Helping Milan pack up the remaining items in the kitchen, I catch site of a few pups helping to bring boxes and bags out to the charter bus where Ashton and Eddison are waiting to load the storage compartments.
It has been six days since we arrived at the farmhouse and after realizing how much packing needs to be done, Gale and I had called Asteria asking if we could delay our return to the pack to sort through what Milan and the others will be bringing with us on our return trip home. Luckily, Asteria agreed that us staying would be beneficial to the Willow Bark wolves and just asked that we call her before we make the drive back home.
“This should be the last of it.” Milan says as she stands, a smile on her face.
“So we should be ready to move out soon?” I ask my niece. She looks around, taking her time to answer as her smile falls and a hint of melancholy washes over her. I know she is sad about leaving the farm, the only safe place she has known since Valor attacked Willow Bark. I know she is reluctant to leave this place, leave the home she built here, but a new beginning is what everyone needs.
“After packing, we should be able to leave. It sucks we can bring furniture with us.” Milan’s voice is filled with sadness and my heart clenches for my niece. She has had to give up so much as a Rogue for the last seven years. Now she will have to give up all the furniture they have gathered even if everything is second hand and mismatched.
“Asteria already said you and everyone can go furniture shopping after we return to the pack.” I reassure her, watching Milan smile once more. Unfortunately, this smile doesn’t reach her eyes and I can’t help but reach out and pull my niece in for a hug.
“I know. I can’t wait to meet this Alpha of yours and thank her for everything she is doing for us.” Milan sighs out, resting her head against my shoulder and letting out a shaky breath.
“She should have been the Alpha instead of that monster Valor.” I hum in agreement, pulling away to poke her nose.
“When we get back to Crescent Phoenix, I will show you around and introduce you to our Beta, Brynlee. I think you will get along with her.” I declare, finally seeing a broad smile on Milan’s lips. I can already see Brynlee and Milan becoming close friends with Brynlee showing my niece everything she knows and helping her come into herself. Maybe, just maybe, Milan won’t need to feel so guarded around others once she has a friend in whom she can confide in.
“From what you and the others have told us about her, Beta Brynlee seems like a good she-wolf – even if she is younger than me.” Milan chuckles out, stepping towards one of the many boxes in the room.
“She is. Her parents raised her well and Asteria and Gale have helped her become a strong she-wolf since their passing.” I admit, picking up a box as well.
“That’s something she and I can bond over.” Milan sighs out before leaving the kitchen. We begin bringing boxes to Eddison and Ashton, placing them next to the growing pile and returning inside to continue emptying the farmhouse.
I have asked Milan what she would want to do with this place and she asked if we could rent it out and keep the land in our family. I couldn’t help but agree, deciding that when I get back to Crescent Phoenix I would ask Holten to help contact a realtor and have this place listed for rent. Another family could make this place a home and the money can be placed into an investment account for Milan and any pups she may have.
With everyone working together, the farmhouse is emptied within a few hours. The storage compartments just barely managed to fit everything we packed away with Eddison and Ashton having to move boxes and duffle bags around as if playing a game of tetras. Gale had stepped aside to call Asteria and let her know we are getting ready to head out while I help with getting everyone situated inside the charter bus. Many of these faces were just small, scared children, huddled together to keep warm when I first found them after Willow Bark was attacked and destroyed. In seven years, many of these pups have grown to become bold and brave wolves just waiting to come into themselves once they shift.
“Everyone ready to go?” Ashton asks as he climbs into the driver seat, turning the bus on.
“I think so.” I answer, turning to face the young man. I thought I would have to worry about Ashton on this trip but he surprised me as every morning before we would have breakfast, he was outside helping those newly shifted or preparing to shift train. They took to him easily, hanging on to his every word and taking his lessons to heart, and it made me realize why Quest has him as his second in command of the Hunters.
“Asteria says the guest house is being prepared for their arrival. There’s been trouble at our borders so we should be careful when we get closer to the pack.” Climbing into the bus, Gale gives us this information and I watch as Milan stiffens. Her and Eddison are sitting together, the Warrior explaining the training schedule to her as she wants to become a Warrior for the pack as soon as she joins Cresent Phoenix. Her worried eyes reach mine and I give her a reassuring smile before looking to Gale.
“How bad is it?” I ask, getting a shrug from my friend.
“Not bad. Just Valor sending spies. I don’t think her knows his wolves joined Crescent Phoenix but Asteria is worried about our identities being revealed.” He answers before taking a seat on the bus. I mull over his words as Ashton goes through the final checks, and after confirming with Milan that everyone is on the bus, we take off on our journey back home.
It seems that Valor is getting impatient with wanting to know who exactly runs Crescent Phoenix. Eventually, the pack will have to face him head on and I am not sure if we are ready for that yet.