“To be an Alt-Altico is akin to being royalty,” Jadi elaborates. “My father holds great respect for your clan,” he states timidly.
“I cannot express the same sentiment,” Josie exhales, as Jadi bows his head in embarrassment. “However, I hold you in high regard, Jadi. Perhaps you could establish a new clan with Ricky once we ascertain the nature of her relationship with Bray.”
My wolf purrs with exhilaration, delighted by the notion, and I cannot refute the butterflies in my stomach or the warmth that colours my cheeks at the prospect of establishing a clan with my partner.
Jadi’s timid smile elevates my spirits, prompting me to conceal my face in Bray’s hair to hide the tears welling in my eyes as I envision presenting Jadi with another puppy.
“I know you are likely tired so we can discuss this later when you’re ready,” Josie says, getting to her feet and grabbing the book. “I will invite Alpha Patrick of Blood Moon to help. He’s Tiana’s old pal and perhaps he knows something we don’t.”
We agreed to convene at the River Moon pack house at noon for lunch, and as the Queen departs, she exuberantly waves at us.
“Congratulations, by the way.”
Jadi and I stare attentively at the tiny Queen who simply winks at us, a wicked smirk on her lips as she dashes away before we can question what she means.
The physician conducts a final assessment, permitting me to shower prior to my discharge. I persuaded Jadi to transport me to the River Moon pack house for my meeting with the Queen without delay. I aim to be prepared to defend my mate as he defended me, and I cannot achieve that while remaining ignorant of my identity.
Jadi cradles Bray in one arm while grasping my hand with the other, as Devina contentedly purrs during our journey to the pack home.
I believe the Moon Goddess has punished me by bestowing a cat upon me instead of a wolf, I murmur, as Devina responds with a snarl. It too emits a snarl, prompting a chuckle of delight from me, while the wolf growls again before becoming silent.
In the conference room, the King and Queen occupy the head of the table, flanked by two elderly couples on their right and John on their left. Quinn and Matt appear to be absent from the meeting, with John gazing closely at the vacant seat next him.
“Please take a seat,” Josie motions towards the chairs designated for us. “Allow me to introduce my aunt, Valentina, and her husband, Danny. Additionally, we have Alpha Patrick and his Luna, Ellen, who are friends of Tiana and my allies within the Kingdom,” the Queen elucidates, sliding the black book across the table. “They are here to assist. I have already briefed them on your situation, and they have some inquiries.”
We exchange our uncomfortable greetings and take our seats, Bray nestling in Jadi’s embrace with his plush wolf.
“What precisely did the Moon Goddess convey to you during your encounter?” Alpha Patrick enquires, directly addressing the matter and leaning forward in his chair.
“She presented me with a choice: to exist as a human or to transform into a wolf,” I respond, reflecting on my encounter with the Moon Goddess.
“Were you a human?” Valentina interjects. “Not a hybrid of any sort?”
“I have always been human,” I affirm. “She stated that my wolf can only belong to a human of my kind. I am uncertain of the implications,” I admit with a slight shrug. “I merely understand that Devina was endowed by the Goddess of Night prior to being entrusted to me.”
Alpha Patrick abruptly sits upright, exchanging glances with the Queen. Josie retrieves her phone and dials a number. A young man responds.
“Chava, are you currently with Tiana?” she enquires over the phone.
“Indeed, would you like to converse with her?” Chava chuckles. “You are aware that she despises this century and its technology.”
“Just put her on. It’s important,” Josie hisses, putting the phone on speaker and placing it on the table.
We detect some rattling and wind against the microphone before Tiana’s gentle voice is audible.
“Yes, Hello? Hello? Who is this? Rowan, who am I speaking too? Can they hear me?” she asks, a quiet giggle coming from the other side. A series of beeps can be heard as Tiana hits random keys. “How do I turn up the volume? I can’t hear shite! Stop laughing! You know I hate these bloody things!”
“Haha, that remains amusing,” Alpha Patrick laughs, while his wife expresses her irritation with a sigh.
“Is that you, Patrick, you old fool?” Tiana retorts, while Patrick bursts into laughing.
“Guinevere,” Josie exclaims. “Tiana, we require your assistance.”
“Oh yes, my apologies. How may I assist you, dear?” Tiana exclaims, while Rowan advises her to modulate her volume.
Frustrated, Mark leans towards the phone. “Tiana, what is happening?”
“Mark!” Josie admonishes, tugging his ear to compel him to resume his seat. She composes herself before leaning towards the phone. “Tiana, what information do you possess regarding the Goddess of the Night?” Josie enquires, suppressing the want to giggle at her companion who is tending to his ear.
“Goddess of Night…” Tiana contemplates. “Ah! That refers to the Mother of the Moon and the Creator of the Faes. However, ‘Fae’ is an exceedingly broad designation. Numerous types exist, including faeries, pixies, banshees, and elves, each safeguarded by distinct deities. What has prompted this newfound curiosity about Faes?”
