Flashback Ends

I shook those thoughts off as I reached my destination. I knocked on the cottage door that hosted one of the families we’d just acquired from the Ring Resistance. I waited a few moments because I knew they were home. I could hear someone running around inside. Rhea linked, “They are coming.”

My heart hurt because they were invited to the birthday party but declined. Our newcomers took time to come out of their shells. They weren’t used to the style of our pack. I heard one of the pups whisper, “Momma, it’s the Luna and she brought cake!”

Rhea linked, “You are a good Luna.”

I reasoned, “I didn’t want them to miss out on cake.”

I’d had Haley snap me some for everyone. The mom, Tracey, opened the door. Her husband, Lance, was standing just behind her.

I smiled greeting them, “Hi Tracey and Lance. I know you guys didn’t feel comfortable coming to Angela and TJ’s birthday party tonight, but I wanted to make sure you all still got cake. I also wanted to see how you were settling in.”

I glanced around then complicated, “The furniture and decorations you picked out are lovely.”

I loved seeing the personalities emerge. The decorations and furniture were always the first step.

Tracey seemed stunned, “Thank you, Luna! You didn’t have to do that. The pups will die of happiness. They were complaining they wouldn’t get any cake earlier.”

I encouraged her, “Please, call me Elise.”

We’d found titles were something these newcomers were afraid of. I needed them to see me as someone they could come to and allowing them to use my name did that.

One of the pups whispered, “She’s so nice!”

I smiled at them. Lance said, “We are not used to this type of treatment, as Omega’s. I still can’t believe you let us have a cottage.”

I frowned, “Well, you have a family. The pack house here is usually for the teenagers and recently mated couples.” They stared at each other in confusion.

I continued, “Once pups come along, we tend to get people cottages. We have the space here, and we’ve just found families need their space.”

Tracey smiled, “Well, we are so grateful! I had an interview with Mrs. Blanch and Zoe today for a spot in the kitchen.”

Rhea said, “Her wolf is on cloud nine about how progressive this pack is.” Good.

She invited me inside and I quickly walked in and set their cake down on the kitchen table. I had a few more to give to girls in the pack house I’d left outside. The pups immediately dug in. Tracey pointed to the living room. She told the pups, “Ears closed, you guys.”

They rolled their eyes.

I walked into the living room with them. Tracey gestured with her hand saying, “Please sit down. I still can’t believe you and the Alpha let us pick out the furnishings we wanted.”

I explained, “We feel it’s important to make the home yours. My father in law owns the business anyway. We have an account for the pack there.”

I changed the subject, “I know you said you had an interview with Mrs. Blanch and Zoe. I want you to know that here we encourage everyone to follow their dreams here. Saied Conners is the firstborn of Jackson and Molly. She chose to pursue her dreams as the Female Lead Warrior instead of being an Alpha.”

They glanced at each other again.

I added, “We have Omega’s that work for Bulls Eye Party Planning with Luna Lexi and Beta Male TeleTed from Yellow Hills. We have several businesses in the area if you want to pursue something else. I will preface this by saying wasn’t spying, but I had just wrapped up a private training session with one of our new members who wasn’t trained in her previous pack. I saw you teaching your pups some fighting moves, Lance. If fighting is your passion, I’d encourage you to join Warrior classes. I think you are good enough to be one.”

Tracey’s eyes filled with tears, spilling over silently while Lance was stunned. He sputtered, “But I’m an Omega.”

I shrugged, “And? We don’t stop people from pursuing their dreams. I don’t care about your rank. If you can contribute to this pack as a Warrior and that’s what you want to do, we support you. I mean it when I say rank doesn’t matter here. Your abilities and talents do.”

Tracey said, “Dena, our oldest daughter, loves interior design.”

I began to plan, “We need to put her in touch with the Henderson family then. The matriarch of their family owns the interior design company in town. They have intern positions available for high school students in the summer. Once Dena is a senior, if she’s still interested, they have positions that would translate to school credit.”

Lance questioned, “Henderson? As in the family who are historically the Male Lead Warriors of this pack?”

I nodded, “That would be them. I’ll introduce Dena to Lenore whenever she’s ready.”

Lance sat back in his chair.

Tracey commented, “Well, this just all makes our decision easier.”

I asked, “Decision?”

Lance nodded, “We wanted to tell you more about how we came to be here. We have felt so welcomed by everyone, and your words of encouragement. Even before you came here we’d decided to share our story with you.” Rhea squealed in my head.

He amended, “Well, part of it. We are still adjusting.”

I nodded, “Whatever you are comfortable sharing, I’ll listen. Just please know there is no pressure on you to share anything.”

Lance sighed, “In our previous pack Omega’s tended to disappear, but no one looks for them. I’m sure our friends believe us to be one of those Omega situations. The day before we got here, we found out why the Omega’s were disappearing. I tried to keep our heads down and out of the attention of the pack leadership. Just so we could survive.”

I nodded showing my understanding. Rhea snarled, “I want to RIP these Alpha’s into little pieces and show them their places. Pack members are to be protected.”

Sadly, Rhea and I had this conversation a lot now. This was a story I’d heard before.

Lance continued, “I didn't do a good enough job. We were sent to the border one night by the Alpha. No explanations, we were just told to go. I saw people packing up our things as we left. Once we reached the border, we were surrounded by Hunters. I’d seen them around the area. There was a girl with them that was new.”

Tracey offered, “She had on a blonde wig on.”

Lance rolled his eyes, “You insist that it was a wig.”

Tracey doubled down, determined, “The girl had black eyebrows, Lance; therefore she has dark hair. Plus, she scratched her head because the wig was itchy, and there was just the smallest patch of hair showing after she fought one of them. She has black hair. Trust me Luna Elise, she is not a blonde.”

I assured her, “I believe you.”

I’d heard that before too. The hair color was always different, but it certainly seemed like the girl in question wished she had blonde hair. It was the most popular color. I suspected she was our sniper, wearing wigs to disguise herself.

Lance said, “Well, the girl with a blonde wig wasn’t from around our territory. The Hunters told us our pack handed us over as payment for their protection against having the pack wiped out by them.”

Rhea snarled, “WORKING WITH HUNTERS AND GIVING OVER PACK MEMBERS! UGH! Brutus and I will destroy them all.”

Yes, we would.

Tracey snorted, “They are liars. The girl with BLACK hair even said they were lying. She said something about a symbiotic relationship they had with some Ring.”

Lance smiled at her, “Fine then. I’ll call her the girl with black hair. Are you happy now?”

Tracey smirked, “Yes.” I laughed because they were cute together.

Lance said, “I put my family behind me, but the stubborn woman that she is even with no training, Tracey stepped out and stood by my side.”

Tracey snorted, “My place is by your side.”

I took her hand that was closest to me and told her, “Tracey, we have basic self-defense classes we require pack members to take them, even Omega’s.” She looked stunned.

I added, “If you are uncomfortable training with a large group, we have those sessions Molly and Haley that run on Saturday mornings. Or any female with training can offer you one on one classes until you are comfortable in a group setting. All of our pack members need to know how to defend themselves, just in case.”

Tracey fanned her face with her free hand, “I’m just so sad that girl sent us here, and we can’t repay her.”

Lance sighed, “The Hunters started to reach for their weapons to kill us, but the girl with black hair was faster than them. She had two guns with silencers. She shot the five Hunters quickly. I was watching her warily. One Hunter jumped out to attack her, but she was clearly expecting him. They fought briefly.”

Tracey added, “Which is when her wig slipped.”

Lance smiled, resigned, “Right, her wig slipped. Then she snapped the Hunter's neck.”

I asked, “Did he call her Red One?”

Lance nodded, “Yes, they did. Real names just won’t do, I guess. Anyway, the girl with black hair checked their pockets. She took all their phones and keys.” That tracked.

“Then a Demon shimmered in and used a fireball to set the bodies on fire, twice. There were six charred spots by the time the demon was done. To match our families numbers. They made six of the Hunters burn, because there were six of us. She had us reject the Alpha to break our link like they expected.”

I jumped in, “Is the Demon male or female?”

Lance answered, “The Demon was in full body armor and a mask so I don’t know. Red One said they had yet another Hunter group's codes to add to their records. She turned to us and explained that she was with the Resistance. She gave us a card and told us where to go.”

He touched his hand over his heart, “She had bus tickets and the note for you and the Alpha. I was too scared to ask her about my little sister. Not because of her, but because I don’t want to hear that they didn’t get out. Her mate and her pups were Omega’s in a pack two towns away. They disappeared and I tried looking into it quietly. I’m sure it wasn’t too quiet. That’s what caused this to happen to my family.”

Tracey snorted, “Oh please, Lance stop feeling guilty about it. This is the best damn thing to ever happen to us since the pups were born.”

Lance sighed, “I just want to know if my little sister was saved like we were.”

I cautiously said, “We get quite the influx between us and our allies. What’s your sister’s name?”

Lance whispered, “Alisha Sams.”

I smiled happily, “I actually don’t have to look that up. My mother in law was just talking about her today. She’s in the Blue Moon pack. I’ll have a Warrior bring you her phone number. Blue Moon is close to us so you should be able to see them frequently.”

Lance started crying.

I linked one of the Warriors, Chason, “Please get the contact information for the Sams family to our newest additions Lance and Tracey. They are related to each other.”

Chason replied, “Of course, Luna. I’ll get it to them right now.”

I told Lance, “You should have your sister’s information tonight. There is a group that meets bi-weekly with stories just like yours.”

Tracey asked, “Are they called the Red One group?”

I laughed, “I don’t know if they have a name, but they all talk about her. She always has a different hair color, but Black is a new one.”

Tracey smirked, “Because it’s her REAL hair color. I told you so, Lance. I know all about hair.”

Lance laughed, “You always did love hair.”

I tilted my head, “I actually started a hair salon in town two years ago. It’s run by one of the Omega’s and she’s always looking for new talent.” Tracey gasped.

I explained, “She came to me six months after we opened with an idea for a beauty school that fed talent into the salon. If you’d like to apply and do hair, I can set you up with her. Tuition is free for pack members. Obviously, we have added incentive if you agree to work in the beauty shop I own, but it’s not required.”

Tracey started sobbing, “Really? I do the girls' hair even the boys. I LOVE hair!”

I laughed, “Yes. I’ll tell Mrs. Blanch and Zoe that you are going to pursue other options.”

Tracey hugged me, “Thank you so much. I mean just THANK YOU!” I smiled loving her enthusiasm. I told her, “Of course. You will find we are different, thankfully, from the pack you came from. I’m available anytime if you’re ever ready to give me the name of your former pack.” They nodded and I left.

I dropped off the cake with the new girls in the packhouse. Their excitement tugged at my heartstrings. They were so used to being forgotten about. This trend was unsettling and tragic. Eric and the Werewolf Council were currently debating making packs register their pack members names. I thought it was a great idea considering everyone that came to us was too scared to talk about where they came from. None of them were ranked members so we had no idea what, or who, they were running from.

We made them feel welcomed, but they’d been conditioned to be scared. Especially the parents. This is the way they’d grown up. We didn’t want to traumatize them further, but we needed to know where the rotten packs were. This had to stop.

Rhea huffed, “The Resistance is somehow everywhere all the time. Our sniper has the answers.”

I admitted, “I’m worried about our sniper. If the Hunters figure out she is working against them, they will try to kill her.”

I was snapped right out of those thoughts hearing my mate’s name.

I heard a laugh, “I’m going to seduce EJ Conners tonight.”

Rhea snarled, “BITCH!”

I cleared my throat, “Leave. Now.” The girl crossed her arms, “And you are?” I answered coolly, “Luna Duchess Elise Conners. Leave. NOW!” Rhea snickered, “You tell ‘em girl!”

The girl claimed, “He only settled for you! He didn’t get to have any fun because you two knew your whole lives you were mates.”

I rolled my eyes completely tired of the excuse. I explained through clenched teeth, “It was his nature that let us know, not mine. You are right though, EJ and I have been together our whole lives. I’ve known he was mine for as long as I can remember.”

I snarled, “He didn’t settle for me either. I’m his and he’s mine. LEAVE this territory right NOW! I’m so sick of the women who come into MY HOME and to try and take WHAT’S MINE! He’s not yours. We have PLENTY of fun. Trust me.”

Rhea whooped, “Yes, girl! You give it to them, Elise! Go full tilt! Tell them we have sex for hours with mate. They couldn’t keep up with him. Our mate has a sexual appetite only WE can satisfy.”

I smiled in spite of my anger.

The one girl snarked, “He might want to try something different.”

Several Warriors stepped up growling. I held my hand up, “No, she wants to challenge me. Stand down.”

The girl paled, “I didn’t challenge you.” I argued, “Didn’t you? You want what’s mine. Not just mine, but my mated and marked HUSBAND. That sounds like a challenge to me.” Several people made noises of agreement

The girl smiled confidently, “But you have no pups. You can’t give him one, can you? Maybe I could.”

Rhea snarled, “THAT BITCH!”

I raised an eyebrow, “Not that it’s any business of yours, but EJ and I haven’t tried for a pup. If your crazy ass thinks he will be having a pup with someone that isn’t me, then clearly you need an ass kicking.” The girl smirked, “He’s Hackura.”

I yelled, “OH FOR GOD’S SAKE! He’s part Fairy and Wolf too. That’s it! I have had ENOUGH of the catty ass women who want what’s mine.”

I jumped on her, pinning her to the ground. I snarled in her face then heard a pop. My mate was unhappy.

Rhea huffed, “We did NOT need the Warriors help or his for this.”

I agreed, “We don’t, but EJ’s presence will make this make this better. I turned the girl’s head towards EJ while he spoke. His anger flooded into me from the bond.

Rhea purred, “He’s hot when he’s mad.”

I agreed, “I know.”

Rhea snorted, “Did she just say he is a powerful Alpha? And? What are we? Chopped liver?!” EJ of course pointed out I was an Alpha too. Rhea was back to purring while the girl glared at me.

I winked at her and dislocated her shoulder. Rhea sighed, “Just once, can’t we kill a bitch? I think Haley would throw you a party.”

I snorted, “She probably would.”

Rhea grumbled, “One day we will have our party, Elise.” I teased, “Go back to purring because our mate is declaring our love for everyone to hear.” She huffed at me. I reasoned, “I was just trying to help.” She laughed.

EJ defended us even more harshly than before. Rhea sighed dreamily this time, “We are tapping that, girl.”

I argued, “It’s Angela’s birthday.”

Rhea scoffed, “Quickies are a thing. We NEED some of that tall, beautiful mountain that is WOWZERS endowed. He’s too hot and I need to calm down. You didn’t let me kill the awful she bitch. I need WOWZERS.” I smirked.

Rhea added, “I know you do too. Come on, listen to your wolf. Come on, Elise.”

I agreed, “Fine. A quickie.”

Rhea cheered, “YES! Best human half ever.” I couldn’t help but smile. EJ kept trying to reiterate they would meet their mates.

Rhea snorted, “Unless we kill a bitch. That’s always an option.”

I acknowledged, “One day, you might get that wish.”

Rhea cheered, “YES! I’m holding you to that. One day one of them will be SO awful we are going to snap SO HARD!” Probably.

I understood why Haley went straight to the nuclear option with the crazy women who wanted Eric. She got challenged a lot by she wolves still to this day. I don’t think if I was her age I could deal with it anymore. She’d kicked more she wolves’ asses than I had at this point.

Rhea added, “She killed some of them too. I’m just saying.”

She had done that. I’d seven seen her do it. The last Summit was eventful, but she didn’t kill the she wolf there. She did embarrass the hell out of a woman who had long since deserved it though.

We were trying to have a mother in law daughter/son in law brunch. Haley had found that google said such things that were important. She did not care for someone trying to interrupted her time Google told her was vital. The result was pretty comical and I couldn’t help but recall the moment in my mind.

Flashback

Elise walked quickly into the hotel restaurant for brunch. I was determined not to be late. EJ did not have the same mindset about me being late for brunch with his mom, my sisters in law, and brothers in law and distracted me with his sexy god like self. Haley found out via Google it was important to bond all together. She’d always had monthly brunches with us and this one just happened to coincide with the summit. I made it inside just as everyone else did.

I linked EJ, “HA! You tried to make me late but I’m on time.”

EJ replied, “I wasn’t trying to make you late. I was trying to enjoy my wife. Not to brag but enjoy I did. I know you did too.”

I blushed. He was right. His family wouldn’t have cared if I was late. Sex was not a taboo topic with them, it was natural.

I glanced around noting everyone was here except Cassie’s mate, though here was a place for him so he must be coming. I turned to Micah asking, “Where’s Cassie’s mate?”

Micah answered, “A certain someone walked into his office as I was leaving thirty minutes ago. I’d imagine that’s where he is.”

I grinned loving how cute, mated couples were. I was very happy for them. I was happy for all my in-laws. We all got along, and we had an amazing mother in law. We actually had an awesome father in law too. Honestly, the whole family was great.

Rhea interrupted my thoughts, “Now that Cassandra is gone.”

I felt guilty about that thought because Rhea was right. Cassandra was the obnoxious one in the family. I felt EJ’s curiosity spike over the guilt I felt. Rhea snorted, “She wasn’t obnoxious. She was a rude bitch. It’s ok to admit that. She didn’t like our mate’s Fairy side and for that, I don’t and won’t ever forgive her.”

She purred, “EJ and Brutus are perfect and she sucked. I hope she’s enjoying whatever version of hell she’s in with my old human.”

I asked, “Are you ever going to tell me who your old human was?”

Rhea just snickered in reply. I knew she didn’t get along with the woman before me. I guess they argued a lot. Rhea retorted, “Understatement.” I laughed internally at my wolf.

Haley called everyone’s attention, “Thank you guys for all coming. I know not everyone here is attending all of the summit. I also know you guys do this because it’s important to me and I really do cherish this time we get to spend together.”

“I fucking love seeing all of you guys and seeing you all get along. It’s the big family I’ve always wanted, and I sincerely thank Aesir for each and every one of you, who fit into our family so damn perfectly.”

She raised her cranmosa to us.

I was about to toast her when Julie Reager walked in. She was the sister of an Alpha that lived in Alabama with a seriously inflated ego. Buttercup linked me, “Ugh. Does that woman just have lojack on Haley? I swear she just wants Haley to kill her.”

The room tensed. It was mostly she wolves in here.

Naturally. Julie always made sure to attack Haley with her words when no male wolves were around. I was curious if she was going to say something in front of Micah. She never had before. Micah was already looking around, wondering what the tension was.

Haley muttered, “Of fucking course. Can’t I just have a nice brunch with my kids mates. Is that too damn much to ask for?”

Micah’s attention shot to Haley, his eyes were clearly questioning what was happening.

Micah linked me, “What’s about to happen?”

I evaded, “Is Blade here?”

Micah’s eyes flickered to the corner. I looked back but didn’t see anything. Micah answered, “Yes, he is.” I replied, “Then Julie Reager might die. She’s really rude to Haley; she just usually has better timing. She frequently corners Haley in the bathroom, where Blade doesn’t go. I guess she’s gotten away with this act for so long now she’s brazen.” Micah gasped, “Excuse me?”

I didn’t get to answer before Julie floated up to our table. I sighed over this already. Julie sneered, “Haley.”

Micah stood immediately with golden eyes. Rhea growled, “Let me at her.”

I might. He corrected, “That’s Princess Luna Haley to you.”

Julie asked, “Ah, you must be the Hackura mate.”

Micah answered, “One of them, and you will not disrespect my mother in law and Princess in my presence.”

Julie rolled her eyes at him. Haley raised an eyebrow and said, “Julie, insult me all you want. Do not make the mistake of insulting my children’s mates. What are you doing over here? I don’t recall infuckingviting you to our table.”