Page 55 of Welcome Home: When Shifters Unite!

“Well, come over to the farmhouse whenever you feel like it. It is like a packhouse after all. Robbie has Papa helping him now, so he’s more than happy to have extra people turn up to feed.”

“Thank you, we’ll do that.”

Two hours later and I’m talking to Alpha James on the telephone. He’s not only the pack Alpha to our neighboring pack, but he’s now my brother-in-family. I feel so honored to have him as part of my family, and when I speak to him it’s very like talking with Barrik. They have such a similar tone and twang to their voices.

“I have initiated all the rogues we found into my pack. They are settling in well, and thanks to you and your mixed species packI’m happy to do that with mine from this point forward.” Alpha James states.

“I’m thrilled to hear that, Alpha James…”

“Hey, it’s James to you. We are family, after all. How is that brother of mine?”

“He is good, settled in well. He is meeting all the pack members before we even decide what to do about the Strongbow territory. It has been standing abandoned all these years, so it will be fine while we decide how we are going to move forward.” I rub the back of my neck as I feel the tension starting.

“It will make a good pack, given time. So many rogues wandering at this time, and they are not rogues because they are bad. They have been mistreated, or don’t like the hierarchy they have had to live under. Always something we have to look into before deciding, but I think the custom of females moving to the males' pack when they find their mates helps shifters move around. It also kept us within sight of each other's style of life.”

“I agree, James. Some of my members have mentioned they like to do something on birthdays, for example, but were told they couldn’t. Not until they came to Huntsville Town, anyway. Now they are pack, and I allow all celebrations, and we will all join in, too.”

“Oh, I’ll come if there is food involved,” James laughs, and I can’t help laughing along with him.

“I have sent a letter of invitation to Alpha Rudik and his Luna. I need to know what the feeling is towards me. If we are going to be enemies, then that is his decision. I will honor that, if that is what he wants.” I can’t help the small amount of nerves to flow in my voice.

“I and my pack stand at the side of you. When he comes, let me know and I will be there. I know Alpha Rudik, and his Luna Serena. I don’t think he’ll be a problem as he hated his father with a vengeance, and was more than happy he died.

“I hope you are right, James, because I’d like to be at peace now. He wasn’t responsible for what his grandfather and father did. He is innocent of all that, and I don’t believe he should suffer for the evil they did.”

James hums to show agreement. “Yes, I agree. You are a good Alpha, Adira. You will lead along with Barrik well. You both have decency, understanding and loyalty. All that makes a good Alpha, and in this case, Alphas.”

“Oh, you are just blowing us up, what is it you want?” I ask whilst grinning.

“Well, when I spoke to Barrik he told me all about a vegetable garden that you have. It sounds like something we should have. Could I have your man come over here and plan us one. Leave us a ‘How to do’ instruction of getting the ground ready, and planting. Maybe he could pop over and check we are doing things right, now and again?”

“Oh, I see James, you are trying to pilfer my kitchen men, but I can speak with Robbie and see if he is willing. I won’t force him to do anything he doesn’t want to do. He works hard as he cooks, cleans, makes preserves and he sells a lot too.” I don’t want to give James the impression I’ll hand Robbie over as that is not how I do things.

“That’s fine, please ask him and let me know. We’d love to get one going over here and I have two males and three females who would love to oversee it all,” I hear knocking on James' side of the conversation, and him say he’ll be there in a moment.

I make it easy for him to leave our conversation. “I will inform you when I hear from Alpha Rudik, and spoken to Robbie. Bye for now, James.”

“Bye, Adira. Say hi to my terrible brother.” James laughs as he closes the call.

Five minutes after I have spoken to James the door opens and Mavis along with Stella walk in. “Brought you a nice cold glass of orange juice. Freshly squeezed by Robbie himself,” Mavis states as she hands the glass to me.

They both take a seat, and I look from one to the other with a raised eyebrow. “Well, what is it?”

Stella grins, “We found out that Alpha Rudik mated with Luna Serena against the wishes of her family. The family being the Five Lupines Pack. They are so far away from Alpha Rudik’s territory that they are not a threat. Not unless they cross other pack's territory, and one of them is an enemy, so that’s not going to happen.”

Mavis jumps into the conversation, “Luna Serena sent a formal announcement to the Elder Council stating she is the fated mate of Alpha Rudik and they have mated. She rejected her home pack as soon as she reached the Blue River territory. Severing all links to that pack, and also her family. So far there has been no issue with that pack and Alpha Rudik. The Elder Council sent a command that they stand down or they will be in violation of some law or other. Then it fizzled out as far as we can find.”

“Interesting…we wait now to see if he agrees to our meeting, and then we’ll see how the land lies. Maybe we can be allies after all?” I reply, rubbing my neck once more.

Stella jumps to her feet and looks closely at my mate mark, then gives me a huge smile showing near enough every tooth in her mouth.

“That is a beautiful mark, Alpha Adira. It is two wolves baying to the moon. That shows the Moon Goddess has placed your union. I’m more than excited. We should have a party!”

“No, no parties. I have too much to do to party.” I state firmly.

Trouble being here I am four hours later dancing at the party that Stella and Mavis organized. I’m sure every member of the pack turned out to enjoy the evening. We had food, music and party games. All happening at the same time, which gave a carnival feeling. Arms around me and his chin resting on the top of my head I can hear Barrik humming to the music. Life feels good, and I hope it stays that way.

Chapter 28

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