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Chapter 122
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2024-10-29 19:42:56
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A Time for Strength Chapter 123
“Elder Randall, sorry for the delay. Alpha Mike and Luna Sandy are here for the holiday. We were having a private luncheon when you arrived.” Milo holds my elbow and stands half a step in front of me to put space between me and Randall. “Oh! Who is this?”A petite girl stands behind Randall, making herself as small as possible. She looks uncomfortable, tugging on her raspberry colored skirt suit as if she’s not used to wearing something so formal. She pulled her hair into a modest French braid. When she looks up, I can see pure fear in her wide set blue eyes. Her movements remind me of a bird.Carly was right. If she’s of age, she sure doesn’t look like it. I would call you a liar if you told me she was older than fifteen. There’s a sickly smell to her, as if her scent is too concentrated, like overripe bananas. My heart constricts. She has to be a girl he’s selling.“Answer the Beta Regent, my dear.” Randall turns and dotes over the girl. “Remember what you’ve been practicing with ma
A Time for Strength Chapter 124
Shifting to wolf form reminds me of when I first learned how. It's something you can only do for the first couple of months of pregnancy. Justice keeps up with Ghost to lead the run, but it’s a strain for her, which is a change from her usual effortless pace she kept before we were pregnant.I shift back to human form and snuggle with Ghost near the edge of the woods so he can sniff my belly and connect with Codi. He wraps himself around me while I stroke his head and let his thick coat comfort me. Ghost lays his snout against my belly and huffs. His gray eyes look up at me with surprise and love when Codi reacts to him. There is sadness there, too. I’m not sure why. Outside the enclosure he has created with his body, nothing matters.“She knows you, my brave wolf.” I kiss his nose. “You’re her daddy just as much as Milo. I bet her wolf is going to be gray like you.”Ghost licks my face and before unraveling himself from around me. I curl up into a little ball to stave off the chill
A Time for Strength Chapter 125
I crawl under the covers and lay on my side. For a while, I listen to Milo snoring. The sound melts into white noise, and I’m able to focus on my body. Codi isn’t jumping around in my belly, but her heartbeat sounds like it’s racing. The doctor said it’s normal for an unborn pup’s heart rate to be close to two hundred beats per minute even when they are sleeping. I try to count the beats, but they are too fast. If her heart is that fast now, how fast is she going to have Milo and me running in circles after she is born? I chuckle at the thought. Justice is already resting in the back of my mind. I can tell the run and the shift wore out. My bones and joints still ache from shifting. I take a cleansing breath and let myself sink further into the mattress. I finally let myself think of Ghost. My handsome wolf mate. I can’t help but smile. Watching him lead the pack through Justice’s eyes for the midnight run filled me with pride. I feel a pang in my heart when I think about the sadness
A Time for Strength Chapter 126
The freezing air outside the packhouse hits me like a wall of ice. The firefighter sets me down near the back of a firetruck. A medic replaces the firefighter’s face mask with one of their own. Fresh air floods my lungs creating a floating sensation in my brain. Someone drapes a blanket over me. People are poking and prodding, but don’t notice it. I feel numb.“Justice, our mate still hasn’t replied to my mindlink.” I can’t tell if the pain in my chest is because of the smoke or the mate bond breaking. Are the tears because of the fire or because I’m crying? I don’t even know. “Have hope, child.” Justice soothes me, but she sounds just as worried as I feel. “Our pup is safe. That’s the most important thing right now.”“Leni, look at me, honey.” Ashley is in front of me. The ends of her hair are singed. I take her hand and squeeze it tightly. I’m a heartbeat away from freaking out, but I need to hold my shit together in front of the pack. “Leni, you need to stay here. The medics are g
A Time for Strength Chapter 127
“How’s she doing?” My foot bobs under the desk as I look at James and Marco’s report. It’s supposed to be a schedule of what Kas has been up to, but it really just shows her going from her apartment to the butler's kitchen every day to meet Delilah. Sometimes she goes to the dining room, but even those couple of things are happening less and less often. She’s only let Lex out a couple of times. I can imagine even that isn’t satisfying if she’s by herself.Her search history is mostly wedding related. There are a few things related to running a business. What catches my eye is a search called ‘how do you stop being lonely’. She only clicked on three links from the search, then shut her computer down for the night.“She’s having meals sent to her apartment?” I look up at them.“No. She’s been cooking herself. She cooks for the Alpha too, but he’s never around to eat with her. I don’t know how much more she can take, honestly.” James says with a frown. “Marco and I ask her every morning
A Time for Strength Chapter 128
“Is someone in the room with you? Do you have your blade?” Milo barks into the phone. “Get out of there! I’ll leave for the airport right now!”“No you will not, Milo. You need to stay at Blood River. Bronx and the pack need you more than I do right now.” I warn him with a whisper. “MasonCo runs this hotel’s security. Mindlink Reggie. Have him send guys up here. I just need to clear the bathroom and closet.”I pull my dagger out of the sheath and turn it in my palm while I sniff the air. If there is someone here, I would never know. The scent of blood is overpowering everything except the faint smell of overripe bananas. It must be from the fruit basket the hotel provided. I stand still and listen closely. Codi’s heartbeat is the only one I hear besides mine. It doesn’t mean there isn’t a vamp hiding out. I place a hand over my belly protectively at the thought.“If there’s someone here, security is on its way up. They’re armed and they’ve already called the police.” I call out into t
A Time for Strength Chapter 129
Milo’s POV“I’m sorry, Elder Randall. We can’t disclose information about any cases we may or may not be investigating for confidentiality reasons. We aren’t the police. We’re a private organization hired by our clients. They entrust their personal information to us.” I coo into the phone at him. “You work with enough high-profile clientele. I’m sure you understand. Right?”“Beta Milo, this isn’t just a case. I’m responsible for Ryan Connors and all former members of Silver Moon who haven’t registered for asylum with other packs. It’s stated by the mandate under the Council to act as administrator for the pack. Well, until a suitable Alpha can be indoctrinated.” Randall whines into the phone.“Elder Randall, the last time this guy checked in with his employer was over a week ago. Did you know that?” I raise my eyebrows. Bronx leans over the table to listen closer and snuffs his cigarette, then gives me a thumbs up.“Y-yes, but I was already looking for him when Mr. Lemay hired MasonCo
A Time for Strength Chapter 130
“We can agree that was the cheesiest movie ever, right?” Leni rolls her eyes as we leave the theater room. “I mean, like, talking dogs and cats?”“Well, it was a cartoon for families. Not the most romantic date night, but Elle and my sister and her mate seemed to like it.” I nudge her, then slide my hand to the small of her back as we walk. “I saw you snickering, too.” “Hmm.” Leni twists her mouth at the accusation, trying not to smile. “I guess it wasn’t that bad.” As we climb the staircase, I see her scrunch her nose and make an annoyed sound under her breath. I take her hand and wait for her to tell me what the problem is. She hates when I try to guess . Especially now that she’s pregnant.“I probably shouldn’t have eaten those jalapenos.” She grimaces. “I still have heartburn.”“Want to try some milk? It helped last week.” I kiss her hand and unlock our apartment. “You put your feet up. I can get it for you.”“You’re the best, Babe.” She steps inside and gives me a kiss that mak
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A Time for Strength Chapter 151
“Good Morning, Beta.” Sondi Eklund pokes her head into my office. “Would you be able to review these retirement package updates I’m proposing to the Alpha?”I look up from my spreadsheet and try to smile at her. “Of course, Sondi. Please come in.”“I already highlighted the sections in question.” Sondi comes in with her staccato, bird-like movements. “Oh, Beta Lenora, are you ill? Forgive me if I’m overstepping, but you look exhausted.”“I’m alright, Sondi. Being a new mom is exhausting.” I’m careful not to go into too much detail. Sondi and Scott still haven’t found their daughter. I don’t want to be insensitive. I quickly change the subject. “That and I feel like I’m running in circles trying to decipher some of the information on this spreadsheet. They’re supposed to be client names, but I can’t figure out how they’re coded.”“Would you like a fresh set of eyes?” She looks eternally hopeful. “I’m happy to help.”“Um, sure.” I turn the laptop to her. “I’ll look at these updates whil
A Time for Strength Chapter 150
“Kaaas?! Are you sure you and Codi will be okay?” I yell into the living room. “I can call the daycare and see if they have someone who can come up.”“No, we’re fine.” Kas’s voice sounds strangled.Milo peeks his head into the living room and pulls back quickly. He doubles over in a silent laugh, pointing to the living room. I look out to see Codi had a handful of Kas’s hair in a death grip. Kas’s mouth is open in a restrained cry of pain, trying to untangle the chubby fingers from her sparkly locks of hair. I nudge Milo who’s on the floor in tears with his hand over his mouth. “Knock it off, Milo. She’s trying her best.” I pull him off the floor. “Kas, give her the rattle that’s on the coffee table. The one that looks like a tiger's face. She’ll let go in a heartbeat.”After a pause, Kas calls back. “Oh my Goddess, it worked! Thank you!”“Okay. We won’t be gone long. Mindlink if you need ANYTHING.” I walk to the living room and kiss Codi on her chubby cheek, then kiss Kas on her for
A Time for Strength Chapter 149
“And this is the Alpha’s private archival library.” I hold up a slip of paper for Musu to read. “Memorize this number. It’s your personal access code and don’t share it. Understand?”“Yes, Beta.” She stares at the paper. “I got it.”“Good.” I punch in my code and let the door slide open. I step inside, motioning for Musu to follow. She steps in and looks around in awe.“The Goddess has truly blessed our Alpha.” She takes a few more steps trying to take in the library's beauty. “I’ve never seen a private collection this large.”“Well, he’s been collecting them since he was a child, and it has proved useful.” I clasp my hands behind my back and look around, then point to a book on a pedestal covered with a glass case. The page is open to the painting of The Moon Goddess with the Menae. “This is how we found out Kas is a goddess.”Musu looks down on the image and chuckles. “Is it inappropriate to say The Moon Goddess and Endymion were more like rabbits than wolves?”Justice lets out a wh
A Time for Strength Chapter 148
Lenora’s POV“Delilah, if anyone asks, your family is from France. You went to culinary school there. That’s how you met James. Bronx gifted Kas private lessons. James was a security guard for Kas while she attended the school. You’re twenty-three-”“But, no, Carly Ann Miller, I am one hundred and-”“You. Are. Twenty-THREE. Delilah.” Ashley interrupts. “No arguing.”“You expect me to just LIE?!” Delilah holds her hands to her chest and looks mortified at the thought.“Yes.” Ashley, Carly, and I all say in unison.Delilah falls back in her seat, distraught.“It’s not that we want you to be dishonest, Delilah.” Ashley softens her tone. “It’s a matter of self preservation. For all of us. You included. Whatever technique you’ve used in the past to deflect attention won’t cut it anymore. You and Kas are going to be approached by paparazzi all the time now. They need to believe you’re human. We’ve given both of you believable, respectable human profiles. The fewer people trying to dig into
A Time for Strength Chapter 147
“Alright, Big Guy.” I toss the plastic gun on the arcade game. “You win. I’ll never beat you at Duck Hunt. I’m out of cash to feed the machine anyway.”“I mean, you tried. I’ll give you some props, man.” Marco blows into the barrel of the plastic gun and looks at his watch. “It’s been two hours. That’s gotta be a good sign. Right? Musu woulda called me if Lenora chased her out.”“Yeah.” I pout my lip. “No mindlinks either. Down your beer. Let’s check on them.”Marco raises his pint glass and chugs the remaining beer. “Rita! Thanks, darlin’!” I hold up more than enough cash for our tab and toss it on the table. She gives me a thumbs up from across the restaurant. “Don’t be strangers!”“Ah man, that fresh air.” Marco takes a deep breath when we step outside. “Nothing beats summer in Montana except maybe spring in the Coven’s realm.”“Did you hear that?” Ghost gasps, suddenly at attention.“Huh? Hear what?” I shorten my stride and look around.“A warbler.”“Okay… and?”“They leave afte
A Time for Strength Chapter 146
There’s a quiet knock on my office door. Instinctively, I look down at Codi. She’s still fast asleep. I set down the report explaining there were absolutely zero useful bits of information on Randall’s tape recorder other than rambling about a trip to Portland to see a warehouse or something.We still haven’t been able to determine the identities of the girls in the photos other than Evie. There was no rhyme or reason to the codes associated with each one. The unusual names don’t exist anywhere either. The team is still looking into it, but I’m not very hopeful. Randall sneaks under the radar on everything.“Come in.” I say in a hoarse whisper.Milo peeks his head in with a huge smile on his face. I put a finger to my lips and point to the travel bassinet next to my desk. He tiptoes in and silently closes the door behind him.“Hey Sugar.” Milo whispers. “Is this a bad time? Are you busy?”“I always have a minute for you, Milo.” I blush when he hands me a bouquet of wildflowers. “They’
A Time for Strength Chapter 145
“Tyree, have you finished the sweep of Randall’s suite?” Milo paces behind his desk.“Just about Beta.” Tyree’s voice comes through the speakerphone. “He took most of his stuff, but there were a few things left on the kitchenette counter. A folder with some paperwork, an envelope, like one of those ones you mail photos in. Ya know? Feels like there’s something inside. And a voice recorder.”“A voice recorder?” Milo asks, confused.“Yeah. I don’t want to open anything or push play in case it’s booby trapped.” Tyree replies. “Fool me once.”“Good call. Bring everything to my office.” Milo pushes his finger into the desk. “I’ll get a forensics team to take it off our hands.”“Yes, Beta.”“Don’t let anyone in that room until they get a deeper sweep.”“Yes, Beta. Marco will stand guard. I’ll be up in ten minutes.” Tyree confirms and hangs up.“Milo, what do you think he was up to?” I bounce Codi gently in my arms. It’s not because she needs it. I have too much nervous energy to hold still.
A Time for Strength Chapter 144
“An apartment in Paris? Who would have ever pegged your brother as a hopeless romantic?” Mom swipes through images of the apartment Bronx bought for Kas as a wedding present. “It’s absolutely gorgeous!”“Yep. She needs to sign some paperwork, but I don’t think she understands enough about real est-” I bite my lip and point at Dad who’s making wolf faces at Codi on the other end of the sofa. Mace tests out a growl to see if it will startle her. She makes a sound that could be a growl back at him.“So sweet.” Mom places a hand on her heart. “Meeting codi is all he’s talked about since we got the news that you were pregnant. So what's next? Have you thought about a little brother for Codi, maybe?”My heart squeezes. “Justice, what do I say?”“As much of the truth as you can.” She sounds unsettled. “We don’t really know anymore. Do we?”“You know how hard it was for me to get pregnant, Mom. Let alone survive Codi’s pregnancy. We haven’t really talked about having more yet. If the Goddess
A Time for Strength Chapter 143
It’s been two days. Kas has isolated herself in her apartment, still convinced that she needs to hide herself away. I brought Codi up so she could snuggle with her niece in hopes it would lift her spirits. I let her take Codi to the bedroom while I go talk to Marco.“Hey, Beta. Everything okay?” He salutes me.“She’s not handling it well. Maybe I should invite her to go to the meadow?”“I wasn’t talkin’ about the Luna.” He lowers his chin. “You been avoiding me?”I immediately feel my face flush. “Wh-what? I-”“Sorry. I didn’t mean to sound like that. I know you’re busy with your pup.” His tone softens. “I need to stay in my lane.”“I mean, I-I guess I kinda thought, um, your mate wouldn’t want me talking to you.” I confess. “So… yeah. I guess I have been avoiding you?”“Ah, Leni, come on. I’m fuckin with you… kinda.” He looks sheepish. “Me and Musu was talking about our ranked members. I didn’t tell her about US, but I told her you and me grew up together and that we still close frie
