Page 3 of Red and the Alpha
“Only when you see and learn from the world in person can you learn how to lead.” Her voice dripped with sarcasm.
Hazel had pushed for them to get out and go see the world.
Kamila had felt guilty leaving her grandmother’s home. The last two years had been spent traveling the world over.
Japan, Italy, Africa, Brazil.
While in each country, Kamila learned as much as she could from local covens. She had created bonds with them, so one day if Eternal Flame needed international allies, they would have many.
She had purchased a home two hours away to be in between her grandmother and her parents. Today, she just happened to be home. Her next trip to Australia would be now cancelled.
It would seem her days of continent-hopping were over for the moment.
Was she ready to lead the coven?
Sure.
Did she want to do it without Hazel?
No.
But it looked as if she had no choice.
“We should be there soon,” Kadir announced.
Kamila leaned her head back on the seat and closed her eyes. She needed a few minutes’ nap before she had to put on a strong front.
* * *
The door opened, and Kadir held his hand out for her. Kamila took it and stepped from the car. They were parked in front of their grandmother’s home. It was the same cottage they had been raised in. A few of the council members stood on the path that led to the porch.
Somber faces greeted them.
Kamila swung on her red cloak. The air was frosty, and she adjusted it to fight the crisp air. It had been given to her by her grandmother. It alone denoted the status of Kamila’s position in the coven.
She glanced around and took in the area where she had been raised. On this road, there were few homes. Each of them had a decent amount of land. The witches preferred to live away from town. They had created their own little commune where they lived.
This area where Hazel had built her home was quiet and peaceful.
Once Hazel had identified the true power harboring deep inside Kamila, she had requested that her daughter have Kamila come live with her.
Kamila’s mother, Mave, was a witch also, but she was a gentle one who was able to harness some earthy powers, but she held nowhere near the strength Kamila did. Her parents agreed, understanding that there was greatness in their daughter.
Same for Kadir. Hazel had suggested that he come live in Hollowgate to be closer to her and for him to train under the warriors.
Kamila and Kadir were the future of their kind.
Even though this was modern day, the witches of Eternal Flame still needed those to guard them. It wasn’t that they could rely on the human police, for there were some of them who did not care for the supernaturals.
Warriors were still needed to fight those who were enemies of witches.
The supernatural world was more than any human would be able to deal with.
Warriors for Eternal Flame were a well-respected faction. Kadir had been trained from youth to wield his magic to protect those like them. His ranking was of the highest he could assume. Defending the next-in-line priestess of Eternal Flame was a position only fit for someone who was powerful and trustworthy.
“Kamila, it is good to see you.” Azin walked over to her. He reached her side and took her hand in his. “I’m so sorry it is under these circumstances.”
“Where is she?” Kamila asked. There was no time for pleasantries. She kept her face devoid of any emotions. Now that she was in the presence of the council members, she would have to show her strength.
