Page 64 of Welcome Home: When Shifters Unite!

“That’s a good idea, democratic, and would stop any arguments about it afterwards. Okay, let’s have Mavis make a poster and we’ll make a box with a slot where they can post their votes.”

The day of the voting has arrived. The voting box is outside the post office. Leo is standing over it, showing everyone that we are going to have no skullduggery going on with this voting.

Bernice, the postmistress, has had a notice posted outside for two days, and she’s spoken to as many people as she can. If anyone misses their vote then they will have to abide by the vote result.

The patrol warriors cast their vote before going on patrol, and those coming back from patrol quickly did theirs before heading to bed. You can feel excitement in the air, and it’s fairly infectious because the children are over-excited and causing trouble at the school. Elena contacted Adira this morning andtold us she’s starting an extra training session for the shifter children so they can spend their excited energy before causing a human child bodily harm.

At the end of the day, the voting box was taken to the town hall where the advisory council sat in the main hall for all to see, and counted the yes and no votes.

It was fairly amusing when the voting was completed. Thomas stood and looked around at everyone that had arrived and quietly waited for the result.

“All votes were yes apart from one.” Thomas slowly looks around the crowd until he spots Maisie and gives her a look of disgust. “The yes votes have it, and we will begin with the territory deal if the Dark Water Pack agrees.”

I step forward with Adira at my side. “Thank you, everyone that has turned out today, voted, and shown how much you are an active part of the pack. Alpha Adira and I are so proud of you all. It doesn’t matter that someone didn’t want this to happen. That is their choice and we hear them, although they are out-voiced.” Everyone at this point turns to look at Maisie who is beet red and looks like she wants the floor to open up and swallow her. “Negotiations will be held with Alpha James and his pack. But I cannot see why they would not agree to this deal. We would, of course gain a large packhouse, which would be ideal as the pack grows. Once we know more, we will inform you all.”

The meeting quickly unwound, and we watched as the hall became silent. Looking down at Adira, I can see she’s tired. “Come on, let’s get home. Tomorrow we are sending the letter to the council, and if they react quickly, we’ll need to be rested and ready.”

“Come on, Barrik, the last one home is a fool.”

Before I can respond Adira is out of the hall and sprinting for the farmhouse. As I leave the hall, I see Thomas is speaking with Lars, “Close up please, I have an alpha female to catch.” I don’t wait for a reply but allow Rawlin to lend me some speed, but alas, so did Adira and Blue, and it’s going to be impossible to catch them…unless…that trellis may just be strong enough!

I’m standing in our room as Adira bursts through the door and comes to a halt in front of me. “How did you get past me?”

“Well, I have my ways my beautiful alpha…” I grab her around her waist and throw her on the bed, watching her bounce a little as the motion settles. It’s the giggling that Adira is having that spurs me on, and I climb on the bottom of the bed and devour my woman. Once I’ve stripped all her clothes off, of course.

I’m standing listening to Bernice chatter about how exciting it was yesterday to have the vote. How many people had admired that their Alphas wanted their opinions, and not just do something major that would change the pack without speaking of any concerns they may have. She also said how people were mocking Maisie, but she’d put a stop to that because it was Maisie’s opinion and she was entitled to it.

“I need you to get this mailed quickly, Bernice. It is of high importance and has to be delivered today.”

Bernice frowns, takes the letter and checks the address. “I’ll send it by special courier, Alpha Barrik. Don’t worry I’ll get it to the council today.”

“Thank you, Bernice.” I kiss her cheek, which has her blushing deeply, and as I walk back to the farmhouse, I can’t help but chuckle at her reaction.

Adira is in the kitchen, drinking her herbal tea, which I have to tell you I don’t like at all. Dishwater is what it tastes like to me. She said it calms her and since drinking it she feels less stressed. Apparently, it can be a wonderful aid for sleeping, but I’ve not noticed that in Adira.

“James is coming over. He’s had a pack meeting and wants to discuss with us what happened, and what the outcome has been.” Taking my arm, she tucks herself in and leans her head on my shoulder.

“Come on, let’s wait in the office.” I look up and give Robbie a smile. “Can you bring refreshments for us when James arrives?”

“Yes, of course I will.” Robbie turns to continue whatever he was doing, then surprises me when he speaks again. “Oh, I heard from Tassy and Idena. They are going to stay with the leopards. You were not here when they tried to call you, so they called me as I’ve been keeping in touch with them.”

“That’s good to hear. We wanted them to be happy, and if that is with other leopards and with King then we can be thankful for that. He’ll make sure all is right or he’ll contact us. That was the one thing I made him agree to when I said the sisters could go visit.”

“Well, all is well, that ends well.” Robbie again turns back to his work.

Back in the office, Adira and I kiss and canoodle a little while we wait. Our love is growing each day, and my heart is fuller than I could ever have imagined. I am more than grateful to the Moon Goddess for giving me a mate so beautiful and dynamic as Adira.

The door opens and James walks into the office, followed by Toral, and Joseph, his Beta and Gamma. “Robbie is bringing refreshments.”

Rubbing his hands James grins. We both know how much James loves Robbie’s pastries. “You are such a pig when it comes to food.” Adira laughs at James.

“Well, I need to get a better cook. Ours is damn useless. He burns water if given the chance.” James takes a seat, then looks at us seriously. “I’ve got the letter sent to the council. Now we wait for the inevitable response.”

“I don’t think it will take long. They will burst to know why so many alphas want their attention at one time. I can bet my boots that they’ll call everyone at once, and do a mass meeting,” I look at Toral who is nodding in agreement.

“I think you are spot on, Alpha Barrik. They are so arrogant they’ll not see what’s coming.” Beta Toral looks at James and smirks. “Oh, I’m going to be there to see it happen. The downfall, it’s going to be epic.”

Adira grabs everyone’s attention when she speaks. “Okay, so none of us can wait for them to get what’s coming, but can we now talk about the pack territory swapping, please?”

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