The Twisted Links

Chapter 36

CHAPTER 36

Taking a deep breath, Jenna walked up the steps to the packhouse. It took a lot of convincing to make her lover stay behind. He didn't like her facing a difficult situation alone and he was so caring and sweet. Jenna found herself falling in love quickly and could easily see herself spending the rest of her life with him.

But first, she had to settle things with Salim. She felt relieved that she wouldn't have to deal with the messy situation between mates. Salim, she felt, would be just as relieved that she wouldn't give him issue now that he wanted to be with his true mate.

A smile turned her lips upward as she thought of the man that was waiting for her. They could move in together to a property that her grandfather left her that was about an hour away from her parents. The land was mostly on non-pack territory which was perfect. Jenna gulped in trepidation when her thoughts turned to her parents. It was one thing to give up the Luna title but hooking up with a rogue would be a bitter pill to swallow.

She had lost her chance to have a mate but she refused not to take a chance at finding love even without the bond. Everything she felt with her lover was great and she was so happy. She wanted this more than anything.

Her mind froze when she saw a man walking down the steps towards her. He was shirtless sweat glistened on his skin and his scent was mouthwatering. His caramel-colored eyes were full of amazement and love.

"Mate!" he called.

Her heart pounded furiously and she did the only thing she could think to do.

She ran.

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Jenna's flight was followed by a pair of violet eyes that looked down from a private room on the upper floors. Firelight leaned his head against the window. He studied the couple and sighed. As much as he wanted to race out and find his Other Half, Firelight felt the coldness seep in and he knew he would only hurt her. Reilly had warned him that a cat shifter was becoming territorial over Shula.

Knowing that their love was doomed, Firelight decided to let her go for now. The cat shifter would eventually die because he wasn't Shula's true Half and they would not be able to have children.

Firelight had nothing now. He had always been raised with the expectation of being king if something were to happen to his aunt. Now that the truth had been revealed and his aunt had found her true Other Half, they could now possibly have legitimate children who would become the heirs to the throne. Not that Firelight minded. Being king was not something he looked forward. It gave him a purpose but not any true happiness.

He never had a chance to travel and explore perhaps he should take this as an opportunity to do whatever he wanted.

There was a knock at the door to his room. Tracy poked her head in.

"Asya and Shula just pulled up and they're going to debrief us in the conference room soon."

"I won't be there."

"What? You just going to sit up here and sulk."

"No Tracy. I'm leaving."

"Why?"

"I can't be with her and I don't want to take away any chance she has to be happy even if it's just for a short time."

"This isn't a solution."

"But it's all we have for now. The only way to break the curse is to take the magic from an original witch. There are only two. Ivory White and Ebony Black."

"What do you mean take their magic?"

"Athens Green has the power to break a demon's curse however it comes with a price."

Tracy shook her head. "There has to be another way. I couldn't ask Ebony to give up her magic."

"Then the only other thing is to find Ivory White and take the magic from her."

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The conference room was quiet as Tracy walked in. Her step brother was sitting nearest to the door so she paused to hug him.

"Happy Anniversary Reilly." Tracy said.

"Thanks." There was a tenseness that wasn't normally there.

"What's wrong?"

"Our friend, Evangeline, is missing."

"I'm sorry to hear that. I hope she is found soon. Lee is here and I'm sure he'll be happy to help look for her."

"Thanks."

Moving forward she hugged Asya tightly. Looking into the fox's eyes, Tracy was happy to see them clear and fresh. "Are you alright?"

Asya smiled in a way that Tracy hadn't seen since the day that Night was taking her away to seal their bond. Tracy felt a prick behind her eyes at seeing Asya look so well.

"I'm more than good."

Hugging her one more time she saw Night sitting across the table looking longingly at his fox mate. The two had much to talk about. Turning her attention to the small fairy who was perched on her father's lap. Trails of endless tears ran unashamedly down the cheeks of the Sprite King. He held her tightly sniffling occasionally. Smiling at the scene of a father's love towards his daughter. Tracy pulled out a box of tissues from the drawer of the conference table and set it in front of them.

A red eyed Shula, smiled gratefully and pulled a few from the box. Luke, a rogue cat shifter, sat a chair away from the pair. His eyes tenderly regarding the dark headed fairy. As much as Tracy was rooting for Firelight and Shula being together, she couldn't doubt how much Luke cared for Shula. It was a hopeless love limited to the single lifespan of the shifter but Tracy silently wished them the best.

Ebony Black sat cuddle up to Mido next to Night. Seeing the witch reminded Tracy of her talk with Firelight. She needed to talk to King Athens discreetly.

Taking her seat on Jonathan's lap, her mate pulled her close inhaling her scent. At the table end sat Salim and Dayton. Between the twins was an empty chair reminding Tracy that she needed to contact Shade to make sure Carrie was safe. She hadn't heard from her brother-in-laws' mate since she left.

The door opened and Tracy noticed a sudden change in Asya. The fox's expression became guarded and her body stiff. Tracy sat alert for whomever entered. To her relief she just saw her grandfather enter followed by his fellow Hunters. Aysa remained wary as she eyed the newcomers. Tracy quickly made the introductions thinking that the knowledge that they were allies would put her friend at ease. Instead Asya became more ridged though most people would translate her expression as bored.

Tracy would have to talk to her later.

The group took seats around the table. Tracy noticed that the younger ones sat as far from everyone as they could. They seemed tense and cautious almost challenging while the older group were relaxed and respectful. Tracy didn't like how the younger ones carried themselves but she wasn't sure if she should make an issue of it with her grandfather. It could just be their inexperience.

When everyone was settled, Salim leaned forward and spoke, "For those of you who don't know. I am Salim Mason and this is my brother, Dayton. We are the Alphas-in-training of the Cub Creek Pack. Our older brother, Jonathan," he said with a nod in their direction. "Is our mentor and temporary Alpha."

No one made comment everyone simply nodded.

"Aysa and Shula. Could you please give a recount of your kidnapping?"

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They said no man is an island. Every continent surrounded by water so technically... we're all on islands.

Any random thoughts or suggestions?