Reading the list of thirty Rogues looking to join Cresent Phoenix, I focus on the skills each wolf has listed. Some wolves come with skills such as farming and manual labor. These are definitely Omegas that left their old Pack for one reason or another. The others are a mix of Hunters and Warriors that would be good to growing the Pack’s strength. Hell, some of our current Pack Mates might be able to find their Goddess given Mates if we accepted these wolves into Crescent Phoenix.
Moving to look through the applications list, I note down that out of the thirty Rogues, ten came from two Packs that I remember dealing with when I was in Pine Moon – Flaming Canine and Snarling Spruce. These Packs are ruled similarly to Pine Moon with a patriarchal rule where she-wolves are aa lesser class, only meant to produce pups and take care of the elderly and males are meant to be obeyed without any questions or doubt.
I have a feeling that these wolves left for their own personal growth and safety. While scanning the list, I am surprised to see that there are no pups listed below but also happy as well. As much as Crescent Phoenix needs to grow, I am glad that no pups have had to go through the long journey of being Rogues like the rest of the applicants.
After making sure that no one on the list committed a grave crime, I send an email to Asteria stating we should welcome these wolves in and see where they would fit best with our wolves. The Pack was originally thirty wolves strong when we came here just over three months ago. Now, Crescent Phoenix is just over seventy wolves strong and with these thirty wolves on the list and the fifteen refuges that survived the attack on Willow Bark, we will reach close to one hundred and fifteen wolves. Cresent Phoenix has nearly quadrupled in size under our leadership and each day our wolves grow stronger, proving that it is a good leader that makes a Pack thrive and not the amount of wolves they have in it. Eventually, we will need to expand our territory and build new homes for the many wolves finding their Mates and creating their own families.
Closing my computer down, my stomach growls reminding me that I have not eaten much all day. Guilt creeps in as I think about how my pup relies on me to eat for it to grow. After checking the time and realizing that dinner is still being served downstairs, I leave my office and make my way down to the main floor towards the smell of food. The dining hall only has a few wolves remaining inside, all of them looking haggard from a long day of work, but they smile and laugh as they relax with a warm meal. I wave to a few of them while walking past the many tables until I find myself in front of the buffet table and a plate in hand that I quickly fill.
“Brynlee?” Turning at the sound of my name, I find Rune standing behind me with Caspian beside him.
“Hey.” I sheepishly greet, feeling the Mate Bond hum with Rune being so close.
“I thought you were at your cottage.” Rune states with confusion, his brows furrowed as his eyes dart between my face and my flat stomach. I shrug, motioning for the two to follow me to the nearest table as the smell of food is causes my stomach to growl loudly. Goddess I am starving.
“I was, but something came up and I was whisked here by Quincy because Asteria needed us in her office.” I explain as I sit down, quickly spearing some potato wedges on my fork and taking a bite, closing my eyes as my stomach settles down now that I am feeding it food.
“Did Quest link you yet Caspian?” I ask opening my eyes and turning my attention to my friend. He sighs and scratches his head, turning his gaze towards the door.
“He did. Odette and I leave tomorrow for a hunting party and should be back two days from now. If we need extra time, then we will be returning home on the same day Jett and the others arrive.” He answers, returning his gaze to me. I nod at his answer finding the time frame to be perfect and making a mental note to update Asteria on the hunting party return date before fully focusing on eating my meal. Rune shakes his head watching me, some hidden emotion I can’t discern in his eyes. I want to ask him what he is thinking, but he leaves the table and heads towards the buffet table.
“Are you excited for your first official mission?” I ask Caspian whose face transforms into a beaming smile. Deciding to shrug off his odd behavior, I return my focus on Caspian who seems a little absentminded tonight.
“I am.” He answers immediately, making me chuckle.
“As much as I liked Beta training, I always liked hunting more.” Caspian continues, his nose twitching. He turns back to look at the dining hall entrance just in time for his Mate to walk in. Odette spies us instantly, her eye lighting up the moment her gaze connects with Caspian and she quickly makes her way to where we sit, taking the empty chair that is situated between Caspian and me.
“Hey. Caspian told me what happened to cause Rune to come barrelling in like a lunatic.” She greets, rolling her eyes. I groan at this, instantly apologizing for how she was treated but Odette just waves me off with a laugh, stating she is fine and that she is happy Rune and I are getting along.
“I can guarantee that if the Mate Bond calls out to Caspian, he would do the same thing I did.” Rune calls out as he joins us, frowning at Odette. He places two plates down on the table, both filled with food before sitting. After eyeing my almost empty plate, he chuckles and pushes one of the two plates he brought towards me.
“I figured one plate might not be enough for you.” He says to me, making me blush.
“Rune is right. If the Mate Bond told me that Odette was in danger, I would have done anything to make sure she is safe.” Caspian agrees with Rune, reaching out to take Odette’s hand.
“Considering most of the wolves had to hold you back while Brynlee kicked my ass earlier, I don’t disbelieve it.” Odette retorts with a snort, taking Caspian’s hand in hers and placing a kiss on it. Months ago she would have been a little shy to do something like that in public so I am glad to see that Odette’s confidence has grown now that she is Mated to Caspian and is training every chance she gets.
“Others had to hold you back?” Rune turns his gaze of disbelief to Caspian who sheepishly looks away. After asking Odette if she is hungry and avoiding Rune’s question, Caspian leaves the table to prepare plates of food for Odette and him at the buffet. Rune just scoffs and resumes eating while Odette explains the scene of Caspian being held back for her to properly spar with me without any interference.
“How do you feel about leaving the Pack for the first time?” I ask Odette once she is done regaling Rune about Caspian’s embarrassing reaction to me sparing with his Mate, watching her eyes light up.
“I am excited for it. I know I am training to become a Warrior but being able to leave the Pack to hunt sounds fun.” The she-wolf answers with a grin, her excitement spreading to me. Odette and I talk about the items she will need to pack tonight for tomorrow’s departure and I give her warnings about Rogues and the best way to deal with them if alone. Rune watches on, his adoration for me coming through the Mate Bond and making me feel flustered to the point I stumble over a few words.
Caspian returns during my conversation with his Mate and silently places food in front of her. Neither of the men interrupts our conversation and when dinner time ends in the dining hall, I hug Odette and wish her luck on her first hunting trip before she and Caspian take off to prepare for their departure tomorrow morning.
“Do you want me to walk you home?” Rune asks as we leave the Pack House side by side. He is so close to me that the bond hums, making me want to curl into his side and breathe in his scent. I fight the instinct to plaster myself against him and turn to where I parked my truck.
“Quincy and I drove here. But thanks for the offer.” I answer, turning to see a look of disappointment flash through Rune’s eyes. I feel a smidgen of guilt creep in as I take in his sad little gaze and wonder if he is looking forward to spending more time with me. I know Rune only has my best interest in mind, can feel his intentions for my safety through the bond. Maybe I can be just a little warmer towards him.
“Would you like to help me with something tomorrow if you are free?” I decide to ask, watching Rune perk up. I can imagine his tail wagging happily behind him like a little pup who was offered a new treat and can’t help but suppress the bubble of laughter that threatens to spill from my lips. This little offer just might be what he needs from me as his love for me flows into the bond.
“What do you have in mind?” He asks, a grin on his face as he leans against the walls of the Pack House trying to appear casual, but I can tell he is bursting with happiness from the way the corner of his lips twitch.
“Asteria and I will be accepting another group of Rogues that the council has been housing into the Pack. They should be here within a week and we need to prepare for them.” I begin to explain, Rune nodding as a thoughtful look fills his face.
“With Gale still away, we could use the help of going through the dorm rooms and available houses on the land as well as surveying the land to see where we can build more dormitories and houses for further growth.” I continue, taking the keys to my truck out of my pocket.
“I can definitely help with that.” He agrees right away and relief washes over me. With just Asteria and I working on preparing for this new group of thirty would be too much to manage. Having Rune – someone who has been trained as an Alpha and has the skills to reorganize a Pack – help us is a blessing.
“Good. When you are done with your patrol shift tomorrow, come to my office. I will have my truck so we can drive around and make the necessary plans.” I declare.
“Okay. I will link you when I am on my way to your office.” He agrees, holding his hand out to me. Hesitating for a moment, I clasp his hand in mine and shiver from the tingles the bond creates where our skin meets. Rune lets out a possessive growl, his eyes darkening for a moment and part of me wants to submit to him. With reluctance in his eyes, Rune releases my hand after we shake and takes a step back, his nostrils flaring as he breathes in heavily.
“Will you be okay?” He asks, his voice deep and husky, drawing me in. Deciding I need to distance myself from Rune, I take a few steps back and notice him clenching his fist. He is fighting his urges to gather me into his arms and for that I am grateful.
“I will be fine. I can link you when I make it inside my cottage.” I answer with a shrug. Rune nods, his eyes on mine and I suppress a gasp. The grey of his eyes has grown darker, having an ethereal glow to them.
“I’d like that, Brynlee.” The way he says my name causes the bond to hum and I realize that if I don’t leave now, I will be in trouble. With a nod, I turn and make my way to my truck, feeling Rune’s gaze on me until I am safely inside my vehicle.
Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I turn my car on and drive away. It is clear the healed Mate Bond is going to be troublesome to deal with. I just hope that I can manage it by the time I make my decision on what Rune and I are going to do with our pup growing inside me.