Page 7 of Welcome Home: When Shifters Unite!

I have been spending four evenings a week researching packs, laws, and the evolution of the Elder Council. There is nothing much about the bloodlines of any royals, and I’m not bothered about it because I’m happy where I am, and with the people I have around me. I will keep looking at any disputes and wars, because I want to know why my pack was decimated, and was I the only one who survived.

Walking to The Tavern I hear my name and turning I see Robbie running to catch up to me. I stop walking and wait for him, and we quickly make our way to eat because it turns out we are both more than a little hungry.

Leo is quickly inside and orders a jug of brew. Robbie pulls out a seat for me and I take my place at the table, giving Leo a long look. “You okay, Leo?” I ask.

“Yeah, I think I need a good night's rest. It’s been a long week, and I’ve worked hard. You lot only work half as hard as I do.” Grinning, Leo sets the tone of joking for the evening, and I can see he is still somewhat upset with what happened, but he’s not allowing it to surface.

Robbie heads to the restroom, and I grab Leo’s hand, leaning close and whispering, “Are you okay? Can I do anything?”

“I’m okay. I’ll tell you all about it one day. Maybe the day you tell me all about your reason for being here.”

I lean my head on his shoulder and whisper again. “I will do that, Leo, but it will have to be while we are in the woods, where it’s quiet and we won’t be overheard.”

Robbie rushes back to us and looks serious. “I just overheard a bit of gossip. Seems the Elder Council is looking for a she-wolf, one that has left her pack and disappeared. The Alpha of that pack is saying he does not know why she left, but gossip says different.”

My stomach rolls and I give Leo a side-eye and he gives the slightest of head shakes, letting me know to remain quiet. He changes the subject too, so nobody overhears us even speaking on the topic.

“I’m looking for a house to rent. Do either of you know of one?”

Leo looks at me and grins. “How do you fancy renting something big enough for you, me, Robbie here, and maybe Stella?”

“Well, I don’t know because I don’t earn that much. I can’t afford a mansion.”

“Silly little wolf, we would all pay for the rent and utilities, but we would be under one roof. Make a proper family, watch over each other. Protect each other.” Leo is giving me another serious look, and it seems he has the idea it’s me the council is looking for.

“Okay, let’s see about it next week.”

That is how I see myself leaving Joyce’s B&B and living in a rambling farmhouse, with six bedrooms, four bathrooms, and too many other rooms to mention, including a library, which happens to be stocked.

Chapter 4

*Adira*

This is the third night I’ve spent in the public library. Mavis, the librarian, has helped me find what they have regarding packs, pack laws and the evolution of the Elder Council. She doesn’t know why I’m researching, and thankfully she hasn’t asked.

‘We are not finding information about the Strongbow Pack. Why is that?’

“I don’t know Blue. It seems very odd that the other packs have information, but not that one. We’ll keep looking.” I can feel Blue is agitated that we are finding nothing.

Mavis walks over to me giving a smile as she takes a seat opposite where I’m sitting with a notepad, pencil and a pile of books. “Can I help you look? I would never speak to anyone about what you are researching, but I’m good at finding things.”

I study Mavis for a moment, and decide to give her the benefit of the doubt that she wouldn’t tell anyone what I’m looking for.

“You cannot speak to anyone about what I’m trying to find.”

Mavis pretends to run a zip across her lips, showing she’ll not say a word. Then leans forward with elbows on the table and waits.

“I’m from the Blackbird Pack, brought up thinking I was Adira Stormwalker, but in fact, I am not. I am probably the last of the Strongbow Pack. My eyes shine when upset, which I’m told shows I have old royal blood in my veins. I’m trying to find out what really happened to my pack. Why did I get taken to the Blackbird Pack and why are the Elder Council looking for me?”

“Well, that is a dilemma, but I will scour the library this week and place anything I find that may help you on one side. Thankfully, my office is never entered by anyone else. I’ll keep the information safe and away from prying eyes.

“Now, the house I hear you are interested in renting has a library and that may hold some information the library here does not. The house was owned by a dragon shifter ‘Blaflono–Keeper of the Flame’, and you know what they are like for hoarding. Well, he was killed by a hunter and the house was left to the town and has actually stood empty for years. But you may find something there. If you need help to look when you get into the place I can come on a Sunday and look with you?” Mavis’ offer is so sweet, I like this woman more and more.

“I’m waiting to hear from Alan, you know, the caretaker. He said he would speak to the town council with it being council property now, but he didn’t think it was going to be a problem if I agreed to do repairs to the place.” Looking at Mavis, she is nodding and giving me a tight smile. “What? Is something wrong?”

“Make sure you put a clause in the lease that you have the option to buy and at a reduced rate because of the repairs and thefinancial strain that it will put on you.” Mavis then winks. She’s quick thinking and a shrewd one.

“Will do, Mavis, and thank you.”

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