“Calvin has sent word, Alpha.”
Adrian looked at Elder Elvis. He seemed almost docile today with no sign of opposition. In fact, he had been a little too meek. Like he was one hundred and one percent backing Adrian’s dominance as Aloja but Adrian wasn’t fooled.
“Word?” Adrian asked.
“He has uncovered something very important about the rogue attacks that can only be disclosed in person.”
Adrian nodded. The sooner the threat was neutralized, the faster they could get back to their lives fearlessly. The patrols had doubled, leaving pack lands now completely prohibited and although wolves exclusively fought with their claws and teeth, The Mountain Coast pack was also looking into weapon acquisition to eliminate the advantage of greater numbers the rogues had.
The last time if it hadn’t been for Zinora who had called her people and the timely arrival of the Primo pack, it would have been sound defeat and death. Adrian recalled how Adelaide told him that they were even now. She would not be riding in and sacrificing her warriors to save them again.
Adrian had to make sure the rogues wouldn’t surprise them again. It could not happen again.
“Tell him to come home at once with this information.”
*********
The tea party at Amber’s had been surprisingly enlightening.
That morning watching Adrian leave to go to work had been something unexpectedly difficult to do but she had tried to calm herself with the thought of their evening date.
Besides, it wasn’t like she hadn’t been apart from him before.
It was like the time they had spent together just made her yearn for more but duty called. He had to get a firm hold on the elders now more than ever. Ava doubted that Elder Elvis’s grab for power would stop now that Gabrielle was gone and her reputation was impeccable again.
If anything, it would only make him more greedy for more power seeing how easily he had won against Adrian. No matter how small the victory was.
Amber’s party had turned out to be the initiation of sorts of her into an organisation, a pack women-based organisation. It warmed her heart to see the women of her pack having faith in her once more. She would continue to do her best to be worthy of that. She also hoped that with this new platform, she would be able to better help the women of the pack.
“Ava!” It was Cynthia.
“Cynthia? What are you doing here?”
She was at her parents’ house. The results of her mother’s test was coming in today. Ava was so nervous at the same time hopeful. So many bad things couldn’t happen to the same family at the same time. It had to be a rule somewhere.
“I came to see Zinora and asked after you. I want to host a baby shower, will you be able to make it?”
A baby shower. How cute. If only her current circumstances weren’t so nerve wracking she would be excited.
Cynthia continued talking when she noticed how quiet Ava was.
“I know the timing is off and that you have so many troubles and worries at the moment. It’s just that I don’t know anybody since I came back. And my parents just keep pushing for it-”
“Chill, Cynthia. I’ll come.”
She paused. “You will?” Then she squealed like a child and hugged Ava.
Of course, she would go. Cynthia had become a really close friend since she returned as a changed person. The least she could do was show up for the baby shower.
Ava smiled, returning the hug.
When they finally parted, Cynthia was still brimming with excitement.
“We are going to hold it in two days. I know it’s pretty short notice but it’s not like I’m planning something very big. I don’t even have people to invite.”
Ava thought of the women at the meeting.
“I might have a few people to invite.”
Then her mind went to a question she had been meaning to ask Cynthia.
“So you and Calvin, huh?”
“Ava!”
********
“Ava. Sit with me.”
They were at the pack hospital. Ava was so nervous that her heart could have imploded.
Dad and Alex had gone to check in with the doctor. Seeing that Ava’s mother wanted to speak to her alone, Zinora made her excuses.
“What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
Since they left the house together, her mother had looked wan and tired but Ava had placed the blame on the anxiety of seeing the incoming test results now she began to wonder if perhaps something was wrong.
Her mother waved away her concerns with a movement of her hand.
“We haven’t really gotten to talk since everything happened.”
Gabrielle’s trial, her mother passing out, and Gabrielle’s sentencing.
“Yeah, I guess so.”
“What your sister did to you was not right.” Her mother exhaled heavily. “The situation both of you found yourselves in should not have been so. I blame myself sometimes that I didn’t notice that both of my daughters were keeping secrets from me. What sort of mother does that make me?”
“Mom. There was no way–”
Ava tried to explain to her mother that all that happened hadn’t been her fault but her mother would have none of It shaking her head.
“Let me speak Ava. At least I have taught you that much.”
Ava was quiet.
“I know my daughter. Gabrielle would never have betrayed this pack to the rogues. I know you think the same as well. I don’t know if this is a conspiracy of Elvis’s – he never liked your father – or if this is something even bigger than I thought. But I want you to promise me something.”
“What?”
“You will find your sister and while I can not ask you to forget or forgive all she has done, I ask you to take care of your sister, and look out for her. She might be lost now but Gabrielle has a good heart. Always has.”
Ava didn’t like the way her mother was speaking as though she was dying and this was her last wish.
“I promise. But please don’t talk like this. The results will come out well and–”
“The doctor is ready for us.”
Ava broke off mid-sentence to look at Alex who was looking between her and her mother contemplatively.
Her mother stood up, all vulnerability was gone from her face.
“Let’s not keep her waiting.”