Chapter 29: A Message

WILLOW

I spend the entire night wrapped in the arms of my mate. It is pure bliss. With every touch, I find myself falling deeper and deeper in love with him.

He’s gentle, caring, and pays attention to the smallest details in a way that surpasses my wildest dreams. Despite the weight of the world on our shoulders, we both feel a sense of control. He confesses that suppressing his aura is becoming painful, as his beast feels stronger now that we’re connected.

He’s impressed by my strength, and Genisis is head over heels in love. She says the Goddesses approve of our union and predict great things for us. All I want is peace, so we can settle down and be a family.

Hand in hand with Andrei, I walk to the dining room for breakfast. Just as we sit down, Boris walks in, grabs a coffee and a plate, and joins us.

“Tobias sent word that the pack the Fae have been guarding has been quiet. It’s a larger pack than the other two. I asked him to head to the pack you were assigned to and set up a camp nearby. He and the witches are creating wards to keep it hidden from the vampires,” Boris informs us.

“And what about Eros?” I ask, setting my cup down.

“He’s left two dragons to guard the pack and is on his way to join Tobias and the witches. Andrei, I think you should join them. You’ll be hidden by the wards and ready for action,” Boris suggests.

Andrei nods, bringing my hand to his lips for a gentle kiss. “I’ll be close. Link me at the first sign of trouble. I might be able to control the new Borns with my alpha power. I’m stronger than Mihai or the other elders. They should follow my commands.”

“The moment I see them break through the trees, I’ll link you. I just hope Mihai is there this time,” I assure him.

Andrei traces a finger along my jawline. “He won’t be able to resist, my beloved. Blood, power, fear, and death drive him. His chosen mate should be there too. I can’t wait to see her face when her brother turns to dust,” he smirks.

“She despises my brother, but he turned her, so she stays close. Her only love is her brother. Remove him from the equation, and she falls apart,” he shrugs.

“Leave them to me. You handle Mihai. You need to challenge him to regain the upper hand,” I say, meeting his gaze. “You will be king again. Our world needs it. Your people need it.”

“Perhaps,” he agrees. “But all I need is you.”

I smile at his words, and my brother groans. I look up and grin. “What’s your problem? You’re over there huffing and puffing.”

“It’s bad enough I have to watch our parents act like horny teenagers, now I have to watch you and Andrei? Get a room!” He picks up his cup and stomps off toward his office.

Mom pops in then, watching his back as he disappears. “Who upset him?” she asks, looking at Andrei and me.

“I think Boris needs to find his mate, Mom. He’s getting grumpy. He got upset because Andrei and I were showing affection,” I explain.

“Ah, yes, I agree. He does need a mate. Maybe when all this is settled, he can go with us to the States and find his mate there. It would be good for alliances too. Maintaining a good rapport between the American and European packs is always a good idea,” she suggests.

“I think Alpha Carlyle would be honored to have another visit, Mom. He always enjoys it when you and Dad visit,” I add.

Lyric grins and winks at me. “That’s because we’ve never settled who is the stronger one.”

Andrei laughs. “You are the warrior wolf, the queen of wolves. There’s no competition, my lady.”

“Oh, you’re mistaken, dear man. My daughter is far more gifted than I. She possesses the power of the Moon Goddess, and her birthmark too.” She winks at me. “I always knew you were here for more than just being my daughter. You are her vessel, my love,” she says with a soft smile.

“The crescent moon on your hip!” Andrei exclaims. “I saw it! I was intrigued.” He kisses my temple.

“A kiss from the Moon Goddess herself. Her blessing come to life. She knew there were troubles ahead. Willow is her promise to always be by our side,” Mom explains.

I stand to get more coffee. “One more cup, then we need to start making preparations to get to the pack and start our countdown to victory,” I declare, this time sitting in Andrei’s lap.

Mom smiles and tilts her head, noticing the mate mark I left on Andrei’s neck. “It suits you, my old friend,” she tells him softly. “Happiness looks very good on you.”

“I am happy, Lyric. Beyond happy. I’ve always had a special place in my life for you, and now I understand why even more. It was always going to be her,” he says solemnly.

“It is the will of the Goddesses.” We all agree, smiling.

Then Boris bursts into the room. “I just got a message from Eros. He noticed a new camp near some caves just south of the pack you’re headed to. It’s quiet now because it’s daylight, but I bet it’ll be active this evening when the sun goes down,” he says, arching his brows.

I jump off Andrei’s lap and head for the door. “Have the chopper filled and ready. I’ll grab my gear,” I say, bounding up the stairs to my room two steps at a time.

“Looks like the break is over, Genisis. Time to get our heads back in the game,” I think to myself.

~“I’m with you, Willow!”~ she answers back.