The Black Hills: Patience and Endurance

New Adventures

Lisa POV

Morning has come early, as we gather up the last of our belongings in a frenzy of rushing bodies eager to set out on our new adventure. While I still have some hesitancy owing to the fact that my sociopathic ex-husband has made a direct threat towards Bradley, my sons seem genuinely excited. Kason has been attached at the hip to Brad, while asking every question which comes to his young mind. Even Kaleb has gathered a renowned sense of curious excitement for what Dark Moon has to offer. I hope the pack will be as accepting of dragons into their territory as the Black Hills clan.

After double and triple checking to make sure we haven’t forgotten anything, we roll our suitcases to the top of the stairs, where Bradley scoops mine up, before descending down to the main floor corridor.

“I’ll start loading the SUV while you and the boys grab breakfast.” Brad grins to me, before planting a kiss upon my head.

“I’ll help.” Kyler volunteers, in his grown-up voice, proving his maturity once again as I inwardly beam, not wanting to make a fuss and embarrass him.

I guide Kaleb and Kason to the dining hall, where my family is already gathered around the table. Kason runs straight to Auntie Diane’s lap, as the kitchen staff omegas bring him a heaping plate of pancakes with sausage patties crisp as he likes them, and a bowl of fresh fruit.

I take a seat beside my aunt, directly across from my father, while Kaleb circles the table to join his grandfather.

“You know, it’s not going to be the same around here without you boys.” My dad says as he pats Kaleb on the shoulder.

“I’m really going to miss all of you too.” I admit, as a wave of loneliness washes over me.

Sarah immediately picks up on my mood shift, and speaks from her place at the head of the table. “Well, sis, you aren’t going to be that far away, and you’ll have Talia and Matt there to keep you company.”

I smile at her gratefully, as I relax and reply, “This is true, I’ll still be with family.”

Sarah nods, “Right, and we can go visit you, or vice versa.”

At that moment Bradley and Kyler arrive to the table, “Of course, Dark Moon will always welcome the Black Hills pack members, we are all family now.” Brad reassures me.

Kason turns to me, “Mama, what are we going to do first when we get there?” He asks sweetly.

“Probably settle into our new home, I imagine.” I reply.

Bradley reaches around me and tousles Kason’s hair, “I will show you around the packhouse, and then the grounds. We have a fun little school where you will get to make new friends.” Bradley explains to him.

Kason beams, “I like making friends.” He then looks to his brothers before returning his attention to Brad, “What about Kyler and Kaleb? Will they get to go to school and make friends too?” The concern for his brothers is evident in his little voice.

“Of course!” Brad exclaims. “Not only will they get to go to school, where they will make plenty of friends, but they are also old enough to join in warrior training.”

“Wow!” Kason’s eyes are wide as he takes in this information, “Will I be able to be a warrior too?” He inquires more.

Bradley chuckles before nodding, “Yes, my boy, one day when you’re older, there will be a prime spot for you as a warrior.”

Kason grins at me as I run my fingers through his hair. “Finish your breakfast, baby, so we can get going.”

Kason looks at me in disgruntlement. “Ok, but I’m not a baby, I’m going to be a warrior.” He scolds.

I grin and kiss him on the nose. “When that day comes, you’ll still be my baby.”

We finish our meal with intermittent periods of chatter with our family, before we all stand and head out to the front steps of the packhouse, pausing to hug our goodbyes.

“I love you all so much!” I tell my sisters, father, aunt and uncle, before climbing into the front passenger seat of the SUV, while Bradley assists Kason in buckling up. Once the boys are settled, Bradley gets in the driver’s seat and we make our way out of the Black Hills territory, with another SUV containing four of the Dark Moon warriors following close behind.

Charles POV

I watch from a safe distance as my beloved and our three sons travel with the Dark Moon mutt to their new, and very much temporary home. I fight to contain myself, as well as my dragon from surfacing, for while the urge to intervene is great, I know the fallout will be greater with patience and endurance.

“Soon, my bride, you will remember what it means to disobey me, and the entire pack of Dark Moon will learn my wrath.” I vow before stretching my wings and ascending from the forest, straight into the clouds for cover.

Bradley POV

I’m on high alert as we travel for I can sense eyes upon us. Fenrir senses it too, and he’s on guard, ready to take action at any moment. My guards are maintaining an open mind-link and I can feel their own tension through our bond.

I glance over to Lisa who appears as tense as I feel, and I rest my hand upon her knee, gently caressing it with my fingertips. She looks to me, giving me a weak smile, placing her hand upon mine and intertwining our fingers, then returns to gazing out of her window. I know she’s watching for any signs of her ex.

“We are going to be ok.” I murmur quietly to her.

Lisa nods, before whispering back, “Yes, but he’s out there.”

“Are you sure?” I mutter, trying to keep the boys from overhearing our exchange.

“Mmhmm, I can feel it.” She says before looking back to me once again, “But I don’t think he’s going to make a move right now.”

I consider her words before questioning under my breath, “Are you sure? It seems like the best time, as our numbers are limited.”

Lisa nods, with a sad expression, “Yes, that is why he will wait. He’ll want the greatest audience and number of casualties he can get. His narcissism demands grandeur.”

That makes sense from everything I’ve learned of this dragon. Subtle isn’t really his style. Regardless, I mind-link my men to inform them that the enemy is watching and to be on the highest level of alert.

“Yes, Alpha.” They reply in unison through the link.

Lisa POV

Once we have arrived safely to the boundaries of Dark Moon, I can feel Bradley relax beside me. I wish I could share his optimism but he hasn’t yet seen the full might of Char. I try to push my fears to the back of my mind as I take in the gentle rolling hills of the Wyoming land which encompasses the Dark Moon territory. A large wall surrounds the pack lands, and we pull up to a tall gate, pausing only long enough for the guards to recognize their alpha before letting us through.

We pass by several guard posts before entering a quaint town. There’s a couple shopping centers and restaurants, before we enter the residential area, with several homes of various sizes, and a few apartment complexes. Everything appears very tidy and orderly, and just as you’d expect a normal town to appear.

“Our unmated members reside in the apartments, while those who have found their mates are free to choose a home of their own design.” Bradley explains as we drive past the many neighborhoods. “Up ahead, there, you can see the packhouse.” He guides me as I peer forward, my eyes falling upon a great stone fortress that reminds me of a medieval castle.

“Oh my...” I breathe as Kason’s voice shouts out from the backseat.

“Mommy! Look! A castle!” He squeals.

“I see that.” I speak in amazement at the sight before me.

“Yeah, that’s even more impressive than the Black Hills packhouse.” Kyler adds.

Bradley beams with pride, “Well, my grandfather liked impressive dwellings.” He remarks, as though trying to downplay the exquisiteness of his home.

I look around and take in smaller, separate homes, which are no less grand than the packhouse. “Who lived there?” I ask with genuine curiosity.

“Our retired members of high rank.” Bradley explains. “The former Beta, Matthew’s father lives in that one over there.” Bradley points to an elegant gray-stone home. “And around to the right side of the packhouse is the pack hospital, and the smaller home just off from there is where our physician lives.”

“What about that cottage over there?” I ask, pointing out a small, but no less elegant stone cottage, surrounded by the most gorgeous garden I’ve ever seen.

“That home belonged to my parents.” Bradley explains.

“Belonged? Are your parents deceased?” I ask Bradley gently, realizing how little I know about him.

“No, no. Nothing like that.” Bradley is quick to reassure me. “My mother and father are both living and thriving, however my grandmother has greatly declined since the passing of my grandfather. The spirit of her wolf broke, and she has suffered from a form of dementia ever since.” Bradley tells me.

My heart aches for his grandmother, I cannot imagine the pain of losing your mate after having spent a lifetime together. “So where do they live now?” I ask Brad.

“They have moved back into the packhouse with my grandmother, as the familiarity is easier on her mind.” Bradley explains. “I had to build a new wing for the Alpha’s quarters as my grandma has reclaimed mine.” He gives me a gentle smirk.

“Reclaimed, as in...” I pry.

“She still thinks she’s the Luna of the pack.” Brad shrugs.

“Oh.” Is all I can say as I process this new information.

“Yeah, but don’t worry,” Brad brings my hand up to his lips, brushing my knuckles with a gentle kiss, “she stays pleasantly confused most of the time, and will undoubtedly love you.”

“Well, that’s good.” I reply, still not really sure how my presence is going to be accepted with a long-reigning Luna holding onto her status.

“Relax, my mom keeps her under control.” Brad tells me.

“So, is your grandmother, your mother’s mother?” I ask, as we pull up to front courtyard, not really understanding the dynamic of the pack.

“Yeah, so my grandparents only had one child, a daughter. My father was a Beta from another pack and when they mated, he became the Alpha of this pack, while my mother carried the title of Luna. Now, she had the option to keep the Alpha title for herself, making my father the Alpha consort, but my mother preferred a traditional life and was happy to relinquish the title to my father.” He describes, as my mind is in a whirlwind.

“Is it common for packs to have female Alphas?” I ask, as I’ve never considered this scenario before.

Brad shakes his head no, “Not common, but it does happen from time to time.” He informs me.

“Can we get out now?” Kason asks, not impressed with our story time. I glance back to Kyler and Kaleb who appear interested in Brad’s tale but also eager to explore.

“Of course, let’s get inside.” Brad grins to Kason.

As we unload from the SUV, the packhouse doors open, revealing Matthew and Talia, who rush forward to hug me and the boys.

“Hey guys!” Talia exclaims. “Oh we are so happy you have made it!”

I hug my cousin in return. “Me too.” I tell her, as she looks to me knowingly.

“Brad, your parents are waiting for you in the original Alpha chamber. They figured it would be the best place to meet you with your grandmother before you all settle in.” Matt says to his Alpha.

“Right, we should probably get that out of the way.” Brad mutters before looking to me, “If you’re ok with that?” He asks for my approval.

“Better sooner than later, I suppose.” I admit, a little half-heartedly. While I want to get to know his family, my nerves have me all bundled up inside.

“Alright, Matt, can you get the omegas to attend to our belongings?” Brad asks his Beta.

“I’ll take care of it myself.” Matt says as he gathers up our suitcases and bags.

Bradley takes my hand and smiles to me, “Ready, my love?”