by Riki Bishop
“Fine, but I’m not happy about it. My priority is to keep our babies safe and if me being locked up in a tower is what you deem safe then whatever. I’m done with this conversation. I’m tired and hungry and I swear if Sierra starts her shit again I will rip her head off.” There’s my feisty she-wolf. “I swear I grew a watermelon overnight. My back hurts and my feet hurt. I want to relax and I’m emotional.” I lean over and kiss her forehead.
“This meeting is over. Thank you Nathan for the information. I’m going to get your Queen some food and rest before dinner.” I say before picking Willow up and taking her to the kitchen with the others not far behind.
“I’m going to find Sheila and get started on some phone calls. You girls call me if you need anything.” Josiah said before he went into his office.
WILLOW’S POV
Great. Just fucking great. I just want all this shit to be done with. I want to have my babies and I want to have them now. I seem to be getting bigger with each passing minute. That meeting was shit and just added more stress that I don’t need. This woman that I don’t know decides to try and use my babies for power. I’ll kill her before it happens. On top of everything, Sierra is here, and I just can’t stand that bitch. I know Levi is right, but I don’t want to cower behind a closed door, but I will, for him. “What do you want for lunch babe?” Levi asks.
“Pickles and nacho cheese.” I say.
“That’s not much of a lunch, now is it. How about I make you a grilled cheese and some soup too?” He asks. I just nod my head and he sits me at the table. He still insists on carrying me even though I tell him I can walk, but I’m not going to lie and say I don’t enjoy it. It gets me off my feet and his touch soothes me.
“Thanks babe. So, Shay, how are you holding up with everything that Ryder told you?” I ask my sister. It’s a lot for me to take, so I’m curious as to how she’s reacting. She hasn’t said much since she’s been here. “What about having not just one, but two new brothers? Pretty cool huh?”
“I mean, it is a lot of information that was just thrown at us, but I’m handling it pretty well. I’m not the one whose babies are in danger. As for the two brothers, it’s different, but we’ve known Jason for a while, and he was practically a brother anyways. Nathan seems okay, if he would only get rid of Sierra. He could do much better. What’s going to happen now that he’s here? I mean he is an Alpha as well. If I didn’t know any better, Sierra thinks he’s going to be taking over and she’ll be Luna. She has always wanted power.” Shay told me and I couldn’t agree more. That’s the reason she was with Levi.
“Well, I hope he realizes it before it’s too late. Family is family and I don’t want anything to happen to him.” I said.
“You know he’s sitting right here, right?” Nathan said. Shay and I laughed.
“Yeah, we know. How do you feel about having two younger siblings that are more than likely going to annoy the shit out of you? Even more so if you do mate with Sierra.” I say.
“Well, like you said, family is family and my mate is also important to me. I don’t want any trouble and I really don’t like the way she acted when she first got here. As for having two annoying little sisters, I wouldn’t want anything else. I’m looking forward to getting to know each of you.” He said.
“You know, we have a pack that needs an Alpha that’s only ten minutes from the Kingdom, if you’re interested. You are an Alphas son, so the position is yours if you want it.” Levi said bringing my food. “I know it normally doesn’t happen like this, but I also know that Josiah is a strong Alpha and you are also from the same bloodline so it would only make since to have such a strong bloodline leading a pack. Besides, I like to have family running packs before someone I don’t trust. Ryder and mine’s youngest brother runs the pack that Josiah left for this one. I feel that you can trust family more than you can a stranger and if Willow agrees then you can have it. First, you need to figure out things with Sierra. I won’t have her trying to ruin things and I won’t be afraid to take the title away.” Levi said.
“Some family you can trust anyways. I think it would be a good thing. I mean it’s only ten minutes from Shay and I and we could visit and get to know each other better.” I said as I finish my meal. “I agree that Sierra needs to be put in her place. I don’t want to see this pack go down because of her. She is a bully and I don’t tolerate anyone treating any other wolf differently.”
“I’ll definitely think about it. I would love to run a pack and after what I saw this morning, I will be sure to put her in her place. I don’t take kindly to bullies.” Nathan said.
“Who are you putting in their place?” Sierra comes into the kitchen and walks over to Nathan. “Who’s being a bully?”
“You.” I snap.
“Oh, so they’re telling you awful lies about me now. Don’t believe them baby. I have never been anything but kind to them and they were just jealous of me back in high school. Once, Willow and Alexis trapped me in the bathroom and threatened that if I didn’t break things off with Levi, they would make sure I would regret it.” She had the nerve to have tears in her eyes. Alexis growled.
“That is not how that went, and you know it. You had Willow up against the wall because you see her staring at Levi. You worthless, two-faced tramp.” Alexis said. I remember that day perfectly. We had just gotten to our lockers when Levi walked in with Sierra and I was madly in love with him back then as well, but he didn’t notice me. Sierra saw the emotions on my face and snarled when she walked by. Later that day before lunch I was using the restroom and she came barging in and had me up against the wall with her arm against my throat and told me if I looked at him again it would be the last thing I did. Alexis walked in and shoved her off me.
My wolf wants out. She’s clawing to the surface. I can’t shift, but she wants out to get that bitch. My eyes are shifting back and forth from my wolfs to my own. I let out a growl and I’m trying to hold her back. “You lying bitch. You threatened me.” I had her by her neck pressed up against the wall. My eyes aren’t my own anymore. I tell my wolf that we can’t shift. She knows this. It’s physically impossible for us to shift while pregnant, but that doesn’t stop her from coming to the surface. “I should kill you right now for disrespecting me.”
“Willow. Stop.” Levi said.
“That’s not her Levi. Her wolf has come to the surface. She’s in defense mode. She was there for everything that Sierra did to her, and she was pissed. Willow kept her at bay, but she’d come to the surface every so often.” Shay explained.
“Baby, you have to calm down.” Levi’s wolf is on the surface trying to connect with my own. “Come on, think of our pups. Think of us. She’s not worth it. You kill her and Nathan will feel the pain for months. Think of him.” I can feel myself gaining control. “That’s it baby. Come on. Let her go. Let Nathan deal with her.” I drop her and she’s gasping for air.
“Cross me again and it will be the last thing you do. You want to make up stories about me, I can make them come true.” That’s the last thing I remember until I wake up for dinner.
“Hey baby. How are you feeling?” Levi asks. I can tell he’s worried about me especially after what happened earlier. I just couldn’t hold it in any longer. She gets under my skin and I just wanted it to end. Nathan deserves someone better. He deserves someone with a soul as kind as his. There must be a reason they were a fated pair.
“I’m fine baby. How long was I out?” I ask.
“About six hours. Dinner is ready, so I came to get you.” He says kissing my forehead.
“Okay, help me up please.” I say. He helps me up and I follow him into the kitchen. The food smells amazing. Levi pulls my chair out and sits next to me. “Hello, everyone. I just want to apologize for my actions that took place earlier.” I say blushing.
“You have nothing to be sorry about.” Josiah says. “She was in the wrong and even though she is your brothers mate, she should respect you as her Queen.”
; “Dad’s right Willow. I apologize for her actions. I spoke with her and told her that she needed to leave because this behavior wasn’t acceptable. It’s not only disrespectful to a Royal, but to my family as well. I also rejected her. I just hope that the Moon Goddess understands, and I can find a mate that will support my family and myself as well.” Nathan says and I instantly feel guilty. I didn’t want him to have to reject her.
I let out a tear and Levi hugs me into his side. “We have it in pretty good with the Moon Goddess. I mean, I am carrying the next one.” I say.
“What? My niece is the next Moon Goddess? Man, there is so much that I need to catch up on. Also, Levi, the offer you presented me with earlier, I would like to take you up on it if is still available.” Nathan said. I hope he finds someone worthy of him. I know we just met, but that doesn’t make a difference for me. I can tell he’s special and has no ill intent against my family.
“Of course, it is and yes our little girl is going to be the next Moon Goddess. It’s a scary thought, but we will work it out.” Levi says. The rest of the dinner goes on easily. There is a lot of conversation and getting to know one another. There are laughs and sentimental moments. I’m glad I get to spend it with my family. I have come to realize that you shouldn’t take anything for granted. You never know when the next problem may come along and knowing how my life is going right now, it could be right around the corner.
CHAPTER THIRTY: FOLLOWING LEADS
Dinner went a lot better than the whole day did. We all got to know Nathan and he is such a sweet guy. He and Levi hit it off right away. After dinner, the girls and I decided to watch a movie and relax while the guys did whatever they did. We didn’t make it through the whole movie because we ended up falling asleep. I don’t know who fell asleep first, but it was probably me. I only know we fell asleep on the couch because that’s where we ended up waking up this morning. Turns out that the men decided to get drunk and talk strategy. I still must stay at home because it’s dangerous, which I understand. After all, we don’t know what they are going to be walking into. The plan is still the same, except when they get there they are going to try and align with the King that runs all the UK packs. Doing this, it’ll allow us to have more information, hopefully, and more allies if things go south.
“Are you ready baby girl?” Levi asks. He looks like he’s severely hungover. Most of the men do.
“Yeah. I am babe. Let’s just say goodbye to Josiah and Sheila.” I say walking to Josiah’s office. Seems like everyone had the same idea since we’re not the only ones outside the door. “Are you guys planning on standing here all day or are you going to knock on the door?” I ask.
“We’re waiting. They seem to be busy now.” After Nathan said that, the moans started getting louder.
“Oh. My. Goddess! Why are you guys just standing out here listening to this? I mean come on! They’re our parents.” I bang on the door because I don’t want to hear them doing what they’re doing. “You have an audience out here. Mind putting a pen in it until later?” I holler through the door. Sheila shrieks and Josiah groans. This is disturbing on so many levels! A few minutes later the door is swung open.
“You guys couldn’t just wait in the living room or somewhere not here?” Josiah growled. Literally growled out. I just laughed.
“This is nothing. Ask Ryder about the time he walked in when Levi and I just finished. However, this is disturbing to me because I’m your daughter.” Ryder glares at me and Levi laughs. “We’re getting ready to leave, but these idiots decided to wait until you got done…doing what you were doing. I, however, want to get home and relax for the rest of the day and suffer in my emotions when Levi leaves to follow these leads.” I say as I hug Josiah. We all say our goodbyes and are heading towards the cars.
“Nathan, we’ll meet you at the Kingdom. Make sure to come directly after you introduce yourself to you pack. We need to get there as soon as possible. We need to get an idea of what we’re up against before you sister kills me for keeping her locked up at the house and for leaving her for so long.” Levi says and Nathan laughs. He tells Levi he’ll be there as soon as he can, and he will only be with his pack for about an hour. Just long enough to introduce himself and connect to the pack and allow them to know where he will be going.
“Time to go home and be miserable for the next however many days.” I sulk as I get in the car.
“Baby, you know I would rather stay at home with you, but I am the King and I have to do this. Not just for us, but for all our wolves that look to us for support and advice and safety. You know this. I’m going to miss you more than you’ll miss me. I have more to miss. I have you and our babies. Ryder will still be there and your sister and Alexis. You’re not going to be alone. Baby don’t cry. Please. You know if there was another way I would take that option.” God of course I’m crying. Damn hormones. He’s right though. I do know he has to go, and I understand completely.
“I know Levi. I’m just over every damn thing going wrong. Every time we turn around it’s always something. There has to be a silver lining somewhere.” I say. Levi takes his hand off the steering wheel and puts it on my thigh.
“There is a silver lining. They’ll be here in three months’ time or so. There is always going to be a threat around the corner. It comes with the title. Even as just an Alpha there were always threats. Granted the ones that we are facing now are a bit more intense, but there will always be a silver lining at the end. We just must do what we do best and fight for it. Don’t worry babe. We will get through this and we will raise our pups to be the best that they can be. We will have that life where we don’t have to constantly worry about threats against us and we can sit and watch our grandpups grow up. I love you and I will always love you. Even after my last breath. You are it for me. I’m going to do everything in my power to come back with something to take care of this shit. You just need to worry about keeping our pups safe and keep them from coming to early.” Levi and his speeches.
“I know Levs. I’m just hormonal and over it. I’ll be okay. I’ll be even better when I know you’re home safe and by my side. I still have duties to complete and that should keep me busy enough. You better call me every chance you get. I mean it, unless you want these to be last babies you have.” I say jokingly. I want a big family and so does he.
The rest of the drive goes by quicker than I remember, and we are sitting in Levi’s office waiting for Nathan to show up. He should be here anytime now and that just means it's getting closer for Levi to leave. “Ryder, you know the drill on how things run and make sure you help Willow out even if she doesn’t want it. I want daily updates on how things are going. I will be calling you and Willow while I’m gone, and I will give each of you updates. I also always want a guard with Willow. I even want one stationed outside our room.” Levi said. I just sit there and play with his hair as he talks.
“I understand. You know I will guard her with my life. She is a sister to me and my mates sister. Not only that, she is the Royal Alpha Female.” He replies as a knock comes from the door.
“Come in.” Levi bellows and Nathan walks in. “How did it go with the pack?”
“It went well. They seem to have taken quite well to the change in leadership. However, I think I’m going to have trouble with the Beta. He seems to have a problem with not running things anymore. Would it be okay if I looked for a new one?” Nathan asks.
“It’s your pack. Feel free to change anything you’d like. Just do it within reason. Are you ready to leave? We have leads to follow.” Levi said and I let out a quiet whimper. This is going to be the first time we’ve been apart since we had our ceremony. No, I’m not some dependent she-wolf that can’t make it without her mate. I just sleep better with him near and not on another continent. “Baby, I’ll be back before you know it, I promise. I love you.” He says placing his lips on mine.
“I love you too. Be safe. I swear if anything happens to you I’ll bring you back just to kill you myself. C
all me when you land please. I’m going to take a nap and relax.” I say to him kissing him again. He walks me to our room and kisses me again before leaving. I just hope this trip isn’t a waste of time.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE: NEW INFORMATION
LEVI’S POV
After a long flight and missing my mate more than anything, we have arrived in the UK and are almost to the Kingdom to meet with the King. I’m just ready to be home and be rid of this obstacle and threat against my family. “When we arrive, we need to speak with the King as soon as possible about the alliance. We also need to get information about the vampires and see if they know anything about what is going on. I know we are all tired, but this is something that needs to be done sooner rather than later so we can get home.” I tell everyone. They all agree. They want to be here as much as I do.
I decide to call Willow and see how she is doing and let her know we landed before she has my balls. I take my phone put and dial her number. She rings after the fourth ring.
Hello?
Hey baby girl, we landed and are about ten minutes out. I wanted to see how you were doing. I miss you. I wish we were here under different circumstances and you were here. How are the babies treating you? I miss this woman more than anything and I miss feeling my pups kick when I talk to them.
I’m okay and so are the babies. They’re active as usual. I’m tired of growing. I was waiting for your call. I can’t sleep without you here and I’m just uncomfortable. I miss you and love you.
I love you too Wills. Listen, baby, we’re here and I need to go, and you need to get some sleep. I love you and I’ll see you in a few days.