Chapter 57
CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN
“You guys aren’t going to say anything, I take it.” Grayson sighed and glanced back toward the pack house with a frown.
“There are no guarantees. And you know, some things you’re meant to find out for yourself.
Just because I was given a premonition doesn’t mean I should do something about it.
Not that anything can be done about this.
This will have to happen the way I’ve seen.
” Lita stopped walking. “I just don’t know how it’s going to end.
I only got a glimpse. Whatever the goddess is planning, she’s trying to keep our sight blocked from it.
Even my mother isn’t able to see past a certain point. ”
“It has me concerned. What does she want from our children?” Asher growled in agitation.
“You mean besides putting them in danger?” Grayson let out an angry puff of breath, creating a white cloud of fog in front of him.
Lita looked down at the ground. “I’m sure she has her reasons. I have faith in the Moon Goddess.” Lita turned and looked at Asher. “After all, she gave me you.”
Asher smiled and nodded his head. “I’m sure there’s a reason for the visions you and your mother have been getting. We’ll know more when we’re meant to. And this must be another part of the future our family is supposed to take charge of. I just hope they can do what the goddess wants them to do.”
“It’s hard to believe she can’t do it herself. Instead, she is risking your children’s lives.” Grayson growled in annoyance as he grabbed onto the hippogryph.
“The connection Reiya has with Xander is needed. And then the connection between Hunter and Reiya is needed. The three of them are the key to her plan. The problem is there’s nothing halfway about it.
Either they succeed or they’ll be lost forever.
” Lita hopped onto her hippogryph and looked at the pack house in the distance.
“We aren’t going to worry them over it. Let’s just keep working on what we’re doing.
Maybe Asher and I can take their place.”
“We won’t give up while we have time. We’ll get right back to studying in the archives when we get back.” Asher kicked his feet into the hippogryph and the three took to the sky. They had a lot of research to do and were running out of time.
Hunter sat the phone down and poured himself another cup of coffee.
He had just gotten off of the phone with Reed and had gotten a full report on the Briar Coven.
They had finally had a few days of quiet.
A week, to be exact. He was finally able to talk to Reed about everything that had happened with the witches.
“Is everything okay?” Freja asked as he took a seat.
“Yeah, they’ve elected a new leader now.
It turns out that everyone involved has been taken care of.
There’s only one that’s unaccounted for …
Meryl’s granddaughter. And from the description Reed gave me, it’s the same child that injected me with the blood potion.
” Hunter’s silver eyes looked at Freja. “They’re not sure where the girl’s been hidden away.
I’m not worried, though. She’s just a child.
I’m sure she won’t be a problem for us.”
Freja sipped her coffee. “She was just doing what she was told. I hope wherever she is, she’s able to live a normal life now.”
“Jin, are you sure you’re alright? I could have brought you breakfast in bed.” Chasen frowned at Jin, who was happily eating a bagel beside him.
Ciana giggled and shook her head, along with Freja. Chasen had been worrying over Jin nonstop.
“Chasen, let the poor girl eat. She needs to eat for her and the cub she’s growing inside her.” Hunter chuckled and shook his head.
“I don’t want to hear it. I know you’ll be even more protective over Freja.” Chasen snorted and looked back at Jin.
“Chasen, I’m fine. Now, please. Like your brother said, let me eat.” Jin giggled and swatted at Chasen.
Chasen sighed and looked at Hunter and Freja. “You sure we shouldn’t go and hunt down this child? Take care of her now before she becomes a problem?” He was already in overprotective father mode now.
Hunter chuckled. “I didn’t even think you were listening, what with how concentrated you were on Jin. No, I don’t think we have to worry about it. Besides, the covens are still looking for her. They’ll probably find her. She’s only a child.”
Renee trotted into the pack house, with Sam beside her.
“Okay, we are sooo throwing a baby shower for you. It’s going to be so much fun.
I can’t wait to go shopping for the new little bundle.
Susan and I were just looking at baby stuff, and I am beyond excited.
” Renee sat down next to Jin as Sam chuckled.
“Any excuse to shop.” Sam chuckled as he looked at Hunter knowingly.
The sun was shining brightly as the wind blew through her silver hair. Her sapphire eyes held a smile as she looked at the familiar territory in front of her.
“Oh my goodness, I’m so excited. Hurry, Lee!” Reiya squealed as she rode on top of a blue dragon.
Lee chuckled as he continued to flap his wings. To his side was a red dragon, carrying two passengers.
“Thank you for coming with us, Xander.” Reiya grinned as she looked over at the red dragon.
“Lila is back with Dex anyway. Besides, it is safer for you if we travel together. We know that mate of yours slacks on the job.” Xander grinned as the blue dragon growled lowly.
“I can’t wait to see the looks on Chasen’s and Hunter’s faces when we get there!” Brody held Chelsie close to his side. He couldn’t wait to tell his brothers about his mate and that he was going to be a daddy.
“Brody, look! There’s the pack territory. We’re here, we’re here!” Reiya squealed as she bounced around.
“Hold still, Reiya. The last thing I need is you falling off.” Lee flapped his wings, shifted downward and soared toward an open area below him. He could see werewolves that were sparring suddenly stop and look up, gawking at them as they descended.
“Hunter!” The doors to the pack house burst open, revealing a panting Winston. “Reiya is here!” he breathed out heavily.
“Wait, what?!” Hunter jumped up to his feet, he and Chasen grinning widely at each other.
“She and Brody just landed at the upper training ground.” Winston grinned at Hunter and Chasen’s childlike excitement.
Reiya looked toward the pack house and saw Hunter running out. She squealed and took off toward him. He opened his arms, and she leaped into them. He twirled her around and tears began to stream down her face.
“I missed you so much.” She sniffed into his chest.
Brody grinned and pulled his brother Chasen into a big hug. “You’re looking weak,” Brody teased as he hugged his brother tight.
Chasen chuckled. “I’m not the one who died. I swear, if you ever die again …” Chasen choked out the last part. He felt so much relief holding his brother in his arms.
Hunter released Reiya from his hold and the siblings switched.
“Ray Ray! Look at my perfect little sister.” Chasen hoisted her into his chest, giving her a bear hug.
Hunter pulled Brody into a big embrace as well. “You scared me to death.”
Chasen lowered Reiya to her feet. She noticed Freja standing behind him. “Oh, my goodness. Freja! You look amazing!” Reiya walked up to her and pulled her into a hug.
“By the way, I’d like to introduce you to my mate,” Hunter said with a smirk, walking back to Freja and Reiya.
He placed his arm around Freja and grinned.
“Meet my luna … oh, and my Queen. I am now the Werewolf King. You know … you didn’t miss much.
” Hunter chuckled as Reiya began jumping up and down, squealing.
“Yay, now we’re really sisters!” Reiya giggled.
“Well, guess you’re yesterday’s news, Levi. How does it feel to be leftovers?” Xander elbowed Levi, who rolled his eyes.
Hunter looked up then. He recognized Leviathan, but not the other man. He also noticed Chelsie, who was standing a few feet behind Brody.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Reiya giggled. “I still love you both.” Reiya motioned for them both to come closer. “Of course, you know my Lee. I’m sure you heard from mom and dad that he’s my mate. And this is Xander, the Dragon King of the West. He’s also my soul twin and our newly adopted brother.”
“He isn’t so bad, once you get past the stench.” Chelsie giggled, and Brody chuckled and reached for her. She walked into his side shyly at the same time Jin walked to Chasen’s side.
“You’ve got a mate, too?” Chasen and Brody said at the same time, both looking at each other in shock.
“Well, there is more, too …” Chasen said with a smile, and Brody’s eyes grew even wider.
“Don’t tell me she is pregnant too!” Brody said in shock.
“Too? You mean …?” Chasen said, awestruck.
“Oh my goodness. I get to be an auntie times two? And I didn’t even get to meet Chasen’s mate yet.” Reiya bounced over to Jin and wrapped her arms around her. “I’m Reiya.”
“You can call me Jin.” Jin giggled. Reiya had energy that matched hers.
“You see? This is what happens when we take forever to see each other. Everyone has mates, Brody is dying and resurrecting, and there are two new family members being cooked up. Wait, there are only two, right?” Hunter asked as he eyed Reiya suspiciously.
Reiya giggled. “Nothing cooking on my end. You, Freja?” She looked at the girl with auburn hair who held her hands up and shook her head.
Hunter then looked at Levi. “I know we’ve met and all, but you’re mated to my sister now. So, I feel like we should have a chat.” Hunter and Chasen both pulled serious expressions as they looked at Levi.
“Boy, you sure know how to make friends.” Xander gave Levi a crooked smile.
“You’re acting awfully brave for someone I could burn to a crisp in seconds.” Lee lifted his brow at Xander.
“Reiya, Levi’s threatening me!” Xander beamed widely. He lifted his head toward Reiya, expecting her to scold Levi. But then his eyes drifted behind her to a girl with black hair and caramel skin. The smile on his face vanished as he analyzed the girl and her aura. She was a dragon.
Lee also followed Xander’s gaze and landed on the girl. “Guess you don’t have to go searching for her after all,” Levi said quietly to Xander.
“What am I missing here?” Reiya looked at the girl that was now walking toward them.
“It’s the girl that Grandpa Sage wanted us to find,” Xander said as the girl's brown eyes met with his.
“Oh, she’s the luck dragon?” Reiya turned and smiled at the girl. “We’ve actually been looking for you.”
“Your parents did a good job hiding you away.” Xander chuckled and shook his head. He really thought he wouldn’t find her.
Jin frowned. “What do you want with her?” She was worried about her friend.
“Oh, don’t worry. We aren’t going to hurt her,” Reiya said soothingly to Jin. She didn’t want her new sister to get upset, especially since she was pregnant. “It’s just that the luck dragon has a special healing wind. Isn’t that right?” Reiya looked at the girl.
Ciana nodded her head slowly.
“When she was born, her parents fled my kingdom. They were afraid she would be misused or stolen because of her rare gifts. White dragons are rare, which is why we call them luck dragons. They usually all have special gifts. Hers specifically is a healing wind she can create.” Xander looked at the girl.
“Grandpa Sage said it would be helpful in the upcoming war.”
“What’s your name?” Reiya asked, seeing the nervous eyes of the girl.
“Ciana.”
“Well, Ciana, we aren’t going to force you into doing anything. I know those two can look intimidating, but they’re great people. It’s a request that you can feel free to turn down,” Reiya said sweetly.
Freja smiled and leaned into Hunter. Reiya was a very kind person. Seeing her again reminded her how much she cared for her. And now their connection back then made sense. They felt connected to each other because she was destined to be Hunter’s mate.
“I’ll do whatever I can to help in the upcoming war.” Ciana looked at Reiya who smiled at her.
“Speaking of the demon war …” Hunter said, directing the attention to him. “The vampires will also be aiding in the battle.”
Levi looked at Hunter. “The vampires have been around through the ages. What was agreed upon for them to join in the war?”
“We’re forming a treaty between the werewolves and the vampires. We will be uniting our kind through blood.” Hunter looked into the cool, light blue eyes of the deity in front of him.
Levi nodded slowly. “A unity between your children.”