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*Adira*

S igning my name I look over the letter I will mail to all the Alpha’s that have written to me with hopes they can snag themselves a Luna, and an Alpha Luna at that.

Dear Alpha,

I am writing in response to your letter. I am declining your kind offer of becoming the Luna to your pack. I already have a pack of my own that I am diligently caring for. I do not have time to consider joining another and adding a mate to the equation.

I have informed the Elder Council, who we at the Hunters Bow Pack are not affiliated with, [We are actively a rogue pack, and will remain so.

] that I am awaiting my second chance mate that the Goddess herself will gift me.

If she doesn’t think I am worthy of a second chance, then I will remain alone in this lifetime.

Hopefully, we can remain on friendly terms and although a rogue pack, we are open to gaining allies with other packs. If you have any interest in gaining an alliance, then please contact me further.

Best Regards,

Alpha Adira Strongbow

As I sign my name, I’m letting it be known to all that I am the heir to the Strongbow Pack lands. If this causes any kind of issue I will meet it head on, alone if it means safeguarding all my pack members here at the Hunters Bow Pack.

Placing the letter into the top drawer of my desk, I sigh because I will have to write the letter many times, or I can ask Mavis to do it as my secretary! Hm, that might be a good idea, or she’ll tell me where to put the letter in her roundabout polite manner.

A gentle tap on the door and Robbie pops his head into the office. Everyone is in the kitchen getting themselves a drink to bring through for the meeting. Handing me a cup, which I take eagerly, giving Robbie a thank you as I take my first sip.

“Did you not bring a drink for yourself?” I ask.

“No, I had one a little while back. I’m fine for now. So, what’s this meeting about?” Robbie takes a seat on one side of my desk, crosses his legs as he relaxes back, in anticipation of what my response will be.

“You’ll just have to wait a few minutes and see.” I grin because the frustration on his face is comical.

It only takes a few minutes before Leo, Rom, Stella, Thorn, Mavis and Talon walk into the office.

I give Leo a questioning look regarding Talon being in attendance, and he shrugs as he responds.

“Talon is the head of the warriors. I upgraded his position to Head Warrior and trainer. Hence, he needs to be involved in these types of meetings.”

“Okay, please settle down quickly, because I have another meeting coming up later today.” Everyone quickly settles down in a seat and looks at me expectantly.

“Okay, I need you all to know that I had my DNA tested, and the result is back.” I pause a moment before I continue.

“I am the last and sole heir to the Strongbow Pack. There is a will in place that stipulates anyone claiming to be the heir has to be able to prove their lineage. I have done that and everyone that is involved in the legalities is aware of my position. Mavis is handling all the details to save me time and stress. But there is a vast amount in a bank account, plus the deeds to the Strongbow pack land, and all properties on it. My primary concern is Alpha Rudik River of the Blue River Pack. As you all know, it was that pack that decimated my own, killing all of my family in the process.”

“He may not have the same thoughts as his forefathers. I have heard stories about the Strongbow Pack, and it all seemed to stem from Alpha Rudik’s grandfather.

Should we be on alert and see what his actions show before we come to any conclusions or actions?

” Rom looks around at everyone before settling his intense gaze on me.

Leo leans forward in his seat, resting his elbows on his knees and clasping his hands. “I suggest we send an invitation for him to visit the pack. Go head-to-head with the issue so we won’t have any nasty surprises happen in the near or far future.”

Talon nods, “It may be a wise move. That way you keep control of the situation, Alpha Adira. Take the power away from him if he has any thoughts of wrongdoing.”

“Does anyone know more about Alpha Rudik or his pack?” I ask. I don’t want to commit to anything at the moment. I want as much information as I can get before I have this Alpha visit here.

“I heard that he’s doing great things, building a chain of hotels. I can contact a friend who is in that area, but not a member of the Blue River Pack,” Rom suggests.

It's a good plan, and he could find out if the Alpha or the pack are a threat. Stella speaks for the first time. “Maybe one of us could scout the area? I would go. More than likely, they’d see a female as no threat to them.”

“I’m not sure going on your own would be a good idea.” Talon looks at Stella then to me, “If someone went with Stella, they could give the impression they are a couple. Touring or visiting friends. That way Stella would have someone at her back, and the one with her would also have that.”

“I agree, Talon. I don’t like the idea of Stella going on her own.

In fact, I’m not sure I like her going at all.

” I give Stella an apologetic look, but she gives me a nasty scowl in return.

Good thing I’m the Alpha or she might have tried to box my ears.

“How about Warden going? He is an established warrior. I’ve known of him from my last pack, and never heard a negative word said. ”

“Look, I’m going, and if it means me having this Warden with me, then so be it. But just because I’m female doesn’t make me useless. Before I came here, I kept myself alive and well, and I can continue to do the same.” Stella is trying to hold it together, and I can see Iris peeking through.

Blue speaks to me gently. ‘Iris spoke to me, Adira. They can do this. Don’t undermine them. She is your Gamma and needs to prove to you and all she is capable of holding her position.’

I look at Stella and nod. Blue is right. Stella feels she needs to prove herself, and I’m not going to stop her. “Okay, Stella. I’m giving you the go-ahead on the condition that Warden goes with you.”

“Thank you, Alpha Adira. I won’t let you down. I will find out about this Alpha Rudik, and the pack.” Stella gives me a tentative smile, which I return.

“Now we know I am the heir to the Strongbow Pack, we also know I have old royal blood.” Shock rocks the room, and it seems that my people hadn’t put that together.

“I have had interaction through mail with Alpha Owain of the Mass Mountain Pack. He is thankfully not interested in my being his Luna. He agrees with us being allies, and that is an enormous step for us. The Mass Mountain Pack is large, has a huge number of warriors and is known not to mess around if any kind of conflict against them starts. To have their support means a lot to a small pack as we are, and a rogue pack at that.”

“Is this going to be a problem, you having this old royal blood?” Robbie asks.

“Not in my opinion. But you never know with others, Robbie. They see my lineage as strong, and may want it in their bloodline. But I won’t place myself in the hands of another just because of the blood in my veins.

This is why Alpha Benedict has tried to have me taken back to his pack.

He didn’t realize that I was the heir, he just saw me as a child he saved from the Strongbow Pack.

His error, and Travis’s huge misfortune.

The Goddess has already started to make them suffer.

Mavis has informed me that the Blackbird Pack has lost allies, losing businesses, and the pack is not harmonious with Joliee being the Luna.

They all know, as well as we do, that the fated mate Luna makes the Alpha the strongest he can be.

That won’t ever happen now for Travis, and I hope beyond hope that one day he’ll regret his decision. ”

“I think we will have to sit tight and see what develops. But Talon, make sure everyone in the pack is capable of some kind of defense. Is there any way we can tighten the security of the borders?” Thorn asks Talon, then looks at Leo and Rom.

Rom nods. “I’ll help with that Talon. Let’s check on every female, too. Some are not training and as shifters or human, they should step forward more than they are.”

“Who needs to step up?” I ask.

“Joyce, Dottie, Petra, Jackie and our Mavis here.” Rom turns and gives Mavis a huge smile.

I grimace a little at the way he’s smiling, but it has me turning to look at Mavis, who in turn has eyes that are throwing daggers at Rom. “Do you think you can fit in a little training, Mavis?” I ask, and yeah, I’m trying to give her an out.

“Yes, and I’ll train with Leo, or Stella when she returns.” Mavis surprises me when she sticks her tongue out at Rom before turning back to me with a sparkle in her eye.

“You know the bears are fully invested. Bernice and Jackie have been training together, and they’ve started showing little Artan how to do a few things.

If they keep it up, he’ll be a heck of a warrior when he’s grown.

” Thorn shakes his head, and it is obvious he has seen what Bernice and Jackie have been teaching the cub.

“Okay, let’s call it a day. Keep your eyes and ears open.

Contact anyone that can give us information on Alpha Rudik and his pack.

Stella, report back to me when you’ve spoken with Warden, and do not go out of the pack until we have discussed things.

” Stella gives me a nod and I watch them all but Mavis troop out of the office, discussing what they are going to do, and even how they are going to do it.

Mavis collects all the cups that have been left behind and turns to look at me. “The new members of the pack could give us information as they have been wandering. But even the lions may have heard something within the pride.”

“Suggest it to Leo, Mavis. He and the others may still be in the kitchen. Probably sampling the new version of Robbie’s pumpkin cupcakes.” I grin because the last ones he made were disgusting.

An hour later, I am standing in front of Alpha James and Papa, who I have to say is looking pale, thin and frail. Alpha James steps forward and the faintest smell hits me, sandalwood and something citrus! Blue comes forward and takes a sniff, then a larger one.

“Is everything okay, Alpha Adira?” Alpha James asks.

Shaking my head to stop myself from pressing my nose into Alpha James to take a better smell of whatever that is on his clothing. “I’m good. I just got lost for a moment. Please take a seat.”

Papa sits on the couch near the window, and I take the one opposite. Alpha James pulls a seat over and sits next to Papa. “Your Papa is not well. He has rejected his mate, and it’s having a detrimental effect, as you can see.”

“Why did you do that?” I ask.

Papa looks at me with watery eyes. “I couldn’t continue to be mated to someone who was as hateful as she was.

For years I have bowed down to her demands to keep the peace in our bond, but I could not, and would not, do as she asked.

I rejected her, and she quickly accepted that rejection.

I think the Goddess is punishing me for all the wrongs I have done towards you, and I want you to know I truly am sorry, and that I always loved you as if you were my own. ”

“When I look back on my childhood and the family dynamics, you were the only one who showed me genuine care. For that, I will always love you in return. I am, however, struggling to come to terms with the fact that you were paid an allowance to look after me. That makes the adoption, if you like, feel wrong.” I look at Papa, and I can see the sorrow and even feel it flowing from him.

‘Radar loves us. He also said Papa loves us and is deeply sorry about all that has happened. If we forgive him, and accept him, the Moon Goddess will forgive him too.’

I listen to Blue and know in my heart she is right. Taking a deep breath, I look at Alpha James and then Papa. “Would you stay here in my pack, Papa? Let us rebuild our love and trust?”

Papa looks me in the eye as tears overflow and trail down his cheeks. “Yes, I would love to do that.”

Alpha James nods at me, showing he agrees with my actions. “I will have your things packed and brought over. But you have little.”

“If you send what you have of Papa’s, we will get whatever else he needs,” I state clearly.

Mavis opens the door carrying a tray of refreshments. She gives Alpha James and Papa a bright smile as she leaves it on the desk. “Do you want me to pour Alpha Adira?”

“Yes, please, Mavis. Would you ask Robbie to prepare the vacant room that Rom used please? Papa is going to be taking it as he is staying with us.”

“Oh, that’s nice. Welcome?” Mavis stops as she is not sure if she should call him Papa or his name, which she doesn’t know at this point.

Turning and for the first time shows less stress on his face, “Earnest. You can call me Earnest.”

“Well, I will make sure your room is ready for you, Earnest.” Mavis hands out drinks and dashes out of the office.

We talk about general day-to-day things, before I ask Alpha James about the condition of the Strongbow Pack lands.

He looks a little shocked, but once I fill him in on my heritage, and my claim, he nods, filling me in on what he knows from the past, and that he’s seen rogues on the pack land of late.

“Would you like to cross the Dark Water Pack as it will be faster to reach the Strongbow lands that way? I can accompany you with warriors to maintain safety.” Alpha James patiently waits for my response.

“Yes, I think that would be a good idea. I will have one of my Betas and a warrior with me. It would save time if we cut across your territory, rather than travel around it.”

We make arrangements to do that in three days.

Alpha James leaves but tells Papa if he wants to return at anytime he is welcome to do so.

I know that it is not being said in a detrimental way, so take no offence.

He is giving Papa the option to leave if he feels uncomfortable, and that is a kindness he didn’t have to extend.

“Come, Papa, let me show you to your room. Then I’ll introduce you to Robbie, our helper extraordinaire.”