Secrets of the Unity

Chapter 7: "Take responsibility for our actions"

Conner

The battle against the mysterious rogues was a tough one, but as expected, my pack came out victorious. But something bothered Salvador and me about these rogues...

Usually, when a wolf has been a rogue for a long time, they lose all common knowledge of fighting, and their eyes turn pitch black. They're practically feral by then. But these wolves clearly recollected their training —which was extensive from the way they fought— and their eyes weren't black at all. Not to mention the brand marks some of them had on their scruffs and foreheads. These particular brands looked oddly familiar.

A little too familiar… Salvador said, with a knowing glint in his deep oceanic blue eyes. Letting me know that we were on the same page with who we think could have sent these ‘rogues’.

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING OUT HERE?!" Kyson exclaimed, breaking me and Salvador out of our thoughts, as he stomped over to June. His breaths were shallow and harsh as he hovered over his little sister. June didn't seem the least bit intimidated though, which only fueled Kyson's anger.

I quickly shifted back into my human form, threw on a t-shirt and a pair of gym shorts, and rushed over to them. I put my hand on Kyson's shoulder and pulled him back. "Calm yourself, young wolf. She is alive and well." I coaxed, trying to calm him down.

It was no secret that Daffodil and Broady's children inherited their tempers. And having both of them going up in flames was not something the pack needed to see right now. Especially after the tedious fight we’d just had.

Kyson turned to me and huffed in frustration. "Alpha Conner, she shouldn't have been out here! Why was she allowed to fight if she hasn't shifted yet?!" An abundant amount of annoyance and anger was laced into his words.

Salvador snickered. Definitely Broady’s pup.

I ignored him and inhaled to answer the young wolf, but OJ beat me to it.

"I'm allowed to fight because it's my duty as the Gamma's left hand. You would know that if you'd read the files on your troops, future Gamma!" She snarked.

I tried my best to hide my chuckle at the little one's sass. She definitely gets it from Dilly; they're alike in many ways.

My wolf snickered once more. The mutt was enjoying himself watching the two pups fight. To be honest, I was too, but I didn’t like seeing my friend’s kids fighting.

Kyson turned to his little sister, annoyed. "I haven't had a chance to look at them yet! Maybe because I hadn't been back for more than nine hours before the pack got attacked!" He growled. "I hope you understand why I couldn't take the time out in the middle of a fight to read some f*****g papers, Olivia!" He sneered.

June rolled her eyes. "Whatever."

"Olivia-"

"June. I go by June now, brother." She folded her arms, glaring at her sibling.

Kyson growled and took a step forward, invading OJ’s personal space. He was close to losing his temper. I had to step in.

I put my hand on Kyson's shoulder and pulled him back once more. "Alright, alright… We should speak in my office. Sage, you, Toddrick, and the guys come along too; it's important. Your parents will meet you there.” I ordered, and watched them walk in the direction of the packhouse.

“Darius, you and Tracy each take a group of warriors and do a clockwise compass-sweep of the territory and the borders. Make sure the intruders are gone and no one is left behind. Once the coast is clear, alert the Shadow that it’s safe to come out and continue the prep for the festivities.” I ordered, getting into Alpha mode. “The rest of you stay here and clean the field. Gather the bodies; we’ll burn them tonight to start off the Full Moon Bonfire.”

Without so much as another word, everyone hopped into action, obeying my orders with swift agility and diligence. My chest swelled with pride at the sight of the warriors of my pack as they obeyed their orders.

There’s no Pack like mine… I thought with pride as I started my tread to my office here at the packhouse.

My wolf barked in agreement with my thoughts.

******

As I walked to my office, I linked my ranks to join us. I had a hunch about who’d sent those rogues, and if my hunch was right, then we’re going to need a lot of input on this situation. Let's hope I’m wrong.

How I hope that my hunch is wrong. I internally mumbled.

It's never been wrong before. What makes you think it will be now? Salvador reasoned.

I sighed in defeat. He was right. My feelings like these are never wrong, especially when they are involved. It was like a sixth sense of mine to know when and if they were behind something. And everything in me told me that they were the ones behind this rogue attack. And if they were, then we needed to take extra precautions to keep everyone safe. Especially June and Sage.

I sat behind my desk in my swivel chair, waiting for everyone to come in. Once everyone was settled, Kyson was the first to break the tense silence.

"I would just like to know who thought it was okay to let OJ start fighting during battles when she hasn't shifted yet?! Respectfully." He looked me in the eye. His accusatory tone was noted.

"So would I!" Sage and Trevor said in unison. June glared at the three. If looks could kill, they’d be buried eight feet under right now.

"In my defense, June can hold her own just fine. Hell, if she can whoop my ass in training —without shifting, might I add— then she can sure as hell kill a few rogues without shifting too.

“If I didn't think she was ready, I wouldn't have let her out there to begin with, and neither would Broady." I reasoned. "I care about the safety of my pack members. Especially the daughter of my best friend, who is also like a daughter to me."

Salvador yipped in agreement with my words.

Our family has always been an essential pillar in our lives, and my friends are a part of that family. My friends have held a special place in my heart my whole life, and when they had kids, I vowed that I would protect those children with my life as I would their parents. And June being the only girl from my friends—that I know of, aside from Citrus and Zayd—just makes her all the more precious to protect. I would never let anything happen to her, and I would never put her in danger; anyone who knows me should know that. Especially after what happened with Zayd and the break-in fifteen years ago.

Yeah! And we would never put our Goddess daughter in harm's way! Salvador barked, offensively. He was upset that they second-guessed our efforts to protect the little one.

No, we wouldn't. And Dilly and Broady know that, and that's what matters. I stated, trying to calm my wolf. He seemed content with my words and settled down to listen to the conversation.

"Thank you, Uncle Conner! And I would also like to point out that the three of you weren't here for five years…" June voiced. Her annoyance was greatly visible. "Before you guys left, you were some of the greatest fighters that our pack has ever seen. And when you left, there was no one to fill those spots. So, I stepped up, and I trained my ass off to replace you! And I'm doing a damn good job at it!"

"Language!" Broady scolded.

"Sorry, Dad," OJ sighed and continued. "Look, all I'm trying to say is that you weren't here, so someone had to take over for you. Why not me? I've surpassed all of Dad's combat lessons with flying colors, and once I shift, just imagine how much more I'll improve! I can protect myself. You just have to trust me enough to do it."

June pleaded her case, and it was a good one. She did kill at Broady's training. She was able to pass them with grace in under two years on the first try, which is extremely rare for a wolf her age! Hell, even I didn't pass Broady’s combat training the first time around; it took me a couple of years! And for OJ to master them and develop her own training methods for combat in less than two years… She's a badass, for sure. I can only imagine what having her wolf will do for her.

June's not some fragile little girl. And I think it's time Kyson and Trevor figured that out. She's a beast on the mat and in combat, and she's most likely going to kick their asses given the chance. They shouldn't underestimate her.

Tell that to our friends. Salvador snarked.

I internally rolled my eyes at the fur ball. Broady and Dilly have more than enough reasons to be scared for their daughter's life. Just as well as we, Mali, and Lorali do when it comes to the safety of Sage and Toddrick. Cut them some slack. I said, defending my best friends.

Then you should cut Kyson and the guys some too. They may worry for different reasons, but they still worry, and keeping the little pup safe is the main priority for them too.

Once again, Salvador was right. I still stand by what I said, but I can see why their need to protect her was so strong. June was someone worth protecting, they all were. I sighed and gave in to my wolf.

I could feel his snicker before getting the words out. No need to tell me that I'm right! I already know! The mutt boasted.

Fleabag. I mumbled in my head.

I heard that! Salvador growled.

I snorted. I know! We share the same mind!

Salvador just grumbled under his breath and retreated to his corner, sulking as we listened to the rest of the conversation.

Everyone's eyes were on the future leaders of the Shadow Howlers Pack, waiting for a reply.

Kyson sighed, breaking the eerie silence of the room. "I guess I have no choice but to be okay with this, don't I?" He asked, looking me in the eye.

I gave him a smug smirk. "You'd be a d**k if you weren't." Everyone chuckled.

"I guess," he mumbled.

That didn't sound very convincing. Salvador grumbled. I snickered aloud in agreement.

"Let me translate that. By I guess, he means, I still don't like it, and if we get attacked again, I'm putting you in the stronghold.” June said, mimicking her brother’s voice. “Am I right?" She sarcastically smiled.

"Sounds about right, yeah!" Kyson smirked, folding his arms.

June sighed in defeat. "Kyson, I'm not the same twelve-year-old girl that I was when you left. I can take care of myself," she said calmly. The plea laced into her words came from a place deep within her being. I could feel June’s helplessness from here.

"No, you're not twelve anymore OJ, but you're still my little sister," Kyson turned to June.

"Yes, I am your little sister, but I'm not a child anymore, Ky. It's about time you understood that and respected it. You have no idea the things that I can handle."

June's words hit everyone hard. No one spoke or uttered a single word. The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

I looked Broady in the eye, and he gave me the look. I knew that look all too well. It was his worried look. The only other people in the room who knew what that look meant were our best friends and our mates, who just so happened to be the ranks of the pack. I opened a private link between us.

It's time. I linked. They nodded in agreement.

Are you sure? Daffodil asked. She sounded anxious, which was expected. Our past was not a pretty one. We've done some unforgivable things in our youth, things we aren't proud of, and telling the kids means that we were willing to allow them to paint us in a very bad light because of it. I mean… are we ready for that?

We have no choice but to be. Salvador cut in. We committed the crimes, and now we must pay the price for them.

Yet again, the ball licker was right. We needed to own up to our treacherous behavior. Our kids need to know the truth about their pack and their lives.

You heard what she just said; she's ready. Plus, those rogues were only something the Nova Sanction could’ve created. We can't have our kids blindsided, Dilly. Besides, it's time we took responsibility for the crimes we committed. No matter what light we get painted in. I responded to my friend.

I agree with Conner. Isaac, my Delta, said. One of the rogues that I fought had the 'NS' branding on her scruff. They sent those rogues, Dills. And my guilt eats at me every day because of what we did. Just thinking about how Sonya and I have Trevor, meanwhile-

We did what was needed to save Citrus, Isaac! Sonya, Isaac's mate and Delta Female, defended, cutting him off. If we hadn't interfered then-

Then all of this could have been avoided, Sony. What we did was horrible, and downright disgraceful, and I pray every night that the Moon Goddess doesn't condemn our souls to the Shadow realm for it. Claire, my Beta female, and Maurice's mate, interrupted.

Okay, okay! I get that Citrus and the cavern is still a sensitive topic for all of us, but Conner's right. We can't keep the children in the dark about this. Especially June, Kyson, and Sage. They have more to do with this now than we do! Everything falls on them, and they need to be ready! We have to own up to what we did and tell our kids the truth! My lovely mate and Luna, Mali, said.

We need to get her pregnant again! Salvador growled, seductively. The sight of our mate taking control always turned us on. But right now was not the time to get sidetracked by desire.

Shut it, mutt! This is serious! I growled.

Who said I wasn’t being serious?

Salvador… I’m warning you! I chastised.

Salvador rolled his eyes, mumbling little profanities under his breath about me being a ‘puny, musty human’ as he went back into his corner to watch in silence. I just ignored him and went back into the link with my friends.

Look… I'm not against telling them the truth, but I'm more worried about how the Sanction found the pack! I thought they wouldn't be able to sense the magic in our kids until they both turned eighteen and shifted! The spell Amber put on them is still in effect. Broady pointed out. The cloaking spell is still in effect too; I check it every day. So, how did they find us?!

It has to be Olivia. With all the training, meditating, and working out, she must have built a subconscious connection with her wolf and dulled the effects of her power blocker. Dilly informed. It's almost like she's unintentionally fighting the effects of the spell.

If that's true, then maybe it's time for you and Broady to start their shadow and element training, Dills. I suggested.

I knew talking about Daffodil's elemental powers was a touchy subject for her, considering she hasn't used them much since she lost her parents—to her knowledge, at least—but right now her children's lives are in danger. There wasn't much room for hesitation at this point—something needed to be done.

Almost immediately, I could sense Daffodil's hesitation. Just as I expected, she gave an excuse, a good excuse, but an excuse, nonetheless.

I know, but we can't do much until Olivia shifts. We don't know what the effects of a broken binding spell could do to them. We'll have to wait for Liv's birthday.

I could feel everyone's disappointment, and I knew she could feel it too, but no one said anything. We knew how hard this was for Daffodil, and we were going to be kind about it. But when the time comes for her to act, the kitty gloves are coming off.

Mali's disappointment in her best friend was evident in her voice as she moved the conversation along. Okay, so it's settled. We'll wait for Olivia's birthday. Now, why did you ask the kids here, my love? She asked.

If I know the Sanction, they most likely sent someone to examine the fight to learn a few things about the pack and our fighting skills. I need to know if they saw something; in the woods, on the rogues... Something to confirm that it was really them who sent those rogues and no one else. I answered.

If they sent someone and that person saw Olivia, then that would not be good! It'd be even worse if they saw Kyson too! Their eyes turn lavender when their wolves are present! It's a dead giveaway of the Empress Tribe's Alpha lineage! If they find out about them, who knows what they'll do?! We can't let them get their hands on my babies! Daffodil panicked.

Broady wrapped his arm around his mate's shoulder in an attempt to soothe her. Don't worry, darlin’, I won't let them get close… I'll kill anyone who tries to lay a finger on our kids. He reassured her.

As will we, but let's not forget that it would add to the chaos if they saw Sage and his eyes too. Remember Crystal's prophecy? Maurice, my Beta, voiced.

Just the thought of the Nova Sanction coming after my son made me and Salvador ready to kill.

If anyone comes after my pup, not even the fleas on their wolf would be safe from my wrath. He growled. I didn't have to respond for Salvador to know that I'd aid him in his quest of burning the world for our children.

You need to ask them if they saw something. Now! Daffodil ordered.

Yes, your majesty. I cut off the link, bringing everyone back to the office.

"Mom, are you okay?" June asked, confusion and worry evident on her face.

"Mom, what’s wrong?" Kyson asked. He and June started to rush over to their parents to see to their mother.

Broady held his mate tight as silent tears fell from her eyes. Daffodil was scared for her children's lives, and the anxiety that she'd had since her pack's attack had never faded. She was scared.

Broady linked her to try and calm her down.

"I need the six of you to answer something for me. And I need you to be completely honest," I said, looking in the direction of our pups. Kyson and OJ stopped midstride and looked in my direction. I took a deep breath.

Here goes nothing...