Origins: Silver Mountain

Chapter Nineteen

Renée

"Apple! Breakfast is ready!"

My sweet children were driving me crazy. In the 19 years since the day they were born, they developed very different personalities and interests. Apple was a girl's girl. Everything was pink and purple. She loved make-up, experimenting with her hair, brunches with her friends, shopping, and any other girly business you could imagine. Amitayus, my gentle but firm giant, was more serious. He read a lot, followed a strict routine, very disciplined, a dedicated fighter, and liked learning new things. He was preparing to leave for school and Augustus was still attempting to talk him out of it.

"Mom, I heard you the first time." Apple entered the kitchen and gave me a quick peck on the cheek.

"Well act like you hear me then." I handed her a plate.

She took a seat across from her brother and made a face at him. He rolled his eyes and went back to reading the town newsletter.

Augustus joined me in the kitchen just ss I finished filling his plate.

"Good morning, my love. You were up early." He hugged me from behind and inhaled my scent.

" I thought I should get ahead of the day. I'm meeting with the family that came in last week for skills training."

"Right. I remember you mentioning that." He grabbed his plate and sat beside Amitayus.

"Woah." I turned to see Amitayus staring at the newsletter with wide eyes.

"What is it, son?" Augustus leaned in to read along.

"The king is starting to recruit pack members again."

"Let me see that." Augustus took the paper and began reading it.

"Well, I'll be damned." He seemed rather shocked.

"You didn't know about that?" Apple frowned.

"No. Lukas never mentioned it." He set the paper down and stood, hurrying out of the door.

"You think I have a shot, mom?" Amitayus glanced up at me.

I gave him a small smile.

"Yes, my dear. You can do anything your heart desires."

He smiled and went back to reading.

"I gotta go too. See you guys later!" Apple grabbed the rest of her bagel and jumped up.

"Apple, be home by--"

"I know, mom!"

She shut the door behind her. I sighed.

"You ok, mom?"

"Yes, honey."

I finally sat down to eat my breakfast. Amitayus sat silently, but his company was still appreciated. We had become a very busy family and it was hard to have family moments. I was disappointed that breakfast was ruined, but maybe dinner would go well.

We finished our breakfast and Amitayus left for training. I cleaned the kitchen, checked on Sofie, and headed to meet with the new family.

At our refuge center, the new family was seated in the conference room awaiting my arrival. They were mostly quiet; the husband did the talking. There were three small pups, on who was injured and had been checked out at the clinic and treated for a fractured wrist. The wife was blonde with hazel eyes that told the saddest story. She was in pretty bad shape when they first arrived. Her bruises looked to be healing faster. The husband seemed very protective. He had also come in with injuries, but healed quickly. They were all severely dehydrated and malnourished.

The children were chatting among each other. They seemed to be adjusting compared to when they first arrived at our mountain's base. I took a seat and began the conversation.

"How are you?"

"I think we're much better. I know I keep saying this, but I thank you for your hospitality."

"Of course. That is always our goal when people show up at our borders." I smiled and caught a glance of the children playing a game in the corner.

"So ... this skills training ... What is it exactly?" The husband was wringing his hands.

"We just evaluate you and test your skills so we know how to place you. Our territory is filled of werewolves with many different talents and we all contribute to the growth and development of it."

"That's understandable. In my former pack, I was a welder. My wife volunteered with the elder members of our pack."

I listened and took notes, so I could hand them off to my mate. After about an hour, I sent the husband to do his skills test and training for welding. We didn't have opportunities to work with elders, as neighbors just looked out for one another, so I suggested a volunteer position at the clinic for the wife. The husband was uncomfortable leaving his family, but we assured him they would be fine.

The wife was sent to the clinic and the children were placed in the childcare wing. I was proud of the improvements that were made. It took some convincing, but Lukas finally agreed to build a community center to help manage the influx of refugees that were showing up. For five years now, we had been growing our territory. Even Lukas's brother gave a hefty sum of money to the development of the community center.

We were able to offer resources to pack members, house refugees until they were permanently placed or moved on to another territory, conduct skills training, and offer a small stipend to help them until they were given work. We also offered free childcare and a free cafeteria for everyone. It was my proudest work. Amitayus and Apple helped out from time to time. They were beloved by all of the territory for their kindness and personable spirits.

I decided to take my notes to Augustus in person instead of sending my courier. We weren't very busy, so I figured I'd stop on the way and grab lunch for us. Our favorite little sandwich shop had a pretty long line, but I had some time. As I waited patiently with the other patrons, loud screams from outside made everyone turn toward the storefront to see what was going on.

It was like a storm of chaos as these creatures descended upon the town center. Vampires. A couple of people rushed outside and shifted. Others took cover and hid under tables. Employees ran to the back of the shop as the owner told the rest of us to follow them. I was torn.

Augustus was clear that he didn't want me fighting. But I was highly skilled. I knew what I was doing.

"Miss Renée!" The shop owner's voice interrupted my thoughts. I turned to look at him. Augustus would win this one this time. I hurried to the back. If anything, I could at least protect everyone in the shop.

The shop had a bunker, which I never knew existed. I was surprised to be taken underneath the shop through a trapdoor. I was also impressed and made a mental note to tell my mate about it later. I silently prayed to the Moon Goddess. Though her visits had become scarce as the years passed, she always answered my prayers.