Page 41 of Eclipse Pack

“Quick question first of all. I’m not very green fingered, so this is just a question and not a criticism, okay? We don’t seem to have much color going on. Is that a change of season thing, or are we so busy with the fruit and vegetables that we haven’t got round to brightening the place up yet?” I watch as he digs through his trouser pockets and he pulls out some crumpled sheets of paper.

“We’re in the middle of redesigning the gardens at the moment, so things do look a bit unloved. The vegetables we can’t do anything with until after harvest, but I want more flower beds around the packhouse to greet guests with a riot of color and scents. I thought of having the Eclipse Pack written in flowers at the front, but that just doesn’t cut it. It would be really cheesy and tacky.” He pulls a face at the thought and I give him a brief nod of agreement on that.

“I haven’t seen any requests coming through the Alpha’s office for any gardening equipment or supplies lately. I hope that means you have everything and are not paying for it out of your own pocket?” Giving him a squint-eyed stare, he quickly lets me know that my father had already signed off on what he is currently using.

“Alpha Chet signed off on a huge order of stuff not too long ago, so we should be good for some time. A lot of what we grow, wecan keep seeds or tubers and perpetuate our crops that way.” He looks at me shyly and asks, “I hear a rumor that Luna Taria is interested in gardening. Is that right? I’d love her to give me an outsider's view of what the gardens look like.”

“As soon as she’s settled in, I will personally introduce you, and I’m positive that she will have feedback for you. I bet she’ll want to go through that project folder of yours, too. I haven’t forgotten it but feel that I’ve ignored my responsibility there.”

“Not at all, Alpha Heir Bronze. I understand how busy you must be. Rest assured, if I needed you to see something or sign off on a major change, I would be beating down your door.” His smile when he speaks of his work shows just how much he puts in of himself. If ever there was a shifter in the right role, Herb is it. Telling him so almost has him bursting with pride.

Chapter 21

TARIA

Having spoken to Tati about my idea for Drake staying over at Eclipse to train and then assess Adaline, she agreed that it would make perfect sense. She confirmed that he was going to be part of my escort, so when she put it to Gabriel, he agreed immediately. The journey to Eclipse was thankfully uneventful and with no rogue interference this time, I am feeling even more justified in my taking out Savannah.

You need to stop going there. Your actions were above reproach. Let it lie now.

‘I can’t help it. I’ve never killed anyone before and it’s not like she was a rabbit for food!’

Eeww! I wouldn’t want her in my mouth. The thought alone makes me want to vomit. Seriously though, I’d be more concerned if you hadn’t had any doubts.

I frown as I respond, ‘I don’t see myself as a cold-blooded killer type, somehow.’

Neither do I, more of the smiling assassin type.

Maya thinks she’s a comedian. ‘OH! That’s so not true. An assassin, indeed.’

You were smiling right up to the point her vertebrae snapped. I am so proud of the way you did it, too. No messing around. No taking time to think of any consequences. She made a threat, and you countered with direct action. That was a future issue resolved right there.

‘If one person calls me the smiling assassin, I’ll know it came from you.’

Arriving at the Eclipse Pack border, I’m greeted with reverence and although that was to be expected, the number of smiles and head tilts makes me feel very welcome. Knowing that I won’t be able to meet with Bronze until tomorrow's ceremony, I’m escorted directly to Alpha Chet and Luna Sage at their private residence, away from the packhouse.

As we approach a beautiful cottage, I see a couple standing at the door, but more surprisingly, I see Wesley at the gate. I never noticed he was missing from my escort, so he must have gone ahead to announce my imminent arrival and also check security. I like that and make a mental note that he has taken on board everything we discussed.

Mate! Mate! I smell our mate!Maya is bouncing around like a puppy seeing his first rabbit.

‘Of course you can smell him. These are his parents. Calm down and behave in front of them.’

Before I reach the gate, Luna Sage can’t contain herself any longer and launches herself down the garden path and straight into my open arms. I see no other options, other than to defend myself, and fighting with the luna on her own doorstep would probably be considered the height of bad manners in any pack. As I doubt that she has any ill will towards me, I hug her back as she takes me in a surprisingly fierce grip.

“Oh, Taria. We are so pleased you’re finally here. Come inside and let’s get better acquainted. I always wanted a daughter. Not that I didn’t want Bronze, I love him to pieces, but another female in the household was always a dream of mine. I’ve got so much to share with you and so little time.”

“What do you mean, so little time? I’ve only just got here.” I’m totally confused by that.

“We’re due at the Shifter Council in just a few days and I want to be sure I’ve done all I can to get you settled in before then.”

Alpha Chet steps up and also gives me a hug. “Welcome Taria. Both to our home and to the Eclipse pack. Forgive my Luna. She has been looking forward to this day for a very long time.” He looks at her and I see the love in his eyes. I can only hope that Bronze will look at me the same way in years to come.

Speaking with Drake and the rest of the Wolfsfoot escort, I thank them for their protection and release them from any further commitment to me. Drake, of course, is staying to do the training and assessment of Adaline, and once the ceremony and bonding are completed tomorrow, I want to be part of that too.

Joining Alpha Chet and Luna Sage in their cottage, they show me my room and then we retire to the living room. Luna Sage is talking at one hundred miles an hour, and after only a minute or so, Alpha Chet steps over to her and gives her a gentle kiss onthe lips. She looks at him adoringly and then speaks again. “I’m talking too fast, aren’t I?”

“Yes, my love. Poor Taria’s eyes are as wide as an owl’s and I’m sure she hasn’t been able to digest a third of what you’ve said so far. Take a breath and start again. I’m going to make us all a drink.” Giving her another kiss, he leaves her all starry-eyed and smiling as he leaves the room.

“He knows that kissing me always stops me in my tracks,” Luna Sage tells me. “I sometimes do it on purpose just for the hell of it. Now. I’ll start again, but if I’m talking too fast, just stop me. I do get over-excited sometimes.”

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