Page 51 of Blood Pearl
AURORA
Today is not going to be one of my better days. I am waiting for a call from Flint, and they have not gone well recently. Taria leaves for Wolfsfoot pack and Luna Tatiana today, too. That is going to be hardest on me, I know. We have never been apart for, probably, more than a couple of days since she was born. I know why we’re doing this and I wholeheartedly support it, but that doesn’t make it any easier. I have insisted that four warriors accompany her on the journey. I would have left them there with her, but I can’t justify insulting Alpha Gabriel and Luna Tatiana in such a barefaced way of saying, ‘I trust you to train my daughter, but I do not trust you to guarantee her safety’. If someone did that to me, I would be cutting all ties with their pack. Being an Alpha is one thing, being a parent is something completely different. I’m learning that in many ways recently.
A knock on the door has me calling, ‘come in’ before Raina’s guard can announce who wishes to see me. The guard doesn’t bother me so much as the over-protectiveness it demonstrates. That is grating on my nerves.
Seeing Taria walk into the office, I realize it must be time for her to leave. Standing, I meet her halfway across the office. We throw our arms around each other and just stand there for a few minutes. Taria is the one that breaks the embrace.
“I have to go, Momma. I’ll try to make you proud.” I see her holding back tears.
“I’m already proud of you. As your Momma and as your Alpha. Learn as much as you can while with these other packs. Learn how each Luna takes care of her duties, but take notice of how the Alpha’s behave too. When you are a Luna, you will see things differently to an Alpha. You can be a valuable advisor and confidant. A good Alpha will listen to his Luna and heed any advice, as well as feeling he can discuss anything with her.”
A mind link with one of the patrol warriors interrupts me and fills me in on what’s happening. I turn and speak to Taria once more.
“Taria, it seems you will have more company on your journey than our warriors. Alpha Heir Bronze is at the border. Apparently, he wishes to ensure your safety on the journey to Wolfsfoot pack. I was not aware he knew of your departure plans?”
“He didn’t learn of my plans from me. I suspect Raina has had a hand in this. She has been very present in my life since the attempt on your life. If I’m honest, I think it struck home that she could have lost you and she has decided that, by default, I fall into the ‘need to be protected’ category.” Watching Taria smile, I can see that she is okay with it, but like me, it will be grating on her. Having someone in attendance at all times, especially when you are used to having your own space, can be challenging.
“Well… If he’s traveled this far, I suggest you accept his protection. It shows he is thinking of you and it will give you an opportunity to get to know a little more about him. Just don’t touch and set off the bonding. What do you say?”
“I agree. I will be having words with Raina, though. I need to know who is aware of my plans at all times. No more of this cloak and dagger matchmaking crap!”
“You do that, my daughter. Don’t let anyone push you in a direction you don’t want to go.”
“I have good ancestry, Momma. No way that is going to happen. Now, I must be going. Can’t keep my ‘betrothed’ sitting at the border too long.”
“Go. Show them what you’re made of. Keep in touch when you can. I’ll always be here for you.”
Walking Taria to the door, I see her warriors ready, each carrying a small pack, as does Taria. They have obviously split her luggage between them to make traveling easier and without reducing their fighting ability, should it be required.
Watching as they leave the packhouse, a lump comes to my throat. Closing the office door behind me, a tear runs down my cheek. Wiping it on my sleeve, I sit behind my desk and take up my phone. I’m not sitting around waiting for Flint’s call anymore, I’ll call him, again. I don’t have the patience for all this ‘waiting for other people’.
The call goes as I expected. He still won’t release any information on Eve Planter. It has been confirmed that ‘Alpha’ Arric came from a pack in the Southern Parklands. He tried to take over the pack without challenging the Alpha. That, to me, means he tried to murder the Alpha because he knew he couldn’t stand up to him in the challenge. He was afraid to die. You can read a lot into what is not being said sometimes. This may be a conversation I need to have with Raina and Gerry.
Hmm. Now that’s interesting. Why would I include Gerry in that conversation? He’s not pack.
Knocking on the door has me looking up and before I can call, ‘come in’, the warrior beats me to it.
“Beta Raina and Council Warrior Gerry to see you, Alpha Aurora.”
Seeing Raina give the guard a stern look has me smiling. Once the door is firmly closed, I have to tease her. “Created a monster there, have you Raina? Won’t even let you through the door without being announced? Reap what you sow, as the saying goes.”
Knowing that she is being baited, she replies, “Oh, shut up. I’ve come to see if you want to watch the females defending the nursery for their training today. It was Gerry’s idea, and I think it will be an eye-opener for Roul.” Looking at Gerry, I catch him smiling as he’s looking at me. Apparently so does Raina.
“Will you two just get a room and get it over with!”
Both Gerry and I turn to look at her aghast. “What’s that supposed to mean?” I stare at her, afraid to look at Gerry. I’m blushing so hard I can feel the heat all over my face.
“The entire pack can sense it. They are even talking about it. They believe you are made for each other. This has the feel of the Goddess about it. The only ones that can’t see it are you two. Gerry! You need to make it happen because if you wait for Aurora, you’ll die a lonely old shifter. I’ll see you at the nursery, or not. I’m out of here.”
The door slams shut behind her and we look at each other, totally lost for words.
Aztec stands up in the back of my mind. Asher, you know Raina is right. As humans, they are not going to make this happen anytime soon. We already know that we are destined to be together, although we haven’t spoken of it. I know this is what the Goddess wants.
Aztec, I sensed their attraction to each other many times. I have also sensed a bond with you. My human is too honorable to see what is in front of his nose. He sees an Alpha still, and although he is aware of her beauty, he is not yet aware of his desires. I will speak with him and try to make him understand his ‘baser desires’.
Ooh, Asher. Baser desires? I think I like the sound of that. I may try that here too.
Forcing Aztec to release my mind back to me, I quiz Gerry. “What were those two saying? Aztec blocked me from hearing them.”