*Fiona*  My mind was racing a mile a minute after talking to Andre.  I wasn't sure how credible his claim was, but if it was even slightly true I need to act and quickly.  I was pushing the panic from my mind as best as I could.  Flashbacks to my time in captivity kept flooding in, making it hard to focus.  Not again, was the thought driving towards the packhouse.  Never again, was my call to action.   Seeing Cyrus, when I got back, was a shock. I was was equal parts thankful that he was there and annoyed that he waited up for me.  Being around him seemed to chase some of the anxiety away.   I stood near my office desk, still on edge waiting for Ned and Liz to arrive.  It was nearly two in the morning at this point, but I felt wired.  I had pulled out a map of the pack and was studying it, ignoring Cyrus' questions as he paced the office.  Eventually, he gave up and stood

*Fiona* The room was in full swing, despite the fact the sun had yet to rise.  Dante, Ned and Liz were in and out of the office, making contact with the necessary parties to strengthen pack defences.  Cyrus had refused to leave the room, never more than a few arms lengths away from me.  It helped keep me calm and my mind focused on the task at hand.   "We need to postpone opening the borders," he commented as we were strategizing. "We can't do that" Liz protested "The entire pack has been looking forward to Fiona's birthday celebration for months.  Some of the pack will be leaving to travel here in less than a day."   "I'm sure they'll understand," Cyrus pointed out, turning to me to reason with Liz. "I agree with Liz," I said despite Cyrus' look of protest "We can't afford to risk any of these alliances and appear weak." 

*Fiona*  Soft light filtered into my room, as I awoke, from a nearby window.  I was pleased that I have a dreamless sleep and was loathe to get out of bed.  I stretched as I yawned,  stiffening as I brushed against the other body in my bed.  I sat bolt upright as the events of last night came filtering back into my mind.  I didn't regret it; I was more surprised at myself. It was liberating to focus on my pleasure, rather than thinking about the consequences.  I blushed thinking about the pleasure Cyrus had brought only hours earlier.  Being Cyrus in person was better than when I fantasised about it.  I looked at Cyrus and was surprised to see he was already awake, watching me.   "Good morning," he said smiling, pushing my hair out of my face. "How long have you've been awake?" I asked yawning, he couldn't have woken up in just a good mood. "20 m

*Cyrus* When I woke up to Fiona in my arm, I thought I must still be dreaming.  I didn't move for fear that when she woke it would all come crashing down.  I watched her sleeping peacefully in awe, so delicate yet so strong.  Never had I met someone who overcame so much without being jaded to the world.  I debated whether or not to tell her I was her mate.  Although her birthday was only a few days away the wait was proving torturous.  I need to go at her pace though.  I was devasted when she wanted to keep the events that transpired between us a secret, I want to shout to the world that we belonged to each other.  Yet I would see in her eyes that she was still unsure about me.  I didn't want to push and risk losing her so I agreed.  It was difficult, as my body called out for hers.  After last night, I was sure her body called out for mine as well.  It proved m

*Fiona* I sat in my office chair, processing what Andre had said, staring at the wrapped gift on the table.  When Andre had left, Cyrus walked me back to the packhouse, hand on the small of my back the whole way.  As we enter my office, I could see him finally relax and take a breath.  He sat across from my desk staring at the gift with much more suspicion than I.   "I mean it's so unlikely that I would find a mate the day of my birthday," I commented.  The end of our conversation with Andre ran through my head.   "David did..."  Cyrus commented, "You just might."  There was something in his tone that caused me to look up at him.  An emotion flitted across his eyes so quickly that I questions whether I had really seen it.  "You mean, like from one of the packs invited?" I thought out loud "I guess it's more likely if there are more wolves ar