Page 53 of Destined Bear
“Famous last words,” I chuckle. “Just don’t blame me when you’re exhausted halfway through.”
She laughs and swats at me. “Entertaining won’t be so easy with a newborn Alpha to care for.”
A familiar gray cat slinks around the corner of the packhouse, followed closely by Heath’s heavy footsteps. I arch an eyebrow as my Beta appears.
“Everything looks good out here, Alpha,” Heath reports, his professional tone at odds with the lipstick stain I can clearly see on his collar.
Alessa shifts back to her human form with a satisfied smirk as Heath steps forward with her clothes. She doesn’t bother hiding her disheveled appearance. “The new security systems are all working perfectly. We tested them... thoroughly.”
Vivienne catches my eye and bites back a grin. “I’m sure you were very thorough in your inspection.”
“Multiple times,” Alessa purrs, earning a sharp look from Heath that only makes her smile wider.
“Speaking of security,” Heath clears his throat, trying to regain his composure, “we received word from Roman earlier today.”
Vivienne’s hand stills on her stomach. “He told you what happened to Millie?”
“She told Roman everything he wanted to know, and he determined she wasn’t a threat. But he couldn’t just forgive her. Roman decided on exile instead of execution. She’s been stripped of her healer status, and because she has so little power, she isn’t someone we ever need to worry about again.”
Relief washes over Vivienne’s face. Despite everything Millie had done, my mate’s compassionate heart couldn’t fully embrace the idea of the woman’s death.
“What about Seline?” I ask.
Heath’s expression darkens. “Roman dealt with her personally. She almost started a war between our packs. And apparently, she’d been using pack resources for the conspiracy. In Stonecrest, that’s a death sentence.”
Alessa wraps her arms around Heath’s waist possessively. “And with Millie’s confession, we now know why they targeted Circe specifically.”
“They thought taking out our most respected elder would create chaos in the council,” Heath explains. “They figured the pack would lose faith in your leadership and make you vulnerable to challenge.”
Vivienne nods slowly. “Destabilize us from within.”
Heath nods. “Exactly.”
The sound of footsteps on gravel draws our attention as Circe approaches, her stride strong and purposeful. Gone is the frail woman who could barely stand months ago. Her cheeks are flushed with health, her eyes bright and sharp. She carries a basket of wildflowers, clearly having spent the morning in her garden.
“Are you two planning to stand around admiring that building all day?” She sets down the basket and places her hands on her hips. “I heard that you’re planning a celebration tonight.”
Vivienne spins in my arms to stare at her mother. “How did you?—”
“Word travels fast in this pack. And since you’re clearly too distracted to handle the details properly, I’ve already called the catering company. They’ll be here at six.” Circe waves dismissively. “I’ve also arranged for additional seating and sent proper invitations to the pack.”
“Mom, you can’t just?—”
“Can’t what? I’m a council member, and this is pack business. The historical society should formally bless the new packhouse anyway. Might as well do it right.”
Heath and Alessa exchange amused glances. My Beta steps forward with a slight bow. “Would you like us to coordinate security for the evening, Circe?”
“Security?” Circe scoffs. “This is a housewarming party, not a military operation. Though watching you two slobber all over each other should keep the troublemakers amused.”
Alessa’s cheeks actually turn pink—a rare occurrence that makes Heath grin broadly.
“I should go help with the setup,” Alessa mumbles, clearly flustered by Circe’s blunt observation.
“We should both go,” Heath agrees, slipping his hand into hers.
“Well, it’s about time those two got together,” Circe declares once they’re out of earshot. “Just like it’s about time you two stopped procrastinating about this celebration.”
“Says the woman who planned an entire party without consulting the hosts,” Vivienne counters, though her tone is fond.
