Page 52 of Knot Quite Ready

“How the hell does he plan to break a fated mate bond?” Tristan asks.

“Unnatural magic,” she frowns and then looks around the room. “Now let’s see, what witch was once here but now isn’t?” Storm asks.

Everyone looks around, confusion plain on their faces.

Kathleen is missing. Suddenly it all dawns on me, the weakened border, the block, the way my father could come back undetected. Unnatural magic. Blood magic. Fuck.

Aneira is in more danger than I thought. If my father is dabbling in blood magic to break a bond, there is no telling what he would do to prevent being cornered by the Council, especially since his death sentence was already handed down.

“Exactly. She has been working with the Council, she knows too much. I mean, seriously, you guys need to tighten the fuck up. I knew the moment I met her; she was shady. And not just because she is clearly trying to take a ride on my Prancing Passion Pointer,” she rolls her eyes.

“Anyways, we can’t rush in. This is why research is important. Even though her grandfather is the one that will break it, we need to assume your old lands are protected as well. To go in safely, we will need some form of protection. Casimir, the witches part of your pack, I will need you to call them here. Well, when you’re not furry, anyway…Then, operation All-Spark is fucking on. My entrance will be fucking majestic…”

* * *

Casimir

Operation All- Spark (22 hours since taken)

Double checkingthat the necklace weaved with protection is still around my neck. I signal Tristan forward. He had been on edge, knowing we were returning to our old pack lands, but I needed him to focus.

Tristan, at my side, I turn to face the group, “The main house is the objective. He doesn’t usually have more than a couple of pack betas there. Aneira would be there, as he would want to keep her close. Calian, Ralph, Storm, and I will retrieve Aneira. The rest of us must split up and subdue the rest of the pack. If things are still the same, about 100 meters to our right is where the Omegas and children are, Harailt, you wanted to take point on retrieving them. Tristan most of them will recognize you, so you will be with them as well. Rory, if you go with them, the women will be less fearful. Beyond the women and children, anyone who doesn’t submit can die.”

Everyone nods, their eyes blazing.

“Uh, Cas. Quick update: Aneira bashed your dad’s head against the wall a few times, cut his face up to ribbons, and is now with your sister. I told her to stay put where they were as we are a few minutes away from having a majestic entrance,” Storm says proudly.

I blink, and my chest fills with pride; well, that’s one part handled.

I nod, “Okay then. Is everyone else good with their directives?”

They don’t respond. Instead, they fan out quietly, melting into the forest. It wasn’t dark out yet, but at least in the forest, we had some form of concealment. With a nod, we move forward silently. As we get to the Alpha pack house, I frown at the lack of activity on the grounds. It was only 6 in the evening. There should be plenty of wolves about.

“Has it always been as exciting as a graveyard rave here?” Storm asks softly, voicing my concerns.

I shake my head, “ there should be many more shifters present. Pielt is one of the largest packs on this side of the country.”

“Maybe they are inside their houses?” Ralph suggests.

Calian surveys the area silently, taking several breaths, “Unless they are all concealed with some sort of magic, the only scents I can pick up are the women on the other side of the property and a handful of wolves in that house. Two which I recognize and two which I do not.”

My response is cut off by a roar, and, fucking protocol, we all rush forward.

Chapter27

Aneira

Igive Storm a quick run down while also telling Aoife the plan. How Storm is able to carry on with six different conversations and multiple tasks at once is mindboggling. Because this is far from easy. Again, neuro-divergence is a superpower.

“Okay, your brother and my best friend are on the grounds. The Council is also here. Before we do anything, are there any other shifters in the house?” I ask.

Aoife nods, “Pack beta downstairs. That’s it. It’s Saturday, so everyone is on strict instructions to stay indoors.”

I frown, “why is that?”

“It’s when Alpha gets his weekly drug supply. Usually, he heads off the property right after. We aren’t allowed to roam when he is away usually. Those who are allowed are doing whatever job was delegated to them before he left,” her voice is small, and I want to go wake up Miro and knock his ass out again. I look at the bathroom. Sounds like a good plan.

“Useless sack of shit,” I growl. “Okay, one beta to kill, then Miro, then my grandfather. My laundry list keeps getting longer,” I sigh. “Can you zip up the dress? I want to walk out of this bitch looking majestic. “

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