The Royal Wolves

Florence

Queen Erin’s POV

Frantically, I pace the room as I dial the numbers for Florence, Stefan, darran and even some of the Alphas. Each time, I curse when the call goes straight to voicemail. With each failed attempt, Jo becomes more and more distressed.

“Come on, we’ll take your car. They’ve only just set off, we’ll catch up to them in no time,” I tell him as I send my Mother a message that I’ll be late and grab my handbag.

“Erin. You’re just as vulnerable as she is. I am not taking you out of here,” he tells me as a hand to runs through his hair in frustration.

“The car is still the quickest way to the main packhouse. Let’s go and we can find help. I’ll drive, you’re in no fit state to be driving,” I command him as I take his car keys from him, once again feeling like a burden to my pack. A Luna or a Queen should be on the front line with her warriors, and here I am, cowering in protection behind our wall.

Hurriedly, I push Jo to the car and open the passenger door for him, I’m hoping that I can convince him to send a team to retrieve Florence, he’s in no fit state to be travelling and will put others at risk in his quest to bring Florence and their baby home.

There’s an unusual amount of warriors present around the pack house and the thought of why makes me nervous. As soon as I spot William, I rush from the car and to him. “What’s going on?” I ask him, skipping pleasantries.

“One of the warriors at the rear of the group, thought he had seen something in the forest to the north east. At Stefan’s command, they pushed forwards at speed, while we sent a small group to investigate,” he tells me.

“And?” My foot bobs up and down impatiently.

“We have found evidence at three locations that somebody has been watching us. As a precaution, we sent sent pairs of warriors to catch up with each group to update them, so that they can be extra cautious.”

“So now wouldn’t be a good time to give you an extra problem?”

“No. But I’m sure you’re going to give me one anyway. What is it?” William asks me, a knowing look on his face.

“Florence. Has she gone on this mission or is she still here?”

“Erin, don’t beat around the bush. You know she put herself forward to help. What’s happened?”

“The thing is, she’s been keeping a secret. Her and Jo, they’re expecting. With this extra threat, she shouldn’t be out there,” I stress.

“With this pregnancy, she shouldn’t be on the rota, full stop,” William says as Arthur’s snarl breaks through his voice.

“What do we do? Jo wants to go find her.”

“There’s no we. You’re going to take Jo to the packhouse. I’ll gather some warriors and track her down, then drag her arse back here,” he instructs sharply. His words are softened by his arms hugging me. “And I’m placing you both on supervised house arrest when I return,” he chuckles and then shoo’s me back to the car.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

* * William’s POV * *

There’s something about the women in my life that makes me think the Moon Goddess has a good laugh at me. Each woman is headstrong, strong willed, stubborn and fierce. Just when you think they can’t shock or frustrate you anymore, they pull a blinder and leave you chasing your tail.

‘Lottie was the best,’ Arthur purrs longingly.

‘Yes she was. But it doesn’t mean she wasn’t a pain in the arse. Remember when she had taken it upon herself to march onto the battlefield and demand a peace treaty before she skinned and castrated the lot of us,’ I chuckle and smile as Arthur’s laughter blends with mine.

‘Pal, I’m not sure which of us was closest to having a heart attack. She was right though, and it’s proven to be one of our strongest alliances. I don’t think you ever told her that.’

‘Or course I didn’t. She knew it, I knew it…. Hell, everyone bloody knew it. Imagine how much more insufferable she’d have been if I admitted it,” we both laugh now as we remember our fierce Luna with a heart of gold.

‘I miss her.’

‘Me too, buddy. Every Damn day. She’d have been the best grandma to those kids. I dare say, she’d have driven Stef and Erin batty by encouraging them to get into mischief,’ I grin as I arm myself with weapons.

‘Hand to hand?’ Arthur questions me.

‘It kills me to say it. But it will be our best option if there is trouble. We both know that up against the bears we are going to struggle. We’ll take the quad bikes to make sure we move at a good speed. I hope you’re ready to tear our darling Florence a new one.’

‘She reminds me so much of Lottie.’

‘And that is the problem. Let’s link the guards and crew and get moving.’

We slide my arm into the straps of the extra bags and then run to the garage the quad bikes are stored in. “Thank you for meeting me guys. I’m about to ask you to potentially risk your lives. My stubborn niece has gone on this mission. However, she has failed to tell us that she is pregnant. I’m leaving to drag her home and protect her pup. Please know that you have no obligation to join me, but I would be forever thankful to any who help,” I address the small group of warriors in front of me.

“Bloody hell, Will. What is it with the damn women in your family?” A harsh laugh sounds from the back of the group. I recognise my friend John’s voice.

“Not you, old man. There’s a reason the elderly were left behind to guard a house.”

“I may be old. But I have two arms and a bloody strong heart. Let me help you, old friend,” he smiles and pats my back, then puts on a backpack of weapons.

Within minutes, myself and a dozen warriors and ready to go and rescue Florence. The engines of our quad bikes rev to life and we take off like bats from hell, through our gates and hopefully on our way to an uneventful retrieval.