Watching Rune chat happily with Tristan and Gale while Delilah reclines by the bonfire with Asteria, Odette, and Avery I take a deep breath and sip on the apple juice in my hands. It is the calm before the storm that war brings. A peace that I wish would last and could bring my pup into.
Dinner had been a fun fan fair, the Omegas that volunteered to be on duty were quick to keep the buffet filled while Crescent Phoenix wolves came and went to mingle with the Shadow Rose wolves. I spent that time getting to know Avery and Delilah, finding myself laughing so hard that I couldn’t even drink my apple juice without nearly spitting it onto the table. It was during this laughing fit that Avery introduced me to her Mate, Jamal, a Beta wolf who was kicked from his Pack in Jamaica for not wanting to give up his right as Beta to his pack for his Alpha’s brother-in-law.
He thought that coming to Canada would bring better luck for him as his cousin Delilah was here. He thought coming to see his cousin after getting to explore the country for a bit and in the end, he was right. He met Avery while traveling the country, visiting small towns and finding himself in the decoy town Shadow Rose owns. At the time, Avery was just a warrior who was given notification from one of the townspeople that a Rogue had wandered into town. From what the two told me, it was love at first sight.
Viren’s father was still Alpha at the time, and when Avery brought Jamal to his office the next day after marking one another, the Alpha had accepted Jamal into the Pack right away wanting to use his Beta bloodline to strengthen the Pack. Add on already being related to Delilah and the Alpha had no qualms with Jamal. It seems to be the only good thing that Alpha did as Avery and Jamal rose through the ranks slowly but surely until they inevitably helped take down Viren and his men and became the Beta pair for Tristan and Delilah.
“Brynlee.” I jump slightly at my name being called, turning to find Quest staring at me apologetically. Behind him stands Ashton, a look of sadness hidden in his eyes as he scans the field. Something feels off but I did say I would talk to Quest later.
“Can we go to your office to talk?” Quest asks, nodding towards the Pack House.
“Sure. It seems whatever you have to say is important.” I agree, placing my glass on the table. I can feel Rune’s gaze on me, feel the bond hum with worry as I begin walking towards the Pack House again with Quest and Ashton by my side.
[Everything okay baby?] Rune asks as Quest helps me climb the steps considering the heels I am wearing make it hard to do so without holding onto the railing or a hand.
[Yeah. Quest and Ashton want to discuss something with me so we are heading to my office.] I answer, turning back to give Rune a reassuring smile over my shoulder before passing through the doors. Quest once again helps me up the stairs to my office, my friends being too quiet for comfort. My worry grows until we walk through my office door where I find Devlyn sitting on the sofa patiently waiting for us.
“I haven’t moved from this spot.” Devlyn says quickly, rising to his feet to bow towards me.
“I believe you. My alarms would have gone off had you tried doing anything in here.” I answer, striding to my desk and sinking into my plush office chair with a sigh. I regret wearing heels.
“But judging by how it’s the three of you, I am guessing you three want to leave Crescent Phoenix and move to Pine Moon if Rune and I succeed in taking down Tanya and Valor.” I add, looking at the three males with a narrowed gaze. Devlyn lets out a sigh of relief and slinks back onto the sofa while Ashton and Quest remain standing before my desk.
“You’re not mad we want to leave with you?” Quest asks, eyes wide in surprise.
“No, I’m not. Have you talked to Asteria about this though?” I answer, running my left hand through my hair.
“No. We wanted to hear your response first.” Quest admits, scratching the back of his neck.
“We know that many of Pine Moon wolves came here for a second chance. To get away from Valor and Tanya. They won’t want to go back now that they have found a better way of life here.” Ashton chimes in, his eyes trained on me. I sigh, silently agreeing that he is right. Pine Moon was hell for a lot of these wolves. Even if Rune and I were able to take Pine Moon back by force and start the Pack on a new path, it will be a while before I feel like the place is safe to accept new Pack Mates.
“So why do you want to come with us?” I ask in the end, wanting to understand why Ashton and Quest would leave their home. Leave the Pack they grew up in.
“As you know, Ashton and I were orphaned when Viren’s Father attacked us. We lost a lot of our family and friends.” Quest begins, sadness enveloping my friend. Ashton nods, his eyes stoic expression increasing my worry but I remain quiet.
“Ashton and I have been talking about leaving for a while but have held off since you and Asteria have done a lot of good here. With you and Rune wanting to take back Pine Moon and change it for the better, we want to be a part of that. Help the wolves that need help like you did for us.” Quest continues. I sigh, closing my eyes to think over his words.
“I will have to talk to Rune about this later so I can’t say yes right away. But if we agree to have you three join us, Devlyn will still have to be on probation before we accept him into our Pack.” I answer finally. All three men smile widely at me, thanking me for at least hearing them out. Devlyn readily agrees to continue the probation as long as he and Ashton can be together, his words making me smile. I am glad that Ashton has accepted Devlyn as his Mate. Happy that Devlyn would do anything to prove himself to Ashton. It is clear that they truly have fallen for one another and that this hurdle in their relationship is just a small situation for now. Once Devlyn has been accepted into a Pack, I can see Ashton and him completing the Mate Bond right away.
“I just have one condition.” I finally state, climbing from my chair and walking slowly around my desk to stand in front of Ashton and Quest.
“What is it?” Ashton asks, Devlyn coming to wrap his arms around my friend.
“If Rune and I agree to accept you as our Pack Mates, you have to tell Asteria and Gale of your decision. For now, they are still you Alpha and Luan. You still need to respect their authority.” I answer. Ashton has a look of hesitation while Quest readily agrees. With this matter settled, Ashton and Devlyn leave my office, the two wanting some alone time while the Pack is busy with the bonfire. Quest helps me down the steps, making sure I don’t trip in these heels and that I make it back to Rune’s side in one piece.
“If we agree to have you both join. I want you to become my Head Hunter.” I state to my friend, watching him nearly trip beside me.
“You do?” Quest asks in disbelief. I smile, nodding my head as we step through the Pack House doors. Holten has brought out his D.J. equipment by now, standing behind the turn tables and mixing up some great songs that have a crowd dancing in front of him.
“I do. I know Quincy will be upset to see us leave – to see you and Ashton leave – but you’re a Head Hunter here. It would be unfair to take that position from you when your skills will be valuable in reestablishing Pine Moon.” I explain, my eyes watching the crowd. As if sensing my gaze, Rune turns to look at me, a glowing smile on his face as he mouths ‘I love you’ to me.
“Then I accept. I’ll be your Head Hunter if you and Rune accept me into your pack.” Quest states, drawing my attention back to him.
“Who knows, maybe I will meet my Mate there.” He adds making me laugh.
“Maybe you will.” I agree, the two of us smiling at one another before descending the steps and making our way to the excited crowd. Tonight we will enjoy ourselves. Tomorrow the real training begins.