The Queen Within

Chapter 18

Alandra

I was in the middle of packing up my suitcase, still listening to Jonathan, Roy, and Ebonie try talking me out of my plan. I get they were worried, but we didn't have a choice. The letter they found clearly stated we only had four months to figure out whatever is happening and put a stop to it. By then, I would be too heavily pregnant to do anything, so my plan had to be executed now.

Zipping up the last of my luggage, I mind-linked one of our omegas to help bring down the bags. While waiting, I crossed my arms and faced the current problem in front of me.

"Look, I know the safety issues of this, but this is the only way." I wasn't going to back down.

"It's too dangerous. At least let me come along." Jonathan was the most opposed to the idea. Especially since it involved us being apart.

I shook my head staying firm. "You have to stay here. I have no doubts they will attack here next. Plus, if it seems I am vulnerable, I have a better chance of figuring out the plan."

"Vulnerable?! You're dangling yourself as bait, your majesty!" This time it was Roy who spoke out. I thought he would appreciate my tactic, but I guess not.

I pinched the bridge of my nose and let out a long sigh. "We do not have time. I am still early on where shifting won't be a problem, and I have allies. They won't suspect a thing. Plus, Gwen will be with me. But if I don't go, if I don't do this, we won't be able to find anything out and we will risk the lives of who knows how many! I will not have any more blood on my hands. I am not asking for your permission."

Jonathan and Roy clenched their jaws, trying to fight off the need to obey as my aura started filling up the room. I wasn't trying to force them into submission, and I really did try to reign it in, but my emotions were everywhere. After what felt like an eternity, they both let out a sigh and Jonathan pulled me into him, embracing me tightly.

The sparks made my skin tingle and it calmed the storm that was brewing inside. My aura started to dissipate and Roy and Ebonie started to relax. I hadn't noticed how tense they both were. Jonathan buried his face into my neck where his mark was and inhaled deeply.

I knew what I was asking from him was difficult and damn near impossible, but I didn't see any other way. If he was to come, there is no way whoever this was, would make a move. We would be stuck in the dark for who knows how long. I just couldn't allow it. We had to get to the bottom of this sooner, rather than later.

There was this growing darkness I felt inside of me that told me something bigger was coming. If we wait, I just knew it would mean the end of everything we knew. I had lost what family I had left. I needed to make sure the world I brought Jonathan and my baby in, would be one where they would be safe and protected. If that meant being apart for some time, it was what we had to do. Do our future.

"Ok," Jonathan said softly as he started pulling back. "We will go with your plan. On some conditions."

I c****d my eyebrow at him. Conditions? Before I could protest, he placed a finger on my lips. "Just hear me out ok? Condition one, you stay with either Ebonie or Gwen at all times. condition two, you have to check in twice a day so we know you are ok, condition three, if you can't find anything out within two months, you come back here and we find another way. Agreed?"

I couldn't argue with his conditions. They were sensible and he wasn't asking for much. I hated the time frame though because that gave me even less time to figure things out, but he's right. Two months would have to be enough time. After that, I would need to come back and get our pack ready. I wasn't sure what we were getting them ready for just yet, but hopefully, they will be ready.

"Ok. I promise to abide by your conditions."

Jonathan smiled at me and firmly placed his lips on mine, giving me a passionate kiss. I wrapped my arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. I wasn't sure if I would see him in these two months. To be apart from him when we have never been apart since I came here will be painful. Jonathan was my everything and I know as hard as it was going to be for me, it was going to be harder for him because he would have to be away from not only me but our unborn child too.

When Jonathan pulled away, I saw the pain and longing in his eyes. A thought occurred to me, and I walked over to the nightstand, pulling out scissors. Before I could talk myself out of it, I cut off one of my braids and went over to him, tying it around his wrist. He looked at me puzzled.

"Now you'll have a piece of me."

He smiled and took the scissors from me and cut off one of his locs, tying it around my wrist. "And now, you'll have a piece of me."

I giggled and blushed. "I already have a piece of you," I said as I rubbed my belly. He smiled warmly and placed his hand gently on my stomach.

"It will only be a short while little one. Don't give your mother a hard time." Jonathan said as he knelt down and kissed my belly. The warmth that spread throughout my whole body made me want to change my mind. Would I be strong enough to do this? Would I be strong enough to be apart from my mate?

It didn't matter. It didn't matter if I wasn't. I had to be.

The omega I had called for knocked on the door before entering the room. I recognized him from the gardens. He had planted the most beautiful orchids I had ever seen. Not to mention his strawberries were amazing. I thanked him for coming and we all followed him down as Roy and Jonathan helped him bring the bags down. Ebonie had her own duffle bags that she had brought over. Apparently, she never really unpacked.

Jonathan's parents were waiting by the front door when we arrived. They hugged us tightly and his mom made me promise to call her often. I nodded knowing I would do anything for her.

I gave Roy a hug goodbye and thanked him for everything he's done, and for what he is taking on. He clasped Ebonie's forearm giving her a proper warrior's farewell. Jonathan and I held each other tightly. This was the hardest part. We gave each other one last passionate kiss to say all the things we couldn't say out loud.

Reluctantly, I got in the car after Ebonie and waved goodbye to the family I had built. What I was doing was risky, but for them, to keep them safe, I'll gladly do it. Even if it was going to kill me to be away from Jonathan. I watched as we left the pack. I took in every detail that I could, knowing that I wouldn't be able to enjoy it for some time.

Throughout the drive, Ebonie hadn't spoken a word. Her usual demeanor. Usually, I would be bored out of my mind with her silence, but today, I was appreciating it. It was oddly calming.

My mind felt like it was going a thousand miles and the silence helped me try to focus on some things. I started by trying to figure out what the letter they found meant. The magician pulled a rabbit out of the hat? I hadn't the slightest idea about what that could mean. The only thing I could gather was that we may be up against magic. Not that that narrowed it down any. Magic was too broad and we didn't know what kind of magic.

The last part mentions tickets for the show. So, the only thing I could gather was that whatever they were doing, it was going to be on a big scale. Or maybe it was going to be made into a spectacle. For what purpose though? Also who was behind this? Yes, we found a list of some names, but what were their roles? There was only one way to find out.

After several hours and a few stops, we finally made it to our destination. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the car.

"It is so good to see you again!" James said as he pulled me into a hug. Lucas and Penelope were right behind him with warm smiles. "I heard about what happened... we are so sorry dear one. You are right to come here for you and your child's safety."

I smiled at them and gave a small nod. "Yes, Jonathan and I feel it's for the best. The future of all wolf shifters depends on our safety." I, of course, couldn't tell them the real reason why I was here. I couldn't tell them that I came to the council to try to sniff out who and what was behind the killings and what their future plans were. Since some of the names were from the council and the staff that worked at the estate, it was a good place to start. The easiest way to hide my motive was to feign fear and be in need of safety.

"Of course dear. Let's have them take your bags into your rooms. You and your guard are just in time for tea! Everyone will be so glad to see you!"

Perfect timing. "That sounds wonderful. I am absolutely famished." I smiled and allowed them to lead us to the tea room. Ebonie stayed right at my heel and was on high alert even though she looked like she was not paying attention. I had told her the best thing to gather information would be to act like she wasn't putting in any effort. It would make it seem like I am more approachable and people tend to slip up when they think a job is too easy. But I knew Ebonie well enough to trust that she is more than capable of guarding me.

The door to the tea room opened up, and I plastered on the biggest smile that I could. Time to put on a show.