Page 56 of Outcast
That’s okay. Next time you’ll be more prepared.
Sitting back in my chair, I took a few more calming breaths as Seneca asked, “What happened, child?”
“I had my first vision, but honestly not much of it made sense,” I admitted a bit despondently. This was my role, to be Selene’s Prophetess and to guide the shifters in the coming times, and I couldn’t even make sense of what I saw.
Off to a great start.
Seneca echoed Lux’s sentiments. “It was your first one. You didn’t know what to expect.”
Not wanting to hear their logical input, I switched topics. “So back to the Shadow War prophecy. Clearly the answers lay in the blade that was forged for the Quis Fortis out of the blue lava that Nicholas spoke about yesterday, but where is the birthplace of shifters?"
Blowing out a breath, Seneca also stood before answering, "Unfortunately my dear, that is an answer only the alpha may be able to provide. The birthplace is said to have immense power in the land, and the council keeps its location a secret."
What’re the odds of the alpha actually assisting us if I ask?
I wouldn’t hold your breath.
Something about the mention of the council knocked loose a question that I had been stewing over. With all of their resources and connections to other packs, why had the council never assisted us with the Daimona?
Whirling to face Seneca, I voiced my query. "Has the alpha alerted the council to the presence of the Daimona? If so, why haven’t they sent reinforcements to help us fight back before we’re overwhelmed?" Throwing my hands up, I huffed in confusion, "Wouldn't it have been an easy victory if we had rallied together and taken them on early?"
Her voice took on a note of fear, "The alpha has made some questionable decisions, but none of us that would oppose him are strong enough to challenge him. To go against him is to go against his loyal following, and as Alpha of Alphas, he has fought his way to gain the respect of the council."
Countering, I asked, "But wouldn't that mean that they wouldn't question providing assistance if he asked for help?"
Unless he never asked.
Seneca's gaze cast down to the floor as she admitted her own doubts, "Only the alphas and their heirs are permitted at the summit meetings to discuss the tribulations of each pack with the council, so I do not have the answers you seek, but I am inclined to agree with your questioning."
Walking over to me, she held out her hands for mine as she looked up at me imploringly, "To pose these questions out loud would mean certain death or exile, Kira. Promise me you will seek your answers in the shadows. We cannot afford to lose you."
I couldn't promise her that. So instead of answering, I squeezed her hands and forced a smile to my lips before walking over to retrieve my bag. "I need to head back before my mates destroy the village looking for me."
A whimsical laugh sounded, "Oh, to be young and in love."
This time my smile was genuine as I teased her, "Oh, I saw the way Nicholas looks at you. You two are still madly in love."
Holding her hand to her heart, she smiled warmly. "Fated mates are rare. It is a blessing of the highest degree. It isn't always easy, but it is always worth it to have your best friend by your side for life."
"I'll see you around," I called, trying to keep the twinge of grief from my voice at her last comment. Strolling out of the cabin and onto the path back to the village, I opened myself to the idea.
That was supposed to be Jameson and me.
Could it ever be?
Let's go check on him.
It's your death wish. Maybe he won't be as put off if we're in wolf form. It'smyface he dislikes.
He was aroused earlier. I smelled it. He doesn't hate you.
My eyebrows hit my hairline at her statement.
I muttered out loud, "Well, he wishes with all of his being that he did hate me then."
Chapter Twenty-Five
Jameson
