Page 42 of Blood Pearl
Alpha Aurora leans back in her chair and looks at Flint. “They are undisciplined, unfit, and have no sense of self preservation. Their only advantage is their numbers, of which we are, as yet, unsure of.”
“We need to confirm if they have any more caverns. That would help confirm their numbers. I can cover their area in less than a week. I would need someone to run supplies for me. Gerry would be good if he would agree. I’d need two runs. I can tell him where to meet me.”
“I can run supplies for you. It should be my responsibility, not Gerry’s.”
“NO! You, I will worry about. Gerry has no sway with me.”
Flint raises his eyebrows at me. He looks at Aurora and shakes his head. “You will not be part of any further recons or supply runs, Alpha Aurora. The council forbids you to take such risks.” Turning to me, he gives me a stern look. “You will have Gerry for as long as you need him. I know he will be willing to do this. You have two days to rest and prepare for this mission. Before you leave, I want a detailed plan of where you will search and on what days. If anything goes wrong, I want to know where to look for you.”
“I have never failed a mission for you and I don’t intend to start now. Something has recently come up and I need to be around to explore it further. I will discuss it with you on my return.” Giving Flint my hardest stare, I stand and leave the room. Stopping at the door, I look at Alpha Aurora and tilt my head in respect.
Chapter 23
AURORA
Today, I need to play catch up on my to do list. I’m not big on lists, as they tend to get more added than taken away. Eventually, I find they just become demotivating and a pain in the butt. First things first, I need to eat. I have a real hunger this morning, so breakfast before anything.
Entering the dining area, I fill a plate from the counter with a variety of meats, a portion of scrambled egg, and some toast. Seating myself at an empty table, I make a start on demolishing my breakfast. It’s very quiet in here as it’s still early, so I’ve only had to acknowledge a small number of pack members. Warriors mainly coming off their night shift patrols.
Looking up as a shadow falls across me, I see Xavier standing by the table. “Alpha Aurora, may I join you?”
“Warrior Xavier, of course you may, and welcome.”
Watching him seat himself and lay out his breakfast tray has me grinning. Everything has a place and he lays it out with precision. Before starting his meal, he bows his head and I hear him mumbling. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone say a prayer at mealtimes ever.
Looking up, he sees me watching him. “Something I’ve always done. My Grandmother insisted at every meal. It was something she picked up from living with a human family when she was a child.”
“My apologies. I didn’t mean to intrude on your personal space.”
“No apology necessary, Alpha. I’m happy with my choices and my family traditions,” giving me a slight nod. He begins eating his breakfast, which is far healthier than mine, I have to admit.
“Can I ask you a personal question, Alpha Aurora?”
“You can ask the question. You may not get an answer.” I stop eating and wait to see what it is he’d like to know.
“When we first met in the forest, I had an unfamiliar emotion run through me. I merely wondered if you or your wolf felt anything? I’m not suggesting a mating bond. Please don’t misunderstand my intention. I know it was not such a thing as that. It was quite unsettling, as I have felt nothing like it previously.” Looking at Xavier, I can see he is sincere in his statement.
“I can honestly say that I felt nothing and had my wolf sensed something, she would have made me very aware. She is not shy about stating such things. I was not the only female present. I assume you have explored this avenue?”
“Yes, indeed. I had the same feeling when I returned and gave my report. Your beta, Raina, was present, yet she wasn’t in the forest with us. I can only imagine that the Goddess has some task for me to perform and that you are perhaps the focus of such a task. Forgive me if I appear somewhat cryptic, but I have always been forward when it comes to asking questions.” Finishing his food, he takes his leave, and after disposing of his tray, departs the dining room.
Sitting there for several minutes, digesting both my breakfast and the strange conversation I’ve just had. I shake my head and, following Xavier’s example, clear my tray and head out to the training area.
Seeing Raina and Wallace watching the training, I look to see who is currently under their scrutiny. Taria’s wolf, Maya, is sparring with a male warrior wolf. She looks smaller and no match for the wolf she is facing.
As I watch, I see her hesitate when an opening for an attack presents itself. Seizing the opportunity, the warrior wolf leaps towards her and there is a moment where everyone watching takes a gasp. As the warrior is in the air and bearing down on Maya’s neck, she slides forward, rolls to her back and, with all her four feet below the male, she snaps her legs straight. Caught completely unaware, the male is launched high into the air and lands heavily on his back. Before he can make a move, Maya is standing over him with her jaws at his neck.
The warrior stares at her with a shocked expression. Roul steps into the circle and indicates both wolves to shift and to return to their positions. Speaking quietly to the warrior, Roul dismisses him. Seeing me watching, he brings Taria to me.
“Alpha Aurora, is that a move that you have taught your daughter?”
“I have not taught her such a move. I wish I could take the credit.” I give a questioning look to Taria.
“No one taught us that move. Maya saw the opportunity and lulled the warrior into being overconfident. She studies others as we wait for our training slot and notes things she feels could be useful to us. She knows that her smaller stature can also be used to our advantage.”
“Alpha Aurora. Your daughter has become quite the fighter in a short time. If I can focus her as much as her wolf, she will become quite the warrior. I am very pleased with her development in training in both physical forms.” Roul looks at Taria, gives her a head nod and walks away to continue the pack training.
“That is quite a compliment coming from Council Warrior Roul. I am extremely proud to hear such praise. Taria, you are certainly becoming the basis for a very competent and successful Luna. I will be speaking to Luna Tatiana and Luna Hope shortly to arrange your visits with them. I have no doubt that you will impress them and will take on board the differing styles that Lunas have within their packs.”