Kingdom of Wolves - Page 62

“Yes, we are good.” Momma Akela assures him.

“Has he gone?” I ask.

“Yes, he got over the river and I decided to let him go andget back to you both in case you needed me.”

Heading back to the farm, we decide he was alone and just aferal that more than likely won’t live that long. But I do wonder why he wouldattack us and why he was even in our territory. It didn’t really make sense,but I’m not going to worry about it as the town council will hear and concludewhat they feel happened.

Brod runs to meet us, and we also see Brod’s parents, MayorThomas, and Gregor Redmaine, following behind him.

“I called out Mr. Redmaine just in case,” Brod shouts justbefore he reaches us, giving me a look over to make sure I’m okay.

“Good, that was good Brod. But we are alright.” Poppa Lykoslooks at the others and I grab Brod’s hand and drag him along with me. I knowthey’ll want to discuss this, but they’ll more than want us out of the waywhile they do it.

Mayor Thomas stops us as we are passing. “No, you two stayand hear everything. You were the ones attacked, so you have every right toknow what’s happening.”

Poppa Lykos leads everyone into the farmhouse and Momma putsthe kettle on. I have to smile a little because you’d think we were havingSunday afternoon tea and not a meeting about being attacked by a rogue.

I explain what happened when the Mayor asked how thisdeveloped, and he looks surprised when we inform him it was unprovoked and theferal rogue had just appeared from the trees.

“I think I’ll move some of the border warriors along theedge of no-man’s-land and inform Spirit Walker Pack and Blood Pearl Pack to beon the lookout. Then if the feral wanders into their territory, they’ll not betaken by surprise.” Mayor Stringbold says looking at Gregor Redmaine to see ifhe agrees, and at his nod, it’s decided that they’ll notify, but we’ll be morecareful around the farm just in case the feral returns.

The farm settles back to its normal relaxed pace within afew days, and my birthday is tomorrow. Lyle is arriving in the morning withChief Glen and Mac, one of the elite warriors.

Climbing out of bed, I can’t help the excitement that isbuzzing at having a birthday party. I’ve not had one since my parents werealive and Brod is so excited that you can’t help but catch it from him.

Dressed and rushing downstairs, I smile when Poppa Lykosgives me a hug. “Happy Birthday, Tati.”

“Happy Birthday, Tati.” Momma Akela says as she grabs meinto a hug, which Poppa Lykos joins in with. I think they are going to crush myribs with the way they are squeezing me tightly between them.

The back door opens and although it’s still early, Brodflies into the kitchen holding a box, wrapped in pretty purple paper and a hugepurple bow. “Happy Birthday Sis.”

“Sis? What do you mean, sis?” Poppa Lykos asks and when Brodsmirks I can’t help the giggle that busts out of me.

“Well, Tati said if she had a brother, she’d want him to beme, so I’m her brother, and that makes her my bestie and sister. Now, how coolis that?”

Brod’s parents, Adam and Summer, chuckle as they walk intothe kitchen, hearing the back end of Brod’s comment. Adam shakes his head, butthe amusement is plain to see in his eyes. “Well, it seems Tati here claimedherself a brother, which makes us all related now.”

Poppa Lykos scowls and I’m not sure he’s happy with thisturn of events, but Momma Akela is beaming. “Oh, that means we have a son now,too. Oh, you realize that means we can scold you now, Brod.” Everyone laughs atthat announcement, except Brod, who is frowning and trying hard to find a wayout of the mess he just created for himself.

We eat breakfast and I open my gift, which is a beautifulmusic box with a wolf that howls instead of the usual ballerina that twirlsaround. I adore it and thank Brod giving him a hug and then scrunching my fiston the top of his head.

Knocking on the door has Poppa Lykos stepping over andopening it. When Lyle, Chief Glen, and Mac walk in I get more hugs and Happy Birthdaywishes. Lyle hands me a gift which I open eagerly and smile when I see it’s abow and arrow, and one I’d seen Lyle train with and admired. I couldn’t helpthe tear that runs down my cheek because I’m counting myself very lucky to havefound myself here with family and friends.

The day is fantastic. We laugh, play games, and eat morethan we should. But above all, we enjoy being around each other. I’m seventeennow and have to make a decision before the year is out. It’s going to be a harddecision, I’m sure.

Before I want it to happen, the day is being wrapped up andLyle, Chief Glen, and Mac head home. Brod is filling his face with the last ofthe birthday cake and coming towards me. I grin when Momma Akela states loudly.“Brod son, wash your hands.”

Brod looks up, blinks, then gives her a cheeky grin. “Yes,momma.” I look over at Brod’s momma Summer and she has her hands over hermouth, trying not to laugh, but the sparkle in her eyes says it all.

Chapter 25

FLINT

Arriving home, I’m tired, dusty, and more than a little irritated. It seems somuch has been going on that the shifter council has been missing, that it hasme thinking we should either step up or we step down and allow new councilmembers to take our places.

All shifter council members live in the forest halfway upGrandrose Mountain, situated behind and to the side of Blood Pearl Pack andEclipse Pack. My home has a large entrance hall, office, living room, diningroom, kitchen, utility, and mud room downstairs. Four bedrooms, with walk-inclosets, and all have adjoining bathrooms.

It’s a nice house and I’m more than happy that I purchasedthe house, so when I retire from the council, I will still have my home andgarden which I enjoy and the mountain to gaze upon.