“No,”
Kai answered Seth’s question firmly and straightforwardly. He would also definitely protect Skyler with all his soul if the vampires targeted his adopted daughter. He had promised Edith that he would always protect Skyler.
“Actually, I came here because I feel that Red Crescent Moon is my place. There has been no misunderstanding between you and me so it makes me feel that this is my home too. I’m also now imprinted with Alexandra, so I will dedicate myself to this pack… if you allow it, Seth.”
“I allow it; the obvious proof isn’t it. You can mind linking with me. Yeah, you’re right. You’re no longer a threat to me, Kai,” Seth said firmly.
“If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask me for it.”
Seth nodded. He watched Kai’s back disappear behind the door after walking away leaving himself alone in the room. Seth exhaled his breath roughly. He got up from his chair and walked back and forth while thinking about this matter.
Moments later Edith stepped in with their little daughter in her arms. Seeing Julie’s innocent face, Seth’s worries disappeared instantly. Julie had won his heart and Kai’s with just her innocent face.
Seth also knew that Edith, Julie’s mother, was also worried, but she remained calm after Seth saw Edith’s smiling face in front of their daughter. He had to follow Edith’s lead to look strong even in the worst situations.
“We will always be together, Edith. I won’t let us be separated again,” Seth promised Edith.
Seth landed a kiss on Edith’s forehead. As their skin touched, Seth felt Edith’s cold skin. He remembered their parting, which made Edith become like that. Seth made up his mind that he would do his best to keep his little family safe.
“Will your skin continue to feel cold like that? I thought, seeing Kai keep bleeding, that you would be the same way.”
“Unfortunately, that’s not the case with me. Seth, I’m reminded of Eva’s words that the protection magic that protects Julie will fade after she’s eighteen. I’m sure this must have something to do with witches.”
“I’ve been thinking about that too. We can narrow down the suspects who sent the letter. Will is meeting Eva to discuss this matter. He must have a list of witches all over England,” Seth added to further reassure Edith.
“That’s good. Okay, darling, we’ll go back to playing with your friend, Eros.”
Edith stepped out with Julie to return to the great hall, where Alexandra and her baby were. There were only two small wolves in the pack, so it wasn’t hard for Edith to find where they were. She moved with quick movements from Seth’s study to the great hall.
“Oh my goodness, you startled me, Luna.” Alexandra was surprised when Edith stood next to her suddenly.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. Can I leave Julie with you? I need to organise a ritual with Emma.”
“Of course. Come here, pretty girl, youa can play with Eros,” Alexandra greeted with an open hand to grab Julie from Edith’s arms.
Alexandra made room for little Julie to sit close to Eros. They were not too far apart in age, so Alexandra could share Eros’ toys with Julie. One of the omegas had also helped Alexandra babysit Eros, so there were two adults to look after Red Crescent Moon’s babies.
Edith led the way to Emma’s room. She had to coordinate all the rituals needed to welcome Alexandra as a new pack member. This was new to Edith, so when she met Emma, she paid attention to every detail Emma explained to her.
Edith spent most of the day organising everything with the help of the omegas. She focused on organising the dishes for the ritual while Emma focused more on the ritual tools. Now she was making processed meat that had been smeared with honey to be smoked. Edith was making it for the first time, so she only smoked a third of the meat that would be provided.
“I noticed that the dishes for each ritual are different. Is it only Red Crescent Moon that does it, or are other packs like this as well?”
“It varies, Luna. Local traditions and the landscape where the pack is located have a lot to do with it. It’s the same with humans, except we specialise in eating meat. Since you came along, we’ve also been serving some vegetables,” replied one of the omegas standing beside her.
His hands skillfully cut the meat into small squares and put them into a large Pyrex container to marinate with honey. While waiting for the piece of meat that Edith was working on, the omega visited her by mixing it with some seasoning powder.
“I’m tempted by this meat, even though it’s not cooked yet; it smells so good after being marinated in honey. Did you add any other ingredients?”
“Just the usual spices from the Southeast Asian region that will make our bodies warm, Luna.”
Edith nodded. She would try it as soon as the meat was cooked. Edith went back to processing the remaining meat after the omega had finished cutting the meat.
*
Katarina was looking at the medium-sized crystal ball in her hand. She was watching the movements of a baby girl playing with a baby boy. Her tears suddenly fell without her realising it.
She longed for an offspring. Only Jovanka, her sister, could have offspring, while she could not. Katarina felt that the universe was laughing at her.
“Are you all right, Katarina?” asked Hubert, who accidentally passed in front of their room after the warehouse.
“I’m fine,” Katarina said simply.
“What do you always see in that crystal ball?” asked Hubert curiously.
“A girl.”
Hubert finally understood. Katarina had once told him that she could not have children. It could be that after seeing the girl, she became sad that she couldn’t have one. Hubert rubbed the back of Katarina’s hand, giving comfort to the woman.
“I will protect her. When she turns eighteen, then she will live with me. Jovanka must make up for all the suffering I have endured.”
“It is in every woman’s nature to be a mother, and you are no exception. I will support you, Katarina; you know that, right?” Hubert said to encourage Katarina.
“Yeah, I know. I’ve already sent my regards to my lovely niece and another threatening letter to Mikael. Thank you, Hubert.”
Katarina waved her hand in the air, and the crystal ball levitated in the direction of Katarina’s hand. It stopped on a shelf in the corner of the room. Katarina’s magic moved the ball to land on the wooden shelf.
‘Sending greetings?’