The Howling Heart's Forgiveness

Chapter 140

Looking across the table at Misa, Hawk, and Andre, I take note that they look less haggard than they did yesterday. Earlier this morning, Rune, Quest, and I brought them to the Pack House to settle in before we got to work identifying the dead wolves from the attack and figuring out who escaped to report back to Valor and his allies. Once they knew which rooms would belong to this group of three, we led them to the boardroom where we could begin working.

Thankfully these three wolves co-operated with us up to this point, listening to our warnings and following our every steps. Once we steeped into the boardroom, Misa seemed curious about it albeit a little fearful of everyone here and clung to her Mate Hawk while we all settled in and enjoyed the breakfast laid out on the table between all of us.

“So let me get this straight.” Rune growls out in frustration causing Misa to flinch. He sends her an apologetic smile before leaning back in his seat and running his fingers through his hair.

“Flaming Canine was promised a portion of Crescent Phoenix wolves when Pine Moon inevitably attack this Pack for their help?” He continues, a sigh on his lips.

“Not only that, but he would take a she-wolf of his choosing as an incubator to have pups?” Gale chimes in, his jaws clenched so tightly I can see the muscles popping. I still find this fact hard to believe but then again Viren was deranged enough to force me into heat to both impregnate me with his pup and mark me as his Mate.

“That is correct.” Andre answers, reaching for one of the scones on the table. I chuckle, pushing the butter closer to the wolf who thanks me enthusiastically before spreading the butter onto his scone.

“Your food is amazing.” He groans out, Hawk giving him a sharp growl. Andre looks at his brother-in-law with confusion as he takes another big bite of the scone before reaching for another one. I suppress my laughter as best as I can before noticing Misa sitting there quietly with her eyes on her lap.

“Are you okay?” I ask, watching her flinch again.

“I…I am not used to this kindness.” She admits, her voice quivering. My heart breaks for her and I wonder just what sort of Hell these wolves have faced to instantly turn to our side for good food.

“Well, if you three are willing to help us out, we are willing to take you in.” Asteria muses with a smile, pushing some blueberry muffins towards her. Misa hesitates, but eventually, she reaches for a muffin and shrinks back into her chair. Hawk watches on as she munches on the baked goods, a smile on his face.

“We were wondering if we would be fighting alongside you?” Andre calls from the side, one hand holding his fourth scone, the other a mug of coffee. He eyes my apple juice and I lightly growl at him, pulling the apple juice closer to me.

“Anything but the apple scones and the apple juice is fair game. If you try to take them, we do not hold the pregnant Brynlee accountable for her actions.” Jett warns with laughter, making me roll my eyes. Rune takes this as his cue to push the plate of apple cinnamon scones to me and I happily accept them. Andre raises his hands in mock surrender, saying that he understands before reaching for a blueberry muffin, buttering it, and handing it to his sister who quietly thanks him.

“So, here is what’s going to happen.” Asteria calls from beside me, her eyes on my scones in mild amusement.

“We are planning to leave in three days time to make it to Pine Moon. From there, we plan to attack at night.” She continues looking surprised when I hand her an apple cinnamon scone and takes it with a soft thank you.

“Why are you telling us this?” Hawk asks, his eyes darting between Asteria and me.

“Because my men were told to meet us at the rendezvous point there to bring Cleo to you. The catch is we would like your help in attacking Pine Moon.” Asteria answers, taking a bite of the scone. I see slight hesitation in the family of three.

“Would we be taking the front lines?” Andre asks, fiddling with his coffee mug.

“No. What we need from you three is to keep us informed of what your Packmates are doing and to let us know if they are coming to bring aid to Valor.” I answer this time, nodding to Holten. The screen comes to life once again with the chat between the Alphas allied with Valor. Hawk lets out a low whistle while I work on deciphering the code they are using once again.

“So that’s how you all know about the attack.” Misa voices from her seat, her eyes moving as fast as mine are. Suddenly she stands from her seat, a snarl ripping past her throat surprising me.

“Those bastards!” She screeches, causing everyone but me to grow tense. I see what she sees and my own snarl is ripping through my throat.

“What happened?” Holten asks, his head swiveling between Misa and me.

“Alpha Rodrick and Luna Stella of Flaming Canine are stating that these three have died sneaking into our borders so they are adopting Cleo at the next full moon.” Jett answers, fists clenched.

“Good thing that is two weeks from now. My men will save her long before we allow that to happen.” Asteria states, looking to Hawk, Andre, and Misa.

“Are you two willing to help us keep Flaming Canine at bay when we attack Valor and Tanya?” She asks, watching the three wolves that were placed in just as a difficult situation as Devlyn was.

“We are.” Misa answers, turning to look at Asteria.

“But we ask that your men assassinate Roderick and Stella when they save Cleo.”

∭

Sitting on the steps of the Pack House, I watch as Misa sits with the Omegas, helping them sort out the vegetables that were brought from the greenhouses. She seems so at peace knowing that we are helping her escape an Alpha and Luna who just as cruel as Valor and Tanya are.

“Do you think we can trust what they said about Rodrick’s cousin?” Asteria asks from beside me, sipping on the soda she grabbed from the kitchen.

“I think we can. I have met Hudson Sunserf of Flaming Canine once. He was replaced as Rodricks Beta a few years ago before my parent's deaths because he advocated for his Pack to receive better treatment and pissed Rodrick off.” I answer with a shrug, getting a look of intrigue from Asteria.

“My dad kept me in the loop on other Pack’s Beta news so that I would be prepared for my training.” I answer before she can ask, taking a handful of popcorn from the bowl between us.

“Do you think everyone will be ready in three days?” I ask, watching as a few Shadow Rose wolves play fight with the pups that run around. Tristan had to return to his Pack this morning due to an incident back home but promised to meet us on the road in three days. Delilah stayed with us to help train our Warriors together and is in the middle of sparing with Odette while a group of female pups watches on in amazement. Everyone knows a fight is coming and is preparing for it, preparing to defend Crescent Phoenix if something happens while we are away and ready to give their all – including their life – for the Pack we have grown together.

“I believe they will be.” I sigh at Asteria’s answer but decide not to comment any further. All we can do now is enjoy what little peace we have until the day comes for us to leave for Pine Moon.