Page 20 of Welcome Home: When Shifters Unite!

As I decide to shift back to my human form I notice a movement, and freeze waiting for what I saw to move again. Iris growls under her breath, and I see her hackles rising.

I allow Kaabya full control, and settle back in our mind, watching what was catching both his and Iris’s attention. It only takes a few minutes before a tiger shifter surges through the underbrush and tries to dart past us.

Iris jumps on top of the tiger, and a fight ensues. I jump in, as and when I can, but I have a feeling the tiger isn’t trying to kill Iris, just keeps her away from himself.

Using the pack link, I shout out to Stella. “Stop, Iris. I don't think the shifter is trying to hurt you severely. More like he just wants to pass us.”

We both shift back to our human form, and as the tension eases, the tiger shifter also shifts. “What are you doing in our territory?” I ask.

“I want to speak to the Alpha. I left my family as it was getting too large. But I don’t want to be solitary anymore. I’m sick of having to watch my back all the time. I heard about the town becoming a pack, and that you have all species here. Shifters and humans who live in harmony. I want to join if the Alpha would allow it.”

“Okay, you can come and speak with Alpha Adira, but we’ll be watching you.”

Stella takes the lead, with the shifter behind, and I bring up the rear. “What is your name?” I ask.

“My name is Romulus, but I prefer to be called Rom.”

“Okay, Rom. We all work here. No-one has a free ride, so you will need to give our Alpha details of what you are good at, and how you will be a good pack member, bringing something worthwhile to the table.” I am not sure why I am giving him information to get Alpha Adira to allow him the opportunity, but I have a feeling he’s a good shifter.

Back at the farmhouse, Stella and I lead Rom to the small office Alpha Adira has created. Leo is inside the office already, so I give him a chin lift, and leave Stella to explain what happened. I’msure he’ll become a pack member as he has a good aura about him, and he made no fuss when he walked here with Stella and I.

Walking into the basement, I inspect the area. The work so far has been excellent. A metal girder has been installed to strengthen the ceiling, and ceiling to floor shelving, which can be used as storage or book cases. The safe is now standing proudly, and the studded wall is fixed.

I think the idea of using the school basement is ideal, but this one can be used in the same manner if anyone is near at the time danger ensues. We may need to think of a stronger door, something that can’t so easily be broken down in a forced entry. It’s something we’ll have to consider. I want to discuss this with Alpha Adira, and the school basement which I know is being emptied of the piled up old books and other things that have been stored for years.

Walking back upstairs, I see the office door is open, but the room is empty. I make my way to the kitchen, which seems to be where everyone congregates. Yes, it’s where everyone has grouped together.

Alpha Adira is sitting at the head of the table, drinking what I imagine is the chamomile tea she seems to love. Leo, Stella, Robbie, Mavis and Rom are talking pleasantly with each other.

“You’re back, Thorn. We are going to initiate Rom into the pack in a few minutes. He’s going to stay here in the bedroom next to yours. That’s all the bedrooms taken, but if needed, we can change some of the empty rooms downstairs into bedrooms. Let’s face it, we only use the kitchen, office and the living room. Then we have three rooms sitting vacant.” Alpha Adira gives everyone a smile because she’s fixing every problem she faces, and I have to admit it warms my stony heart to see it.

“Is there anything you need me to do specifically today, Alpha?” I ask, but turn to look at Leo when he chuckles.

“In the farmhouse we call her by her first name, so Adira is enough. We say Alpha Adira, or Alpha when we are in meetings, outdoors around others or in a specific official capacity,” Leo states in response to my raised eyebrowed look.

“Okay,” I respond, but look at Adira for the reply to my question.

“He’s right. I like to be Adira when I’m home. Being Alpha Adira is wearing, it drags you down somewhat, but when here I’m just me,” Adira gives me a gentle smile, then continues. “I’d like you to pop over to check on the school basement. I think they should get it empty today, then we can clean it and give it a lick of paint. You know, freshen it up.”

“I can do that. I’ll go over there now.”

“Good. While you do that, I’ll get Rom here into the pack and find out what he’s good at, so we can put him to good use.”

I head out to the school and it’s only about ten minutes after I arrive that I feel Rom join the pack. Adira mind links everyone to introduce him, and stop any panic arising from a sudden addition to the pack. The pack is growing slowly, but with solid people who care about each other and standing firmly in what we believe is right.

The basement is empty, but it is filthy, and is going to take a lot of cleaning. I look around when I hear my name called and see Tarlo, one of the Town Council Members walking towards me.

“How are you, Thorn?” Tarlo asks as he stops at the side of me, rolling his sleeves up above his elbows.

“I’m good. Thanks for asking. And yourself?”

“I’m good. I’m here to help clean out the basement. I’m sure Maisie Blackthorn is going to need a boot up her ass to get her helping, but if she doesn’t, I’m more than happy to run her out of town.” Tarlo gives me a smirk that says he’s right behind his words.

“Well, I hope she pulls herself together because it’s hard out there on your own. She has no idea what being a true rogue means, but she will if she keeps up her lazy ways.” I turn when I see Maisie walk in with Greta, one of the young mothers right behind her.

“Get a broom and get moving. We have to get this done today, not next week,” Greta snaps at Maisie.

Oh dear, trouble already, I’m thinking. But I have to admit it is amusing watching someone put Maisie in her place. She is renowned for being lazy, and living off everyone else's kindness. Tarlo strolls over to Greta and wraps an arm around her shoulders, guiding her to the other end of the basement. What surprises me is Greta doesn’t push his arm off!

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