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“It seems we may have more lions coming to join our pack. Tyson tells me the troublemakers in the pack ran at the first sign of trouble and left the pride to fend for themselves. I know who they are and if they come here, I will inform you. We do not want them in the pack. They will not integrate, and will take, but not do a thing to help the pack. I’m not sure they would even work as warriors? ”

“No, they would wander off and sleep, leaving the border open for others to monitor,” Cato states.

“Cato!” Tyson says in a berating voice.

“No, Tyson. They would not help the pack. What did they ever do for the pride? Nothing is the answer to that, and Leo can confirm it. If we are going to join the pack here we need to give all the information we can to Alpha Adira.” Cato snaps the first part at Tyson, then looks at me as she continues.

Rom gives me a pleading look, and when I frown he mind links, ‘As you have this under control, can I leave? I have a date with Jenni.’

‘Okay, off you go, but remember you are a one-woman man from now on!’

Turning back to the lion shifters, I ask, “Are you onboard with giving your allegiance to me as your Alpha, and to the pack?”

When I receive a ‘Yes’ from them both, I quickly integrate them into the pack, and I can see the relief on both of them.

I know it will take a while to get settled into the pack life, but I will ask Leo to aid them when he can.

Tyson needs to be put on warrior patrol, but I’m not sure what Cato will do.

“What did you do before you came here, Cato? I’m asking to see what you could contribute work wise, because the cubs are going to be attending school, leaving you alone most of the time.” I hope she has something valuable to give.

“I was teaching, but I can do most anything. I can cook, clean, fight, and have cub-sat for busy mothers,” Cato quickly tells me.

“Oh, Leo, see where we can add Cato. But I think the school may benefit from another teacher.”

Leo nods as he opens the door for them all to leave. “Shall I place them in the cottage near the school? I know it needs cleaning, but it’s in good repair, just dusty with not being used.”

“Perfect. It’s time it was used. It’s a pleasant cottage and if I wasn’t needed here, I would have made it a cozy home. Cato, you’ll love it, I’m sure.” I give her a bright smile, which she returns with a ‘Thank you.’

Now the office is quiet, and I can check out my desk. I see a letter that Mavis has left for me to open. Turning the envelope, it has Mass Mountain Pack stamped on the reverse. Now, what the heck do they want?

Opening the envelope, I slide out a single piece of paper. It’s striking with the pack's name and contact information. Official looking is my first thought.

Dear Alpha Adira,

I would like to introduce myself. I am Alpha Owain Mountain of the Mass Mountain Pack. I have not had the pleasure of making your acquaintance, but maybe one day we may meet.

I am however writing to offer any support you may need. Not as a potential mate. The Elder Council's edict is utterly repugnant to me. I have clearly expressed my disapproval of their actions and will not take part in such an archaic practice.

Again, if you need any support, I and my pack would be happy to assist. It is hard enough being an Alpha, but a female Alpha to a newly formed, multi-species pack is harder still.

I applaud your determination, and resilience from what I hear happened, and any shifter that rejects their mate for a chosen deserves all the bad karma that the Goddess can send.

Best Regards

Alpha Owain Mountain

Laying the letter on the desk, I’m shocked at its contents. I have never met this Alpha, but his disgust at the council is more than obvious. I will write in response, and if I’m being very honest with myself, I’m happy that someone will offer us support.

Taking out a piece of writing paper and envelope, I pick up my pen and consider what I want to say in response.

Dear Alpha Owain,

I hope that you are not offended by my not adding your surname, but I feel we could be allies and for that, we need to cut out a lot of formalities.

Your letter is refreshing, I have to admit. I have had much to cope with because of my being a female Alpha, but because of being female as well. It seems the Elder Council has the opinion they can order me around, but they had a shock when they were informed otherwise.

I will not be taking a chosen mate. I will wait for a mate the Goddess Selene chooses for me. It’s a shame that my fated mate was not suitable, but we all make mistakes and maybe the Goddess Selene was having a bad day.

Your offer of support is more than welcome as we are hearing of hunters nearing our territory. As yet, I do not know the number of hunters or what weapons they are using, but I am in the process of investigating.

If you are ever passing this way, please drop by and say hello. If we are to be allies, let’s be good ones. I offer my support if you ever need it from me, or my pack. Again, thank you for reaching out and I look forward to getting to know you and your pack.

Best Regards,

Alpha Adira.

I think that will do nicely. Maybe one day we will get to meet and that would be nice.

But, the Mass Mountain Pack is a long way from here, so the possibility is unlikely.

I have added contact information at the bottom of my letter so he can reach out via the telephone in the future.

Letters are nice, but they take time to get where they are mailed.

Far better with the telephone, as any urgency is dealt with immediately.

Sighing, I seal the envelope and walk over, placing it into the out tray that Mavis has secured. I smile at the label she has placed on it. ‘Mail out.’ Short and sweet!