Chapter 99: Chapter 37

HALEY

I feel stronger and more alert than ever before. My mind is clear, and I see the world so differently.

I no longer belong to the Weston pack, but to all packs and none at the same time. The pack isn’t just a group of wolves, but a connected family with ties to one another and even more ties to other packs. It’s like viewing an intricate web of gold threads.

I close my eyes and I can feel the souls of the moon children, each one delicate and precious.

It takes me a moment to rein in the power that consumes me, to feel like myself again. Well, a bit more than myself now, I guess. I’m the same person I’ve always been, but with a little…flare.

I head downstairs for breakfast. Uncle Ryan and Blaine bow their heads to me, their wolves recognizing my power.

I feel both of their alpha powers and their individual delicate threads are stronger and more elaborate than those around them. I feel that if I wanted to, I could pull the string and manipulate it in whichever way I choose. Such is the power of the Oracle.

In this moment, I quickly realize that what happened to Auntie Lindra was of her own choosing. She told me once before that she was ready to rest. Her time finally came.

“Please, you’re my family. That’s not necessary.” They both minutely relax.

Glory and everyone else is oblivious to what I have become, but I feel their threads just the same. I hold Glory’s hand and break the news.

“Auntie Lindra passed last night. She has joined her mate and is happy in the realm of the Goddess.” Glory still cries, but she’s comforted to know that Auntie is happy.

“What happened to her? She seemed so strong, like time forgot to pay attention to her.” I smile at the description, it’s completely accurate.

“I will not share the details, but it was of her own choosing.” Glory sniffs, but nods, Spencer pulls her close to comfort her and sheds a few tears of his own.

I look to Uncle Ryan and share my vision of Auntie’s death with him and him alone. ~Say nothing until it is time.~

“I don’t belong here anymore. I will stay until the summit, then I will return to my new home.”

“What do you mean you don’t belong here?” Glory yells at me. “What home? This is your home.”

“Glory. We all knew that Haley has a responsibility beyond our understanding. She has to do what’s right for her and for the children of the moon.” Uncle Ryan reminds her.

“I’m sorry Glory. You’re all welcome to visit me any time that I’m home.”

A knock sounds on the front door and I wave for everyone to stay seated while I answer it. The courier has me sign for a thick legal envelope.

I already know what it contains, but still take my seat to open it in front of everyone. It contains all the paperwork for stocks and everything else Auntie Lindra has left me.

I get everything, including the private plane. I’ll definitely need it since I’ll be flying to summits at least once a month. There are letters for both Glory and Uncle Ryan that I hand over.

I let them have their privacy and begin eating.

“Haley, can I visit your new place?” Blaine asks.

I smile at him. “Of course you can. As long as Uncle Ryan says it’s okay.”

We celebrate Blaine’s birthday two days early because I have to leave early for the summit. Auntie never really mentioned it, but she’s the one that has paid for everything at the summits.

I meet with the owner of the hotel and get everything squared away. After getting settled into my room, I take a walk and check out the gym. It fulfills my need to work out then I observe the surrounding woods.

There is a small meadow covered in snow that is the perfect place for me to get my laps in. After a shower and change of clothes, I dine alone in the hotel’s restaurant.

The East Coast alphas begin to arrive and check in, but I stay away, not ready to reveal myself yet. I’m aware of each and every one of them and their guards.

I feel it when Alpha Ramirez shows up, then Uncle Ryan escorted by Xavier this time. Alpha Blackburn brought Thomas, and Alpha Redd is with Virgil. That worthless piece of garbage shows up and I cringe; Erwin Grey.

I refuse to honor him with the title of alpha. He’s abused it and our people. A few minutes and the last of the alphas arrive.

I can feel the tension of the room before I open the door, it’s bitter on my tongue and fills my soul with a hefty weight. ~Please do not reveal what I am~. I tell the four alphas and the four guards that are aware of me.

I pull my power in, even more than I did at home, then enter the room. The normal start time has passed and a few of the alphas are beginning to notice as they look around for the Oracle.

I walk up to Virgil and get a hug from him. “You look beautiful, Moon Flower.” I’m dressed in a soft long-sleeved maxi dress, the kind with pockets and my chucks. Nothing special for this part.

“Thank you, handsome. You’ve had a lot of success this year with the rogues.” I comment then turn to watch the crowd. Thomas gives me a wave so I nod in his direction.

Virgil remembers his purpose for being here and begins scanning the room. “I have. I wish I could do more, but…” He lets the comment fade as a confrontation takes place in the middle of the room.

Alpha Redd saunters up beside us and watches the room. ~I assume you have a plan.~

~Are congratulations appropriate in this case?~

~Neither yes or no on both accounts, but they are appropriate for you. How is your little guy? Conall Troy Redd, right?~

~That’s correct. Kya thought it fitting. He’s five months now. He has my eyes and Kya’s hair. ~

~It is quite fitting. Can I meet him?~

~Of course. You’re welcome at my pack any time. ~

“The Oracle has forgotten us.” Erwin Grey states with malformed confidence and I bite my tongue to keep from letting my power slip and getting his attention.

“That guy is no alpha.” Virgil states in pure contempt. “How can you let him be here in the same room with the true alphas here?”

“You may not like him, but he is an alpha. Most of the other alphas would agree with you. I agree with you. He is not worthy and should be replaced, but I do not have the power to change that. Only a challenge or death would stop him…unless I find my mate and he removes his power.”

Arguments are beginning to take place and the room is growing louder as tensions rise. I link with Uncle Ryan. ~It’s almost time.~

I want to see if he confesses to any knowledge. I truly doubt it.~

~He’s too much of a coward.~ Uncle Ryan steps forward.

“The Oracle would never abandon us. Something must have happened to her.”

The arguments continue to escalate. I stop Uncle Ryan from saying anything more as the tension rises. The four alphas who know me remain ever faithful.

A few of the less honest alphas start talking about naming themselves king, including Erwin Grey.

I tell my four faithful to keep quiet for now. I want to see how far this alpha is willing to go.

“This is insane. Are you going to stop this?” Virgil whispers to me.

“Nope. I can’t. The alpha heir hasn’t been found yet and with no Oracle…the alphas need a leader,” I tell him.

“But you’re right here.” Virgil is getting agitated. Alpha Redd gives him a look.

Virgil clenches his jaw.

I shrug my shoulders. “I don’t have the power to do anything, Virgil. I wish I could. He’s the scum of the earth, but my hands are tied. I am not the Alpha King. We’ve already had to fight him, and nothing good has come of it.”

~Alpha Redd. Do you think Virgil capable of beating Erwin Grey?~

~Without a doubt, Oracle. He’s been capable for years. I have trained him to be the best.

He is worthy to be an alpha. I’ve always thought this.~

~Please, you know my name is Haley. You should encourage him. I don’t think anyone else would step up for a challenge…of the other guards I only see maybe three others who are worthy options.

I can’t stop this guy and we can’t just kill him without starting a war.~

~Is that what you want or is it what needs to happen?~

~He needs to be stopped. He’s only getting worse. This is the only way.

Do not react to what I show you.~ I share my vision of Auntie’s death and the only tell of Alpha Redd’s anger is a slight tick to the jaw.

The alphas are getting louder and in each other’s faces. “We have no Oracle! Someone needs to be in charge here!” Alpha Grey shouts.

“And you think we should all bow to you. You have some nerve. I think you did something to the Oracle.” Alpha Middleton yells out.

I knew I liked him. June will do well within his pack.

“Why would I need to do anything to the Oracle? She was old and frail. I bet she went crazy and…”

“And what?” Alpha Price says. “That woman is stronger and sharper than any of us on our good days. Are you saying she’s dead and you’re the only one with this knowledge?”

“I never claimed anything.”

“But you assume she’s abandoned us, instead of merely thinking she was held up somehow.”

“The Oracle tied up is highly unlikely,” Grey says.

I link Alpha Redd and Uncle Ryan. ~Tied up. Interesting choice of words.~ Alpha Redd gives me a nod.

I listen to him linking Virgil, spurring him on.

The argument goes back and forth as Grey continues to try to instill a king, namely himself. Pretty soon, I have no doubt, someone is going to break.

Virgil is on the balls of his feet desperately trying to stay in control.

I link Alpha Redd. ~Give him the push he needs.~

I hear Alpha Redd link Virgil. ~Haley told me that Grey killed the Oracle on Solstice night. That’s when she took her place.~

~Haley is the Oracle.~ Virgil’s head snaps to Alpha Redd who just nods, confirming he heard correctly.

Virgil takes a step forward and growls so loud he captures everyone’s attention. “I challenge Alpha Erwin Grey for his pack and title.”

I link Uncle Ryan. ~It’s too bad he’s not going to accept a challenge.~

Uncle Ryan faces Virgil with a slight chuckle. “Erwin Grey is too much of a coward to accept a challenge. He’s too much of a slimy leech. That’s why he runs away from a battle leaving everyone else to die.”

Alpha Redd takes a step beside Uncle Ryan. “He’s right, Virgil, the only reason he’s even an alpha is because his dad turned over the pack before he died of old age.

“He had to wait until he was in his thirties before he was allowed to have his pack. Hell, it wouldn’t surprise me if he killed his own father.”

The taunting works and Erwin Grey growls at being insulted. “I accept your challenge, pup.”