Jason agreed, “Seriously, just tell him. We all know you were lying about not knowing who they were. It doesn’t bother a single person that you haven’t met them but know the details of their lives. We expect it actually.” Addison winked at me as Jason led her away.
Aiden chuckled, “I’ll get those names from you later.” I agreed, “That’s… fine. I do have them.” Aiden laughed, “I know. Your brothers are not wrong, it’s obvious when you lie. You squeak and when one combines that with a lot of other tells you have it’s very apparent.” I grumbled, “It’s so obnoxious.”
Xander claimed me back before anyone else could jump in. We were about to leave when I heard a growl of, “MINE!” I knew that voice. Freya replied, “Of course you do.” It was Bradford. I turned to the entrance of the tent and my eyes nearly bugged out of my head.
Karina was standing there. When she started crying, I was deeply confused. Xander linked me, “She’s been at her grandparent’s pack recovering and taking some time. Aunt Katie has been working with her to remove what all the spells’ effects of the magic that was placed on her.”
“Aunt Katie told us it was weakening her wolf so much that even her mate wouldn’t feel the bond between them. She’d been getting doses of the spell for a year and half before she turned eighteen. Karina and Bradford didn’t run in the same circles because his mother would never allow him to associate with Omega’s. I actually wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve never met.”
I questioned, “But why didn’t he smell her?” Xander answered, “That was part of the spell. Karina only had a veryfaint scent, even to my nose. I should’ve found that odd.” I kissed his cheek saying, “You did nothing wrong, Robert did.”
We walked over to them. Bradford was wrapped around her. I spotted his dad looking quite happy. I told them both, “I’m happy for you guys. I’m sorry Robert…” Bradford snarled and Xander’s annoyance flooded me.
I continued, “Interfering kept you apart longer than it should’ve. I’m glad you both have each other now.” Karina smiled, “Thank you for everything you’ve done, Muffin Luna. Bradford and I have a lot to talk about but…” Bradford growled, “You’re mine.” Karina blushed, “Ok.”
She must not have met him before, or she might be hesitant given his mom’s attitude about Omega’s. Freya snorted, “And his own. His wolf loves her already.” Good. I was actually happy they hadn’t met until now. They both deserved fresh starts.
I told Bradford, “I’m happy for you and… glad your dual training is going well. I’ve notice everyone agrees that you show great promise with tracking… and you send your friends my way… so thanks. I’m glad things are going better.” Bradford replied, “Thanks to you, Muffin Luna.”
I hummed, “Not to disagree you and ruin this whole moment we are having but…you’re wrong.” Several people busted up laughing but I continued, “You’re the one showing up and making changes, not me. I just gave you the option.” I told Karina, “I’m glad you’re back. Please come see me if you need anything.” She nodded.
Xander popped us to our room. My husband kissed me before saying, “I have meetings coming up this week, but I had Phil clear the week after for our honeymoon.” It hit me, “Gosh... I need to get an appointment with the pack OB. I’m not on birth control. I mean I haven’t had my heat yet, but I’d like to sort out my head and life a bit more before we have pups.”
Xander kissed me agreeing, “Whatever you want is fine with me. I want a family with you, but not until you’re ready. I’ll enjoy all of you until the day you’re ready. If you’re ever ready.” I mean, I wanted pups.
My mates’ kisses distracted me, and we fell into bed. We didn’t leave the room at all the next day. Xander snapped us food and we just basically had sex all day long. It was perfect and nice to be shut off from everything.
I woke up the following day and looked at the time. I had some time before the run with the wolf less group. I grabbed my workout clothes. I decided to check my phone and saw a text.
Sierra:I see what you are doing. Avoiding the whole Resistance conversation by staying up there having sex and whatnot. Caleb has a meeting with you and Eric at eight in the morning on Monday. So probably when you read this.
Sierra:Also, your family wants to put time on your calendar, that I now manage.
Sierra:Have you ever tried to manage your calendar? It’s insane. We should work on that. I told your family I didn’t know how long your meeting with Eric was going to go.
Sierra:I type all that to say that I can put them off for at least today, but they are going to descend like wolves. Yes, I know that’s irony. I penciled it in for Tuesday unless you can come up with an excuse not to have that conversation.
I would think about that. I ran out to the lake and danced for a few hours. I called, “Egres, Hutchins, Gordon… I have a run with the wolf less here shortly. You guys are welcome to run out of the shadows or in. They won’t mind you guys running since you don’t have wolves.”
Hutchins faded in to say, “I’ll run with you all. The others will be in the shadows. Just in case.” I snorted, “Ok.” I ran tothe pack house where everyone was waiting outside. I waved at them, “Morning everyone. Let’s get going.” They all followed me.
We’d made it to one of the borders when my watch buzzed. I held up my hand calling, “Hold on a minute.” They were breathing hard, so I was certain they were happy about the break. My watch was blinking red. Crap!
I double clicked the alert and quickly read the read out. I inhaled deeply, harboring my annoyance. Hutchins asked, “Duchess Luna, what’s wrong?” I told him, “An attack is coming.” Hutchins tensed. I smelled something new.
I added, “I’m pretty sure they are coming from this way. I don’t know about the other borders. I don’t recognize the scent.” Hutchins ran over to where Egres and Gordon had come out. I ordered, “Everyone get in formation. Someone…probably more than one… is coming. Line up on me.” They immediately did.
I linked Xander asking, “Where are you?” Xander answered, “About to start my run with my brothers.” I warned, “Maybe… don’t do that…or run this way…towards me. Since an attack is coming. I don’t recognize the scent… but I smell a lot of them on the north border. We need someone to check on the other borders.” Xander growled and popped next to me.
My husband linked the pack, “Warriors get to the north border right now. Non-Warriors get to your safe spaces. Someone is here and this doesn’t appear to be friendly. EJ, Wesley, and Max will link about the other borders and if we need men and women there to fight.” Xander grabbed my hand as Warriors were popped to us by Xander’s cousins.
One by one I saw an animal come over the ridge. Cory asked, “Is that a Tiger?” I said, “Yes… but specifically… I’m pretty sure that’s a Bengal Tiger… They are statically bigger than normal Tigers. Siberian Tigers… can be bigger… but Bengals canines are longer like the ones we can see. They have lighter fur, and their stripes are dark brown or black.” Xander smirked at me.
Dylan spoke, “What a MARVELOUS lesson and fun facts to know before we are attacked by Werebengals. Did anyone know those even existed? I, for one, did not. I am REMISS in my lack of knowledge.”
I didn’t know they existed which I found odd. Since… I’d found of lot of unknown Supernatural’s. Dylan asked, “Where have they been hiding? By the way, I got a history lesson on Tigers that I wasn't expecting. Do I look smarter? I feel smarter. Oh look, it’s a massive herd of Bengal Tigers. Or are they called a pride?”
I answered, “That’s lions. Bengal Tigers are solitary creatures. I’d imagine they came together for a reason…. but they do likely live together… just in a large space.” Xander growled, “I want one alive. Kill the rest.”
