Page 46 of Shifted Fate (Broken Luna #1)

Chapter Forty-Four

I

staggered back from his words like they were a physical blow. I shook my head slowly. “I don’t want to go back yet.” I reached for his hand but he crossed his arms. “Daddy, I’m not ready.”

I watched closely as he closed his eyes, as if my words hurt, but I watched as he pulled himself together.

“If it was my choice, pup, I wouldn’t make you go back.

But your mother has been messaging these last few days.

She says she needs you home. Sooner rather than later.

It seems like something is going on and I need eyes there.

” He wrapped his arms around my shivering body.

“You are a strong, amazing Alpha. You will make such a strong Luna, Amy.”

“I’m weak.”

“No baby. You were never weak. Not even in your first life would I believe you were ever weak, but now, now you have your wolf, your power. You still have so much growing to do. You are still so young. But you are so strong.” I closed my eyes as I listened to his words.

He was right. This time around, I was stronger than I was in the past. I have Nix, Megan and my power gifted by the Goddess.

I pulled away and straightened my shoulders. “You are right.” I wiped at the stray tear that fell. “I am stronger than I was last time. Brandon and Shannon won’t be able to trick me. They won’t be able to betray me because I won’t trust them.”

“That’s my girl.” My dad tried to smile but I saw the fear behind his eyes, the fear and the longing.

“I’ll figure out what is going on and when I get to the truth of everything. I’m going to tell mom.”

“No.” My father shook his head. “Your mother doesn’t need to be involved.”

“She is a Luna, your mate, and my mother. She raised me to be a strong, level-headed Alpha, and she deserves the truth.” I watched as his face shut down again and I didn’t want to push it.

“But fine. I won’t tell her anything she doesn’t need to know.

But you already promised once its all done you would tell her. ”

He gave a jerky nod. “Good. And I will, once it is all done.” He leaned in and kissed me. He looked over at Ronnie. “How are you feeling?”

“Like shit. I was just almost gutted by a man I thought was my brother.” Ronnie laughed. “How would you be feeling?” My dad huffed out a laugh. “Why?”

“Well, we have a pack to handle. A book to copy. A pup to return.” He looked down at me and ran his hand through my hair. “And a King to get ready for.”

Ronnie stood from the side of the bed and shook his shoulder. I saw he mind-linked someone, and he walked to the door. He pulled it open, and I ran into Cassie’s arms.

“You’re okay?”

“Of course. I kicked ass. Thanks for your training.” Cassie pulled back and looked me over. “You look like shit.”

“Yeah well. What do you expect?” I looked over her shoulder at Greyson. “Hey Greyson.”

“Hey Amy.” He looked at Ronnie, but Lynn and Tina followed suit and Tina nearly tackled Ronnie to the floor.

“Are you stupid? Are you asking to die? How could you?” I turned to watch as she checked Ronnie over, her panic and anger making her rough.

I sometimes forget that Tina is Ronnie’s mate.

They met when she transferred here from another pack a few years ago and I haven’t been around them much together.

“Babe…I’m fine.” Ronnie grabbed her arms and looked over her head at me. “Amy saved me.”

Tina whirled and tackled me next. Her tears were fresh. “Thank you.” She sobbed into my chest. This strong woman brought me to my knees with her tears.

“Always.” I hugged her and then helped her back to her feet. “Uncle Ronnie is my family. And you are too.” She smiled briefly before being pulled back by her mate.

“I was terrified.” She whispered.

“I know. I was too. I’m sorry.” Ronnie hugged her.

My father cleared his throat awkwardly. “How about we all leave you guys alone?”

Ronnie chuckled, but shook his head. “Wait.” He hugged Tina to his chest. “I called everyone here for a reason. Greyson is the second Gamma. Cassie is his mate, and the new Gamma female along with Lynn.”

My dad nodded as I turned to face Cass. I looked down at her neck and I saw the beginnings of her mating mark on her neck. I squealed and grabbed her arms, jumping. “When?”

“When you were dying in bed.” Cass smacked me. “Never do that to me again.”

“I promise.” I hugged her and patted Greyson on his shoulder. “Good job.” He smiled and grabbed Cass around the waist.

“I know.” His smile was wide.

My father coughed. “Okay.” He called out, and we all turned back to the room.

“Anyway, I have a few thoughts.” Ronnie’s face fell into neutral lines. “Greyson and Cass take over as the lead Gamma pair, and if Lynn is okay with it, she travels back with Amy under the guise of finding her mate.”

The room grew silent. I could tell Lynn was thinking about it. “Would I be able to come back with my mate?” Her question caught me off guard.

“Would you want to come back?” My father’s voice was measured.

She turned to look at Greyson and Cass. “I don’t want to insult you two. You both are amazing, and you have grown so much since we started training. But you two aren’t strong enough to be the main Gamma pair.” Cass smiled and looked up at Greyson.

“We aren’t insulted. We know. We are both still very young and Cass just became ranked. We lead the warriors, as second Gammas should. We don’t think we would be strong enough to protect the Luna.” Cass’s voice was matter of fact and Greyson nodded, agreeing.

Lynn turned back to my father. “I know you don’t have a Luna right now, as she is in the Oakenfang pack that Amy is returning to.

” She turned to me. “If you would have me, I would come with you, to protect not only you, but the true Luna of our pack. But once the mission is over, I would like to return to take my place, mate or not, still protecting the Luna.”

My father considered her words before looking at Ronnie.

Tina and Ronnie both nodded, and as his eyes skipped the room, I did too.

Lynn was the Gamma female for this pack, and with her brief speech she had declared her loyalty.

I knew I could protect myself and my mother if she betrayed us.

Finally, my father turned back to Lynn. “You have shown where your loyalties were in the attack and now. Mate or not, you may return to our pack.”

Lynn smiled briefly before she turned back to me. “And you?”

I nodded. “Of course you can come.” I grinned as I watched her shoulders sag in relief. “Were you worried?”

She cleared her throat. “I have been a little lost here, to be honest. Without a Luna, I was a little out of place. But when you came here and started training the females, I finally felt like I had a mission. With you leaving, I was worried I was going to be cut adrift again. But with this, now I have a new mission, and I feel relieved.”

I grabbed her shoulder. “I get it. And I am a little relieved that I will have someone I can trust. And someone I can talk to about everything.” Cass made a noise, but I laughed. “I won’t be able to call or write anything in my letters, as someone can listen in or read it.”

“I know.” Her voice was sulky, and I couldn’t hold in my laugh.

“No sulking. You are still my best friend. But it will be nice to have a friend in my other pack.”

“Fine.” Cass turned to Lynn. “You better take care of our girl.”

Lynn just smirked. “I will.”

“Fine.” Cass turned back to my father. “What do you need from us, Alpha?”

“Nothing for now. Keep up the training once Amy leaves and you will be great.” My dad smiled and patted her on the head.

He pushed through the crowd and headed out of the room.

“Now let’s get back to the pack house and finish what we have to.

I want Amy headed back to her mom tomorrow, if possible. ”

“Wait.” I called out and waited for my dad to turn. “I want to check on the families I saved.”

He waved his hand towards me, and we headed next door. He knocked, and we waited for a weak answer. “Come in.”

We both walked into the room and the kids screamed my name and ran over, hugging me. I dropped to my knee and hugged them both. “Amy. You’re okay.” The little boy, Ry, cried.

“Of course I am, sweet boy.” I checked them both over and I wiped at their tears.

“I listened to you. I ran with May.” His tears kept coming, and I hugged him to my chest.

“You did, perfect buddy. You saved May. You should be so proud of yourself. You are the best big brother a girl could have.”

The two kids pulled me over to their parents, where I sat down in between the two beds. “You saved our pups.” The mom grabbed my hand.

“You saved us.” The dad croaked. “Thank you.”

“It was my pleasure.” I sat with them a little while longer, then I checked on the second family.

“It’s time to go, pup.” My dad came over when he saw me yawn for the third time. I nodded, then said my goodbyes.