ADDIE I got into the car and looked James over, satisfied that he only had a few bumps and bruises but nothing was seriously hurt. I could smell the wolfsbane on his breath and knew he had been dosed but I could tell that it was slowly leaving his body. How is he? I asked Talia. Scout is weak but recovering. He will be fine, she answered. I gave a sigh of relief. Toby got into the driver’s seat and turned the SUV over, backing out of the drive. “Where to, Luna?” he asked. “Aren’t we waiting for the other warriors?” I asked, turning back to look at the house. He shook his head. “No, they need to do some cleanup. They are going to need to call the council for help. Vanessa went rogue and there is a lot that will have to be done to minimize exposure to the human world.” He had a look of disgust on his face. "First and foremost, they will have to figure out what to do about two human bodies. Old man and woman. They didn't even have a chance against her." I nodded, suddenl
ADDIEAfter the excitement of everything, the next few months felt almost boring by comparison. We were busy, that was for sure. My Luna Ceremony had been postponed and we were beginning the planning again. We were also actively involved in helping Matt and Jessie build a new Packhouse before their pup arrived. The old packhouse was being turned into a youth center and dormitory for the continuing education prospects that Jessie wanted to bring to her Pack. In the days of Alpha Cole, it was decreed by the Alpha what the profession of the wolves coming of age would be. Jessie wanted to give them choices and equal opportunities. I was excited to be a part of that.Three weeks after we returned from our latest mishap in the city, Emily asked if we could have lunch in the village. I agreed, knowing something was up.“Do you want me to bring James?” I asked. “No,” she said, a sly look on her face. I agreed, letting her keep her secret for now. I would know soon enough.I met Jam
ADDIETwo months later, on the day of the full moon and summer solstice, I was dressed in a sapphire blue gown that was fitted on the top and billowed to the ground in shimmery waves. A laughing Emily was trying to help me with my makeup. Her growing belly was in the way, and Gracie was crawling around getting underfoot. Undeterred, Emily tried to add another swipe of mascara to my already heavy lashes. “Come on, Addie! It will make your eyes pop!”I laughed back at her. “My eyes will look like spiders if you put another coat on my lashes!” Tonight was the night of my Luna ceremony. Wolves from many of our cooperating packs were in attendance as well as all of the pack members from our pack. We had invited the Council members and were surprised when most of them accepted. Matthew and Jessie were also going to be there bringing their newborn pup with them. I knew that James had already spent time snuggling their baby boy and getting his fill of the newborn smells. I had bee
Smoke rose in the distance adding to the chaos that was surrounding ten-year-old Addie. She sobbed, clinging to her older sister. Sounds of fighting and screaming echoed around the walls of the courtyard causing her to shake. Her mother, Luna Ana, bent down and looked Addie in the face. “Listen to your sister. She’ll keep you safe.” Addie nodded. Ana stood up and looked at her oldest daughter. She reached over and caressed her face. “Remember what I told you. Practice. And don’t tell anyone.” Beatrice nodded, starting to cry. “None of that.” Her mom smiled sadly. “Don’t forget to prepare Addie.” Beatrice nodded again, not hiding her tears. Her dad came out of the packhouse leading Helena, the cranky omega cook. He handed her a bunch of money and a bag. Using his alpha voice he ordered her “Take care of my girls. Keep them safe.” Helena turned and offered him her neck, submitting. “Yes, Alpha.” Alpha James turned to his daughters and kissed them each on the fo
SIX MONTHS LATERWinter had come and gone and Addie, Bea and Helena had spent the season in the cave. Helena had turned even more disagreeable, if that was possible, but she was still bound by the Alpha command. Alpha James was so powerful that his command followed his pack members even when they left the land.Bea had taken private time to instruct her little sister in the things she was learning about the gift. Both girls tried to continue the warrior training, finding a little spot in the back of the cave that was covered in sand that they could spar with each other. Addie didn’t have a wolf yet, she had just turned eleven in December. Bea shifted a few times, practicing and trying to keep strong. Helena mostly sat by the fire sulking, doing the bare minimum to take care of the girls. She would occasionally bundle up and go into town to purchase more supplies. The money was dwindling low but Bea had a plan to go into town and start working when the snow melted.One deliciou
When the waitress came around again, Addie flagged her down. “Are you guys hiring, by chance?” She refrained from using her gift. Addie had discovered in the past that it became too complicated when she created lasting opportunities for herself, like jobs or housing, using her gift. She had to continue to keep using her gift and that was physically draining. The girl genuinely smiled back at Addie, looking her over. Addie knew what she saw. She was taller than average, very thin and had long, blonde hair pulled up in a messy bun. The jeans and hoodie she wore were clean, courtesy of the creek a few miles from here, but old and faded. “As a matter of fact, yes. Finish your pancakes and you can start immediately. I’m cook, waitress and manager. I need some help.” Addie laughed. “Thank you! I’m not sure what kind of cook I am but I am willing to learn. I also have waitressing experience.” She gave the girl a wide grin. “I’m Addie.” “Noel.” She smiled and moved off to
ALPHA COLE POVWe had left the big city a little later than I had intended and my Beta, Danny, started whining about his stomach. He had skipped breakfast to run a bit of security for the meeting between me and three other Alphas I was checking out and he was making sure I was well aware of his sacrifice. We stopped at the little diner right outside of Joshton and popped in to grab a quick lunch before driving into our territory. The pack house was still a ninety-minute drive, even though Joshton was only thirty minutes from the border. My territory is huge and the terrain is treacherous so driving is slow. It’s faster to shift and run to the packhouse than it is to drive there.We popped in and took a seat in the corner booth. It’s a habit. Always pick a good vantage point with your back against a wall and exits accessible. This booth was good for that.Danny looked over the menu and decided to get the Cuban sandwich. It was nothing like what you could get in Miami but it wa
Back to work the next day, Addie was surprised to see the old creepy dude and his friend walking through the door. They were in time for the breakfast rush so Addie quickly served them their eggs and tried to ignore the men watching her closely. Rushing around and filling coffee mugs, running food and taking a minute or two to talk to the regulars filled up Addie’s morning and she was surprised when she later realized that they had left, leaving enough money on the table to cover their bill with a sizeable tip. 3:00 pm finally came and the diner was officially closed. Noel came out and glared at the last three customers who were lingering over their coffee causing them to gulp the last dregs. They paid quickly and left. The two girls quickly finished the remaining dishes and mopped the floors, chatting about Noel’s upcoming visit from her boyfriend before turning out the lights and locking the doors. Noel gave a cheery wave and drove off in her ancient VW Bug. Addie headed towa