Chapter 59
Nyah
A month had passed since the celebration and Kenia and Levi’s mating ceremony. I was happy for my older sister to finally be mated with her one true love. But I will say while Levi was hunting Kenia down, Braxton and I made a detour in the woods to my grandmother’s place and had our second coupling under the full moon.
When we returned to daddy’s cabin, the remaining Pack members gave their congratulations and well wishes to the newly claimed couple before breaking off and retiring to their homes. Once they were gone, Lord Odin requested for our families to have a seat at the tables.
Momma gave me one of those looks, shaking her head, knowing why Braxton and I had not joined the others. Listen, I’m a grown woman and could be one-hundred years old but to have my momma glaring at me, silently acknowledging our little dirty escapade with only one look had me shrinking into my skin.
A smile spread across momma’s face as she winked at me. Weakly, I returned the gesture, silently praying momma wouldn’t ask me any questions later.
Luckily, Lord Odin stood in front of us, clearing his throat. Elder Nelah on his right side and Lord Artio on his left. Giving him our undivided attention, Lord Odin called momma and daddy to join him.
“Before the mating ceremony between Levi and Kenia begins, I have a few things to speak on.”
What was there left to say? He had already gifted them with a full moon. I sat in my chair anxiously to hear his next words.
“There’s no denying the bond or love the two of you have whether on the battlefield or in your family lives. Noah, I’ve felt the sadness and emptiness you have had to endure over the years at the loss of your mate while having to raise your daughters on your own,” he spoke before turning to momma. “And Willa, I have also witnessed your anguish of not being able to be here with Noah through his rough times.” Lord Odin paused, then said, “I can’t let that happen anymore.”
My jaw dropped. Was he getting ready to say what I think he was going to say? Braxton was holding my hand and winced when my nails dug into his skin, thankfully not hard enough to draw blood. “Sorry,” I mouthed to him, relaxing a bit. Silently thanking Elder Nelah for removing the silver from our arms and fingers.
Braxton mouthed back, “It’s okay,” bringing my hand up to kiss the back side of it.
Lord Odin looked back at us, stating, “Sometimes destined mates are taken away for one reason or another, but since Alpha Willa did not lose her life in battle, and as the God over the Wolves, I decided to restore the time Willa would have had with her family before her sickness.”
Crickets chirped and other nighttime creatures made their own sounds in the background as we sat in shock.
What is going on? What was he trying to say? Was Lord Odin going to use his power to officially have my momma come back to us?
My questions were answered when Lord Odin said, “Willa, you will remain here with your family.”
Daddy swooped momma off her feet, into his arms. He twirled her around as I handed Crown to Braxton before Kenia, and I ran over to them. As daddy sat momma on her feet, he held his arms open for us. His massive arms pulled us into a family hug.
I cannot describe the sob fest that ensued. Kenia’s was probably the same as mine from having momma back with us. And daddy...to know he had his destined mate alongside him again.
Lord Odin gave us time to get our feelings out before moving on to his next announcement.
“One of the reasons why I’m bringing Willa back is because this war you’ve felt so triumphant about is far from over.”
We look at him with confusion. How could it not be over? Fenrir, his son, and his followers that came with them have been slaughtered. If the head of the serpent has been removed, how can the body still operate?
Lord Odin raised his hand, glancing around at our questioning eyes.
“Trust me, I know what you all are thinking. Fenrir’s following may not be as vast as mine but there are still enough around to be a problem. There are some who still believe in his ancient ways of females shouldn’t hold the title of Alpha or death to any other species other than a wolf shifter.” His eyes went to Crown who wiggled out of Braxton’s arms, then sprinted over to me.
Instinctively, I picked Crown up.
Lord Odin laughed. “You don’t have to worry about that one there. His fate had already been determined by the Gods long before you went back and saved him. It is now up to you and your family to make sure his destiny is fulfilled.”
I glanced at Crown, then at Lord Odin wanting to ask what he meant, but before I could do so his focus fell on Ballian and Skia. They lowered their heads, then locked eyes with Lord Odin.
Lord Odin walked over to them and rubbed the top of their heads. “What can I say about you two warriors? Not to toot my own horn but I knew you would be a perfect match. You have protected your destined shifters like you should have. You were at their sides when they needed you, and that is what destined wolves are supposed to do. You went through the pain and agony after getting the silver applied to your body just like they did. Skia you shouldn’t even be here, but it was because of the bond of your mate that you are. And to witness how the two of you were willing to give up your lives for the other, I knew the right decision was made.”
With the enormous wolves next to him, Lord Odin announced, “Ballian and Skia will no longer be hidden in the deep recesses of Braxton and Nyah. I’m granting them the ability to walk alongside them because they have earned that right.”
What the holy fuck? Is that possible? Can he do that? Of course he can! He’s Lord Odin who not long ago made a full moon appear in the sky. This was Lord Odin’s ruling, but I’m still dumbfounded, and I shouldn’t be because not minutes earlier he just granted my momma the right to be with us.
Lord Odin waved us over. “Come stand with your wolves.”
Once Braxton and I were next to Ballian and Skia, Lord Odin pointed to daddy and Bryant. “With their mating bond, the Packs are as one. Throughout this magnificent unification, our other Packs will fall in line. With your destined wolves by your side, you two will be the connection that keeps our Packs united. The mind whether human or shifter can be easily manipulated, but you have to make sure that our kin stay focused.”
“Yes, Lord Odin,” Braxton and I said at once.
“I’m glad that you understand because preparations will need to be made for any type of retaliation from Fenrir’s followers.”
Before Braxton or I could question his words, Lord Odin cut his eyes to Alpha Lennox. “As long as any of your descendants don’t try to take on any of mine, the pact between wolves and bears will always be upheld.”
Alpha Lennox lowered his head. “Yes, Lord Odin.”
Lord Odin smiled when Alpha Lennox raised his head.
Goddess Artio chimed in, “The Bear Packs have always been in one accord with the allegiance with the wolves and it will always remain that way.”
“Thank you,” Lord Odin responded, acknowledging the both of them.
Lord Odin, glancing around to the rest of us, forcefully clapped his hands together. Only it sounded less like a clap and more like a sonic boom, causing a high-pitched ringing to vibrate through the air.
We clutched our ears, trying to muffle the sound. Seconds seemed like minutes as we waited for the piercing to begin to disappear. Lord Odin looked unphased as it finally dissipated.
“There is so much to be done,” he said. “That being said, Levi now is the time for you to fight for your rightful place as Alpha of your fathers Pack. I will tell you now that it won’t be easy. Since your parents’ death there has only been one family that has ruled over the Pack.”
“But, couldn’t you step in and tell them Levi is the true Alpha?” Kenia asked. “You are the Lord of all Wolf Packs.”
Lord Odin shook his head. “I could but Levi needs to prove to members of the Pack that he is their true Alpha. He will have to challenge the current Alpha.”
Kenia slightly frowned, and I understood why but also understood Lord Odin’s statement. We are wolves, and the only way for one to become Alpha of a Pack is to challenge the current Alpha. Yes, by right Levi is the true Alpha, but with him being away from the Pack for so long, the title will not be freely given to him.”
“And I’m up for the challenge,” Levi snarled, stepping in front of Kenia. “I grew up without my parents over treachery and greed.” I don’t know if it was out of impulse or anger, but Levi’s canines grew to a fine point. “They took my parents away from me, my birthright as the Alpha of the Pack, and I’m going to get it back. If blood needs to be shed by doing so, then so be it.”
Elder Nelah stood, adding, “I will join Levi and Kenia. I have a feeling that they will need extra backup for what they’re about to encounter.”
“I think that’s an excellent idea,” Lord Odin beamed as Elder Nelah bowed her head before retaking her seat. “Levi and Kenia could definitely benefit from your advice and guidance.”
Goddess Artio rose, interjecting, “I can provide soldiers from bear Packs around the area as an extra line of defense.”
Lord Odin pointed to her chair for her to sit down.
“As of right now, that won’t be necessary. Should things get out of hand, I’m leaving it up to Elder Nelah who will reach out to you for assistance with your bears.”
Through her disgruntled facial expressions, it was obvious Goddess Artio was not pleased with Lord Odin’s decision.
That only piqued my interest more to about the three. Momma didn’t want us asking questions, but somebody needed to fill me in but for now I’ll wait.