When Grace goes to check on the packhouse, I grab hold of my patience and head to the border. When I get there, I can see that there are a bunch of sprites racing beside the patrols as they run the borders. I can't tell if they're playing or trying to help. I walk up to the border. “Funichio? Fanella?” I call. I have no idea how to get their attention, but based on everything I’ve learned about them, their fascination with us would keep them close to our borders. “Sir Alpha Eli!” They exclaim excitedly as they rush over to where I am. “Good morning. I wanted to speak with you about some disturbing things that have happened and ask for your assistance.” After filling them in about the hunters and getting their very enthusiastic agreement to meet with one of the ranked members every day to give us an update on any strange sightings, I head back to the packhouse. When I get back, I have the contract for the land from the elders. I call Carlos over and look at the land lines to make s

When we park and exit our vehicles, we are greeted by my father’s mate. She is clutching my half-brother to her chest and has a fading bruise on her cheekbone. I’m familiar with the look of a woman’s face after my father’s beatings. I saw it on my mother’s face for over a year. I walk up to her, carefully taking in my surroundings. There should be others here, if not in greeting, at least as a show of force. Where is everyone? “Luna. I’m sorry, I didn’t get your name last week.” “Luna Grace. I’m Paisley. I am no longer Luna of this pack. I rejected my mate after last weekend.” I lower my voice, putting a hand on her arm gently. “Are you alright?” She nods, tears in her eyes. “Please believe me, I didn’t know.” She whispers with a shaky voice. “I know. As I said last week, you are welcome to come with us to our pack. Alpha Eli and I will accept you.” I turn, lifting my arm toward Eli so he would know to come join us. “As my Luna said last week, you are more than welcome in our pa

The next morning, I wake up stiff and sore. Not only did I get stabbed yesterday, but we only got a few hours of sleep with a couple of blankets to soften the hard floor. Thankfully, my mate let me curl up against him to stay warm. His scent and the mate bond helping me to heal overnight. When we go out to share the food we found last night, I can tell that some of the pack members have left, most notably, my father’s Beta. I’m not upset about losing some members. Anyone who leaves now is saving me from having a battle later in our pack. If they can’t agree to having Eli and I as their Alphas, then they need to find someplace else to live. And my father's Beta knew what my father was doing to me and my mother all those years ago, and he did nothing. Anyone that can live with that, won't last in my pack. As the pack is eating, Noah returns with the caravan, ready to take another group back to our pack. We’ve already established the plan for today and as much as possible, the vans will

By the end of the week, everyone seemed to have settled into their new roles. All of the omegas were medically cleared and positions within the pack were found for them. I met with Cammy after the Lead Omega in the kitchen at my father’s pack asked if she could split shifts with her. “Cammy, I wanted to talk to you about Melinda’s request to split shifts. I don’t want you to feel like I’m undermining you or your role, but I was thinking that it would be good for you to have more time in your day.” I say when we meet in my office. “Actually Luna, I had wanted to talk with you about something else and this is the perfect time. I know that many people in the pack are getting the opportunity to open a business and I wanted to talk to you about the possibility of me doing that as well.” “What kind of business are you thinking of starting, Cammy?” “Well, Luna, I’ve always wanted to open my own diner. I’m good at managing the kitchens and I know how to schedule staff. I’ve been playing ar

I wipe my eyes as Thomas and Tula head inside. Tula is such a sweet sprite. Well, they all are, but there is something about her that has pulled at my heart ever since I met her. “I don’t know how we can thank you Ailduin.” I say, walking over to him. “There is no need. You are a leader of your pack. You would do anything in your power to help those that look to you for guidance and protection. I am the same. My gifts are just different than yours, Grace. Or, at least, somewhat different.” “Now,” he says, before turning to the other sprites, “did anyone else need my assistance before I begin my training with the Guardians?” He asks. “Sir King Ailduin, sir. We were wondering if there would be any more time we could spend with you while you are here.” “We just want to be near you.” “We won’t be a bother.” “We could help, if you need us.” I can feel Eli’s patience starting to wane, so I jump in. “How about you all join us for dinner this evening. We’ll plan to eat out back here a