‘We will fight if we have to.’
“I know, Blue. But we’ll see what is happening before we do that.”
Reaching Stella, with Rom, and now Thorn at my back, we stop and assess what is happening. A lion, lioness, and two cubs are standing in front of us.
Stella looks at us, and as she’s calm, I don’t think we have any trouble here. “What’s going on?” I ask.
“Alpha Adira, this is Tyson, Cato and their cubs, Flynn and Myst. They are here wanting to join the pack.” Stella looks at me, then at Leo, who has just this second arrived.
“Tyson, what’s going on?” Leo asks. Which makes it obvious that he knows these lion shifters.
“We want a safe place to bring up our cubs. Hunters have killed half the lions that were in the pride. I’m happy to be a warrior if needed, as long as my family is safe,” Tyson responds with no hesitation.
“Leo, you know these people?” I ask.
Leo doesn’t hesitate to turn and look at me while responding. “Yes, I know Tyson and Cato. They are good people and will be true to their word. If you allow them into the pack, they will integrate bringing no trouble. My worry is the hunters that are finding more shifters to murder.”
“Come along. We’ll go to the farmhouse, have a talk, and give the cubs something to eat and drink.” I wink at the little female cub and she tucks behind her mother, showing how shy she is. I give Cato a smile and she returns it easily, which has some of my worry fading.
Back at the farmhouse, the cubs are happily eating and drinking with Robbie. They are the cutest children, with blonde hair that is the exact color of their fathers. Robbie is in his element, and we all roll our eyes at how attentive he is with them.
In the office, we are all sitting with a drink and at ease. Leo is taking the lead and asking questions regarding the pride. My mind is stuck on the hunters and are they closing in on our pack?
“Alpha Adira…” Leo gives me a slight nudge to grab my attention.
“Sorry, my mind went off on a tangent. What were you saying?” I flush slightly after being caught out, not paying full attention.
“It seems we may have more lions coming to join our pack. Tyson tells me the troublemakers in the pack ran at the first sign of trouble and left the pride to fend for themselves. I know who they are and if they come here, I will inform you. We do not want them in the pack. They will not integrate, and will take, but not do a thing to help the pack. I’m not sure they would even work as warriors?”
“No, they would wander off and sleep, leaving the border open for others to monitor,” Cato states.
“Cato!” Tyson says in a berating voice.
“No, Tyson. They would not help the pack. What did they ever do for the pride? Nothing is the answer to that, and Leo can confirm it. If we are going to join the pack here we need to give all the information we can to Alpha Adira.” Cato snaps the first part at Tyson, then looks at me as she continues.
Rom gives me a pleading look, and when I frown he mind links,‘As you have this under control, can I leave? I have a date with Jenni.’
‘Okay, off you go, but remember you are a one-woman man from now on!’
Turning back to the lion shifters, I ask, “Are you onboard with giving your allegiance to me as your Alpha, and to the pack?”
When I receive a ‘Yes’ from them both, I quickly integrate them into the pack, and I can see the relief on both of them. I know it will take a while to get settled into the pack life, but I will ask Leo to aid them when he can. Tyson needs to be put on warrior patrol, but I’m not sure what Cato will do.
“What did you do before you came here, Cato? I’m asking to see what you could contribute work wise, because the cubs are going to be attending school, leaving you alone most of the time.” I hope she has something valuable to give.
“I was teaching, but I can do most anything. I can cook, clean, fight, and have cub-sat for busy mothers,” Cato quickly tells me.
“Oh, Leo, see where we can add Cato. But I think the school may benefit from another teacher.”
Leo nods as he opens the door for them all to leave. “Shall I place them in the cottage near the school? I know it needs cleaning, but it’s in good repair, just dusty with not being used.”
“Perfect. It’s time it was used. It’s a pleasant cottage and if I wasn’t needed here, I would have made it a cozy home. Cato, you’ll love it, I’m sure.” I give her a bright smile, which she returns with a ‘Thank you.’
Now the office is quiet, and I can check out my desk. I see a letter that Mavis has left for me to open. Turning the envelope, it has Mass Mountain Pack stamped on the reverse. Now, what the heck do they want?
Opening the envelope, I slide out a single piece of paper. It’s striking with the pack's name and contact information. Official looking is my first thought.
Dear Alpha Adira,