Page 33 of Lightning Strikes

Chapter 12

Angela

__________

Mac shuts the car door behind me and we walk up to the large plantation home where the alpha and his mate reside. I’m groggy and just want to go back to sleep, but I can also smell the food they’ve been cooking and that’s slowly perking me up.

“Ma’am? We’re going to head down to your new home and leave your luggage in the sitting room. We’ll be back shortly.” Russell nods his head and heads back to the SUV and they drive off. I have no idea what the area looks like, or what the heck is going on since I slept through the drive. All I can see around me are rolling hills, paved roads, children playing in their yards and parents sitting on their porches sipping from glasses and laughing. The sun had gone down hours ago, but with the solar lights dotting the street and my night vision thanks to my wolf, I can see pretty clearly. I wonder why they’re all up so late…

I’m used to being up in the mountains, the fresh air and crisp forest scents… Here there’s still a forest area, but not highly elevated from what I can tell. Plenty of large homes occupy this street, I wish I saw the town as we drove through.

“So… I guess we just walk up and knock?” Ella questions and shrugs as she jogs up the handful of steps and does just that. I chuckle, pulling Mac along behind me as we step up behind her. I look up to his face and blink at him as he just smiles, staring around in awe.

This. This is what he’s always wanted, I think. A big ass family that all lives together and a real home. Not cabins that are so far apart you don’t see your neighbors. Barely ever any pups around, and only a pack meeting when the alpha feels like it.

“Come in, come in! You must be Ella Daniels. I’m Margaret York, alpha mate. Supper just got served.” She ushers us through the open, warm home and I just follow the scents of seared meat and sautéed vegetables. My mouth is watering. The alpha mate will get along with Ella swimmingly. Both are bubbly, smiling, and dressed almost identically. Margaret has long brown hair, bright hazel eyes, and is dressed in a modest light pink sundress with long sleeves. She looks around the same age as Ella, so she’s at least thirty… Shifter years are odd. Depending on your dominance and strength, we can technically live forever in the better conditions, from what I learned in the Boise Pack as a child. Well, at least that’s what the pack doctor there thought. Ever since the fae abandoned us here, we’ve been getting weaker and aging quicker than ever.

She points out to where we should sit around their large, wood table and I glance around and my eyes widen as I stare out the windows. There’s a lake behind the house and I am itching to go swimming.

“Ah, that’s our community lake. We have boats, jet skis, kayaks, and paddle boards for rent during the warm seasons.” I turn to the deep voice and see that the alpha is seated at the head of the table with a wide grin plastered to his face. “I’m alpha Deacon York. You’ve met my mate, Margaret. All of our children are older and out of the community at their respective jobs, homes, or whatever it is they do now. We can have a formal meeting tomorrow… You all look exhausted from your journey.”

I nod and wince. “Yes, alpha. I have no idea how so many people in the community are out and about at this time, I’m utterly exhausted and starving. I’m Angela Miller.”

He chuckles and waves his hand. He’s handsome with light blonde hair, kind brown eyes, and is wearing a white dress shirt, I can’t tell how tall he is from where he’s sitting, but he’s broad and heavily muscled. Strong. “They’re excited about our new members. They’ll start bombarding you tomorrow.” I grumble under my breath. I hold back my squeal and clapping antics when Margaret waves around to the food.

“Dig in, friends. We didn’t know what you’d prefer so our chef cooked up basically everything we had on hand. Burgers, pasta, some sort of vegetable casserole, steaks, potatoes, and a grilled chicken salad.”

I plate a little bit of everything on my large plate, that truly should be considered a platter, and finish in no time. I tried to be considerate, tried to eat slower in front of company… But they know I’m pregnant and I truly don’t have any shame.

Once I have a second serving, I’m fully stuffed. I lean back in my seat and rub my stomach.

“So, we hear congratulations are in order for you two?” The alpha asks as he sips his wine.

Mac nods and rubs my neck. “Yes, sir. She’s almost two months along.”

Margaret and the alpha smile at me and the latter clears his throat. “I’m sure that Russell or Paul informed you, but we would like to place four guards for you and to invite you to stay starting now. You’re important to the pack, and especially while with pup… when it’s been becoming more and more rare for our species. Our current pack healer is ready to move on to another pack to be closer to his parents. Your family called us at the perfect time. We’re still searching for more healers to bring in, so don’t worry about being on your own.

“We will have a more in-depth meeting tomorrow to show you around. The day after will be a day for you to relax, stroll around, and decide if you would like to stay.”

I lick my lips and hum. “It’s all sounding so amazing… But I do have a business back home. I’m a veterinarian with own my clinic and hospital, and I’m worried about leaving them so suddenly. I’ll think about it and call my staff.”

“Come on, let’s go figure out where we’re staying, take a bath, and get into bed.” Mac stands and holds out his hand for me. I place my smaller hand in his. “Russell said that he would come back for us after he placed our belongings in our accommodations…”

Alpha Deacon stands and nods. “Yes, he’s waiting outside. The house he’s taking you to is one of two homes on that street that were cleaned and prepared for your families. Fully furnished, information on how to use the meal tickets, and the best places to go, shop, and sight see. Once you decide, we can figure out what you need for your new clinic in town.” He leads us through his home and opens the front door for us. “How about we meet here for lunch around noon? That way you have the morning to sleep in and look around your home.”

I hold out my hand for him to shake and smile sleepily at him. “Thank you for everything, alpha. See you tomorrow.” We find Russell and Paul parked at the curb, they jump out to open the doors when they see us coming.

After we get settled and buckled, Paul twists around and nods at us. His hazel eyes flash under the solar lights dotting the streets. “The houses that have been prepared are about the same size. Five bedrooms, plenty of bathrooms, both are single story but only one has a basement with four small bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, and living room area. That one I would suggest for Healer Miller and her mate. That way her guards can be close at all times. The four the alpha has chosen are all un-mated and truly it’s an honor, so don’t worry about us having to move. We were already a part of a group, when we all were betas.”

I press my lips together and tilt my head at him. “Okay. We still have a few days to truly figure out what we’re doing, but that sounds like a solid idea. I’ll take the house with the basement.”

Paul chuckles, turning back towards the front of the vehicle. “Good, because the night guards are setting up their rooms and Russell and I would like to go pack.” I chuckle as I lean against Mac and peek over at Ella. She’s bouncing in her seat in excitement and I just know that she’s going to love it here.

“What can you tell me about the pack that lives here in the community?”

Russell clears his throat and nods at me from the rearview mirror. “We’re all close, like a large family. Hard to find a mate when you grow up with everyone, but luckily, we have several alliances with neighboring packs and we hold summits every solstice for those reasons. Other than that, expect a lot of families showing up to offer you support, help, and casseroles.”

I smile and kiss Mac’s cheek. “Perfect.”

---