Page 25

*Adira*

Y esterday was so busy that when I eventually got into bed, I went to sleep as soon as my head touched the pillow.

I know today is going to be busy too, as I’m going to meet Alpha James on his pack border.

From there, we will cross his land and enter the Strongbow territory.

Nobody seems to know what we will find when we get there, but whatever it is, we will face it head on.

‘It is home to us if we want it to be. But we cannot be Alpha here and there. We may have to choose which we want.”

“Yeah, Blue, I know,” I reply with trepidation. I would love to live in the land of my forefathers, but I have my roots here now. It’s going to be a hard choice.

‘I feel something good is going to happen today!’

“What do you think is going to happen?” I ask Blue, but she shakes herself in the back of my mind before sitting on her haunches.

‘Don’t know, Adira. But feel something is about to happen, and change our course.’

Frowning as I think about what she has said, I admit to myself that she’s making me nervous. Whenever she has these kinds of feelings, something happens, changes, or shocks us. “Blue, we’ll see what happens, and be ready for anything!”

Little did I know what was about to happen!

Arak finds me pouring myself a juice I’d found in the fridge.

I’m finding some interesting things these days that Robbie is making or experimenting.

Yesterday he made a peanut butter cake, and it was exceptional, but the day before whatever he was supposed to make went into the garbage can, it was disgusting.

“Alpha Adira, I just wanted to inform you that the three bedrooms are all done. I can look at yours if you want me to?”

“Oh, Arak, that is great to hear. But, I’ve been thinking about the new pack members that keep arriving.

Do you think you could roam around town and look at each empty building?

If you think they are repairable, then maybe we could purchase them and get them ready for new arrivals?

” I watch the thoughts flying across his face, then he must decide on something as he nods, turns and heads right out of the back door without another word.

Shaking my head at Arak rushing out, I turn and look out of the window. That’s when I see Papa laughing along with Robbie. I smile to myself because Papa does not know what is about to come his way.

Mavis walks into the kitchen, bringing me out of my thoughts. “Adira, the bank has sent you a confirmation letter that all legalities are done. They are satisfied with the report and they fast-tracked the account into your name.”

As I’d signed for Mavis to be able to speak on my behalf with the bank and lawyer, it has given me the chance to stay one step back from it all. With all the pack things to be dealt with, dealing with the lawyer and bank was the last thing I wanted to do.

Mavis hands me the letter, a bank card and a statement of the account.

I’m staggered at the amount, but it seems the interest on the amount has doubled what my parents had when they died.

Looking at Mavis with shock on my face, she smiles softly.

“You can use this to regain the Strongbow Pack. I think you should rebuild that pack, and show the rest of the shifter world that you cannot be broken down or stepped on. Your parents were clever to tie everything up as they did. Oh, the deeds to the land are in the vault at the bank. I asked them to keep them, and your lawyer has it on your account that is where they are. That way, nobody can dispute the claim on the land, or you as the heir.”

“Thank you, Mavis. You have no idea how much your help has meant and is to me. I don’t think I could have done all this without your assistance, and I hope you know how much I appreciate what you do for me and the pack.

” Mavis blushes, smacks my arm gently before realizing what’s she done, then hurries out of the kitchen.

Grant walks into the kitchen, and I can’t help but think the farmhouse is like a thoroughfare. Someone is always coming or going. “What are you doing?” I ask as he stops to grab a bottle of water from the fridge.

“I’m moving into the cottage. It’ll be easier for me to go there after my scheduled patrol and work for a while.

Then crash out, rather than have to come back here to do that.

I have the shower working and the kitchen.

It’s replacing everything at this point.

Warden left me some of his money to buy what we need, along with what I have we should manage. ” Grant drinks the water in one go.

“Well, as the cottage was purchased by the pack, and it’s part of your payment for being border warriors, the pack will pay for all replacement cabinets, etcetera.

Tell Mavis to arrange it, and no arguments.

The only way I would allow it is for you to buy the cottage, and we both know you cannot afford that.

” I give him a shoo motion with my hands, then head towards my office.

I come to a stop when I am mind-linked by Conris, the border warrior on duty today, regarding new arrivals. In turn, I mind-link Leo and Rom, asking them to get to the café where Conris has taken them.

Leo and Rom meet me on the way to the café, and all three of us are ready for whatever or whoever we are going to meet. Conris didn’t appear worried, so I’m thinking whoever has arrived is decent.

Now, walking into the café, I did not expect to find Leo’s ex-pride members Zorak and Yarik sitting drinking coffee and eating sandwiches. Leo frowns, but remains calm.

Conris quickly walks over to meet and inform us.

“Alpha Adira, there are Zorak and Yarik, who said you would know them. We have two sisters who are leopards, and a family of humans. The male of that family said he was special military and wanted his family away from the eye of the human military where they lived.”

“Thank you, Conris. Go back to patrol. If I need you, I’ll reach out.”

Leo is speaking with Zorak, and I listen to their conversation with interest. It’s easy to see that they have come with no aggression toward Leo or the pack. I take a seat and look at Yarik, who is quietly drinking his coffee.

“So, you want to join the pack and help any others that may follow?” Leo asks.

Zorak nods. “Yes. I’m not sure if any will follow. We had one family leave, and Yarik and I covered their tracks. The pride is done with as everyone has scattered.”

“We have the Proudfoot family here, and they are doing well,” Leo states, and Zorak nods, giving Yarik a smile that tells me they are the family they helped leave.

“We would like to join the pack. We are excellent fighters, and we want to be a part of something better than we’ve had.” Yarik looks at me, and I can see he is being honest.

“Do you sense anything off with them, Blue?” I ask as she is standing in the back of my mind, watching everything.

‘No, he is giving off no bad vibes at all. He is genuine, and the other one.’

“Thank you, Blue.”

“Leo…make sure they know what is expected, and if you are seeing no deception, then bring them to the farmhouse and I’ll make them pack members.”

“No problem, Alpha Adira. I will make sure they know exactly what is expected of them.” Leo knows this is vital and he will be the one to sort them out if it’s needed.

Rom steps over to the sisters with me. We take a seat, giving the sisters a small smile to help ease the tension we see in them. They are fairly young, probably late in their teen years. “Hello, I’m Alpha Adira. My border warrior has told me you would like to join the pack. Is that right?”

One of the sisters replies. “Yes, we heard that you were accepting new pack members. We are sisters, and our parents were murdered by hunters. But they had told us if anything happened to them, to come here.”

“Well, that was a good thing to tell you. Hunters are the worst kind of human. We have, as you can see, a mixture of human and shifter species. Living and working together. In some cases, mated to each other. We have no bias what anyone is, and only ask that you integrate and have a good life.” I see the tension leave them both, and their shoulders, which had been hunched, eased, and they sat straighter.

“Now, you can share a room at the farmhouse, and I’ll get Mavis to set you up once you are pack members.

We can do that today if I get back from my appointment in time.

” I’m not giving them any clue where I’m going or what I’m doing.

I just hope it won’t take long with Alpha James.

Maybe I should make them pack members before I leave?

“Rom, would you help the sisters please? What are your names, by the way?” I feel rude now for not asking sooner.

“Oh, I am Tassy, and this is my younger sister, Idena. We are leopard shifters.”

“Thank you, Tassy. You both have beautiful names. Now, off you go with Rom and he will get you organized.”

I watch them leave and then turn to the table with the human family. I give a welcoming smile as I reach them, taking a seat before speaking. “Hello, I’m Alpha Adira. I hear you would like to join the pack, rather than just live in the town. Is that correct?”