Alpha's Human Mate

War Plans

           

"Dani!" I turn at the voice of the gray haired Italian woman on the fast track over to me. "Dani!" she calls again, realizing that I have spotted her coming. "Nona? I thought you would be at the Diner today." I question once she pulls me into her arms. "Just let me hold you bambina." I frown, "Nona what is wrong?" The old woman sighs. "My family back in Italy has called, they want me to get on the next flight over and join them." "What happened?" I question. "My eldest brother has passed on." "Oh I'm so sorry Nona. Will you go?" Nona frowns, "It is custom for me to go. But with the war being official and the attacks we have been dealing with, I don't think I can leave my bambini behind." I squeeze her shoulder. "If you want to go, go. Cole and I will lead this pack to victory." Nona smiles and the frowns, "I don't think your Grandad will come with me. This pack is his blood, his ancestors." I frown, "Nona, he is your mate. Cole followed me to France; Grandad will go with you to Italy." Nona smiles, "You don't know Richards men enough yet bambina. Cole was raised with my tender heart. The Alphas are taught to die for the pack. Hank won't follow me. But I appreciate you trying." I frown, "I don't think you should have to go alone while you're grieving Nona." Before she can stop me to explain more I walk into the house and upstairs to Cole's office. "Grandad?" I call opening the door. Cole, Jorden, and Grandad all look up upon my entrance. I am talking before any of them can even open their mouths to respond.

"Do you love your mate?" Grandad stiffens. "Of course I do Dani. Why would you even ask me that?" I turn my gaze slightly to lock eyes with Cole's dark honey brown orbs. "When I left months ago Cole followed me. He was determined not to lose me because he loves me." "He stayed in France with me for two months because I wasn't ready to return to the pack." "He put me first despite the attacks that were occurring and his duty as Alpha." I am talking to Grandad by my gaze stays locked with Cole.

"He knew that I, his mate needed him to be there by my side." I finally break my gaze with Cole and turn to look at Grandad. "Nona needs you to go to Italy with her. She is hurting and grieving and she needs your support just like I needed Cole's." "I understand that you love this pack with everything you have, but your mate is more important right now. She needs you more there than we do here. You should go with her to Italy. She left her life behind to follow you here. You can leave us behind to follow her there for the funeral." Grandad swallows and looks down. 

"Werewolves are burned on a pyre." Cole sends Jorden a look as if to say shut up, now is not the time for his comments. Grandad looks me up and down before sighing. "Cole has never experienced a full blown war." A look filters across Cole's face at his grandfather's words before he looks down avoiding my gaze. "Trust me Dani, it is the only reason I am hesitating. My heart aches that my Loretta will have to return to that home for the first time in decades without me by her side. I know she will be hurting and the thought that she will face it alone has my heart physically aching Dani"

"What am I missing?" I ask just as Nona shows up at the door of the office, "Hank you stay and protect our bambini." I turn to Nona a confused look prominent on my face. "I thought you didn't want to go alone?" She turns her gaze to me before entering the room and grabbing ahold of her mate's hand.

"Hank and I left before. While we were gone the Pack was attacked. Our son had no experience and it was his first battle. Cole's mother died that day."

The news shocks me. "I'm sorry." I whisper. "I didn't know." "Your fine Dani," Grandad explains, "I just won't allow myself to make the same mistake twice."

Nona looks up and kisses her mate. "My flight leaves soon." He hugs her and pulls her close kissing her softly. Nona moves on to Cole next. At 6'4 Cole easily towers over his grandmother. Regardless, he pulls her into a tight hug, "Be safe." He whispers causing the old woman to smile. "Protect your family." She whispers back. "Try not to get into too much trouble Jorden." The dark haired boy just rolls his eyes and smirks. "Say hi to Angelica for me." Cole scoffs at his best friend who just pouts. "You don't need her Jorden she is nothing but a cold hearted bitch." "I'm serious Cole." Jorden is quick to defend himself.  "Don't worry I will Jorden." Nona assures. He sighs and allows her to move on to me. "Keep safe Dani, I will see you when I return." "Love you Nona." She smiles and turns once more, facing Grandad. "Amore mio, stai al sicuro. Proteggere i bambini." (My dearest husband, stay safe. Protect the babies).