Adea
Shane killed Joshua and Luna. My throat feels like it’s restricted and I can’t breathe. My lungs refuse to take in air as I register the fact that the two people who took me in after the crash are now dead. We weren’t close but they took me in when they could have killed me. They welcomed me into their home, gave me a roof over my head, and gave me a position in their pack which was unheard of for a rogue. No one did that.
“What about Mavy? I asked. The words sounded choked as the worst outcomes came to mind.
“There was no news of her but at this point, I would say no news is good news,” Ethan said. “I’m sorry, my queen. I know this can’t be easy for you and I wish I could make it better. That’s not all, there’s more.”
“More?” I asked. What more could there be? I was afraid of his response but I needed it at the same time. I was sure my jaw had hit the bed. I knew he hated being the bearer of bad news.
“Shane has earned a seat at the Alpha table,” Ethan said.
“You can’t be serious,” I said after I peeled my jaw off the bed. “That’s ridiculous, Ethan.”
“There aren’t any meetings in the near future but a time will come when we will see him. You will see him at events and any meetings you attend. While there aren’t any meetings in the near future that we know of yet, I’ll try and excuse you from them for as long as I can but it’s something we won’t be able to avoid.”
“How can he get a seat at the Alpha table when he murdered people?” I asked.
“It’s a part of our laws. Although we have a peace treaty in place that we all need to abide by, Shane wasn’t an alpha and didn’t have to abide by it. He’s taken over a pack and has rightfully seated himself as the Alpha of that pack. He hasn’t said anything to us or sent word yet. Since his father is no longer here, we can’t ask how far Shane got with his training. A meeting will need to be planned soon where he will need to attend. He will be sworn in and updated on the alpha laws.”
“Ethan… I-I don’t think I can face him. The last time I saw him,” I started.
My mind instantly went back to the night of the ball. Images of Shane on his knees in front of me followed by the look on his face at the trial. Unadulterated hate as he glared at Ethan.
The fear I had for him before I came to Desert Moon was back. Thankfully, it wasn’t as bad as it was before but it had slowly crept in. I have dedicated myself to training hard to get to a point where I feel I’m strong enough to protect myself from him.
I have gotten stronger but I am not where I need to be. I haven’t even been able to rematch Briana. I don’t have to confidence to go up against him yet. I’m not where I need to be and I fight to keep my breathing even despite the fact my mind and body are going into panic mode.
“I know and I’m going to do what I can to keep you out of it if that’s what you want. Just know that eventually, we’re going to have to face him,” he said, his jaw clenched at the idea. “I don’t want you to stress because you’re not alone. I know what his return means for you. I want you to know you aren’t alone and I’ll be with you.”
“And I love you for that,” I say as a stray tear slides down my cheek. “I’m just a little rattled right now. Oh Goddess, Gabe, Olivia. After what happened, how can we… We can’t trust him!” I exclaim. “The chances of the dream happening has risen. We can’t cross out the possibility of a war with Half Moon happening now.”
“I know, I know. I’ve already started on that. I’m going to have extra guards stationed at the border of our territory. I’ll make sure our weak spots are covered. I doubt he would come the same way he did the last time but I’m not going to leave that spot open now. We know he’s found entry there once before and it will be heavily guarded. Tomorrow, I’m going to speak with Odis on assigning a new team of warriors there and in the city. As for your dream, I haven’t mentioned that to Odis and Darci.”
“Do you have anyone in mind?” I asked.
“I’m thinking of stationing some of the warriors from the new recruits. Darci has given me a few suggestions. You’ve been training with them and I’ve heard from her that there. are some promising warriors.”
“There are. I would suggest Briana and Zoe. Anyone from Tier 1 and Tier 2 would be perfect,” I said. My thoughts wandered back to Gabe. “I’ll have to tell Gabe.”
Ethan nodded. “The alphas may have welcomed him to the table but we won’t be sitting ducks, my queen. From here on out, I’m going to have Leo or Gabe by your side at all times. Even when we’re together. They are going to have to figure out who gets what time with you so you’re always guarded. The Alphas don’t think Shane will come after us but I don’t believe that for one minute.”
“I still can’t believe he killed his parents. What could he be thinking?” I asked as tears prickled the corners of my eyes.
“People do crazy things when they’re power-hungry,” Ethan whispered. “What’s scarier is what’s motivating him to gain this power. I don’t know what he’s thinking or when he’ll attack but we both know he hasn’t given up on you.”