Page 59 of Welcome Home: When Shifters Unite!

“That is an excellent idea. But we’d have to consider how to go about getting the Elder Council out of office. They have eyes and ears everywhere. It won’t be easy,” Serena nearly whispers.

“Let’s think about how to do that. Oh, and how about we do a face-call every two weeks or so to stay in touch?” I ask.

“I think that is a great idea. How about every two weeks on a Friday evening, say around 9:00 in the evening?” Rudik suggests.

“Good. We can do that,” Barrik agrees.

It is not long before Rudik and Serena leave, and I turn to Barrik, “Where is James? Why isn’t he here? He said he wanted to be here when Rudik came, so where is he?”

“James had a fight with a rogue who came onto his land. The rogue challenged him for the pack. The fight was harsh and James has some injuries that his wolf is healing. It’s going to take a few days as he has a broken leg and a tear on his side that is going to leave a nasty scar.”

“Oh, my Goddess. Should we visit and check how he is doing?” I ask, and feel like crying because I already love James as the brother he has become.

“No, he’ll be fine. He killed the rogue, and has the pack calmed down again. His new Beta is doing a great job and is informingme of how things are. James said to not worry, he is fine, it’s just a matter of time.”

“Barrik!” But before I can say more Robbie appears.

“I’ll go over in the morning to check the garden project and I’ll see how Alpha James is. If I think he’s worse than they are telling you, I’ll inform you so you can go see him.” Robbie waits for our response, and Barrik is frowning but nods.

“Yes, that will work, Robbie. James would hate us to fuss over him, but I would like to know he is not worse than Beta Toral has told me.”

Left alone, I snuggle into Barrik and think how lucky I am. But, I am worried about James, and I may go over to see him, whether he likes it or not.

Chapter 30

*Adira*

Papa walks into the office and quickly gives me a hug. Our relationship has grown tremendously in the last few weeks. I think his mating with Bella has brought out a huge amount of softness. The hard man who hardly smiled, now smiles all the time. It is so noticeable that I can’t help smiling each time I see him.

“I’m going over to check the garden at the Dark Water Pack. Robbie is canning this morning, so I volunteered.”

“I’ll come with you, Papa. I want to check how James is after his injuries. Barrik is going to the southern border today but I’ll ask Thorn to watch things while I’m gone,” I jot a note on my desk for Barrik in case he gets back home before I do, then turn to Papa and smile. “Ready to go?”

“Yeah, let’s go. You know Leo or Rom will tag along don’t you?”

“Of course they will.” I shake my head a little, but I know it’s about security and all alphas have warriors of some description with them when off territory.

Walking into the Dark Water packhouse, I’m greeted warmly. Beta Toral gives me a nod and a small smile. “Good day, Alpha Adira. Please come this way and have refreshments. Alpha James is expecting you and waiting for you in his office.”

“Thank you, Beta Toral. Papa is going to check the garden today if that is alright? He wants to make sure that you have everything as it should be, so you have a good harvest later in the year.”

“The pack kitchen is more than a little excited about the garden. They are planning a herb bed, vegetables and friendly plants to attract good bugs. Now, I’m not getting involved with the garden, but Earnest you will have quite a few excited helpers this morning.” Smiling at Papa as he leads me towards James’ office. Papa smirks as he rushes toward the kitchen.

Stepping into the office when Beta Toral opens it and holds his hand out, showing I can enter. I give James a smile as he stands from behind his desk. “Stay sitting, James. How are you?”

He ignores me and steps over to me and hugs me, kissing my forehead. “I’m doing better, sister.”

I blush a little at his comment, but can’t help but feel the flow of happiness that his words evoke.‘Love, James.’I hear Blue murmur in my mind.

“Barrik has gone to the southern border of our territory, but wanted me to ask if you needed him for anything?” I take a seat and settle back, getting comfortable, as I’m not going to be rushing home. “What happened?”

“No, I need nothing. Thank you for asking. It was an idiot rogue who thought he could come here and dominate a challenge, then win it. Sadly, he lost and is now rotting in an unmarked grave. Without ritual, I must add.” James rubs his neck as he speaks and I can see he hasn’t enjoyed killing the rogue.

“You are a good Alpha, and I’d heard that before I knew you. The few I spoke to had nothing but good things to say about you. Don’t take it to heart, James. You did what you had to do. Now move on.”

“I know. I just don’t like killing when it’s senseless. Even if he’d won, my Beta Toral and others would have challenged him immediately, and kept doing so until he was so tired he would have died, eventually. Sad thing is how many would he have killed in the process?”

Beta Toral who is standing near the door is nodding in agreement, and seeing me looking at him, he gives me a huge grin. “We would never have allowed a rogue to lead us.”

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