Page 40 of Night with a Gamma
After breakfast, we make our way back to our suite, and Harrison’s hand finds mine, our fingers intertwining effortlessly. “I’ve got a sparring session with the other warriors later,” he says, a playful edge in his voice. “You should come watch. I’ll show them just how strong my witch mate is.”
“And if I cast a fire spell to help you win?” I tease back, raising an eyebrow.
He chuckles, shaking his head. “I don’t want to give them any excuses for losing.”
I smile, the playful banter between us always lifting my spirits. “Fine, I’ll just cheer you on from the sidelines.”
As the day progresses, I find myself engulfed in preparations for the upcoming gathering of the coven and the pack. It’s a time to celebrate, to strengthen bonds, but the shadows whisper in my mind, reminding me of the delicate balance between our worlds.
In the afternoon,I make my way to the training grounds, where the warriors are already practicing. The energy in the air is electric, and I can see Harrison among them, his movements fluid and powerful as he demonstrates techniques. My heart swells with pride as I watch him, the way he commands attention and respect, yet remains humble.
“Hey, Wren!” Dalton calls out, his demanding voice cutting through the noise. “You here to cheer on your mate?”
I nod, waving at him as I settle onto a nearby bench. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
As the training continues, I can’t help but feel a sense of unease creeping in. The shadows seem to stretch around me, whispering secrets I can’t quite decipher. I focus on Harrison, on the way he fights, on the strength and love we share, but the feeling lingers, a constant reminder of the darkness that can easily encroach upon our lives.
When the sparring session comes to an end, I can see the warriors panting and laughing, their camaraderie evident. Harrison strides over to me, his hair damp with sweat and asatisfied grin on his face. “How did I do?” he asks, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Impressive,” I reply, unable to hide my admiration. “But I think you were holding back. Were you afraid of hurting your fellow warriors?”
“Maybe just a little,” he admits, pulling me to my feet. “But I’d rather not give them an excuse to come at me.”
“Smart man,” I tease, our laughter ringing out amidst the fading sunlight.
Yet, even as we joke, the shadows linger in my mind, whispering warnings of something yet to come. I shake it off, pushing the thoughts aside as we make our way back to the Pack House, hand in hand, ready to face whatever challenges await us together.
As night falls and the moon rises high in the sky, I take a moment to gaze out at the horizon, feeling the power of the universe coursing through me. I close my eyes, centering myself and reaching out to the Moon Goddess, whispering my prayers for protection, for clarity, and for the strength to navigate the complexities of the world around us.
The bond I share with Harrison is my light, and as long as we stand together, I believe we can face anything — even the shadows that threaten to encroach upon our lives.
But the night is still young, and the unexpected can always find a way to creep in, just as the shadows do. With a determined heart, I turn back towards the Pack House, ready to embrace whatever comes next in this journey of life.
21
AZURE LIGHT
Wren
The night settlesaround us like a cozy blanket, the moon casting a silvery glow over the Pack House. As I make my way through the halls, the sounds of laughter and chatter fill the air, wrapping me in the warmth of community. Harrison walks by my side, his strong presence a constant source of comfort. I can feel the mate bond humming between us, a pulsating energy that makes me feel alive.
“Are you excited for the gathering tomorrow?” he asks, his voice low and steady, as we step into the main hall, where decorations are being hung for the evening festivities.
“Definitely,” I reply, glancing around at the preparations. “I love how everyone comes together. It feels like family.”
Harrison smiles, his eyes sparkling with warmth. “You’re a big part of that, you know? Your spirit brings everyone together.”
I blush at his compliment, playfully nudging his shoulder. “You just want me to keep baking those double fudge brownies.”
“Can you blame me?” he retorts with mock seriousness, making me laugh. “But really, Wren, you’re the heart of this pack. Your magic, your kindness… it makes a difference.”
Before I can respond, a commotion at the entrance catches our attention. A group of warriors bursts through the door, their faces flushed with excitement. “You’ll never believe what we found!” one of them exclaims, panting as he leans against the wall for support.
“What is it?” Harrison asks, his tone shifting to one of concern.
“We were out on a patrol and found a strange artifact in the woods,” the warrior explains, his voice a mix of exhilaration and apprehension. “It looks ancient, maybe even magical.”
I exchange a glance with Harrison, feeling a tingle of unease ripple through me. “What kind of artifact?” I inquire, stepping forward.
