Kingdom of Wolves: Blackshadow - Page 64

“I would have stood for Tatiana without her being your mate or Luna. I feel my pack owes her far more than we could ever repay, and Gabriel, I am thrilled that she found you as her mate. It’s something I’ve never said to you but wanted you to know. I am ashamed of the treatment that Tatiana received, and I’m doing everything in my power to ensure it never happens to another. Ever.”

Gabriel can see my honesty, and his wolf Phoenix can smell it. Slapping me on my back so hard I take two steps forward with the surprise of it, he chuckles, then leads me into the large tent that he has had erected.

In one corner of the tent is a table where Alpha Chet, his Beta and some others are sitting and as we get close, we all welcome each other. But we also quickly get down to the business of why we are all gathering.

Chapter 32

HOPE

I didn’t like my first night without Connell at the packhouse, and everyone is tense. You can feel the worry in the air and Briar is pacing in the back of my mind.

‘Briar, please settle. You are giving me a headache, and we cannot do anything to help Connell, and our pack, at Wolfsfoot.’

I don’t like it, Hope. We should have faced our father and told him we are not interested. We are Luna. We are stronger than you think. I am stronger than you think.

‘I know Briar, but you know I try to use my brain and not brawn. I’m sorry I’m not more of a fighter, but I’m trying to obey Connell as my mate. He is doing this to keep us safe, and with both the councils involved, it is not just about my father wanting to get me anymore.’

If you need to let me out to fight, then don’t hesitate. I am a good fighter and I will rip them apart with my teeth and claws.

‘Oh, my Goddess, Briar, settle down.’

I cut the link to Briar because she’s in such a mood it will flow to the pack members. The last thing I need to contend with is the pack in fighting mode.

Walking into Connell’s office, I smile at Caleb, who is behind the desk with a pile of paperwork in front of him. “Good morning, Beta Caleb.”

“Good morning, Luna Hope.” Caleb stands from behind the desk and shows me the respect as you’d expect. “How can I help you?”

“I am looking for an assistant. Someone who would enjoy helping me with making my lotions, soaps, candles and other things I want to try. Things that will save the pack expenses.” I take a seat in the easy chair and Caleb walks over, taking a seat near, and giving me all his attention.

“What sort of things?”

“Shampoo, conditioners, infused oils for the kitchen, scents, scented paper and envelopes. There are so many things we can make, and we can rent a store in Wolfsfoot if we get too much.” I know I’m over excited, but the way Caleb’s eyes are getting rounder and rounder tells me to pull my excitement back somewhat. “I’m sorry, Beta Caleb. I got a little carried away.”

“Luna Hope, I think it’s a great idea, and I know Alpha Connell will be okay with this as he is all for bringing anything good to the pack. Anything that helps create an income and pride in the pack will be grasped with both hands, and you could get inundated with offers of help.”

“I want one assistant I can train at this point, but they have to have an interest in herbs and craft making. Someone that is mellow, because I’ll have to work with them for hours at a time. I can’t work with someone who has a temperament like Swift, because although I adore her, and love her dearly, she gets me in a tizzy with her non-stop talking and rushing around.”

Grinning, I see Caleb understands what I’m saying. Tapping his chin with a forefinger, he stops and looks at me. “What about Lorna? She works in the kitchen and you’ll have met her? She is a great female, kind, gentle, and not a chatterbox.”

“Can you call her to the office so we can speak to her?”

“Of course, Luna Hope.”

I see Caleb’s eyes go blank, which is what happens when you mind link and then they clear and flick to me. “Lorna is on her way.”

“Thank you.” I settle back in my seat a little more and allow my mind to wander to Connell and I hope he is alright. I’m not mind linking him, as I don’t want to distract him if he’s in a meeting or fighting.

I jump when Caleb speaks. “Come in, Lorna. The Luna wanted to have a few words with you, if that is okay?”

“Of course, Beta Caleb. Luna Hope.” Lorna tips her head slightly, baring her neck in a show of respect.

“Please, take a seat, Lorna.”

I explain what I would require from her, what she would learn, what responsibility would come with it, and more than likely she’d have to leave working in the kitchen.

Caleb has stepped back and retaken the seat behind the desk, and although he is working, I can tell he is keeping one eye and ear on the conversation.

“Luna Hope, I would love to assist you with this. I enjoy making things, but I have to admit I have felt that I’m in a rut in the kitchen even though I enjoy making the meals and desserts. Nessie is great in the head kitchen position, and I know she’ll more than likely pass on the housekeeping head to someone else, but it leaves me not having a position to aim for. I hope that doesn’t sound selfish.” Lorna looks like she is trying to be as honest as she can be but is worried that I will think less of her for having ambition.