Page 63 of Moonlight and Mischief
Pulling down the Raven Pack’s access road, I keep waiting for a guard to stop us, but no one greets us until we’ve reached their compound. While our buildings form a loose circle, the Raven Pack’s buildings are huddled together in a tight block.
We approach the larger pack house and a pair of female Thetas stop us.
“I’m here to see my grandparents, Heron and Breeze,” I say. “I’m Marigold, Ivy’s daughter. And this is my father, Elm, her mate.”
“We remember you,” the taller woman says. Her black hair reaches to her waist in a glossy curtain. She’s familiar, but not anyone I clearly recall from our last visit a few months ago. She nods to her partner, who disappears inside.
A few minutes later, the younger woman reappears and motions for us to follow her inside. The side entrance leads into a hallway, and our guide brings uspast various meeting rooms and recreation rooms until we reach the foyer.
Breeze ambles from another hallway, a smile creasing her face. She holds her arms open, and I gladly hug her. It’s been too long. “My sweet Marigold, you look so much like your mother,” she coos. When she sees my father, her face chills. “Elm.”
“Hello, Breeze. You look lovely,” my dad says. She brushes him away and takes my hand to lead us down the hallway until we reach a door left open.
The studio apartment opens into a small sitting room with a bed tucked around a corner. Heron hugs me as well and then shakes my dad’s hand. We sit in armchairs and sip bottled water.
“It’s always good to see you. But this is unexpected,” Breeze says. Her curly blonde hair is streaked with silver. Heron reaches over and takes her hand. They’ve been mates for fifty years.
“I wish this was simply a visit to see you. But there have been some recent events we need to discuss with you” my father says. “A few days ago, there was an Alpha Counsel. Your Alpha was the only one who refused to attend. But Ironcrest made some accusations against your pack.”
Their faces become solemn. Asking them to speak about pack business without their Alpha is uncouth. But they know as well as we do that Nyx wouldn’t speak with us.
I fiddle with my hands. “Zephyr claims that you are crossing his borders and testing their defenses. We know that’s not possible, but we need to know what ishappening. How have things been with Ironcrest and Granite Ridge in the last few months?”
“Oh, I see,” Breeze says, looking to her mate. He rubs his thumb across her hand comfortingly.
Heron clears his throat. “What they’re saying, the opposite is true. Ironcrest has been raiding our borders, testing our patrols, even taking supplies from our storage houses.”
“Why haven’t you guys brought this to the other packs?” I ask.
“You know how Nyx is. She feels we can handle it.” Breeze says, giving me a pointed look. “So there’s nothing you can do.”
“We think Ironcrest means to fully invade, perhaps with Granite Ridge’s assistance,” my dad says, getting to the point.
“I can’t see that happening. They’re badgering us, not starting a war,” Heron says mildly.
“Do you have defenses prepared if they do?”
“It doesn’t matter. They’re just causing trouble.” Breeze turns her face away from us.
Grimacing, I lean forward, inserting myself into their argument. “But why would they make those accusations in the Alpha Counsel then?”
“To shift the blame, I suppose.” Heron answers.
“Our leaders are concerned about a possible attack,” my dad says.
“You don’t need to worry. Your help will not be accepted anyway.”
“Heron, you have to talk to Nyx,” I beg, “Our help could mean the difference of victory or being wiped out.”
“They wouldn’t dare,” Breeze sniffs.
“But what if they do?” I press.
Breeze stands, puttering into the kitchenette. “I don’t want to talk about this any longer.”
My dad focuses on Heron. “Would you let us inspect your borders?”
“Absolutely not,” he snaps, “You won’t find anything other than the disturbances I’ve mentioned.”
