Series: Willow Winters
Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 51151 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51151 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
It’s an odd feeling, allowing my wolf to take over and not having complete control, not being able to communicate with Lena and only watching. I wish nothing more than for her to hear me. Baby? I attempt but she doesn’t respond, and her wolf doesn’t seem to notice either.
A noise to my left distracts me. In the distance, Vince and Devin talk on the steps of the house. As I catch Devin’s eyes, he motions for me to join them. My wolf is reluctant, but I push him to move, and I give my mate one more nuzzle before rising and galloping toward the steps. Without breaking my stride, I shift. I’m left feeling uncertain and have far too many questions as I obey my Alpha and leave Lena and the children in the field.
“Alpha?” Devin looks pissed. He’s usually fairly intense and has a look about him that warns people to stay away, but over the years I’ve learned the subtle hints of his emotions. And right now, he’s truly pissed. I can’t help but to worry that it has something to do with Lena until he speaks.
“Fucking vampires.” I look to Vince expecting him to flinch from Devin’s response. I’m shocked that he doesn’t, considering his mate is a vampire.
“What happened?” I ask.
Vince only huffs, sitting with his legs wider on the steps of the porch. Both of them wear blue jeans, with Devin wearing a collared shirt and Vince wearing a white tee that stretches across his broad shoulders. “Veronica’s queen is getting pushback from other covens. A faction is growing and they want her support.”
“Support for what?” I join them, sitting on the steps and watching my mate prance around while the children chase her. Even with the pleasing sight, nerves rattle their way through me.
“They’re revolting against the Authority. More than just the vampires.”
“Everyone’s fed up with the corruption,” Vince speaks with distaste. “The threats and laws about blood and feeding…” Vince cracks his neck and looks back at the house. No doubt thinking of his mate.
Devin gets to the point. “An internal war has started among the vampires. Veronica’s coven wants protection.”
“It should be easy enough since they’re close.” I answer knowing I’ll need more information but fairly certain it won’t be much of a challenge. Vince doesn’t look convinced, and a chill runs down my spine. “What kind of war are we talking about?”
“A cold one currently. Only spoken threats. Each is counting their numbers and gathering alliances. The division is growing.” Vince gives Devin a hard look that gets my attention.
“Jude, there’s something you should know.” My body stills at Devin’s tone. I don’t fucking like it.
“Your father’s pack is going against the Authority. They’ve made their loyalty to the vampires known.”
My blood turns to ice. That’s a stupid decision to make. My father’s a fool. Even knowing he’d planned to have my brothers and me killed, I hurt for him and his pack. His decision to rise against the Authority will cost them. The words from the woman in Alec’s office ring in my head. That I should go see my brothers. My hand runs along my jaw as I let my emotions settle.
“If there’s anyone at all in your old pack that you want spared, now is the time to reach out to them. We will offer them protection.” I nod, acknowledging my Alpha. I remember nearly all of my old pack. The only one I hold ill will toward is my father. My jaw clenches as my wolf growls with anger. My mate’s eyes fly to mine as she stills in shock and lowers herself. I silently scold my wolf for startling her and rise to go to her.
“Any news of my brothers?” I have to ask before I go to her, hating that we aren’t bonded so she can’t hear me. It would kill me to know that they’re siding against the Authority.
“Not that we’ve heard.” Vince answers as Veronica walks to him. Her long black dress blows easily in the afternoon wind. I nod to her as she approaches, and she does the same to me.
I tell them both, “I’ll reach out to my brothers and decide what to do.”
The moment Devin nods with approval, I make my way back to my mate. In my heart, I already know I’ll have to go to them. I have to offer my old pack protection against my father’s unwise decision. But the thought of facing him chills me to the core.
It’s unsettling. So much of the day is unsettling, although there’s so much to be thankful for.
Lena shifts into human form and immediately bows as I approach her. The children stay still and go quiet. It’s more than obvious she’s still startled and they’re cautious as well. I offer them a smile and without hesitation sit in front of my mate cupping her chin and kissing her sweet lips as soon as she raises her head. Tension breaks in an instant and her body relaxes.