Page 22 of Full Moon
"Ro, I need you." My voice echoes through the mountain pass.
My guys turn to face me as Ro manifests before me.
"Oh, frosty fluffy one. Need me you do?" She lands on my lap. Diaval hands me a scarf, and I bundle her in it.
"I do." Easton comes forward and places the diadem on my head, and Ro's eyes widen.
All I can do is nod. "We've been training me in alpha and Luna powers for the last month." Easton takes back the diadem and stashes it away.
"Queen Fluffy?" Ro tilts her head.
"Not yet. I have two packs to fight through, and I have to dispose of a tyrant that took over my father's mantle." Taking out my phone, I show her all the images I want her to relay to the others. Most importantly, the map with the list of past alphas and Lunas from Dunnum and Crescent Valley. I reveal my missing bloodline with the completed family tree. Carefully, I fold up my note for Fi and offer it to her.
"You've changed..." she says.
"So's Fi by now." I smile and laugh a little. "She's right where she's always needed to be. Surrounded by people that get her and accept every bit of her, in a land just as wild as she is." I feel at peace with what I said. In my heart, it sings with truth.
Ro hugs the note I folded up like a football. "You're where you need to be, too, Fluffy." I force a smile and nod before Ro leaves. The scarf falls, and I stare where she used to be for far too long.
"Are you okay?" Easton comes over and takes a knee before me.
"Not even close. But I will be. I have you guys." I force my smile, and before I can look away, Easton pushes his way between my legs to hug me tightly. I didn't know how much I needed it until I was wrapped in his embrace. The tears flow in earnest down my cheeks as I hold him tightly.
"It's okay. Let it out." His voice is soft as he nuzzles my cheek, which only makes me cry more.
He's trying so hard to be there for me. Torben moves behind us and presses his chest against my back as he runs his hands down my ribs. Khal and Diaval each have a hand on my legs, giving them a reassuring squeeze.
"Change is scary." Easton kisses my cheek as he whispers. "I know I'm terrified of it." He chuckles before pulling back a little. "But my princess gave me the time and space I needed to fall head over heels in love with her. I wouldn't change a damn thing." I search his face, and his words ring with so much truth my heart sings.
"I wouldn't change a thing either." Gently, I kiss his lips and nip the bottom one before leaning back to accept a kiss from Torben.
"Little wolf, you are the bravest, strongest female I have ever met. We are lucky to have you. Never forget how loved you are." His large hands frame my face as he kisses me upside down. Giddy little butterflies flutter around in my stomach.
Khal reaches out and uses my chin to turn me to face him. "Only you wouldn't judge my brother or me for what our family business is. You also didn't judge us because of what we are. If anyone deserves to be the one to unite all of shifter kind, it's you." Khal kisses me, and I sigh at how gentle he is.
"You're my spicy danger noodle." I tap the tip of his nose with my fingertip before Diaval draws my attention.
He tilts his head at that angle that instantly makes me angry, then smiles and adjusts his stance. "It's kind of funny. It's the princess that saved the dragon from his self-imposed exile and then the crazy ex." He smiles before kissing my temple.
"Only a silly little wolf would mix drinks for the cantankerous dragon everyone was afraid of. Or track a Kodiak. Go on a date in a poisonous botanical garden with a basilisk." I laugh as I turn my eyes to Easton. "Or play with fire on purpose and stuff a phoenix chick in my shirt."
He shrugs. "What? It was warm in there, and I love your breasts." He blushes, realizing he said that out loud.
Torben's laughter shakes me, and I laugh with him. "Let's not have a repeat of what got you in there, okay? She was a mess to deal with."
"Deal." Easton says with a smile. "Some things are out of my control, but I will do my best."
I look around at my rag-tag bunch of mates. Two ancients that are cranky bastards in public. A Kodiak that, because of his physical size and his male version of a resting bitch face, most are afraid to approach. Then there's Khal, who by species reputation alone—and his psychotic twin—people give a wide berth. Then there's little ole me. I feel like a caterpillar emerginginto the world changed. Gone are the days I had to hide behind my sister or run for my life. I've grown teeth and claws, and for once, I am not afraid to use them.
We've got about five hours until sunset.
And then the games begin.
