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53 - BenElara doesn’t say anything about my getting into the driver’s side of the SUV. I thought the witches would want to walk in the woods to help us find the magic being used against us, but they are more interested in the sites where we have found bodies displayed for us to find first. So we drive…silently. I can pretend that the witches are taking in the surroundings and need to focus, but the air is thick with tension. I don’t feel that it’s directed at Elara or I, but it feels like they know what they will see, hear, feel, and smell when we get there.I know Elara noticed it too, but they seem to be able to communicate telepathically the same way we mindlink through our wolves. I am very curious how that works. It could be the close relationship between the two of them, I know Jeremiah and I didn’t always have to say words to understand. Speaking of, I should call and check in on them and the pups. I can’t believe my best friend is a parent. It’s almost as crazy as Kennedy
52 - ElaraAfter I spend far too much time in the bathroom and can’t find anything else to pluck, trim, brush or lotion, I walk out. It is dark in the room and I hear Ben breathing softly. It seems to be even enough that he is most likely asleep for real, or he’s just really good at pretending. I climb into bed, but I’m still antsy. I can’t get comfortable and my mind won’t shut off. There are too many thoughts racing around, pingponging and giving me a headache. Rogues running around my pack selling drugs to pups. Witches that are out of control and helping those rogues to try and gain control. My parents, the coven I let on our lands. Pack members who did not think twice about betraying me, while working with my father. A mate I want, but don’t. Why can’t I have a small breather to get my head on straight? I silently ask the moon goddess. I feel the burn of tears behind my eyes. If this is the stress of being an Alpha, why didn’t my dad say anything? Why didn’t he tell me how
51 - ElaraI let my rage at being forced to Alpha command one of my own simmer under my skin. I know Ben can feel it, but he isn’t asking any questions. That is what I have been fighting against my whole life. Our pack is too small, there is no reason to have to force anyone to listen if you lead correctly. That is the training of my mother and she had the respect of the whole pack. My father lead with graciousness and understanding. I should be able to do the same. Clearly we missed some lessons on how to do that.I finish introducing Ben formally to the pack. Most of the members have met him and the rest of the Silver Crescent guys in their time here. They are good at mingling and making friends. It doesn't escape my notice that more than one female eye lingers on him for too long, and I can admit to myself that he is very handsome in his too strict, uptight way. If he were just human he would fit in well with their military officers with his hair always cut neat, clothes clean and
50 - ElaraI was hoping I would see Melodie first, she at least would have pretended to be calm and civil.“Hello Deacon, I wanted to introduce our new Beta…”He cuts me off, “So, now that your dad is gone, you’re just going to throw Richard and the rest of them to the side?” He huffs out, and Ben flexes next to me, but doesn’t move.“My team is not my father’s team and frankly none of your business. This is the new way.”“Well, maybe you’ll be able to get her to do her damn job.” He growls, looking over my shoulder.This time, Ben doesn’t stay put. He walks right up to Deacon, nose to nose. “You will not disrespect the Alpha in my presence.” His aura blasts through the room. Deacon tries to fight it, but he can’t, Ben is strong. I know that; he’s confronted me enough times to be aware, but this is a whole other level. Deacon’s head is forced down and to the side in submission. “Your Alpha is doing you a favor, by introducing me herself. She’s too polite to use her aura on you, has to
49 - ElaraBen wasn’t wrong. Melanie isn’t mad at me, and she jumped at the chance to show her loyalty by taking personal care of the coven’s meals. Once she was in motion there was no stopping the tornado. I gave her the freedom to choose five Omegas to hel her with the task and to get whatever is needed for the coven.We heard from Jax and Dev a few hours after our meeting that all of the coven members were accounted for and settled in the clearing near the packhouse. I sent them to brief the rest of the warriors and prep all of them for learning new scents so we can differentiate friends from enemies.“Now to tell the pack that I brought witches into our home and they have to play nice.” I grumble more to myself, but of course Ben is in earshot.“Is it really that bad?” I stare at him for a second before I realize. He’s never gone into the pack with me before. He wasn’t here when I had my head chewed off after Jeff manipulated some of the shopkeepers with his rumors. This is going
48 - Ben“If we choose to work together, what does that mean for you? No offense High Priestess, but I’m not handing over what little pack territory we have to an unvetted ally.”“We do not wish to take what is not ours or to form permanent residence here. As for lodgings, we have capital to build and would be more than happy to invest in properties that you can use later for new pack members. This could be a down payment of sorts. Until then we are content to camp in the forest temporarily.”“How many coven members will be in your camp?”“There are thirty left in our coven, and we are not seeking to increase that number under the current circumstances.”“We believe there are wards or spells cast among the pack that are being used against us. Can you help remove them?”“That is a more difficult answer.” Elara stiffens in my arms at Briana’s answer. “I will not lie to you and tell you my magic can undo all other magic. That is not how it works and anyone who believes that will get duped