The Rise of the Fallen Queen

Chapter 18

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!

CHAPTER 18

Red Moon Territory...

The darkness and rain worked in favor of the warriors seeking to free the Red Moon Pack from the hostile takeover. Thomas and Dameon crept past the guards who were more interested in draining the tranq wine from the cellars rather than keeping on the lookout for an enemy.

They only had twenty minutes to try and reach the alpha, Sherry Blake, and the others that were imprisoned. There was a false wall on the side that lead into the kitchen where the cellar entrance was located. Going through the small tunnel they paused.

The kitchen was a hive of activity and chaos as several pack members struggled to provide food for their unwanted captors. Thomas looked about carefully and finally emerged from hiding when he didn't see any strangers.

"Tommy!" his mother half yelled enveloping him with a hug. Joyous tears ran down her cheeks.

"Momma we have to hurry. I need to go downstairs and help the alpha."

"Wait! I'm taking food to the guards. I'll put some sleeping powder on the steak. They're already half-drunk so it won't take very long to knock them out. Go hide in the pantry."

Thomas nodded. Dameon didn't say anything while they waited. Though the food storage was a decent size it was a very uncomfortable fit for two, over six foot tall, men. A few minutes later, Tom's mother returned.

"The stuff works fast. They should be out by now."

"Thanks mom. Try to get everyone out and send them to the other side of the barn. Dameon's rogues will be coming in that way and he'll inform them to look for you all." Thomas said as he and Dameon hurried to the basement.

The loud snores of the guards greeted them. Descending swiftly, Thomas was relieved to see that his Alpha had recovered from her injuries. Sherry smiled widely when she saw her Beta, "Y'all better not be having a party without me."

"We're just getting started." Turning his grabbed a set of keys from the wall. He noticed that Dameon stood off looking into the last cell on the block. Quickly unlocking the door, he handed the keys to Sherry's mate and Luna, Ben, to release everyone else.

"I'll be back." Dameon said quietly to whoever was in the cell.

Leaving the cellars, they joined the rest of the warriors and rogues to take back Red Moon territory.

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Dameon shifted from his wolf to human form after joining the rest of the warriors in washing away the blood and muck from their bodies. He knew a couple of the mercenaries that were hired. They fled quickly when they saw him. Everyone else that tried to put up a resistance was quickly put down.

Several things bothered the Rogue King. First, the young wizard, Henry, that had come with them from Cub Creek had opened a portal that helped Prince Grim and the witch, Melanie, to escape. Second, Brice Winters was a twisted bastard who was beating and mocking a defenseless elderly wolf when they snuck up on him. Watching the older brother rip the false alpha arms off was oddly satisfying. Thirdly, seeing a ghost locked away in a cell left him reeling.

Making his way back to the pack house, he saw the Alpha's mate and acting Luna, Benjamin Blake, assuring and calming everyone while directing workers and medics. Nodding in greeting, Dameon strode past the mess. Alpha Blake and Winters were conferring with Thomas in the main office but Dameon declined to join them. He was on a more pressing mission.

Curiosity ran rampant as he followed the familiar scent. Ignoring the doctors and nurse, Dameon's tall form leaned over the bed and hugged the man that he considered a brother. Galen assured the doctors that he was fine and would be in good shape once he ate. Everyone filed out and the nurse that was adjusting the fluid in the IV told him that she would be back to check on him later.

Except for an oval over where his heart lay, Galen's skin had returned to its original melted chocolate color. His hair was now black instead of sandy. Other than that, he looked tired but the same.

"Man, what the hell happened to you?"

Galen ignored the question. "Ruby?" he asked instead.

"She's fine. Been staying with me." Dameon replied simply not wanting to overwhelm the younger man.

Dameon took a seat and waited. The former healer looked as if he needed a moment. The silence stretched but neither man said anything. Tears fell down Galen's dark cheeks as he cried. Dameon sat on the bed and hugged him close, his own eyes watering. They stayed like that until Galen's sobs turned to hiccups.

Dameon helped resituate him as Galen's eyes began to close with weariness. "Rest. We'll talk when you're ready."

Dameon left as soon as his friend's breathing evened out and he was asleep.

Going downstairs, he watched as Brice Winters was being questioned. Pulling out his cell phone, he started to call Tracy when his ringtone sounded and an unknown number flashed on his screen.

"Hello?"

"It's Skylar Blood. My mother was Shadow the seer. Do not let anyone know that Galen is alive including his mate. Send him to the Indigo Sky Pack under a new identity. Shade will protect him. You have to keep Ruby safe but her child is an absolute priority above all else even your own life."

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Cub Creek Territory...

Tracy couldn't believe that Henry had been working against them. Shadow had saved the young man several years ago from his abusive father. Since then, Lucy had been training him to use his natural magical gifts. She even gave him an Ebony Sword which he used to fight against Prince Grim and his Reapers that were set to attack the Desert Rose Pack.

Dameon and Alpha Winters both witnessed Henry opening a portal to help the enemy escape. It was clear that the young man was no longer their ally. Tracy tensed and closed her eyes as the unsettling feeling of betrayal and anger took hold. Jonathan rubbed soothing circles in her back. She opened her eyes and smiled. To have her mate near was an anchor in troubling times. His presence was comforting. Tracy could only hope that there would be some end in sight.

That desire was short lived when another call came through. With a furrowed brow, Tracy answered. "Shade?"

"Tracy! Shadow... s-she..." Tracy heard Shade take a deep breath trying to calm herself.

"Ivory White has been freed."

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Happy Father's Day to all the men who are raising their children, to the men who have stepped into role for another, and to the mothers pulling double duty. God bless you all.

My dad meant a lot to me growing up. He shaped me into the person I became and I knew what to look for when finding a man. I wrote this the Father's Day after he past.

I went to see my dad and visit for a bit

It was so nice to talk and have a shady spot to sit

I chatted for quite a while

And told him about each and every grandchild

I thought I would stay for a minute or so

And then I would tell him it was time to go

The sun was setting as I lost track of the hours

So I knelt and gently placed the flowers

Pangs of loss, I bemoaned

I cried as I stared one last time at my dad's stone

My heart felt heavy with sorrows

Until I felt him say, "I'll be there for all your tomorrows"

MRR

5/21/2016