Page 26

The male speaks strongly and clearly. “Yes, we are looking at joining the pack, if that is a possibility. My name is Blaze O’Conner, and this is my wife Rania, my son Andon, and daughter Nayo.

I will be honest and tell you I was in the special military.

I served my time, but the powers that be demanded I stay longer.

I refused, and it did not go down well. We had to sneak out of the military compound where we lived and have made our way here, remaining as shadows along the way.

We just want to be a part of something good, where our children can be safe and have a life where they have choices.

My wife is a seamstress, so can offer something in that regard.

I can join the patrol warriors. I may not be able to shift into another form, but I am more than capable of being equal. ”

“I am not sure what housing we have just at the moment, but we will find something, even if you all have to share a room. Would you be good with that option?” I ask, with some hesitancy.

“A room will be fine. We have been living in a vehicle along the way here. We have changed that vehicle so many times, I’m not sure what I am driving anymore.” Blaze chuckles, and it eases any tension I felt building.

“Okay, come along with me, and I’ll see what we can get organized.” I walk outside the café, giving Jenni a small wave as we pass. Turning to speak to Rania, I stop when I hear my name.

“Alpha Adira, I can take the family for you. I know you have a prior appointment coming up soon. Do you want Mavis to sort them out?” Thorn asks.

Now, I don’t know where he appeared from, but he’s right. I do have to get ready to leave. So do Leo and Rom, who are going to be my companions. “Thank you, Thorn. I’m hoping to have pack members joined before I leave. I was going to do it this evening, but I may be later than I first expected.”

I watch and wave at the children as they follow Thorn, and I think they are going to be members that contribute happily. We need families to keep the town and pack moving forward, and I have to admit I have a love for the children.

Mavis has organized the O’Conner family into her room here at the farmhouse for now. Thankfully, she hadn’t fully moved into the room yet. Robbie is gushing over the children, and Papa is cooking from a recipe that Robbie has given him.

“How are you, Papa?” I ask, and as he turns I stop myself from laughing when he has flour on his cheek and what looks like butter in his eyebrows.

“Actually, I am doing well. I enjoy being here. The pack are lovely people. I was welcomed warmly, and more than I deserved. Radar is happy too. I hope in time you can forgive me and allow me to make it up to you. You are my daughter in every way, Adira, and even if you don’t believe me, I do love you. ”

Papa has such a sad and dejected aura at this second that I step forward and wrap my arms around him. “We will be alright, Papa. Let’s move forward and leave the past behind us where it belongs.”

“Thank you, Adira.” Papa kisses the top of my head, gives me a tight hug and I hear him sniffle, so I hang on to him for a little longer.

“You two, stop hugging. Earnest get cooking. Alpha Adira, get to whatever you are supposed to be doing.” Robbie states, and I give him a filthy look which has him flush, but he holds his ground, much to the O’Conner’s family's amusement.

Two hours later and we have new pack members.

The shifters joined the pack the normal way, and the O’Conner family took a vow to be a support to the pack.

After pricking their finger to join with my blood, it was surprising that they felt themselves one of us.

The Goddess Selene had a hand in that, I’m sure.

She never answers my prayers, or gives me any guidance, or so I think…

but I am happy with myself that I once more believe in her.

“Are you ready?” I ask Leo and Rom. ‘Ready, Alpha Adira’, ‘Ready.’ They quickly respond and we climb into the vehicle to head straight for the border of the Dark Water Pack and Alpha James.

It takes a while for us to travel to the position where we have agreed to meet with Alpha James. My nerves are a little on the jangled side, but I’m holding it together. For now, at least. Blue is pacing with excitement in the back of my mind and giving me a headache.

“Blue, stop fussing. You are giving me a headache.”

‘Something good is coming. I can feel it.’

“Well, feel it quietly, will you?”

Closing the link between Blue and myself, I feel calm once more, cloaking me. “You okay, Alpha Adira?” Rom asks.

“Yeah. For some reason, Blue is over the top excited. She gave me a headache.” Rom and Leo chuckle, knowing exactly how it feels with their own animals.

Stopping at the border, we climb out of the vehicle. I take a deep breath of the fresh air. It’s lovely to just stop for a moment and enjoy peace. Trouble is…it lasted all of two minutes before I hear my name called.

“Alpha Adira, are you alright?”

Opening my eyes, I come face-to-face with Alpha James. Who is on his side of the border but only a small step away from me. “I’m okay. Thank you for asking. I was just taking a moment.”

“Ah, one of those moments,” Alpha James chuckles. “We all need one of those from time to time.”

“Yes, we really do,” Taking another breath, I continue, “Okay, so where do you want us to head?”

“Our vehicle is just behind the trees.” He points to the trees on our left and the other side, I believe, is the road into their territory.

“Go a little up the road here, then turn into my territory. We’ll follow the road for quite some time before we turn off and head for the outer border of the territory. ”

Rom nods, and turns to our vehicle, where he jumps into the driver's seat, and I jump into the passenger seat. Leo takes a back seat and I can tell his lion, Kazi in his eyes, surveying everything.

We follow Alpha James' vehicle for three hours, and I have to admit I am well ready to get out and stretch my legs. We’ve even run out of conversation, and if Rom talks about what Blossom has been doing one more time, I’m liable to tape his mouth closed.

I love that child, but honestly, he is so besotted it’s sickening.

“If you mention Blossom one more time, Rom, me and you are going to have an issue. I love that kid, but I need a break from hearing about her.” Leo states, and I can hear a little of Kazi in his tone.

“Okay, okay. I know.” Rom responds, but he’s a grin on his face which tells me he knew exactly what he was doing when he talked about Blossom so much.

Pulling to a stop, I watch as Alpha James climbs out of his vehicle and walks over to a group of warriors that have obviously been waiting for our arrival.

“Are you ready?” I ask no one in particular.

“Yeah, let’s go see what’s happening on your family pack lands,” Leo jumps out of the vehicle and opens the passenger door, waiting for me to climb out.

Blue rushes to the front and before I can stop her she shouts ‘MATE!’

Leo and Rom, stop walking and look at me like I’ve just exploded. Alpha James looks around the group of men to see who I’m saying is my mate.

But a male, all of 6’5” steps out of the group. He’s magnificent in my eyes. He slowly but surely walks over to me, stops in front of me taking a huge lungful of my essence. Then he smiles so wide you can see his back teeth. “Mate!” he sighs before stepping forward and taking my face in his hands.

Tingles like I’ve never felt before rush through my body. My mind goes blank as his lips land on mine. Sheer pleasure courses through me, and I’m not sure if that is me that lets out a moan of pleasure or him.

I’m not sure if it’s us that has to take a breath or the clapping, stomping, and hooting that breaks us apart. But I feel myself blush right to my hair roots. Blue settles into the back of my mind, allowing me to get my senses back.

“Mate!” we both say at the same time, and I feel the bond growing as we stand looking at each other.