Blackshadow (Kingdom of Wolves #2)

“I’ve found the color and the decorations I want to use for the mating ball,” I quickly say, trying to get Connell’s attention back to me, and away from the two idiots that are now being ordered to carry everything downstairs to my office. I keep talking until Connell kisses my forehead and whispers, “I’m going to my office now. I will see you in a while.”

“Okay,” I lamely reply, then march down to my own office where I open and check what is inside as the boxes are brought downstairs.

It’s late by the time we get organized, so I contact Chief Oscar and arrange my training for the morning, as I’m too tired to do my best at the moment. If I’m going to learn to fight, I need to start my first lesson while I have some energy. What a long day this has been, and it feels like days since I heard my father knew where I am. I’m not going to worry about it too much because what can I do about it at this moment in time? Nothing!

Chapter 23

CONNELL

I made sure I gave Hope a good wake up this morning, and then kissed her until she was starry-eyed. I can’t help but wonder if she has a pup in her belly already.

Yes, we want pups.

Chuckling when I hear Knight break into my thoughts, ‘I know Knight, I know.’

Sitting in bed last night, Hope informed me she didn’t want the Luna House, and it piqued my interest, as it’s not been used since I moved back into the packhouse. I used it briefly to escape from my father toward the end of his reign of terror. It gave me at least a small amount of respite from his never-ending tyranny. That is going to be my first port of call this morning.

Beta Walim appears on my right as I’m walking over to the house. “Where are we going, Alpha?”

“We? I didn’t know I needed you along with me?” holding back the chuckle when I see the frown appear on his face.

“Yes, we. Beta Caleb and I have decided that for you and the pack’s safety, you need someone with you at all times. The threat from Alpha Soren Wolfgang isn’t one to take lightly.”

“Hm, but you know I’m the strongest, fastest and meanest in the pack, don’t you?” I add, again holding back the mirth I’m feeling.

“Yes, we realize that, but again, as your Betas, we feel it’s required.”

“Okay, but you can’t follow me into any personal spaces.” The shock and horror on Walim’s face has me bust out laughing, and the thought of him watching me take a piss sets me off again.

“You are joking with me, aren’t you?”

Chuckling, I look at him and nod, “Yeah, I am, but your face was worth it.”

“Darn it, I was imagining having to watch you doing nasty toilet things for a minute.” Seeing my eyes watering with laughter, he joins me, and we laugh together as we continue walking to the Luna House.

Standing in front of the house, my mind plays back to my mother and her retiring here to stay away from my father. She would plant flowers in the garden at the front, which have mostly stopped growing now, as it’s a mass of weeds and whatever that is with thorns all over it.

I remember her standing with her gardening gloves on her hands, straw hat on her head, and a large apron around her waist with huge pockets. The memory has me giving a sad smile because I miss her, even though she was fairly vacant in my life.

Shaking my head, I walk to the front door and open it. The first thing I notice is the musty smell, but I feel a slight breeze against my skin. Walking from the hallway into the living area, all the furniture is just how I left it, and the window is open wide, allowing the air to blow through.

“Hope opened all the windows yesterday, and from what I was told, she didn’t like the place, and didn’t want to have meetings or anything here. Her words apparently were, and I quote, ‘Sadness. The house breathes sadness.’ She couldn’t wait to get out of here and stated, if you agreed, it was to be emptied, cleaned, and painted, and then given to a mated pair.”

Nodding at Walim, I wander through the rest of the house and make my way out of the back door. I notice the bench under the kitchen window, which has seen its best days, but gently smile, thinking of my mother sitting there with her afternoon cup of rosehip tea.

Shaking myself out of the past, I turn and look at Walim. “Get the place emptied. If any pack members want any of the furniture let them have it, otherwise have a nice bonfire. But do as your Luna asked and get it done smartly.”

“Yes, Alpha Connell.”

I walk away from the house and know I’ll more than likely never step into the place again, but for some reason I don’t care, and I’m pleased to turn my back on it and leave it in the past. “Beta Walim,” I let him know by calling him Beta how serious I am.

“Alpha?”

“I never want to step foot in that house again, so I’m putting you in charge of getting the job done. If the Luna attempts to visit the place, only allow it while you are present. I don’t want her upset by the sadness from that house ever again. Make sure there has been a significant improvement in the renovations before that happens. Oh, and keep this between us, if possible, but don’t lie to the Luna.”

“Yes, Alpha Connell. I’ll make sure that is how it will be.”

“Thank you, Beta Walim. I appreciate that.”