Cyrus
Brantley made good on his word, finalizing the plans for the pack house. We had paid double to have a crew work on the three-story complex during the snowing season. I was amazed that they were able to complete it in five months. I stood outside on the large steps that led up to the massive doors. Brantley had told me that his sister, Violet had helped with design.
The first floor had an open space common room, furnished with large couches, coffee tables and three 80” flats screens. The shelves were filled with movies, books and gaming systems. The kitchen had granite countertops and was outlined with brand new appliances. There were three refrigerators, four microwaves and a massive pantry. We even installed a spacious walk-in freezer, and industrial sized stove and dish-washing machine; two of each.
Violet had insisted on having a separate dining hall so the kitchen staff could have room to work. The dining hall was filled with tables that could fit more than 150 wolves. On the platform where ranked members ate, stood the massive oak table that has been in our pack for generations. The walls and tables were decorated in royal purple cloths and accents of gold, our pack colors.
The second floor was reserved for the Beta and Gamma families. The west wing held four offices and two guestrooms, while the east wing held two large bedrooms and four smaller ones. The third floor was meant for the Alpha. His floor held his bedroom, three spare rooms, two offices, a library and an enormous nursery that would hold all our future pups.
Tensions between Brantley and Devlin have eased too. Dev decided to take some projects hands on so he was away at work sites around the territory, sometimes not returning home for several days at a time. B stayed home and committed himself to work, always holed up in his office. We also decided to bring in our childhood friend, Donavon, to help with the workload.
I made my way up to Brantley’s office. He was sitting at this desk, staring out his window like always. “Beta.” “Gamma” we fist bumped, and I sat down. “I wanted to give you an update. The last of the cottages are finished, and the members can move back in starting next week.” I reported. Brantley smiled, “Perfect! Almost a year has passed since we had to relocate them. I’m sure they are excited to be home.” I examined his face, the bags that had once haunted his eyes were smaller, his beard still wild, but he looked less tired; he was making progress.
“When are you going to tell me about the woman in white?” Brantley tensed up, “That’s not my story to tell.” “That’s what you always say,” I groaned. He tilted his head back and let out a laugh. “I’ll continue to say that.” I rolled my eyes, for Brantley’s sake, I hoped she was doing well.
Brantley
I was laughing at Cyrus when my phone started to ring. Restricted number? Huh, that’s weird. Answering it I said, “Hello?” There was heavy breathing, and I thought it was a prank call. I was about to hang up when I heard a faint voice, “My Beta?” I shot to my feet, “Luna?!” “Yes.” came her soft reply. “Luna, what’s wrong?” I could hear my heart thumping. “My Beta, I need your help. Please save my family.”
My face felt numb, “Where are you?” “I’ll send you our coordinates. But I can only send it once. I’m going to have to break my phone once we disconnect.” She was breathless, and heavily panting into the phone. “What happened?” I was confused. She didn’t say anything and I thought she disconnected. “My sisters and I are hurt, and my pups need help.”
Pups? Like more than one? “Will you come for us Beta?” “Of course!” I shouted. She gave a faint chuckle, “Bring two people you trust, you're gonna need the extra set of hands. Hurry.” She disconnected the call.
My head was swimming with questions. What happened to the Luna? When did she give birth? How many pups were there? “BRANTLEY!” I looked to see Cyrus shouting at me. “Brantley, what's going on? Why do you look like you’ve seen a ghost and who are you calling Luna?” “I don’t have time to explain but our Luna needs our help.” Cyrus's mouth hung open as he registered my words.
I received a message; its contents contained her coordinates. What the f**k was the Luna doing in Mexico? “We have a Luna?” Cyrus asked dumbly. “Yes!” Cyrus shut his mouth and stood. I scrolled through my phone looking for flights. Cyrus’s voice hardened, “We’re going to go get her right?” Man, he was slow today. “Yes! Now go pack a bag, we’re going to Mexico.” He stopped asking questions and fled the room. I headed towards the exit.
You're gonna need the extra set of hands. The Luna’s words played in my head. I mind-linked Donavon. I need you to pack a bag. We are going on a mission but I can only take you and Cyrus. You got it. I’ll be ready in five. Donavan was the perfect person for this and I loved how he didn’t ask any questions.
I rushed to my room to pack a small bag. When I returned to my office, the guys were already waiting. “Ready?” I asked and they nodded. We left for the airport. Once we were boarded, Cyrus leaned forward, “Can you tell us what the hell is happening?” I looked at their faces. I told them everything about the trip to Japan and the phone call.
Lotus
I disconnected the call, then smashed my phone. Lily had a frown on her face. “What if your Alpha doesn’t accept us?” “He has to by law. I have given him an heir.” She nodded her head and sat down. “How long will he take to get here?” she questioned. “I don’t know, but he will come.” I stated confidently. “For now, just rest. With those cuts it will take a few days for you to fully heal.” “Ok. You should rest too.” She said laying down.
I got up to check on my pups, they were fast asleep still. Thank the goddess. I’ve never been so terrified in my life. When Lucian pointed to them before the fight, my heart had dropped. The thought of anyone touching my children had sent me into a rage. I was snapping that guy’s neck before my mind had even processed that my body had moved.
The syringe that Lucian jabbed in me was full of wolfsbane and silver nitrate. It burned as it ran its course through my system. I felt like I was being burned from the inside. I would’ve passed out if he had injected me with its full contents. The pain in my ankle was intense. It was healing slowly, but it was set at an odd angle. It was going to have to be rebroken so it could heal properly. I hobbled over to Lila and checked her head. It had stopped bleeding, thankful that the wound wasn’t life threatening. Lazarus’s men did a number on us.
After a few hours passed I woke Lily up to watch Lila. Since we couldn’t see what was happening outside of the protection spell, I would need to be on the other side of the cloak. I would meet the Beta before I brought him to my family. I brought the triplets seats out, making sure they were still cloaked. I leaned against the wall and closed my eyes.
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Brantley
After telling the guys about the Luna, they were seething in anger. They hadn’t spoken a word the rest of the five-hour flight. When we touched down in Mexico City, we rented an Escalade with a third row. The drive to the edge of the Forest Nativitas was silent.
We parked off the road and brought branches to cover the SUV. We shifted into our wolves then raced in the direction of the gps. We ended in front of an overgrown cave; the entrance looked like it was recently cut down. We shifted and dressed quickly. I pulled out my phone, leading the way into the cave. It was dark, Cyrus had to pull out his cell to use its flashlight.
We walked for over 40 minutes not seeing or smelling anything. The gps chimed, “You have arrived at your destination.” We looked around confused. “What the f**k? Are you sure the coordinates were right?” Cyrus asked. I jerked my head in confusion. “Can you call the Luna back?” “No!” I shouted. I was becoming frustrated and paced the hall.
“Beta.” I heard a soft whisper. My head shot up, the guys stopped talking. “Beta.” We heard it again, taking off in the direction of the voice. “Beta.” the voice was closer and we rounded the corner gasping. “My Beta.” the Luna said. Her once coco skin looked pale like she was sickly. She was covered in blood, her clothes ripped. One of her ankles was pointed at a weird angle, and her breathing was shallow. She smiled when she saw me, she was still beautiful.
I saw Donavon step forward staring at her. He had fallen to his knees; a howl escaped his lips. Her eyes widened and she purred back with affection. They were staring in each other's eyes, unflinching. Donavon’s body began to glow and he clutched at his heart. I turned to look at Cyrus but he seemed just as confused. What the f**k was happening?