop and set it next to
me. Ignoring the surge of testosterone in the room. That at least I was expecting. Then a change of clothes and basic
toiletries. That had to be Jena. The next is a little velvet bag. I look at Oliver with an eyebrow raised. He just stares back. He knows what this is, but won't give anything away. I pull the drawstring open and peer inside. It's the twins bracelets, one with a blue thread and one with a green thread woven into it.
***"You sure you can tell them apart, Bitty?"***
***"That's a stupid question, Gamma."***
***"It's now or never then. You may not get another uninterrupted time with both of them."***
***"You set me up?"***
***"Who else? Besides, I don't know if they will fight you in here. No one is watching, they don't have to put on a show."***
I look at him curiously, and then just
nod. I take both bracelets out and take a deep breath then stand. As I look over at the twins they are watching Oliver and I curiously and try to think about what we might look like from the outside. I guess I can s see what Jena and Lil were saying about it not being a surprise if we are mates. We are really close, but I also thought I was close to the twins and Sam too, so who knows what rumors are flying around
anymore.
I walk over to them and pull Luna Ava's chair so I am sitting in front of both of them. Oliver is right behind me, I know to pull me out of the way if they start to thrash like Mateo did.
They say nothing, but look a mix between terrified and confused. Blue and green eyes scrutinizing every movement I make. I hold up the bracelets. "I made these for you, I made them for all you guys," I point at Oliver, who shows his."I'm not going to lie to you, because I think that has been done enough. They do have magic attached to them, but it is for your protection. I hope that you take them willingly, but I will force you if I have to."
They both just continue to stare at me. I will not beg and plead. They have about thirty seconds before I move and I know Oliver will back me up. They were warned and should know better than to test me. "Skylar, please don't do this, you don't know what you're asking." Cam starts.
I hold up my hand. "Easy way or hard way, that's all I need to know."
"Sky, we can't. If you are trying to use magic, then you know we can't, you know what's happening." Kota tries.
"Three, two, one." I count down then
I toss the bracelets up and spring forward, slide between their chairs and pin a wrist each to the arm of the chair, Qliver slides Kota's on first and then struggles with Cam's who's moving his fingers wildly at my touch. I start the incantation the second Cam's bracelet crosses his fingers. They are both struggling and grunting. Oliver is putting all of his weight into Kota's chair, holding him down and sliding us completely into the corner and smashing me between the thin sharp plastic.
I cry out but don't stop the incantation. Oliver looks at me worried, I just shake my head, we can't worry about me right now, I will heal, they need the focus right now. I can't let go of their arms, but I have enough magic flowing now to keep Cam in his seat although he is doing a good job fighting me.
Chapter 0494
"Repeat it, please! Talk to Oliver if you can't talk directly to me, but say the words, PLEASE!" I gowl out between clenched teeth. I have started to sweat and feel really nauseous.
Dakota gets the words out and we all start to vibrate. I have chills running through my whole body. Every time Cam opens his mouth he seems to choke on his words.
I cried out this time. "Cameron, please!" Another sob wracks through my body. "Do this, for me, please." I dig my nails in his arm, holding on for dear life.
He finally whispers the words and the searing pain is worse than when Kaley put silver in my whip wounds. Just like then, I throw up everything in my stomach, which isn't much, thanks to skipping lunch during the drama with the Alpha, but my stomach doesn't get the memo and I continue to dry heave. My hands are molded to the twins arms, I couldn't let go if someone tried to rip my hands off.
Both twins heave forward, dragging me with them. All of us hit the floor on our knees, then a black mist starts to pull from their mouths, like a demon leaving their bodies. It swirls up and away from us. I don't know how long this goes on for but I can feel my energy being forcefully drained out of me, through my hands and into their arms.
Then all noise stops. It's like being in a decompression chamber, heavy and disconcerting, while also being comfortable. I have a kind of out of body experience as I feel my sweaty fingers peel off the twins and my body starts to slump forward. I know it's happening, but have no control over my body to stop the movement that's happening. Then everything goes black.
I hear that incessant beeping, why am I always waking up to beeping?
"Ugh, what the f*ck?" I mumble and my tongue feels like sandpaper. "I need water."
I smell honey, which is expected, but then citrus and cinnamon too. I take another deep inhale and instantly feel my body relax and my mind clear. I blink my eyes open, but I'm sluggish, my body doesn't want to move. I'm sitting on the cot, my back against a pillow and my head is on a shoulder. Cam is on my right, leaning in to me. Oliver on my left, as my pillow and Kota is on the floor, his head tilted back on a pillow in front of my knees. I smile at the deja vu.
I look ahead and see Alpha Lucas is still asleep where we left him yesterday. I scan across the room, my warrior senses telling me I'm being watched, which is probably what woke me up and see Luna Ava looking at us intently. Gamma Brett standing close to her, arms crossed, leaning on the wall. I can't read his face at all.
A glass of water appears in front of my face, blocking my view for a second and breaking the staring contest we were having.
"Drink, Bitty and then you can tell all of us what the hell that was, because that was the scariest f*cking thing I have ever seen. That was worse than finding you in the locker room, half dead."
I feel Cam stiffen next to me. Did he not know that? Or does he just not like that Oliver got to me? I don't remember a thing about who was there that night. Kota takes a deep breath in and sits up stiffly, rolling his head on his shoulders.
Oliver places the cup at my lips and I take a long pull of water and close my eyes to savor the cool sensation on my tongue. It feels like I haven't had a drink in a week. I take another, partly to stall. When I open my eyes again, there are five sets looking back at me.
"I don't know what that was. Nothing like that happened with the rest of them." I wave my heavy hand, gesturing towards Oliver.
"How many times have you done that?" Gamma Brett asks. "Used magic, I mean."
"A lot." Yep, super intelligent right now.
"Did you know that was going to happen?" He points up and my jaw drops. There in the center of the ceiling is a huge black burn mark about eight feet in diameter.
"Uh, no!" I scoff. "Again, nothing like
this happened with anyone else. I
thought it might have been more
ofe
intense because it was the two of them together. That's all." I go to sit up, but I can't move my body.
"What's wrong with me?" I ask. "I feel like I got hit by a bus and then backed over a couple of times."
"Whatever you did took a lot of energy. Your lips went blue again. I'm really over that look on you, by the way. Then you collapsed and they couldn't get up for a while, but didn't pass out." He points to the twins "Before you ask, you've been out for about twelve hours."
"What do you think that is?" I ask him like no one else is in the room. He has been helping me with my magic and seems to understand it better than I do.
"My real theory?" I nod. "I think it's whatever has been possessing these douchebags. I think your spell was stronger than the one placed on them, but there wasn't room for both and you literally ripped it out of them and it is currently hanging over our heads like a big black cloud stuck to the ceiling."
I look back up at the mark. I don't feel any magic radiating off of it, but that doesn't mean it's not there. Just another thing to ask Elena about.
I don't feel any magic in the room at all. I would think that I should be able to feel the presence on Alpha Lucas now that I can focus on him.
"You wanna explain this too, Smalls?" Kota holds up his wrist. "Or am I not allowed to call you that anymore?"
"Let's work back to the nicknames. The indecisiveness you both have about being friends with me has given me emotional whiplash. The tattoos seem to be an addition to the spell but only for you five. I got a matching one, too." I hold up my wrist showing the cuff I now have with a crescent moon layer as the outer edges, quarter moon bands just inside that, then half moon bands with a full moon band in the center. As I look at mine, the moons get progressively bigger, like the full moons are closer to me. "None of the warriors got a tattoo to go with their protection bracelet."
"How many times have you done this spell?" "
A lot, actually, and what happened last night was insane. I need to see the Alpha, somebody help me up."
"Hold up, you saved everyone else before us?”
"You don't want to pick that fight, Dakota." Oliver says standing next to me, giving me his hand.
"The hell I don't! Why would you come for us last?" Is he serious right now?
"Let me check your dad first and I will tell you why you two are the low men on my totem pole." I take Oliver's hand and stumble a bit. Cameron catches my other arm. I am really messed up. These healing abilities of mine really need to come into play right now.
Chapter 0495
"That's it."
"What?!"
"I think I know why I feel like sh*t at least. I think my healing powers were siphoned off to get rid of whatever that sh*t is." I point at the ceiling. "I'm probably healing normally now."
Luna Ava looks over at the twins. "Boys, I need to talk to Skylar now, alone." She holds up a hand before they can protest. "Brett, Oliver, you too. Go now please, but stay close. Do not wander. Skylar is right and we're all safest here right now." Oliver and Cam don't let go right away.
"I'll be okay, just stay close so I can sense you." I don't look at either of them. I was talking to Oliver, but that would probably start another argument. I shift so I am standing on my own two feet. I just feel weak, everything is achy and I want to sleep, but I need to hear what she has to say. She's gotta give me something, fill in some gaps, right?
Reluctantly, the twins let their Gammas push them out the door. "Luna, we will be right here, I want to know if something, anything happens." Gamma Brett pins her with a stare.
"Of course." She waits until the door is closed. Then walks over and wraps me in a hug. "I am so sorry sweet girl. None of this was supposed to happen." I don't return it, but I don't pull away either. I need answers. Now. "I think Lucas should tell you."
"Huh?" She walks me next to him and his eyes are open. "When the hell did that happen?" I ask, shocked.
"While you were all sleeping. There is a lot to tell you and not a lot of time. Your Gamma is not going to leave you alone for long, especially while you are still vulnerable. I'm surprised Brett was able to get him to walk out the door."
"What do you mean 'my Gamma?"
"Skylar, sweetheart, we've known for a while that you are our next Luna. I don't know why you don't see it."
"The f*ck? How do you know, no one knows until the twins find their mate."
"There are a lot of reasons, it's not important right this second, just know that you are and your troubles aren't over. Now, you need to know that Kevin is dangerous, more dangerous than we ever realized." She looks down at the Alpha.
He grabs my hand. His is cold and clammy, now what you would expect for a big strong Alpha. "You have to understand that they took my family, my whole world and I had to get them back at any cost. I was young and desperate. I didn't have the strength that you do to fight and push through my troubles, I sought the easiest way to save them."
He's talking in riddles. "Save who? What are you talking about?" I'm so frustrated and tired right now.
"They took my Luna, they took her when she was pregnant with the boys. My whole world was just gone. They were hidden, and no one was able to track them and I couldn't sense her, but I knew she wasn't dead. We thought it might be magic, so I found a witch who was willing to help me, for a price."
"Wait someone took you?" I couldn't help myself. She just nods. "Did they hurt you? Hurt the twins?" I mentally smack myself. Stop interrupting and stop caring, just listen.
"No, I wasn't hurt, but they threatened to, unless Lucas gave them what they wanted."
"They wanted full control of my pack and I couldn't let that happen, but I couldn't let them hurt my Luna either. This witch, Adrielle, helped me find my family, but her price was our daughter."
"WHAT!"
"Just listen, when we had a daughter, she had some premonition that we would, she wanted us to force a mate bond with her son. I thought I could outsmart her. We knew we were having two boys, and she didn't want them, so I agreed, thinking we just would not have any more kids. Which tore us both up, but we had to do what was necessary to save our pack."
"She said our daughter would be
special, get her wolf and her abilities very early and have natural control and leadership over the pack. It was also predicted that once mated would gain and give additional abilities to her mate. After I found out about your wolf, and saw you
I
with my boys, I started onder."
Luna Ava cut in. "Then Reggie recognized something in you and odd things kept happening to you and around you...."
"You think getting beat within an inch of my life and left for dead, twice, was 'odd?""
She held her hand up to stop me. "I
started to wonder if it wasn't our biological daughter, but the daughter that we would gain as Cameron and Dakota's mate and Luna. Anyone with eyes can see you are special and have a special bond with all those boys, but I knew when Oliver came to you, that he's your Gamma, you are the next Luna. You are what Adrielle wants, and apparently she's not the only one."
"I have it on good authority that Kevin and Kaley are working with her. How they met I don't know, but you know what they have done, you and your team have been smart enough to keep up with them. Kevin wants the power, Kaley wants the boys and they have been using more and more magic to gain that. As you found, magic comes at a cost. Right now, I have kept all of the attention on me. Kevin has only placed spells and hexes on me, thinking he can. control everyone through me. You can break this cycle."
He stares and realization hits. "NO! There is no way. After everything, you cannot ask that."
"The magic surrounding me will break, that won't stop what's coming for you and the pack needs to be ready, Kevin would see the pack fall, hoping to build up from what's left. There won't be anything left. Just promise that you will give Cameron and Dakota a chance, swear you won't reject them when the mate bond takes effect."
I shake my head, tears are starting to fall. "After everything, and the stuff with Kaley, that's a lot to ask."
"Please. You are my only chance to do right. No one else will be able to go through with it." My heart is breaking and my stomach is in my feet, I'm shaking my head. "Please, Sweet Girl, I have no right to ask you anything, but I am begging you, break this spell. Please." He's crying and Luna is next to me, an arm around my shoulder.
She takes my hand and places it on his chest. "You can do this, save us, please."
I let out a wail and just cried, but I didn't pull my hand out from under hers.
"I love you, Sweet Girl, take care of my boys."
I close my eyes and just pray to the Moon Goddess, to take him and free him. I have no idea what I'm doing, but a warmth surges through my hands and the incessant beeping just flatlines. Luna, lets out a cry and collapses on me. The door bangs open Gamma Brett grabs her, Oliver scoops me up and the twins run to their dad.
"What happened?!"
Chapter 0496
They don't need to ask, we all felt it. Alpha Lucas is gone. The new Alpha bond formed immediately.
"What needed to be done." Gamma Brett said. "You know magic was being used against us, through the Alpha. He and Ava made a decision and it's the right one, to save us all." He's holding Ava tightly to his chest while she silently cries. I can't even call her 'Luna' in my mind anymore. "Skylar, how are you, honey? That was a lot for your young shoulders to bear."
Oliver holds me, sitting on the cot, just stroking my back.
"Wait? You helped?" Dakota sounds broken. "Why would you help him do this?" He's crying now, not trying to hold anything back.
"Because he asked me to." I sniffle.
"It was the only way to break the spell without also killing Ava, he chose to die willingly for her, the two of you and the pack. Kevin's not as smart as he thinks and he didn't curse all of us. Once the Alpha figured that out it was just finding the means for him to sacrifice himself, while also making sure you guys could survive. Killing an Alpha's not easy, and Kaley in her jealousy gave us the opportunity."
"What do you mean?" Cam's still standing by his father's head, his tears are floating in his eyes, unshed. "You can't tell me this is a good thing."
"Kaley can't get rid of Sky or her effect on this pack, no matter what she does. Sky's legacy runs deep. Kaley tried to sabotage the trials, which Kevin intended to use to weaken the warriors, to harm Skylar. It backfired and hurt Lucas enough, that even in her weakened state, Skylar was able to help him pass, painlessly, to the Moon Goddess and transfer pack control."
"With your bracelets, she can't cast anything else on you. Elena made sure of that, and Skylar made sure it's permanent with the branding you all received." Ava sits up and takes a deep breath.
"I need to contact Alpha Reggie. This is going to be the beginning of a lot of things. The pack will know the boys are Alpha now, we may be able to hold Kevin and Kaley at bay if we keep the events of Lucas' death quiet. He was injured and had complications from that. We need to get Kevin to reveal how he is getting his magic and using it..."
"I can tell you what he's using, I just can't tell you where it is. My team has been looking for it for a few days. There is a pentagram with a candle designed to burn forever in the center. We have to snuff the candle, but can't cross into the pentagram. Jena and I saw the same thing when Mike had us locked up. If you cross it, your life force powers the spell. We were instructed to take out as many of Mike's guys as possible to weaken the spell. I believe it's part of the issue with scents too, which means it's been in the pack for a while. At least since our warriors found those Luna's fingers."
"What do we do?" Cam and Kota do that twin tandem talk thing.
"You lead, Mike is coming, the Rogue King is coming. Alpha Reggie will be here, but he has his own family and pack to protect. You can't rely on him. Now is the time to man up, you don't get another summer. You have to figure it out." Brett is stern like one of my Elite instructors.
They both just nod. Then Cameron asks, “What about Skylar and Kaley?" I growl, my wolf making her presence known.
"You say my name and hers in the same sentence again and I will rip your lips off." I say.
Kota puts his hands up. "Got it. We just know she's a problem and you are usually her go to target, that's all.”
"I need to check in with my team. And just so we are all clear, they will be brought up to speed on everything." I look at Ava and Brett. Letting them know I mean everything. "I think you guys should do the same with Mateo and Sam. You need to be on the same page. Ava's right, Mike will come for Jena and I and he is more than likely the reason we are trapped here with limited outside communication."
"How do you know it's limited?" Cam asks. I glare. "I just thought we have done a decent job keeping that under control. That's all."
"You both are idiots if you think you
or Lucas had any control over the Elite warriors that are here. Kevin is even dumber for thinking he could control wolves who aren't in this pack just by controlling the Alpha We have outside orders that
supersede anything a pack alpha would or could give us. I have basic outside communication with Osiston and Nickolas on a regular basis, from any distance. The last few weeks it's been spotty at best. I have had contact with Elena recently, telling me there is a magic bubble of sorts around our pack, we are the target."
"We' are not the target. 'You' and maybe Jena are the target." Brett says.
"What do you mean Skylar is the target?" Now all three of the boys in the room are speaking together.
"Skylar is special, we all know it.
Mike figured it out. He wants her too. In that instance you are lucky for the beating you took." He looks at me. He's going to let me dictate how much I tell or confirm to the twins need to know if they know I am supposed to be their mate, but that's a weird question to ask and I don't really care right now. Instead of saying anything I just nod. "I have a few theories, but if you're right and he's here just waiting, he now has the opportunity to strike on the pack. We need to make sure everything is doubled and fortified..."
"Way ahead of you. The warriors doubled patrols the day we were told about the trials. Being mandatory for all warriors was kind of a giveaway that they were trying to weaken us. This isn't our first rodeo. I have already replaced the twins, Mateo, Sam and Oliver in the rotation. If I know my team as well as I think I do, they have replaced my route as well. Alpha Reggie has been updated."
"Alpha Reggie knows. How does he already know?" Cameron asks the room.
"I told you my reach with the
warriors is far. I have to be three
steps ahead of my enemy, or I die. What are you guys taught at your camp? To knit? You should've thought of that. He should be here in three days. He has a family issue.
His daughter and youngest son have been traveling abroad with Osiston's mom and want to come home, but nobody wants that." I stand, I need to pace, I am sad and angry and confused all at the same time. I really need to use the Alph..Lucas' gym. That was always the best place to hit things and think.
"Well, okay then, since you seem to be large and incharge, what's next, boss lady?" Dakota is about to be my next punching bag.
"I need to go home and debrief my team and we figure out where this f*cking pentagram is."
Chapter 0497
"We need to move you and your team back into the packhouse, Bitty. You can't be on the other side of town. You are too close to the border too."
"We've been fine and being on the border helps with patrols and checking in with Elena, Osiston and Alpha Reggie."
Cameron scrubs his face with his hands. "What do you need us to do? Since you clearly have thought this through. I agree with Oliver, If you and Jena are targets you need to be in the center of the pack. We will get the packhouse set up to move you and your team in."
I roll my eyes at him. "I'm just used to odd things happening to me and needing to react." I look right at Ava. She doesn't look away though. "I guess prepare for your dad's celebration, go over everything with the Betas, Mike's attack is coming we need to be ready. Ready to fight and ready for them to hold out. He's crazy and narcissistic, but he is patient. He will wait for us to starve or fight amongst ourselves. That's how he caught me the first time."
"Whatever you do, keep Oliver with you at all times. I'm sure that's not a hard ask." He mumbles the last part, and I find I'm not angry at the jealousy. It actually gives me a sick satisfaction. "And I do want your team in the packhouse in the next forty eight hours." He pins me with a look, daring me to argue.
I'm still pacing in front of Oliver. It's not an unreasonable ask. It's what I would do if the situations were reversed. I just don't want to be there if Kaley has found a way to move herself back in. If her scent is all over our floor, I may have to move downstairs.
"Let me talk to my team. We will need a place to set up. Our surveillance is pretty extensive now and Nathaniel is going to be pissed about having to move it and reset it again." I huff a laugh to myself. "You can use my office, I won't be needing it." Ava pins me with a look. She's meddling, trying to force me into a proximity with the twins
***"Ava, don't do that. It's no better than what Kevin has done with Kaley."***
***"It wasn't my intention. It's yours now, anyway. Use it as you see fit."***
She looks away from me. I won't let her push me at the twins. Everything they said about being mates may be true, but until I'm eighteen, it's just theories. I walk over to Lucas. He looks so peaceful, like he's just asleep. His inky black hair the exact same shade as the twins is all disheveled, but handsomely so. Even though I can't see them, I can picture his kind blue eyes, the feature he gave to Dakota. I lean forward to kiss him on the forehead. "I love you too."
I just stayed there for a few
moments. No one else talks or tries
to interrupt or interject. I take one last inhale of his comforting scent pressing my forehead to his.. 'I forgive you, Lucas.' I stand and walk out of the room. Not looking at anyone and knowing Oliver is going to be a permanent shadow.
We head down the hallway and I'm not really think about who we would come into contact with walking out the front door, I just wanted to check in with the warriors stationed here and make sure they follow Ava and Brett, just in case there is an attack on her for some reason now that Lucas has passed.
We pass through the massive double doors out to the waiting area and a blur of blonde comes running at us.
"WHAT THE F*CK WERE YOU DOING BACK THERE?!? No one is allowed to be back there with the Alpha family while they grieve!" She's screeching, and Oliver is at my side in seconds.
"Skylar was seen because of the sabotage to the obstacle structure as well." Well, damn Oliver, just call her out. I like this.
"I can smell the Alphas, you were near them too."
"Of course we were, you moron. Lucas was attacked, I am in charge of patrols and security, I needed to meet with the Alphas to verify safety protocols." It feels good to just lash out. This might be a thing I can't stop.
"HOW DARE YOU? YOU ARE SPEAKING TO YOUR FUTURE LUNA! GET OUT OF MY WAY!" She moves to push me and I can feel Oliver adjust next to me, but I am too quick for both of them.
I grab her arm at the wrist, and move in so our noses are almost touching. She gasps.
"We have had this conversation. You. Are. Not. My. Luna. You never will be and if you think about touching me, talking to me or planting evidence to blame me again, I will rip your hair out strand by strand. Are we clear?"
"You psychotic b*tch!" She snarls back and pulls her hand back to slap me. But every move she makes looks like slow motion to me. I shove her away from me and slap her hard enough to hit the floor.
"I take it back. You touch me again
and I will deliver each and every abuse you have ever bestowed upon me, thend will rip your hair out strand by strand." I look at the warriors. "She goes nowhere near the Alpha family, she is currently a suspect in the attacks on the pack, make sure everyone knows."
Chapter 0498
Thank the Goddess the Elite warriors are made of strong stuff because Kaley was at least smart enough to not follow Oliver and I, but the minute we were not in her eyesight she started ripping into him. I mind linked him to apologize for leaving him with that hot mess.
“You need to move into the packhouse, Bitty. It’s important, especially now.”
“Why now?”
“I think we both know ‘why now.’ But it'll also piss off Cam and Kota if you do it because I asked.”
“I’ll think about it. There really is a lot to do and I'm not the only person to think about. We need to find that pentagram. It is huge. Robbie told us that once you step into it you become a part of the spell, your life force literally becomes a part of its power source. At least we know that none of you guys walked through the pentagram, because I think that fighting against my spell might have killed you.”
“Wait, what? You weren’t sure and you just experimented on us?”
“We didn’t know about the pentagram until after I set you and Sam free. The focus was just releasing you from the Alpha command, really, and keep you from being susceptible to more magical attacks. This is why I don’t do more than what I am told to by Elena. There are a few things she says I can play around with, but magic is no joke. And those who wield it have a responsibility. It’s kind of scary.”
“You seem to be walking better now. You all healed? And don’t lie.”
“I’m okay, still sore, but I didn’t get hit by anything but Lucas. I’m surprised he was even able to save me, being under the spell. He was ready to kill me, when you kissed me. So were the twins.”
“They knew.”
“Knew what?”
“They knew I was going to kiss you, I told them flat out I wanted to see if you could feel it. You have your warrior brand, but it’s only partial and you aren’t eighteen, but everything else has happened to you early, so it was a logical question.” He shrugs “You're my Luna and have been for at least two years. With all the sh*t you have been through and the more that I find out, the more I feel like I failed you.” He scrubs his hands over his face.
“You didn’t fail, because you didn’t know. I didn’t tell anybody because it was my problem to handle. That’s what I thought anyway.” I shrug. “And you need to keep that Luna stuff to yourself. No joking about it or teasing the twins. I don’t know how I feel about the idea. Lucas and Ava mentioned the same thing before he died. I can’t wrap my head around that with everything else right now. They called me a traitor when they had evidence that Kaley was the problem right in front of them. Like they couldn’t see or hear anything I was actually saying.”
"You're not going to reject them are you? You are this pack's Luna, we need you. They will pull their heads out of their asses soon enough.”
“You think they can manage to do that before one of them gets Kaley pregnant?”
He stops and grabs my arm. “What are you talking about? They haven't slept with her since her massive tantrum at the mall when we took you for your birthday forever ago."
“There’s no way they aren't sleeping with her. I could smell her all over them, on Cam’s skin. How else would her scent get on him like that?"
“Because she’s a leech and literally attaches herself to their arms whenever she can. She’s been showing up at the pack house every morning, pretending to help Ava. Since you have several warriors housed in all the guest rooms at the packhouse she hasn't been able to convince anyone to let her move back in. I told you they have cut themselves off as much as possible. I think that’s how they were fighting the effects of the spell. They only left the packhouse when it was absolutely necessary, they dress and act exactly the same and they both even started to answer to both of their names, just to throw everyone off.”
I still feel numb, less angry at them, for that infraction anyway. We walked up the steps to the porch of my team's house. They are all waiting inside, pretending to work. None of them have left wanting to hear what happened after we went to the hospital.
“Have you found out anything about this pentagram and candle?” I ask, wanting to see if they’ll just not talk about the last day and a half. I am not that lucky.
“You have lost your fcking mind, thinking we are going to talk about that bullsht. Were you injured too? Why were you there for so long? What happened to the Alpha? There are rumors everywhere, but nothing is consistent. Start talking, now!”
“I can't talk if you are asking questions, dumbass. No I wasn’t injured in the obstacle fall, not really anyway. Lucas pushed me out of the way and took the force of the thing falling on his whole body. So even possessed he was able to break through that and save me. Complications from his injuries is why he passed. That’s the story we are telling the pack. You all are going to need to sit down for the full story.”
None of them hesitate to sit down, they don’t even question Oliver being here with me. I go through everything that has happened since the collapse of the structure. The only part I leave out is all of the ‘me being mated to the twins’ stuff. It was a little hard to navigate the prophecy part and keep me out of it, though. I don’t want anyone’s opinions on the matter, good or bad. I’m sure they all have varying thoughts on how my relationship with the twins has played out over my lifetime and the very reason we’re even staying in this house is because they couldn’t acknowledge the truth right in front of them.
“The next thing is, now that the spell is broken and we are safe from that, Cameron and Dakota would like us to move back into the packhouse, they believe Jena and I are the target for Mike. They gave me forty-eight hours to convince you all to move our whole operation. Ava said that we could use the Luna’s office as our headquarters for surveillance.”
“I wouldn’t mind the move, again, but those two are going to get their asses beat. Don’t try and stop me either.” Lil pointed at me like I argued.
“Hey, get in line, it’s kind of long right now." I roll my eyes at her.
We spent the rest of the day packing up everything. They didn’t hesitate, because it’s for our safety. Nathaniel complained about the whole process and gave us each a very specific piece of equipment to be in charge of for the move. He wanted to set up all of the flat surfaces at the packhouse first, so the move was quick. The twins said he could do whatever he needed to make it work. They were going to regret making that blanket statement very soon.
Chapter 0499
It took a week to get the packhouse ready for my team. We had to adjust and move warriors from the packhouse into our house on the border to make space for us. Moving one person at a time was painfully slow, but necessary. We had to get Nathaniel here and set up first so there was only hours of downtime from surveillance, not days.
After several arguments, I also gave up my room on the third floor. I rarely used it when I was here and I'm not interested in falling back into old habits of all the guys in my personal space all the time. My winning argument was that the whole leadership team needed to be moved into the packhouse. The twins could go back to sharing a room, someone could take the spare, the media room could be turned into a room and then one of them could have my room. They are the leadership and all the guys are transitioning into their roles right along with the twins, they aren't just here to hangout and sleep on whatever flat surface is available. It's real life now.
Thankfully having Mateo and Sam on my side helped. The twins don't care about Oliver's opinion at the moment and he and Sam think it's hilarious. Mateo is better at hiding his amusement.
My whole team has taken the second floor. Jena, Lil and I are sharing a room as usual and Wyatt and Nathaniel are
sharing which leaves the largest room for Alpha Reggie and Luna Anne when they get here, a room for Xander, Mina and Oscar and two rooms for their warriors.
Just organizing all the people in this house has been exhausting and we still can't get a read on the pentagram with our technology, which means we are going to have to do it the old fashioned way and search each and every house and building in the territory. At least Jena and I have a real idea of the size and scale so we can strategically choose places to look. We set warriors on the hunt as a part of their patrol duties. We divided the entire pack territory into a grid system on a map hanging in our mak-shift war room. Wyatt is leading that project. @
Nathaniel is basically at everyone's beck and call, but he is focusing on Kevin, who is still missing, and anything happening outside the pack borders. Alpha Reggie should be arriving tonight so he is using this opportunity to make sure that we can still actually see outside our borders, not just what is shown to use by the magic from the pentagram.
It's been two days since we have moved back in and I haven't seen Ava at all. I didn't expect her to be hosting and throwing parties after losing Lucas, but I am worried about her. Jena, Lil and I were talking about her last night and wondering if the mate bond break was worse than she let on at the hospital. I haven't seen Brett either, so I assume or hope that he's with her, helping her process all of this.
I have never witnessed a matebond break, so I don't know what to look for or how to help and it makes me feel terrible for her, but I also can't focus on that. I have to trust that Brett has her and focus on the Mike and Kevin and Kaley problems. 2
We know there is no way Kevin just vanished. But if he's using magic, he could be hiding in plain sight. Kaley has been less hidden, but she at least took my threat seriously, for now. She walks by the packhouse regularly now, but without her little minions, or really any pack members, she just looks ridiculous. Everyone who is still here is a warrior, all of our Omegas, pups and elderly who shouldn't be fighting were taken by boat two hours down the coast and then driven the long way around to Alpha Reggie's territory. Lenny stayed with a couple other Omegas to work the kitchens for us, but they are all well trained and can protect themselves. 2
Kaley, quite literally, has nothing to do. No one is at the school and she doesn't fight so we didn't even pretend to put her on a patrol. She would just get someone hurt protecting her. Although, all the warriors are aware of her homing beacon stunt and I don't think any of them would try to protect her after that level of betrayal.
Jena, Lil and I walk into the kitchen where a buffet style breakfast awaits us. When I look around and don't see her, I say, "I hope Lenny is getting some rest, she has been going
at this nonstop for days."
"I know. She mentioned Mateo's birthday tomorrow and Sam's is in a couple days too." Lil says filling a plate.
"I feel bad. Turning eighteen is supposed to be fun and exciting and none of these guys will get that experience because of this war." Jena follows behind.
"The problem is, if it wasn't our pack, it would have been someone else's and they might not have fared as well as we have so far. I just hope Sierra is able to come for Sam's birthday. I still haven't heard from her since she left and that freaks me out a little. My tornado friend is not one to go dark. I would expect that from either of you, but not her. I just hope these guys can find their mates soon with all of this sh*t, they need their partners." a
"Even the twins?" Lil raises an eyebrow at me.
I look away from her. I'm still processing the info Ava an dLucas gave me and I don't know if I believe it or not. Part of me wants them to find a mate, just to prove everyone wrong so I can move on. Another part of me rages at the idea of anyone else filling that role. 2
I avoid her question and ask my own. "Should we do something on Sam's birthday? Xander, Mina and Oscar will be here and we can celebrate Oliver and Mateo too."
"What about Cameron and Dakota?"
"What about them?"
"You are really so angry with them, that you would celebrate the rest of the guys' birthdays and not theirs?" Jena scoffs.
"Yes. No. Maybe. But I figure now that they are Alpha's, it would probably be a whole pack thing anyway." I shrug. No I don't think anyone deserves to have their birthday
completely looked over and avoided. It was done to me for far too long that I couldn't inflict that on anyone, not even the twins. But, I am sure as hell NOT going to be the one to suggest or plan anything. That, they don't deserve.
We head out to the patio to eat. It's really weird to actually have time together. Not running patrols and training is just strange. We still have a full day though. We decided that the school is going to be our next area to search since Kevin had unlimited access and there is plenty of space to easily hide something the size of the pentagram.
Just as we were washing up there was a bang at the front door. We all jumped and ran.
"Honey, I'm home!!!"
"SIERRA!" I ran straight into her arms.
Chapter 0500
"Sam is going to lose his mind when he sees you!! Where have you been?!" I slap her on the shoulder.
"That is a long story that requires drinks, but I think I have something that will help you." She steps aside and I feel the air change in temperature.
"Elena!" I walk straight into her calming embrace. She just has a way of making me feel like everything is right in the world, even when everything around me is starting to
resemble a dumpster fire.
"Finally, girly. It has been too long and I'm afraid you have suffered." She holds me at arms length and takes a full perusal of me. "You have overexerted yourself, that is for sure, which is to be expected when doing magic without guidance. First things first, do you have a bracelet for Sierra here?"
I nod. I made one for her with a yellow strand from the bracelet she got me with the guys. I have actually carried hers with me everyday, like a talisman, waiting for the day I could give it to her, because it would mean she was here with me. I fish it out of my cargo pocket.
"Excellent, let's take this outside." Sierra, Lil, Jena and I all turn to go out onto the patio behind the kitchen. We set up facing each other and I slip the bracelet on her wrist and
hold her hand.
This time when I work the spell, there is no anxiety surrounding it. The spell is actually comfortable and warm. I don't know if that is because it's Sierra, and that is just what she has always been for me, or if it's because Elena is here with me. The biggest difference is the closing of the spell. Sierra repeats the incantation back to me, but Elena added some words that I've never heard or read before. Anam Cara. She doesn't explain, just watches as the tattoo forms on our wrists. It's a thin double band around her wrist which frames the moon cycle tattoos from the boys. She's my outer layer, the first line of protection right next to Sam.
"I am curious how you managed to make the spell permanent on your skin, though, that is an interesting touch and I fully approve. It's a nice backup if your bracelets break."
"I was kinda hoping you could tell me about that. It only happened with my pack members and Sierra. I thought it was a pack thing until right now. Like maybe the warrior brand was the equivalent for my team."
"Really? Nothing happened with your team members?"
"No, or any of the other Elite warriors I have been able to get bracelets on. The spell doesn't exhaust me, but I am tired after doing four or five of them in a row. So it's taking time getting them all done."
"I told you magic has its cost, most of the time it is your energy. So you must really think through your spells and choose carefully and wisely. Jena, let me see your warrior brand, please." She holds her hand out expectantly.
Jena walks forward and holds her wrist out. The little crescent shape on the inside of her wrist looks just like it always did to me. The opening of the shape towards her elbow and the tribal looking markings filling the center are softer than the ones in mine. Then I noticed it.
"Why does yours look angry? It has a red tint around all the edges, like the tattoos is fresh." I step forward and touch her brand. I don't remember them having any color before. Lil, let me see yours. Lil shows me hers and it also has the red tint. "What the hell is that?" I look at Elena. 2
"I have a theory, but let's give it a couple days and see what comes of it. Next line of business will be this barrier that is up, but I think you should go greet your king, he just arrived."
I didn't even hesitate. I pushed past the girls and rushed back through the house and to the front door. Alpha Reggie was barely out of the truck when I jumped at him, wrapping my arms around his neck and making a poor attempt to wrap my short legs around his waist.
"Umpf! Hello to you too, Little One, I have missed you." He hugs me back and then sets me down so I can hug Luna Anne.
"What, no jumping hug for me too?"
I laugh. "Give me a couple seconds to run to the porch and I can fix that."
"Nope, I'm good just like this. Thank you very much. How are you? Really?"
"Not great, but there isn't a whole lot in my control right now, which sucks the most."
"Little One!"
A second oversized SUV pulls up with Nickolas and Osiston in the front seats. I don't know if I have smiled this much ever. I am so excited to see all of them, I might actually cry. I walk to each of them, though, letting them pick me up and hug me like a little doll. With them it's the only time I don't mind feeling like a little girl being protected and I don't know why, but it feels so great, I don't care.
The back doors open and Mina climbs out and my eyes
almost pop out of my head. "No way!!! Are you serious?!?" | walk up to her very small but obvious baby bump. She nods and gives me a hug.
"Don't be mad, but we are only here for Lucas' celebration and then Xander and Oscar want me back at the castle for obvious reasons."
"Oh Goddess, NO! I could not be mad about that. This is so great, I'm going to be an auntie!" I clap my hands and
bounce up and down with her.
"Hey, stop stirring up our kid!" Xander walks around the truck
"Oh, shut up." I reach up to hug him too, then Oscar. "Okay come inside we need to get everyone set up and then my team has work to do. The guys are all out working on things, but they should all be back for dinner. I haven't seen Ava since the hospital." I look over my shoulder at Luna Anne. "I think Brett is with her, we haven't seen him either, but Lenny assures me she's been taking them food. Things have changed a bit since you all were here last. Alpha Reggie you and Luna Anne will be in the same room as last time. Xander, Oscar and Mina will be in Xander's room from last time. Nickolas and Osiston you can have the last two rooms on the second floor and the rest of the warriors with you can stay at the house at the end of the block. If that's okay with you Alpha Reggie."
I look over my shoulder, just now realizing I gave instructions to people who are authorities over me. 1
"I like your plan, Little One." He chuckles. "When we get settled would you have time to show me your war room and we can get started filling you in on our own adventures."
"Of course."