Chapter 400

Acouple of days before we leave, | see Thomas with a little Tula tucked up against his neck as they come into the dining hall. It's the first time he’s been out of his room since the hunters came. Tula is shining brightly again and appears to have recovered, although I’m not sure her wing will ever regrow.

“Thomas, you and Tula should join us.” Grace says, indicating that they should come to eat with us.

| see Thomas turn and speak quietly to Tula, who nods before joining us.

“How are you doing, Tula?” Grace asks her as they sit. Thomas shifts her to sit on his shoulder like a bird, except she’s sitting rather than standing. The top of her head doesn’t even come to the top of his, she’s so tiny.

‘lm much better Lady Luna Grace. Thomas has been wonderful.” She says and snuggles up against his cheek. He gently turns his head and kisses her before turning back, his demeaner going tense.

“Alpha Eli, Luna Grace, since Tula is my mate, we wanted to make sure that it is okay for her to remain in the pack.”

know my brows furrow at his question. “Why wouldn't it be?” | ask.

Thomas looks between me and Grace. Now it’s his brows that furrow. “Because she’s not a wolf.” He says as if this is obvious and answers my question.

“And?” | ask.

It's Grace that answers, looking at Tula. “I am the Guardian of the Realm, am | not?”

“Yes, Lady Luna Grace.”

“What kind of Guardian would | be if | excluded those that | protect?”

Tula smiles and Thomas noticeably relaxes.

“Do you want to stay here and live with us, Tula? | was under the impression that sprites are afraid of us.” | ask, wanting to make sure that this is what she wants too.

She looks at Thomas, nuzzling her face against his cheek. “Thomas said we would take it slowly, like tonight, coming to eat. He’s told me that wolves like to be around others and that it’s important to him, so he is going to help me be around his friends.”

+15 BONOS “| think that’s a wonderful idea.”

Thomas stands to go join his friends. “Oh and Luna, Tula and all sprites are vegetarian. Will that be a problem?”

“No, just let Cammy know, but | can’t imagine that she eats so much that it will. make a difference.”

Later that night as we’re getting ready for bed, | feel Grace’s tension through the bond. | walk up behind her, wrapping my arms around her, kissing her shoulder. “What is it, baby? You’re a nervous wreck and that’s not like you.”

She takes a deep breath, leaning back against me. “We'll be leaving day after tomorrow. | might see my father in just a couple of days. The closer it gets the more terrified | get.”

| turn her to face me, keeping my arm wrapped around her.

“Tell me what you are afraid of. He cannot hurt you. You know you are stronger than he is and | won't let him touch you. What is your fear?”

I can see tears in her eyes, and her lips begin to tremble. “What if he makes me feel like that scared, unworthy girl again?”

| take her face in my hands. “You, my love, are Grace Gunnar. Guardian of the Realm, the strongest of the Guardians, Luna of the Safe Haven Pack, an Alpha female and my mate. There is nothing weak or unworthy about you. HE is the one that was unworthy to be your father, unworthy of being an Alpha. And you are no longer a little girl, but a brave, fierce and powerful woman.” | tell her, pulling her against my chest.

“Honestly, I’m hoping you do run into him.” | tell her and she pulls away, looking at me.

“Why?”

“Because | want him to see what his arrogance and twisted Alpha thinking lost him and his pack. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad he never knew what you were. I’m sure he would have forced you into some mate bond to keep you in his pack and strengthen it.

But, instead, he banished you. Gave up on you and forgot about you and your mother. And look what he lost. He lost the most amazing woman I’ve ever met in my life.”