Adea
My mind raced as we rushed to the sitting room. Leo had followed us down and shadowed us as we moved. Odis was already there, standing with Darci. Multiple different scenarios passed through my mind. Odis hardly mind-linked me and Alpha. I couldn’t remember the last time he did this.
Were we under attack?
Was it about Shane?
Or Mavy?
Was there a problem?
“Sorry to disturb you first thing in the morning,” Odis said. Gamma Darci bowed her head to me and Ethan.
“You’re no bother. I was already on my way here to meet Alpha,” Darci said.
“It’s nothing. What’s wrong?” I asked.
“A meeting with the Alphas has been called,” Odis said. “Since there’s a new Alpha, they decided it was best if he was updated on the rules. He needs to be informed about the peace treaty Half Moon has with our packs.”
“This is so soon. They just had an emergency meeting the other day,” I said.
“What kind of meeting?” Ethan asked.
“A united meeting,” Odis said.
“What does that mean?” I asked.
“A united meeting is where the Alpha, the Luna, the Beta, and the Gamma attend,” Odis answered.
“Was it Alpha Rich who sent word?” Ethan asked.
“Yes, Alpha,” Odis confirmed.
“Was his seal used?”
“Yes, everything checks out,” Odis said.
“I trust Alpha Rich. He wouldn’t lead us into a trap,” Ethan said before turning to me. “You don’t need to worry. Before I leave, Darci and I will have the new warriors stationed. The pack will be safe. You will be safe.”
“I know what we talked about the night you returned from the meeting but now that we’re faced with the issue. I’m not going to stay home. I’m going. I won’t have us looking weak because of me.”
“My Queen…” Ethan trailed off.
I know what he’s thinking. We agreed that I would stay out of the meetings for as long as possible but now, a united meeting has been called. If it had been another emergency meeting, I could have skipped it but this one requires my attendance.
I won’t have Shane or any of the other Alphas thinking we fear him and I don’t fear him. I fear what he can do to my family. After my dream last night, I’ll do anything to help my pack. This way when I go, I can assess him and gauge his reaction.
“I’ll be fine,” I tell Ethan. “Everything will be fine. If Shane is crazy about me, he won’t’ be able to hold himself back. If he does something today, we might be able to get him removed from the table. I don’t know if we could take his pack from him but we can at least disable any ties he could form with any of the Alphas in attendance, right?” I looked to Ethan but he remained quiet. I turned to Odis and he nodded.
“Yes, Darci and I will remain by your side, Luna. We’ll keep you safe.” Odis’ reassurance helped.
“I’ll also be there, Luna,” Leo said from behind me.
“I appreciate that. When is the meeting?” I asked.
“Tonight. I suggest we leave as soon as the warriors are stationed so we can make it to Alpha Rich’s pack on time,” Odis said.
“Sounds good,” Darci said. “We can get started right now. I already know which ones I want to station in the forest. I’m down a warrior but we’ll have a few extras after we’re done. The sooner we get started the sooner we get back.”
“Agreed.” Ethan finally broke the silence.
“Sounds like a plan! I’ll head upstairs with Leo while you guys take care of that. I’m not dressed for an alpha’s meeting,” I said. I was wearing jeans and a hoodie. “I’ll go get ready.”
“That’s a good idea,” Odis said.
As always he was always professionally dressed. Today, he was dressed in a dark gray suit. Despite the way Gabe looked, Odis’ hair had been swept back and his suit was crisp. The only indication that he may not have been as perfect as he seemed was his eyes. They were red and he had bags under his eyes.
Ethan grabbed my hand and pulled me until I was flush against his body. He wasn’t one to kiss in public but he kissed me like it was the last time he’d see me. My mind went blank as his hand pushed through my hair and I kissed him back.
When we separated, we smiled at each other. Remembering the others, my cheeks flushed with embarrassment. I swear I saw Odis cringe and Darci wore a bored expression. Leo sighed like wished he had someone.
“Well,” Odis said.
“I’m ready when you are, Alpha,” Darci said.
“Okay. I’ll try to make it quick,” Ethan said. He looked at Leo and Leo nodded before bowing his head. “Let’s head out.”
With one final look, Ethan turned and headed out the door with Darci and Odis on his heel. On shaky knees, I headed for the elevator with Leo on my tail. I felt like I couldn’t breathe. I just needed a few moments alone. It wasn’t until the doors closed that I collapsed against the wall. Leo was by my side instantly.
“Are you okay?” He asked.
“Yes,” I said. “There’s no need to worry. A lot has happened in a short time. I have a lot on my mind and I’m tired.” Leo gave me a doubtful look. “I know you have to report everything to Ethan but can you wait until after the meeting to tell him about this?” I asked.
When Leo didn’t respond I went on. “I don’t want him to worry about me more than he already is. We need him to have a clear mind when we face the Alphas of the table so soon. We need to appear united and strong against Shane. I don’t him to be more distracted than necessary.”