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Chapter 97
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A Time for Strength Chapter 98
“Here.” I hand Bronx the green and gray quilt.“What is this?” He takes it with a confused look.“The quilt we brought Kas home in. I had housekeeping wash it.” I’m not sure what to do with my hands, so I put them in my pockets. Why do I feel so self conscious? “Now that it’s clean, I figured we could let her sleep with it. You know? I… I mean, everything is so different here for her. Maybe when she’s awake, she’ll say she doesn’t want it, but she literally has nothing else. She brought nothing with her. Imagine not having anything, Bronx. No good memories to look back on. Nothing to go back to. That blanket is all she has left.”Bronx holds the blanket to his chest and gives me a complicated look.“Um, sorry. Maybe it’s a bad idea. I’ll just have facilities put it in storage. If… If she asks for it, I’ll have them get it.”“I think it’s a great idea. It just reminded me-”His voice trails off. I wait to see if he’ll pick up again, but he looks lost for words.“Reminds you of what?”
A Time for Strength Chapter 99
“Kas? Are you okay?” I lay flat on the floor and look under the bed.Her fear washes over me. It’s potent. I hadn’t been so used to controlling my own emotions for so long it could overtake me. I take a controlled breath and let Justice use her wolf vision to look under the bed. Kas’s eyes are glowing purple so brightly in the small space that the glow practically encompasses her body. I still don’t understand how she isn’t a hybrid, but it doesn’t matter now.“I won’t let him kill me.” Her little growl would be menacing if it wasn’t so damn adorable.“No one is trying to kill you, Kas. Look, I have a couple of guys here who are friends of mine. They are pack warriors and I asked them to help me. They’re going to lift the bed up so we can get you out from under there.” I speak in a calm, controlled tone. “When you’re out, I’ll kick them out of here. There’s a nurse here too. She’s going to make sure you’re not hurt and then we’ll get you back in bed… instead of under it. I’ll stay wit
A Time for Strength Chapter 100
Milo’s POVLeni never needs to ask twice. As soon as she walks in the door, I’m waiting for her. I close the door behind her and pull her down to the carpet, rolling on top of her. She wraps her arms around my waist, pulling my shorts down, then lets her razor-sharp claws graze over my back. I fight the shiver when I feel the trickles of blood on my skin before Ghost quickly heals me.It took a while for Leni and I to figure out how intense we want to get when we’re messing around. It changes from day to day, but I’ve learned to take her lead. She always tells me what she wants.“That was more than two minutes.” I lean forward, caging her below me, and tug on her ear with my teeth.She giggles with a happy hum when I nip a little harder. I apply pressure until I hear that little gasp that drives Ghost wild before I let her earlobe slide out of my mouth. He moves forward in my mind, happy that she’s up for his kind of good time.“Sorry, Babe. I had to speak to the nurses on duty. That
A Time for Strength Chapter 101
Lenora’s POVThe sun rising shines bright in my eyes, forcing me awake with a groan. I’m sore between my legs and my back aches from being twisted into uncomfortable positions, but I don’t care. Some sleepless nights are worth it. Milo’s leg is heavy on my waist. It makes having to pee worse. I carefully slide it off without waking him and tiptoe to the bathroom. Even after all these years, it’s not a good idea to wake Milo up suddenly. He doesn’t freak out like he used to, it just leaves him unsettled for most of the day. He’s able to hide it from people pretty well, but I see it and I hate seeing him like that.I think about Ghost’s reaction to Kas’s scent while I freshen up. He’s never used a tone like that with me. Why did he get so mad so quickly?“You should ask, child.” Justice yawns, slowly waking up. “Why are you awake? Aren’t you exhausted?”“Yeah, I’m tired. The sun was trying to burn a hole in my face.” Her yawn makes me yawn. “I’ll go back to bed when I’m done here. Do y
A Time for Strength Chapter 102
The look of awe on Kas’s face when we get inside the mall is priceless. Ashley nudges me and nods her head for me to watch her. Her moves are a bit like a scared rabbit. She holds her hands near her chest and leans close to clothing racks as if she sees things she likes, but doesn’t touch anything. We were hoping she would point out some things she liked so we could get an idea of her style, but she only seems overwhelmed at how much is going on with the hustle and bustle of back to school shoppers.“Dark cloaks.” Justice watches Kas with curiosity.“Dark cloaks?” I turn inward while Ashley points out a pair of ballet flats to Kas.“That’s all I’ve ever known her spirit to wear. Dark cloaks.”“Okay, well, I’m pretty sure the dark cloak store went out of business like… two hundred years ago.” I roll my eyes at her. “You said you want things to be different for her spirit now. So, let’s help her instead of pigeonholing her into how she’s always been.”“You’re right.” Justice concedes. “
A Time for Strength Chapter 103
I hit the ground hard letting my claws dig into Ryan’s arm. He uses his weight to roll himself on top of me, pinning me to the ground. He raises an arm to punch, which gives me space to jam my blade into his ribs. I hear the crack of the bones giving way, but his punch connects with my jaw, anyway. I let go of his arm and chop his throat with a quick strike to slow his momentum. He grunts and falls to the side in pain. Hot metallic blood fills my mouth. My two front teeth instantly ache from being knocked loose. Oh, this son of a BITCH! He’s done for.“Lenora, he’s an Alpha wolf.” Justice pushes forward. “Don’t underestimate him!”“A little late for the reminder, Justice!” I twist my legs around his, to stop him from chasing Kas and Ashly who are running away. He elbows me in the sternum, but I stab him in the biceps before he’s able to pull his arm away. Blood flows openly onto the floor and our clothes. Onlookers squeal and run away from the altercation. Others pull their phones o
A Time for Strength Chapter 104
“Okay, I enlisted a couple of Omegas and we rearranged Bronx’s closet.” Ashley comes to Milo’s office. “How are things going here?”“Randall has a legitimate alibi. I can’t speak for Graham or Caroline Connors because no one has seen them since the Council banished them, but what if Randall is still buddy buddy with Ryan? If he has been near Ryan lately, it could be why Lenora caught his scent.” Milo sits back in his chair and laces his fingers on top of his head. “The kid could be Randall’s connection to the parents. If that’s the case, he could have given Ryan immunity with his pack or he’s letting him stay in Silver Moon while he’s trying to find a new Alpha. No one would know any different.”“Wait, why would he do that?” Ashley sits next to Reggie.“If Randall was that deep in business with them, it could be several things. Connors could blackmail him, although he doesn’t seem smart enough for that. So, maybe their relationship was close enough that Randall just wants to do them a
A Time for Strength Chapter 105
We spend the rest of the morning doing ‘research’. If Kas’s wolf, Lex, thinks she’s an actual daughter of the Moon Goddess, we need to see if there is any sort of proof of that aside from her unusual powers. I haven’t mentioned it to Bronx, but I think if this proves fruitless, we really need to consider having the medical team perform a psych eval on Kas and Lex. She’s a sweet girl, and she’s my Luna, but maybe all her trauma has knocked a couple screws loose. I mean, look at Sin Snell. I’m sure he wasn’t always a psychopath. It all has to start somewhere. Right?I’ll play along for now. At least I get to admire Bronx’s impressive collection of ancient books and scrolls. They really are beautiful and most of them are one of a kind. Bronx has us split up and assigns us various sections of the library to look through. I try to focus on the ancient book I pulled off the shelf, but Milo keeps mindlinking me. It starts out pretty innocently, telling me he likes my crop top and how good m
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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
