New Age Werewolf Series Book 1: Taming A She Wolf

Part 46: The Stand

"What?"

That was all I said, and my guards got closer to the situation. I looked around, and didn't raise a hand to stop them.

This whole thing wasn't lost on my father, or my brother Jiro, for that matter. "Kiana--"

"Amber," I corrected coldly. "Amber."

"I know your mother gave you the stone, she told me you should have it," he went on. "but Jiro--"

"Is not an alpha, Theron--"

"Father," he said quickly. "I'm your father...Kiana Amber."

I smiled. "Very well....Father." I had never said the word with so much malice. "So now for an ineffective pack leader you wish to disrespect and disregard my mother's wishes? Your mate's wishes?" Silence hung in the air. "Is that what you are asking me to do?"

"Jiro would like to borrow it."

"So why doesn't Jiro ask?" I answered with a question, my gaze sliding over to his.

Jiro took a deep breath. I reveled in his anger. "May I borrow Mother's stone--"

"No," I smiled. "Would you like to see it? You can have supervised visits if you like."

"Supervised?" My father's eyes flared wide. "That's ludicrous!"

"So is Jiro being alpha of the Makyas. Ask those who fled here and are still fleeing," I interjected. "Are we done here?"

My father's lips formed into a grim line. He had a plan B, I knew that look. "Yes, I guess we are."

"Would you like to stay for a meal?" I decided to be cordial for all who saw the exchange.

"Yes—"
"No—"
"My Goddess," I chuckled. "Are you hungry or not?"
"I am," Jiro half growled.
My father looked at him, then at me. "I would like to, but I sense that your mate isn't home, and I would like us all to sit and dine, try to resolve things as a family, one pack."
"If that is what you wish to do, then yes, we should wait." I did not divulge if Ian was here or not. "Be sure to let me know."
"We will," my father assured. Jiro left in a huff, but he stayed. "You and I," he said. "You and I really need to talk."
I was surprised to hear that. "We need to talk?"
"Yes." His look was grave.
"Time and place," I nodded. "You have my number."
He nodded, and took his leave.
As he left, Vida took my hand. "What was that about?"
"I don't know," I shook my head. "I'm trying not to hope." As soon as their vehicle got far enough away, I gave the order. "Double the guard."
"Yeah, definitely," Mattie frowned.
"Zuri I want you to hold the water stone."
Her eyes flared wide. "Why?"
"Because you can protect it while I protect all else," I took her hands in mine. "I trust you."
She stood quietly. "Okay."
I turned to go but she gasped, pulling me to her. "What?"
"I-I've never looked at that before."
"My pendant?"
"Yes." She frowned at it and touched it. "I've seen it before."
"Impossible," I smiled sadly. "They're custom made."
"They?"
"I wear one, and the other is buried with my brother."
"No it isn't."
"Yes it is."
"No," she shook her head. "it isn't."
"Then where did you see it?"
"Makya fortress," she breathed. "In the dungeon."