Page 18 of Shadow Spirit

He could hear the pain that had caused her and leaned over to kiss her forehead. “They never should have done that. I understand that wolf-shifters and witches have not always liked or respected one another, but given what I know of wolf packs, I don’t think if the situation had been reversed, your pack would have turned its back on you.”

“What about the clan here at the abbey? Some of them give me a wide berth.”

Greg nodded. “I know, but they’re new and this is a unique clan on so many levels. Give them time to get to know you. For some of them, all they know is that you summoned the banshees and banished Strode’s soul—whatever might remain of it—into some kind of hellish limbo.”

“You have a point,” she said, smiling.

“Regardless of what the clan wants or thinks, you will never be alone again. It will always be the three of us.”

“You think so? What if others won’t accept it?”

“Then we’ll reject them and form our own clan.”

“Decker is all about responsibility and duty…”

“Yes, and his first responsibility and duty is to his fated mate. He will always choose you, as will I. Now, try to get some rest. I’ll ask Maya to bring you something to eat in a bit.”

“Where are you going?”

“The library. My guess is I’ll find Decker, Colby, or both down there talking to Wordsworth. We all need answers, and if they’re to be found anywhere, it’ll be down there.”

He kissed her again. Greg hoped Decker didn’t mind him kissing their mate frequently. If he did, he’d just have to get over it, as Greg found he liked kissing her. Rising from the bed they had shared, Greg got dressed and headed down to the library.

The place really was a modern masterpiece, and Greg was having all the medical knowledge and data he had accumulated while with Oliver’s pack copied and shipped here. Wordsworth had never said it, but Greg suspected Wordsworth and Colby had visions of creating something that rivaled the Great Library of Alexandria, which had been a center for knowledge and learning. The library had been the largest and most significant repository of books scrolls and ancient texts in the known world. While many people knew that, most didn’t know that the library was part of a much larger research facility known as the Mouselon, which was dedicated to the goddesses of art and knowledge.

He opened the door just as Decker was heading out. “Just the man I was coming to see. How does my… our… mate fare.”

Greg put his hand on Decker’s shoulders. “I got her to agree to rest. I really think she needs that more than anything else.”

“Colby, Brie, and Erin are in with Wordsworth. It would seem Erin has decided to be Wordsworth’s successor when she grows up.”

“So, Colby’s decided she is to stay?”

“I don’t think anyone believes she would be safe anywhere else. If push comes to shove, my guess is the Shadow Sisters will move her to one of their safe houses.” Decker shook his head. “I never knew how organized, how large, or how extensive their network was.”

“They’re pretty amazing, and never doubt Adriana is one of them,” said Greg, provoking a growl from Decker. “I know. I don’t like it, either. But I watched Oliver Halsey bring his mate Roz to heel, and it doesn’t get done by just dictating orders. It’s more about negotiating what you—or we, in our case—can live with and then holding Adriana accountable and figuring out how to keep her safe.”

They made their way to the back of the library where a large, ornate library table was loaded down with scrolls, books, texts, and computers.

“Sweetheart, why don’t you and Erin go and find Maya? I’d be willing to bet by now she has some amazing treats baked,” said Colby.

Brie smiled at him before looking down at the little girl who was holding her hand. “Would you like that, Erin?”

“How do you know I was talking to her? I have no idea whether or not Erin likes baked treats, but your sweet tooth is legendary.”

Brie rolled her eyes. “That must account for the reason I bite you so often.”

“Yes, that must be it,” Colby chuckled, before leaning over to kiss her.

It was good to see their alpha was affectionate with his mate. Greg had worried a little about that when he agreed to join them. He’d become accustomed to life in a pack with an alpha who was in command but was affectionate and indulgent with his mate. Given some of the stories he’d heard about Colby, he’d been concerned, but had soon discovered for the most part the reputation was merely a smoke screen.

“You must have met Decker as he was coming to get you. How fares Adriana?” asked Colby.

“I think she’s doing much better than any of us would have done,” answered Greg truthfully. “She’s a tough cookie.”

“She doesn’t have to be,” said Decker in a voice that bordered on a snarl.

Colby laughed. “My guess is with you two as her fated mates, she’ll have to be. Don’t get me wrong, I know both of you will keep her physically safe, but you have to remember that her physical safety isn’t your only concern. And she’s a Shadow Sister—their penchant for staying safe is not their strong suit.”

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