Page 28 of Welcome Home: When Shifters Unite!

“I watched the children during drill, and they are quickly making their way to the school basement. It was obvious they all knew where they had to go, and to get there with no messing around.” I recall the incident of the little girl falling, and her little hero.

“That’s so good to know. This alpha thing could get out of hand. I’ve had seven letters now enquiring as to my becoming a luna for their packs. Not happening, Rom. I am not interested in having a mate at this time. If I have one, it will be a second chance mate, and we both know that it’s fairly rare for that to happen.”

“I understand fully. I have also given up thoughts on a mate, although I never had to reject or be rejected. Being here, I have found a home I never thought I would find. You have created something incredible for the people of the pack.”

Alpha Adira gives me a tiny smile. “The town gave it to me, not the other way around. They stood firmly by my side and showed me how incredible they all are. I never wanted to be an Alpha of a pack, but be damned if I don’t do the best I can now that I am one.”

“Do you think these alphas are going to be an issue? They have not as yet turned up in the town. I expected a horde of alphas trying to find you.” I snicker because, honestly, my imagination had run riot with thoughts of fighting alphas.

“To be honest with you, Rom, I’m not sure. But all we can do is face it head-on if it happens.”

I can see Alpha Adira is tired as she unconsciously keeps rubbing the back of her neck. “I’ll catch you later, unless you need me,of course. I’m going to check on how the furniture situation is coming along in the basement.”

“Oh, it’s done. You don’t have to bother with that. But Rom, I need you to think about being a second Delta. You are far too important not to have a designated position. Will you consider it?”

“I will do whatever you need me to do, and I would be honored.” I swallow down a lump that pops into my throat, and Ramo purrs with delight at the honor we are being bestowed.

“Give me a little while, as I want to discuss it with Leo first. I don’t want to just push it on him as a ‘Fait accompli.’ He’s my Beta and I want him to know his opinion matters.”

Much later in the afternoon I walk into town, and take a seat in the small cafeteria that Jenni Trussle owns and runs. She is a great human woman who helps everyone that needs it. She has had a few run-ins, from what I’ve heard with Maisie Blackthorn. Hence, from what I was told last week, Maisie can no longer eat or drink at the café.

Taking a seat by the window, Jenni brings my usual black coffee with a smile. “I heard you rousted some rogues, Rom. Is that true?”

“I don’t know what you were told, Jenni, but yes, we rousted three rogues, to be precise.”

“Well, the coffee is on the house, as a thank you for keeping us safe.”

Before I can say anything, Jenni bustles away to serve the next customer. I sit quietly, watching out of the window as I relax, sipping my drink.

Two humans and two shifters come into the café and take a seat behind mine. They order food and drinks as they continue talking and laughing. Then something they are talking about catches my attention.

“Have you all heard about that awful Joliee at the Blackbird Pack? She is fighting with other she-wolves, making everyone’s life miserable.” Voice One states.

Voice Two replies, “Yes, I heard that, and a friend told me she visited her aunt and the Alpha was arguing with the Luna something fierce. She thought they were going to come to blows.”

Taking another sip of my coffee, I lean back a little more in my seat so I don’t miss whatever else they are going to gossip about. But, humming of agreement sure has me thinking something could be true with what they are saying.

“I went last week.” Voice One speaks again. “They were having a pack meeting, so I had to stay in my friend's house. Anyway, when she got back with her man, who is an excellent warrior and hates the pack now, they replayed to me what happened. To cut it down, the pack told the Alpha they didn’t recognize this Joliee as she was not his fated mate. That they had lied, and that Joliee was a horrible shifter and they would not tolerate her.”

“Goddess, that is bad. I wonder what will happen next?” I don’t know who said that, but they tittered with laughter before changing the subject.

Now, I best get back to the office and update Alpha Adira on what I’ve just learned. Information is a weapon in its own right, and this is more than a little interesting.

Chapter 15

*Adira*

It has been so busy around here that I’ve had no time to step away from the office or go into town. I need to mix with my pack members, whether at the school, store, café, or on Main Street. Looking up when I hear a gentle tap and the office door opens with Mavis stepping inside, giving me a look I’m not sure I like.

“I was caught by Bernice as I passed the Post Office, and she handed me two letters. One is from the Elder Council and I can bet they are going to be coming here soon to talk you into being their sacrificial lamb.” Mavis scrunches her nose up and shakes her head in disgust. I know how much she dislikes the Elder Council as she’s found some very underhanded things that they’ve done over the years, if the diary she found in the library can be believed.

“I’m sure they will, Mavis, but you know I’ll not be falling on my sword. I have made my mind up that I’ll stay alone, unless the Goddess herself decides to give me a second mate. Until then, I’m more than content working hard for my pack.”

Taking the two letters Mavis is handing to me, I open the one from the council, and yeah she’s right, they are coming to visit next week. I hand the letter to Mavis and grin, “File it.” Laughing at my disgusted look, Mavis takes the letter and places it on her desk.

Now, the second letter looks intriguing. The text on the envelope is the most beautiful writing, in a calligraphy style, with swirls and smooth lines. Whoever has written this has taken time to do so, because it would take me years just to learn.

I carefully tear open the envelope, as I don’t want to ruin the text. It’s taken someone time and I feel it would be a crime to ruin it. Taking out the piece of paper inside, I smile as the same stunning writing, but a little less swirled greets me.

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