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Chapter 63
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2024-10-29 19:42:56
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A Time for Strength Chapter 64
“Elder Randall! I'm so glad to see you!” I greet him with a warm handshake. “Fully recovered, I take it?”“Indeed, Luna Lenora.” He gives me a curt smile. “I apologize for any inconvenience it may have caused you.”“Well, the good news is, Elder Oscar and I had a conference call. Based on the reports I’ve been sending, the Council says this will be your last required visit.” I lead him to the conference room. “After that, you’ll only need to come if the Council has business with Blood River.”“Good news for both of us.” He muses. “I noticed more uniformed guard activity outside pack territory on my way here.”“Ah, yes. There’s been an uptick in rogue activity. There’s also been a rumor of a skin walker. We’re taking a proactive approach to guarding our pack members and war munitions.” I hold my hands at the small of my aching back. “We can’t be too careful, right?”“Glad to know you’re doing your best to protect the Council’s inventory.” Randall looks fidgety at the news. “Are you alri
A Time for Strength Chapter 65
Milo’s POV“Milo?” Bronx says in a mindlink. “I have Reggie and a guard with me. Where you at?”“Living room. Ghost did a quick sweep, but have them check again.” I reply, looking at the coffee table. “You should see this shit, bro.”“It smells like an animal died in- what the fuck?” Bronx looks at the table. “What is that?”“That’s where the incense smell is coming from. I think it’s trying to mask the dead animal scent. I thought it was a rogue, but even rogues don’t smell this bad.” I don’t look away from the small pile of fragrant dried flowers and leaves smoldering on top of a pile of mud on my coffee table. Bronx kneels down to inspect it closer. “These flowers don’t look like the ones in the meadow. Do you recognize them?”I lean forward with my hands on my knees. “Uhh… desert willow and those are New Mexico Locust flowers. Those little piney things look like juniper. That bit there looks like pieces of cactus.”“None of that is native to Montana, right?”“No, it doesn’t get w
A Time for Strength Chapter 66
Lenora’s POVI hold my hand up so the nurse doesn’t follow me into the office. “I’ll be just a few minutes. I promise. This is a private matter.”“Yes, Luna.” She looks concerned as I close the door on her face.“Oh, Goddess, I’m fucking exhausted.” I hobble my way to the desk and fall into the chair. “Justice, where were you? Why couldn’t I see you or feel you?”“I don’t know.” She thinks back. “I remember going into the apartment to find our mate, then everything was dark, then we woke up in Bronx’s arms.”“I don’t think it was a possession like Doctor Nolan said. Yee Naaldlooshii took me somewhere. I think he separated our spirits. I don’t know how he did it, but he took me to a place between dimensions.” I pull the dagger on my thigh out of its sheath. “And he gave me something.”“Gave you something? Why in Zeus’s name would a skin walker give you anything?”“As a fucked up thank you.” I take a deep breath and hold the tip of the dagger to my palm. “Brace yourself.”“Whoa, wait! W
A Time for Strength Chapter 67
“Elder Randall, I apologize for deviating from our scheduled meetings, but we received a tip from a credible source last night. We’re going to need to take action immediately. I’ve come up with a plan and want to get you up to speed.” I wait for him to sit across from me at my desk. “Unfortunately, because of the urgency of the circumstances, we can’t let you go home. The safest place for you is here at Blood River.”“A tip? Urgency?” He looks at me suspiciously. “Lenora, you’re being cryptic. You know that irks me. Why wouldn’t I be able to go home? What are you talking about?”“Well, I won’t expose my informant, but as I said, they are a credible source. They advised that Sin’s army of rogues and dark creatures is prime to attack within the next forty-eight hours. That was last night, so now we’re down to… mmm… about thirty-six hours. I can’t guarantee we even have that long.” I look at my watch. “It’s not safe for shifters in alliance with the Council to travel right now. I’ve alre
A Time for Strength Chapter 68
The cool morning grass under Justice’s paws is refreshing. Her long strides and the fresh air filling her lungs remind me of the freedom she craves, especially when I’m busy with business and pack matters. She and Ghost romp and play, nipping at each other between guard stations and look out teams. Pack members bow to them and happily accept her yips and tail wags. I can feel their moods lighten when she stamps her paws and bows to them in return, grateful for their loyalty and dedication. She sits back and lets Ghost accept ear scratches from his friends in human form before they make their way back down the mountain.“Tomorrow, we will prove ourselves, child.” Justice stands guard while Ghost shifts back to human form.“You’re not nervous?” “Of course I am.” Her tone is more soothing than usual. “This is war. We either live, or we die. I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready to die. I love you and I’m not ready for our paths to deviate from each other yet.”“I-I love you too, Jus
A Time for Strength Chapter 69
I stand on the front steps of the packhouse and look out at my pack. Everyone is staring back at me. The energy in the air is palpable. I take a deep breath in. Everyone’s scents combined creates a sweet, mellow taste on my tongue that I’ve never noticed before.“Justice, what do I say?” I swallow back the panic building in my chest.“Inspire them.” Her confidence flows through me. “Give them courage.”“Alright, everyone. Remember the basics. Shifters who share a body with an animal spirit have reflexes that make them faster. Werewolves, werebears, weretigers. Don’t forget werefoxes. They may look like children, but they are most definitely NOT little kids. They are twice as fast and just as vicious as any other shifter. Witches, vampires, and dragons are morphers; they only have one consciousness. There may be a first wave of vampires at nightfall. Don’t look them in the eyes. Don’t give witches time to finish a spell. And dragons can breathe fire even if they are in human form. Oh,
A Time for Strength Chapter 70
“Maris, Tyree, where is Elder Randall? Our unit needs to get in position.”Maris comes through the mindlink. “He will be down in a moment, Luna. He asked me to take him to the hospital wing first so he can make sure the Alpha, Beta, and Gamma are not interfering with pack operations.”“Oh, for fuck's sake.” I drop my arms to my sides. “Alright. We’re going to go. James will hang back and escort him when you get him downstairs. Tyree, you’re standing guard at his suite?”“Yes, Luna.” He says. “I’m going to help Maris clean his quarters as soon as she comes back. From what I can see, he trashed the room.”“Trashed it?” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “You’re joking?”“I wish I was. I assume there’s something he wants to hide, but can’t. He doesn’t have time to get rid of… whatever it is, so he created a diversion.”“Got it.” I purse my lips in frustration. “Well, I know we’ve got the right people on the job.”I cut the mindlink and curse under my breath. It is becoming more and more diff
A Time for Strength Chapter 71
“Lenora, pull it in!” Justice demands. “You cannot let the death of one Omega be your undoing. Harness your emotions right now!”I’m short of breath even though I’m sitting still. Justice is pulling on my spirit, trying to pull me back. I look around at the people tending to me. Their wolves have taken control. Low growls of anger rumble the truck. I close my eyes and focus before they all lose control and their wolves go feral. As my anger gets swallowed down, the growls around me fade. When I look at everyone again, their human spirits are in control, but they look like they’re ready to fight an army of rogues. “That, Justice.” My eyes dart from James to Hana. “How do I harness that? How do I keep them angry, but in control at the same time?”Justice bristles. “Having control of others is dangerous, Lenora. It’s intoxicating and addicting. Let them choose, child. Let your actions make their loyalty to you their choice.”I don’t understand her lecture, but it doesn’t matter. Reaper
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“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
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“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
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“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
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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
