Page 34 of Blood Pearl
“Thank you, Momma.”
“You don’t need to thank me. I will do it with pleasure. I had already thought and planned to do it, as I thought it would help you understand the role more thoroughly.”
“Okay, thank you.”
The next day I’m on rest day from chores around the packhouse. I have completed my training and Warrior Roul spoke to me as I was leaving the training field. I was more than surprised when he complimented my improvement and said I could step up to allowing Maya to come out and train with the next group.
Chapter 19
AURORA
The days are stretching out and first thing this morning I have a meeting with the council members before they leave. I’m thankful they will leave the pack today, although none has caused a problem, all being polite and helpful apart from Eve Planter, of course. She has complained about the room, the bed, the food, and anything else she can think of.
I heard Flint roaring at her through her bedroom door as I passed last night when I was retiring to bed. I had to grin because I’ve never heard Flint raise a voice previously in this manner, but if he could get away with killing her and burying her body, I think he would.
After breakfast, I enter my office with Raina and Gerry, who had been eating with me. “This meeting can go one of two ways. A verbal match between Eve and myself or skimming over what we know so far. But whatever happens, I’ll be glad when it’s done and everyone has gone.”
“You are going to go out again, aren’t you?” Raina asks once she’s closed the office door.
“Yes, we need to know what’s happening. I’ll be more careful this time. We can’t wait for this Shadow Warrior to appear, if he even appears.”
Gerry grins, “Well, I’m coming so we’ll watch each other’s back as we did last time. But this time don’t do something stupid…” holding his hand up to stop me speaking, “I know it worked out okay in the end, but we can’t risk anything this time. Arric won’t allow you to leave again. He’ll mark you before you can stop him. Then you’ll be tied to him for the rest of your life.”
“You know Councilman Flint will go crazy, don’t you?” Raina grins at her own comment.
“Yeah, but I will put my pack first. They deserve safety and honestly, it’s not happening these days. The patrol has reported less movement from no-man’s-land, and I’m not sure if that is good or bad news.”
“The patrol warriors are doing well. Roul went out with them during the night and when he got back, he informed me they are taking everything out there seriously. Any sign of something not quite normal, as in a sound or movement they wait and hope to get a rogue to capture, but so far, none have gotten close enough.” Gerry adds to the conversation.
Tapping on the door has me looking at Raina, who gives me a nod before opening it and smiling politely at Flint and the other council members. They walk in and take a seat, but I notice Eve Planter is keeping her head slightly down and her eyes away from any of us. Now that is strange as she is never slow to cause confrontation of any kind.
Taking my seat with Raina on one side and Gerry on the other, I look at the door as Wallace enters, giving everyone a tip of the head before taking a seat next to Gerry.
“Let’s get this meeting started, as I have a lot of things I need to get done today,” I give the council members a warm smile. “I imagine you are all ready to get back to your homes.”
“It has been a most pleasant visit here, especially under the circumstances, Aurora. I personally would like to thank you for your welcome, and your pack members have been more than gracious.” Lykos gives me a smile and a nod of respect.
“I agree. It’s been nice speaking with the pack. It’s been a long time since I had a visit with you here Aurora, but you have done an incredible job with the pack grounds. They look tremendous compared to my last visit.” Merry is so sweet. She is a garden person I know, and she loves being outside with the herbs and flowers. Her entire aura smells of lavender and chamomile. Just to be in her presence comforts me.
Flint takes control of the table and I have to grin to myself, inwardly, of course. But Aztec butts into my mind.
Flint is a good male. He would make a mate very happy.
‘Now, don’t be thinking anything like that.’
I know he’s not our mate, but we can choose one now.
‘Yes, I suppose we can, but I don’t want to. We have too many things to do before we think about mates.’
“Are you interested in this meeting, or too busy speaking with your wolf?” Eve snaps, and the room quietens in an instant.
Aztec surges forward enough to snarl using my voice, “Be quiet, female. You do not want to mess with me or my person.”
Gerry leans forward toward me and speaks calmly to Aztec, ‘Calm, Aztec. All we be well. Nothing will happen to Aurora.’
Aztec retreats slightly and turns to look at Gerry. Whatever she sees in his body language soothes, and she retreats, but not before giving Eve another harsh growl.
“One more word out of you, Eve, and you will be dismissed.” Flint snarls, and it’s interesting to see the rest of the council giving her serious looks, too.