30. DARIUS

30

DARIUS

It feels so surreal sitting next to a member of my pack, someone who understands me more than I do myself. Bambi's Alphas are spread out in one of the office rooms, far away from the nest in the living room—Bambi's orders. She's currently between Mateo and I, both of us a little confused at Victoria's words while Victoria and her mates stand a few feet from us.

Nepheline, the leader of the Nightshades?

Victoria bursts out laughing at our bewildered expressions. Lawrence, her Beta, taps her arm, obviously bringing her back to the issue at hand. "I apologize. It's just so different from how the packs used to be run. Well, both the Nightshades and the Redstones used to carry their packs just like us. The Luno or the Luna leads, not the Alpha. However, the Alpha may use their voice to carry out the command because of the biological pull that they have. Do none of you know this? It's fine. Just means a little more training. First thing is first, where is your Oraculum?"

I swallow nervously as we all turn to point at Maverick. He tenses up, his eyes wide as he stares at the Sapphire Luna. "Present?"

"Not what I expected. You don't shift?"

Maverick frowns and shakes his head. "Am I supposed to?"

Victoria sighs and leans back against one of the desks in the office before folding her arms across her chest. "Oraculum are usually shifters, yes. It's not an obstacle, just odd. And your Beta, Darius. It's been a while." The smile slips off my face as I sag in my chair. "I see that you don't remember me. So long as you take care of your Omega, everything else will return in time."

It's good to know that my memories of Bambi when she was younger will surface at some point but I have other questions. "What about your pack? I know that I am a Sapphire wolf but I don't remember any of that either."

She manages a small smile as she tilts her head to the side, gesturing for Lawrence to answer. He straightens his shoulders and clasps his hands together in front of him. "We are given the choice to serve once we are old enough. Our duties are simple—to protect an Omega. To love them and to cherish them. Some say that our instincts border on Omega biology with the way we cling to the ones we choose."

"Wait, I chose Bambi?" I twist to look at Bambi who is beaming up at me, holding onto me. My entire being wants to please her, to make sure that she's happy, well-fed, and sleeps well. I want to hold her and kiss her and fuck her until she passes out. I want her to be mine, forever, and always.

Lawrence moves toward us, stealing my attention. "We always choose our Omegas. It's an instant bond. You've been her protector for much longer than you can probably remember. The only downside is that our Omegas are our only mate. You may share, body, mind, and heart with her other Alphas but you will never share that bond." A flash of sadness flickers through his eyes as I realize that he's in love with Victoria's Alpha but the magic will not allow him to bond another. His entire existence revolves around hers, not theirs.

When I first reconnected with Bambi, I wasn't worried about her Alphas. Now, it's a little painful to know that I'll never be able to share a bond with them.

Bambi wraps her arms around my waist and places her chin on my chest to meet my gaze. "You are theirs too, Dari."

Victoria pulls Lawrence back, nodding to agree with the statement. "We still share. That's never been a problem. Darius, Betas in our pack are given scent cards much like nonshifter Omegas receive in those centers. If they find a card they like, we speak with the pack that gave us the scent. In this case, it was the Redstone pack Alpha, Locke."

"Locke? Isn't that Bambi's brother?"

Everyone freezes, Bambi releasing me and stepping forward. "Locke sent Dari to me? Why didn't he say anything?"

"Nepheline, Locke wanted to ensure your safety. He could feel something brewing and knew he had to protect you. He may not have lived to see you become a Luna but he made sure that you were safe." Victoria folds her hands in front of her, offering Bambi a small smile. "You and your pack have much to learn and we don't want to leave you vulnerable. However, we can not aid in your fight against Silas, at least not physically. We will stay here and protect whoever is left while you finish your journey. Then it will be time to start anew."

Bambi slowly nods, looking over to Mateo for strength. I can feel her anxiety and her uncertainty about taking on this role, Mateo so easily stepping back for her. He's worked hard for this position but he wants what is best for her.

"Right, of course. And you'll explain the magic and how it works?" Bambi asks. "Because we can all feel it but we don't know how to utilize it or if we even should."

"Of course you should!" Victoria chuckles. "Mother Nature would not offer a gift if she did not want it used. We shall get to that. For now, focus on ripping Silas' territory apart. He will be waiting for your attack but you all will be stronger. Should he indulge in more of that drug, you may not win."

Mateo sighs, running his hands through his hair. "So we leave tomorrow night. I assume you know where they are."

"Just up north, yes. My Alpha will give you the location. Use everything you have, including the pack Alpha in your midst. No, not Mateo. Asani. The true leader of the pack of the Forbidden." Victoria's face scrunches up when we all just look at her. "I am appalled at how much you do not know about the shifter history, about the fact that the pack of the Forbidden is not truly evil. They have grown to be that way but they were the keepers of magic for a long time. They knew spells far beyond our comprehension. It was a dangerous but important job to hold onto that knowledge. Until they decided to take that power for themselves."

I cut in. "Is that why Bambi and I can't remember each other?"

"Stealing memories is one of many things that magic could do. Mother Nature decided to rid this area of magic altogether so that it would be impossible to destroy her creation anymore. It is only now returning because you are ready to receive it. I will leave my Alpha here with you to discuss your plans. Nepheline, it has been a pleasure to meet with you and your mates. I shall reside in the city should you need me."

Nepheline looks around, almost waiting for someone to step in.

"What is it, princess?"

"They… my pack… the heart. It's empty." I can see how hard it is for Bambi to refer to her former home, one she hasn't visited since she left months ago. She clears her throat and approaches Victoria, pushing her shoulders back to present her strength. "Victoria, if you would accept, I would like to offer you a place to stay. My pack lands have been vacant for some time but they need someone to occupy them. If your wolves need a place to roam and to live while you are here, I gift you that space."

A smile spreads across Victoria's face as she bows her head to our Omega, our Luna. "And I offer you my protection."