Page 67 of Mating at Midnight: Book 1

“Nyah,” momma calls out to me. I immediately drop to my knees, unable to blink or wipe away my tears fast enough.

“My child, do not be afraid. Even after my physical body left this realm, I have always been with you and Kenia. In times of sorrow or distress, and you’ve ever wondered why you felt a tranquil sense of peace, that was because of me.”

‘Momma,” I sob. It has been years since I heard the sound of her voice and to hear it now, so clear and motherly like, it breaks me down.

“Don’t cry, baby. Your life is just beginning. You have a mate that is willing to destroy everything in his path to protect you. Noah, my mate, your father, and the Alpha of this Pack will do everything in his power to obliterate those who are against the vision we set up. After the first war, we thought everything was over with, but was shown differently. I know it will take some time for you to get used to Skia.”

Wiping the tears away, I get myself together and stand. “Who is Skia?”

“She is your inner wolf and trust me baby when I say, if there is any wolf to be by your side, Skia is the one to have. That’s why I chose her for you,” momma says. “I have to go now but know that I love you and Kenia, and I am always with the both of you.”

“I love you too, Momma,” I whisper as the aura leaves me. The tears I cry now are not from sadness or loss but of happiness, knowing she is still with me.

Crown rubs his head against my thigh, giving me his own support.

Feeling more alive than before, I give his head a good scratch before saying, “Let’s get the stuff out of the shed before Braxton returns.”

Once again, we head to the shed. As we make it to the doors, I grab the lock and begin to enter the code to unlock it.

“In my world, we usually eat our meals, not build relationships with them?”an unfamiliar voice says.

I jump, looking around for the person who spoke. No one is there except for Crown who peers at me awkwardly. Did he hear the voice too?

“No he didn’t,”the voice informs.

Frantically, I scan the area around me. Surely someone must be hiding in the woods, not wanting to show themselves. I stand in front of Crown, ready to fight to defend him?

“I don’t know who the fuck you are, but you will have to get through me to get to him. Trust me, I’m like a fucking brick wall. So, bring your ass out of the woods and face me,” I demand. One of Megan’s men must have been hiding in the woods like a coward and followed us back here.

“There is no one in the woods, Nyah. Only you can hear me. Now that I see how protective you are of the fawn, I will be the same. No harm will come to him.”

To say I’m a little bit creeped out would be accurate.

“Who are you?” I ask, still looking for the person to walk out of the tree line.

“I am you, and you are me. I am your inner wolf, Skia.”

Frowning, because I am totally confused, I ask “How is this possible? My other wolf never spoke to me.”

Skia huffs, responding,“That’s because she didn’t have the abilities as I do. She was more of a trainer to get you ready for me, which is why she didn’t have a name. You might have formed a relationship with her, but it was never permanent. I am your true wolf. After your mother passed away, her spirit chose me to be your guardian. I was just waiting on you to set me free.”She pauses, then adds,“Your old wolf did an excellent job preparing you, but now it’s my time to get you ready for what’s to come.”

“And what’s that?” I questioned. “And do you know why my momma chose you for me?”

“I really don’t know why Elder Willa chose me, but it’s truly an honor.”

I tilt my head to the side. Other than Elder Nelah and the two other women and one man who hold Elder status, I’ve never heard anyone refer to my momma as one.

Whether Skia can see or feel my confusion, she continues,“The ongoing war between the God’s isn’t over. The soldiers ofMegan’s Pack are coming, and I need to make sure you’re ready for them.”

Sucking my teeth, I tell her, “I killed Megan, and I will do the same to her people that threaten my Pack.”

“I know you will try, but a vast majority of the ones that will show up will be Ancients like your father and father-in-law. They will possess skills and abilities you have never seen before.If you want to defeat them, then you have to let me help you hone in your gifts.”

What more could be revealed today? I just wanted to spend the rest of the evening with my mate, nestled up around the campfire while enjoying whatever he caught in the fish traps. Hell, if he didn’t catch anything, we’re predators, so hunting for our dinner wouldn’t be a problem. But now I have to deal with this other entity inside of me who not only can communicate with me, but I have to wonder if Braxton can hear her as well since we are mates.

“He cannot,”Skia answers as if I directly asked her the question.“Braxton has yet to release his true wolf, my mate. It usually takes a traumatic state for that to happen. With the oncoming war, it will probably happen soon. And when it does, the four of us will be able to communicate together.”

I nod, taking in her words, but I have so many questions. “So, what about when Braxton and I are spending...you know quality time together; will you be there too?”

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