Ever Cynical

Chapter 20- Mysterious Background

Kieran POV

Anais was nothing less than amazing. She had finished everything in less than forty-eight hours. The ability to look everywhere from my smartphone and computer was beyond fantastic. The younger pack members were already enjoying the computer lounge, and I was halfway through the process of converting my files to electronic. With Anais' help, of course. No way could I match my Luna for typing speed. There was still a lot to be done, but I could already tell how much easier everything was going to be to manage. She'd even had time to get her own office set up, though as yet, it had no personal touches.

"You got that, Kieran?" She asked, but I had no idea what she had just told me. I was too busy marveling at how smart, beautiful, and sexy she was. I mean come on, her delectable bum was like two inches from my face. She raised a brow over her shoulder at my lack of attention. She turned around and promptly straddled my lap. "What has got you so... distracted, mon coeur?" She purred, her lips hovering just above mine.

"Always you, mo chridhe. It's hard to think with your... assets... right in front of me." I murmured. "I can smell you." She was just as aroused by my presence as I was in hers.

"Mmmhmm, I see. Well, I will forgive you this time, but if it happens again don't come crying to me because you can't open your email." She kissed me fast and hard before getting off my lap. I sighed. A week and a half till the full moon, and I was already struggling. Not to mention, tomorrow night she was being moved to the mating huts, and she still hadn't answered my invitation for video calls. I knew I was pouting, but I just could not rearrange my face in an appropriate expression. I was already missing her, and she was still here.

"Okay mo bhanríon. I promise to be more focused on your mouth." The double entendre fell so naturally from my lips. At this, she smacked my arm. I grinned. "I couldn't help it. Fine, I promise to listen better, alright?" I said begrudgingly. She crossed her arms but she was smiling.

"As it should be... mo rí." She said with a wink. My jaw dropped as the Gaelic fell from her mouth. I pulled her back into my arms, weirdly happy to hear Gaelic from her. She'd used French phrases, but this was the first time I'd heard her speak Gaelic. "Your mom has been teaching me a little here and there." She shrugged.

"When was there time?" I exclaimed. Anais had been like the Flash getting everything set up at lightning speed. Well, wolf speed, since Claire was strong enough to enhance her abilities in human form. Even so, it was a bloody miracle. She had even printed out short basic instructional booklets for each station so that people understood how to use the PCs. I'd designated a couple young people that knew how to use computers as monitors for the computer lounge, in case people needed hands-on help.

"Well, I only need to learn once, so... literally in passing." She laughed. I was grateful to have such a smart and capable woman at my side. She was already making her alpha and her pack better, and it had been less than a week. I didn't think she would enjoy the more social aspects of being a Luna, but it was certain that she would dive right in for anything I needed help with.

Her organizational skills were next level.

"I appreciate you learning our home language, mo bhanríon." I kissed her cheek, wanting to simply throw her over my shoulder and hide in my rooms, maybe pretend the rest of this s**t didn't exist. But I couldn't do that, too many people were relying on us.

"Kieran... do you have any kind of books on Immortals? A library perhaps?" She asked, her tone thoughtful. I could see the wheels turning. Now that her work was completed, we had this evening and tomorrow to think about her background. We were all missing something important. With so many gaps in our own history, I was not sure that I could offer much to help her, at this point, other than my love and protection.

"Sadly, when our pack was attacked in Ireland, most of our records and books were destroyed or lost. We don't actually know which, just that they are gone. We have a few maps, and more recent books since we left the homeland, but our attackers were quite thorough." It saddened me as well, so much had been lost in those attacks. History, culture, and most importantly, life. She tapped her chin in thought.

"The moon goddess said I should reach out to my allies, that they can help me and that we can trust them. It will have to wait until the envoy is gone, but I think the best place to start is probably there." I was startled, she'd briefly mentioned allies before, but I didn't think it was people she still had contact with.

"Do you mind if I ask who they are?" I didn't want to push boundaries too much. Her independent nature, as much as the alpha in me wanted to be in charge, was something I loved the most about her. I was never going to be that guy that controlled her or held her back as long as she was safe.

"Of course! My allies are your allies. They will be thrilled to find out that I'm a shifter, and that I've found a mate. First, is the Dragon King Vidar Torvalds. I first met him about 440 years ago, in Norway. He's always been very kind. The other is the Kitsune Queen Hijikata Riyoko. I met her about 470 years ago, in Japan. Oh, and Basilisk King Ekezeic. I ran into him in his forest around 620 years ago. He's a recluse though, and even if I call him I doubt he knows that much outside of his forest." My jaw hung open. These were not beings to be trifled with. In fact, they were all on the Elder Council. "What?" She asked at the stunned look on my face.

"None of those beings are known for making new friends, Anais. Especially Ekezeic. He's on the Elder Council but always sends an envoy because he can't be bothered. Queen Riyoko and King Vidar never show their real faces outside of the council, really, and rarely do more than vote. They never get involved in politics." I said. She nodded.

"Sounds about right. I also avoid politics. I always end up captured by someone anytime I get close to an event." She rolled her eyes.

"At some point we are probably going to have to send someone to represent us. I've just declined it because I had no need for the council. But if I want to declare you my mate for all to see, and protect our children from bogus claims by other races, I have to do something. And I need them involved." I ran hand through my hair.

"So, who are your allies, Kieran? You must have a few?" She queried.

"Yeah, I do. Fae Queen Lamorna Gladius, of Britain. Dragon King Tianlong and with mate Dragon Queen Anlian of China. Vampire Lord Fabian Grey, of Britain. Dark Fang, Frost Moon, Phantom Hollow, and Crescent Dawn Packs. I'm working on a deal with Silver Moon, too. They are all West Coast Packs. Those I can say for sure would go up against any enemy at my side." I said, proud of the work I'd done.

"So... we've got some decent backing. I actually met King Tianlong and his wife as well, but it was a very long time ago and quite brief. He'd just taken over from his father back then." Of course she knows them. Nothing should shock me with her, honestly. I pulled her into a hug.

"More reasons for you not to run my Luna. Please help me keep our people protected." She sighed. I knew this was hard for her. She wanted to help, and if that meant suffering alone, she would do it. I didn't know how else I could show her we were better together. I could only hope that after her wolf emerged, she would be able to see what I did. She patted me back and looked up at me.

"There is nothing that I would not do for you, my Alpha." It was the conviction in her tone that led me to add on, even if it means I have to leave you.

That's exactly what I'm afraid of.

Anais POV

We packed up the SUV with all my stuff, and supplies for at least five days, just in case the envoy was difficult on Sunday evening. After fried chicken rivaling the best out there, mashed potatoes and gravy with a killer coleslaw, it was time to go. Declan, Cressida, Helga, Kieran and his team all stood waiting next to the truck. They all hugged me, with Kieran last in line hugging me the longest, his face buried in my neck. The others went inside, allowing us a moment before Sean drove me away.

"Mo shíorghrá, mo chridhe, mo bhanríon... Though it's not even been a week since we met, you've changed my world and I will miss you every second." He stared into my eyes and I swear I could see tears. Tears! This alpha! I punched his arm lightly.

"I will only be away a few days, and if something happens I'm not that far away. You'd think I was leaving for months the way you're acting." He leaned his forehead on mine and stroked my cheek. "Argh, fine. I love you too, you big softy. I know that's what you're really trying to say, you goof." He laughed and pulled me into a deep, sensual kiss that left me breathless. "No fair, handsome cutie. Getting me all worked up when I have to drive away."

"Maybe you'll be open to a video call later this evening, go hálainn?" He asked, his emerald eyes shimmering with heat.

"Mayyyyyybe." I said, blowing a kiss before I hopped into the SUV.

"I love you, my Luna!" He called after me. It tore at my heart.

When I arrived at the mating huts, I entered the largest one. It was reserved for the Alpha and Luna. It was a charming log cabin that was a great room with the "sleeping" area curtained off. The only other room was the large bathroom, clearly designed for a couple to enjoy together. The small kitchen was modern with a breakfast bar. There was a large flat screen TV over the stone fireplace in front of the dark brown leather couch. The TVs were part of the order to upgrade things, though Kieran's electrical guys had been the ones to order and install them. Thanks to the extended internet now available, I had endless Netflix. The furniture was again that same blonde wood used in the pack house. The bed was just like the one in my room, too, down to the luxurious cream sheets and soft dark green down comforter.

I tossed my bags on the couch and sighed. Time to hide from the asshat.