Chapter 82: Chapter 20

HALEY

With my secret out in the open, life has become much easier. Virgil and I spend even more time together, and we’ve even gone on a few dates.

Glory and I both got our permits. She’s improving with her training.

She’s more comfortable around the strays now, especially Jason. She’s not as obsessed anymore and has been able to be herself.

Natalie knows what I am. I saw in a vision that Realta told her she was looking for me. She put two and two together.

Kenna is more comfortable around us as well. She and I have begun to talk more.

Realta has started showing up at random times to teach me. She also blessed Paulina’s daughter Madison with a purple glow.

She’s helped me learn to control the visions that happen while I’m asleep. It was really hard, and she had to stay in my room with me.

I’m so grateful to her. Now, Uncle Ryan actually gets to sleep. I’ve kept the couch, though. It’s pretty comfortable to make out on.

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, we went to celebrate Alpha Redd’s birthday. Luna Kya was there, which was awesome.

I got to meet her entire family, and every one of them was incredibly nice. I apologized to Dr. Mason for being a brat to him, but he thought nothing of it.

Damon and Natalie are getting along great. Of course, Realta showed up. She loves going to parties.

Virgil and I got to be together the whole evening, and I got to see Anna. Thomas Blackburn hung out with her and actually got her talking.

Overall, it was the best night ever.

VIRGIL

“I think I have everything,” I tell Dec as I toss my bag into the back seat.

“Good, let’s get going.” He gives Luna Kya a kiss, then we’re on our way to the alpha summit.

I won’t lie, I’m pretty nervous. A room full of alpha power is enough to set anyone on edge, but I’m more nervous to meet the Oracle.

The book had a lot of information, but seeing my girlfriend live through it firsthand is maddening. Also, I’m fairly sure the book doesn’t cover everything.

For example, it doesn’t cover anything about what she’s supposed to go through prior to becoming the Oracle. It says nothing about learning to control her visions, and it definitely doesn’t cover the fact that she can hear all linked conversations… I wonder if she’s limited by distance, the way a regular link is.

~Hey, My Moon Flower. Can you hear me?~

~Oh holy Goddess above, I can. ~

~You’re so amazing.~

~Are you on your way? ~

~Yeah. We’re still in the sticks.~

~I wonder if I focus enough… I might…or I could just…hmmm.~

~Baby? ~

She laughs through the connection. I don’t think link is the appropriate word choice anymore. ~You’ve never called me that before. ~

~Uh, s-sorry.~

~It’s fine, I like it. I’m going to have to think of a name for you. Maybe honey or sugar since you’re always so sweet to me. ~

~Nah, I don’t think I like either. ~

~I’ll come up with something~

I laugh through the link. The drive to no-man’s-land goes by so fast, it almost surprises me when Dec parks the truck at the hotel. ~Shit, baby, we’re already here.~

~Be careful. ~

I swallow then grab my bag and follow Dec inside. The hotel is very nice with a huge chandelier hanging in the spacious foyer.

Brass sconces line the walls, and the banisters are also brass. The maroon carpet leads to the massive marble desk where Dec gets his room.

Most alphas stay two nights due to travel time, but the four surrounding packs have the luxury of going home ASAP. Dec grabs a beer and offers me one.

I decline and his lip ticks up. Alpha Weston greets us as does Alpha Ramirez. “Is he here yet?” Dec asks as he hands the beer to Alpha Weston and looks around the room.

“No. I haven’t seen him.” Alpha Weston answers. Alpha Ramirez looks around as well. I wonder who they’re looking for.

The door opens and in walks a very surprising guest. Her blonde hair is styled like a fifties starlet and her white dress is reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe on the vent.

Alpha Weston clears his throat as Realta approaches. She catches our group and smiles with her cherry red lipstick.

Alpha Ramirez steps forward and offers his arm. “Realta. You look beautiful.”

“Oh, thank you, Damon.” She kisses his cheek then wipes away the lipstick. Dec and Alpha Weston greet her then I give her a nod of respect.

She smiles at me. “I’m glad to see you here with Dec.” She turns to Alpha Weston. “Ryan, who is your guard today?”

“I brought my friend Logan, my lady. He’s talking with his mate at the moment.”

“Oh please, Ryan. I’ve told you that I prefer Realta. Especially in a crowd that does not recognize me. Send him away. I’ll be taking his place today.”

“As you insist, Realta. May I get you a drink.” He offers his arm and she takes it as he leads her to the bar.

~Dec, does the Goddess normally attend the summits?~

~No. I’m as surprised as you are, but her arrival is good for us. The Oracle has power, but the Starlight Sister does as well.~

~Is the Oracle opposed to something that the Goddess needs to overpower?~

Alpha Blackburn arrives and greets Dec and Alpha Ramirez. ~No. The Oracle is fair, she keeps the peace, so she may stop us from our goal. ~He continues to answer, even though he’s speaking with the alphas.

~I wasn’t aware you had a goal?~

~In this case, I’ve purposely kept you in the dark. It involves Haley and…her sister. I’m not going to say any more, you’ll find out. Just be ready, this could get ugly.~

~Yes, sir. ~Dec raises his brow at me. I guess that’s not my normal response, but mentioning Haley has put me on my toes.

I survey the room in great detail.

~Watch how you look at the alphas. Some may consider it a challenge.~ I soften my eyes, heeding his warning.~

~Dec nudges Alpha Ramirez and they walk toward the bar. ~Stay here and keep an eye on Alpha Grey. Don’t lose him.~

I glance toward the door and spot the man. Something about him makes my lip curl into a snarl.

I retreat to the wall where I won’t be in the way and continue to observe him.

I observe everyone he interacts with and those he pointedly ignores. He catches sight of Alpha Ramirez and a sneer forms on his narrow lips. From my research, I know that Alpha Grey is Alpha Roberts’s brother-in-law.

Luna Roberts was his sister. I’ve never met any of them, but I’ve heard nothing but praise about Luna Roberts and nothing but criticism regarding the two alphas. Dec catches my eye and tilts his head toward the table.

I glance up to see Realta step away from Alpha Weston to deliberately cross paths with Alpha Grey. She halts in front of him, then bends to adjust the strap of her shoe. The man is far from subtle as he visually assesses her from foot to chest, where his gaze finally settles.

He takes a step forward, but Alpha Weston steps in front of him to intercept her. Alpha Grey glares at Alpha Weston with pure contempt as he wraps his arm around her bare back and runs his nose up her neck, causing her to giggle. If they’re playing a part, they’re doing a damned good job of it.

~Does Alpha Grey have a problem with Alpha Weston?~ I wonder.

~He does now.~ I conclude.

I continue to observe Alpha Grey. He looks pointedly at his guard. ~It seems like Alpha Grey is about to make his move.~

~Good observation. Get close enough to his guard that you can take him out if necessary.~ I instruct myself.

I casually make my way over and mentally prepare myself.

“Weston. I wasn’t aware we’re allowed to bring humans to the summit,” Alpha Grey comments.

“This is my guard today and perhaps my playdate tonight,” he retorts, and the Goddess giggles, playing along. He pulls her closer and whispers in her ear. She giggles again.

Alpha Grey looks her over then steps forward. “Perhaps you’re willing to share. I don’t mind sloppy seconds.”

Alpha Weston growls and the room quiets down. “Isn’t she a bit old for your tastes? From what I understand, you prefer them very young. So young, in fact, they don’t even have their wolves yet.”

The room falls silent and Alphas Ramirez and Blackburn take up Alpha Weston’s flanks and Dec sidles up to me.

“I don’t know where you get such false information.”

“From my nieces. They were attacked by your dear brother when they were only ten years old. Apparently, your brother likes to talk as he tries to molest little girl pups.” Dec grips my arm to keep me in check.

I’m seething and my jaw is clenched so tight I might break my teeth. “I bet you were very disappointed to miss out on the sale of identical twins.”

Murmurs begin to fill the room. Alpha Grey is furious, but he’s also outmatched in this scenario. He looks around then forces himself to remain calm. “Such imagination little troublemakers like your twins have. I’ve heard they’re quite the handful.”

“My twins are good girls. It’s pieces of shit like you that try to turn innocent girls into the bad guy when you’re the one selling pups like them.” Alpha Weston steps into Alpha Grey’s face. “I don’t give a damn about your little shithole of a pack, but I will gladly take you on. I will make you suffer for each and every pup you’ve laid even a finger on. Once I’m done with you, you’ll be begging for me to kill you.”

The Oracle walks in and clears her gravelly throat. “We will begin the summit. Alphas to your seats.” She looks to Realta and nods her head. “You may be at my side, if you wish.”

“I will stand behind Alpha Weston.” The Goddess looks around the room. “Anyone that has dealings with Erwin Grey will answer to me.” Alpha Grey snickers. I guess he has no clue who she is.

Realta drops her pleasant smile and steps out of Alpha Weston’s arm. She lifts her chin and Alpha Grey drops to the floor.

“Goddess, the summit. We are in a time of peace. We must maintain neutrality while in this room,” The Oracle reminds the Goddess.

“Very well. I will honor tradition. But my warning still stands.”

“Of course, Goddess.” The Oracle nods in respect. Eyes all over the room are looking around in confusion. They have no clue who she is, but even I almost buckled at her power, a few of the guards did.

The Goddess reins in her power and the sweaty Alpha gets back up with the help of his guard who was stricken to his knees.