“You are correct Melanie. I found out from one of the other wolves-his Gamma-that’s exactly what they’re planning on doing. They want to bring down our kingdom and take it over,” declared Uncle Vladimir as he walked into the room. “Your father was correct when he said you are very insightful. You knew Kessler giving himself up like he did was way too easy. We all did but we couldn’t put our finger on why he did. We’ve isolated his Gamma and a few others so he doesn’t know who gave him up,” explained Uncle Vladimir.
“Okay, but how reliable is the information he gave you? Do you have a way to verify it?” Dad asked Uncle Vladimir.
“Yes, we do. It is in the works. The King is back in his quarters and receiving visitors. If you want to go and see him, follow me,” announced Uncle Vladimir.
We didn’t hesitate to follow Uncle Vladimir. We all wanted to make sure that Uncle Friedrich was okay. Uncle Friedrich was in the living room of his suite along with Queen Philipa, Princess Sophia, Princess Ophelia, Prince Mason, Daniel, Rebecca, and baby Hunter. We were all happy to see him laughing while he was holding Hunter in his arms.
“Friedrich, I’m so happy to see you weren’t hurt too badly,” Mom gushed as we entered the living room.
“I’m fine Lou, just a couple of scratches and bruises. Nothing too serious,” exclaimed Uncle Friedrich.
“So, I hear that Melanie was spot on with why Kessler was captured? Tell me Melanie, what do you think our next steps should be? Hmm?” speculated Uncle Friedrich.
“I’m not sure. I’d have to read the latest intel reports to see who the players are and see what their numbers are before I can determine the next steps. How many backers do they have?” I asked no one in particular.
“Well, they seem to be growing in number but they don’t have enough to form a kingdom. That’s probably why they want ours,” growled Uncle Vladimir.
“Okay, so they have some decent numbers but not enough to match us. We need to strengthen our borders but also we do not need to weaken our interior. Dad, we need to bring in reinforcements-not just the Elite Force but the Mechanics. We need to bring them in as well. I think it’s about time we introduce the Mechanics to everyone. What better way to do it than a European fight for survival?” I declared with pride.
“Melanie, who are the Mechanics?” asked King Friedrich.
“Well, a mechanic is a highly specialized person who knows the ins and outs of-a car’s motor, etc.,–our mechanic is a highly specialized person who is trained in all kinds of combat, weapons, technology, and warfare. They can operate as a separate entity or as a team. They are more ‘elite’ than the Elite Force. They have defeated the Elite Force every time they have fought them in head-to-head combat,” I explained to everyone in the room.
“You know what Melanie, you are right. I think it’s about time we introduce everyone to the Mechanics. With your permission Alpha King Friedrich, I will call in the Elite Force and the Mechanics to aid in this venture to protect and defend the kingdom from future attack. Also, to ensure the safety of all citizens,” offered Dad to King Friedrich.
“We will gladly accept your offer, Troy. Thank you. Thank you for thinking about that Dutchess Melanie,” praised King Friedrich.
Dad excused himself to make the necessary arrangements. He came back to announce that he had his forces on their way and would be here shortly. To which we all breathed a sigh of relief. One less thing to worry about.
We all talked for a little while longer until dinner was announced. We had a family dinner together but it would be our last one for a while. No one knew it at the time. We were about to face some challenging times ahead of us.
After dinner, Uncle Vladimir announced that we all needed to return to his villa for a good night’s rest. I don’t know if I could rest comfortably knowing that someone was trying to take over our kingdom. It just didn’t sit right with me.
As promised, Dad got permission for us to take a family run when we returned to the villa. We didn’t run for long due to the circumstances. My wolf was on full alert while we were out and about. Anthony picked up on the full alert status and he too remained vigilant as we ran.
When we returned to the villa, my wolf still couldn’t calm down. She just knew something was up. Something was going to happen and soon. We just didn’t know when and where.
Nothing happened during the night. I still didn’t sleep too well but I wasn’t the only one. At breakfast, we all looked like we didn’t sleep but a few hours. Maybe that was part of their plan. To get in our heads and make us think they were going to attack, put us on the alert so we didn’t get a lot of sleep, and then when we were at our weakest, attack. That would be smart, very smart.
I hate being on the defensive side of things. Too many variables and they could all go wrong. I needed to have a serious conversation with Uncle Vladimir, Dad, Daniel, Princess Sophia, and King Friedrich this morning. I already explained my reasoning to Uncle Vladimir and he thought it was a good idea to have a meeting first thing today when we arrive at the castle-he’d already arranged it.
Arriving at the castle was a unique experience today. They had doubled the guards outside and they checked every vehicle carefully. I’m glad they are taking the extra precautions.
Once inside, we were shown to the meeting room. King Friedrich, Princess Sophia, Prince Mason, and Beta Yared were already there waiting for us.
“Ah, good morning everyone. Please come in and join us. We just got here ourselves. Melanie, I understand you have some concerns you wish to share with all of us,” announced King Friedrich.
“Yes, King Friedrich. Good morning. I have some concerns, yes. I didn’t sleep very well last night because of what happened yesterday. I couldn’t help but think if this was part of their plan. To get in our heads and make us think they were going to attack, put us on the alert so we didn’t get a lot of sleep, and then when we were at our weakest, attack. That would be smart, very smart. But then again, would they wait until the coronation ceremony when they think we were distracted and attack then? You see my concerns?” I explained feeling frustrated with myself for not figuring this out myself.
“Yes, I do see. I can understand your frustration, Melanie. Now, I know why you wanted all of us together so we can discuss this. There are too many variables in play here. Daniel, what do you think they will do? I’m interested in your thoughts,” King Friedrich inquired.
“I’m with Melanie. I didn’t sleep too well last night trying to figure it out. Kessler attacked yesterday and allowed himself to be captured. Why? He had to know that Melanie could and would identify him. Then, he would also know that the plot to overthrow our kingdom would be uncovered. Maybe that’s what they wanted us to learn. To panic to see what our response would be-how would we respond to the threat, where would we deploy our resources, and most importantly, would we go ahead with the coronation?” answered Danny.
“Exactly. What do you think Melanie? Is he spot on?” inquired King Friedrich.
“Yes, he is. Spoken like a true protector of the kingdom. That’s my brother,” I proudly stated as I wrapped him up in a hug.
“Stop,” Danny cried out as he pushed me away from him.
‘Love you, little brother. Always remember that,’ I cooed in our family link.
‘Love you too,’ he replied.
“I believe they are doing a little bit of both. We will continue with the coronation as scheduled. We will practice it today-this morning and this afternoon. We will deploy the Elite Force and hold back your Mechanics as a last resort. We will keep them in our hip pocket as a surprise if they decide to attack the coronation. Sound like a plan?” declared King Friedrich.
“Sounds like a plan,” we replied in unison.
“This meeting is dismissed. Let us adjourn to the throne room so we can practice the coronation. Shall we?” commanded King Friedrich.
“As you wish, Alpha King,” we replied in unison.
We all followed Alpha King Friedrich, Princess Sophia, Prince Mason, and Beta Yared into the Throne Room. We started practicing the coronation. It is surely going to be quite the show. I can’t wait for Sophia to be crowned Queen tomorrow. I am so happy for her.