Trust in the shadows

Trust in the shadows
Nyte

My new pack accepted me as their Alpha and Paige as their Luna without much resistance. Even the woman waiting outside the packhouse when we arrived submitted without a fuss. No one chose to leave and become rogue.

“What are your first orders?” the she-wolf asked, stepping forward alongside Beta Thompson.

“What is your name?” I inquired, noting the authority she seemed to carry.

“I am Morghan, Alpha. I was the elder sister of Alpha Markus and often took on the duties of Luna within the pack. I offer my services to you and Luna Paige now.”

I glanced at Paige, curious about her reaction to Morghan. Her response would guide my next steps.

“That explains why you weren’t afraid of Markus,” Paige mused, tilting her head.

Morghan nodded, her gaze fixed on Paige. “Yes, Luna. Although my brother was unwell, I never feared for my safety around him—only for the pack. I apologize for his treatment of you during your arrival. It was a difficult time for us all.”

Paige smirked, recognizing Morghan’s respect. “We are to go to the Coronado Packhouse. Anyone capable of fighting will stay in the house. Those unable to fight—mothers, their children, and the elders—should join the midwives in the caverns until the threat is resolved.”

Morghan’s interest piqued, her eyes widening. “Alpha Nyte, are you saying you know where the kidnappers are? Where the missing packs are?”

I shook my head, watching her disappointment. “No, but my mate can find them.”

The nearby wolves stared at Paige in disbelief. “The witch Luna can find them?”

“How is that possible?”

“Can we really trust her?”

Whispers surged through the crowd as the news spread. Paige stepped forward, raising her hand for silence. “Yes, I can find the missing wolves and those who have taken them. The fates gave me a vision. I know for certain they are alive, who has them, and why. I know how to find them. But even if I guide you to them right now, we will fail without your trust in Nyte and me. An Ancient Vampire Lord holds them captive, aided by a dark witch. We must unite the remaining packs and confront them together. Will you trust us as your Alpha and Luna? Will you stand with us for the sake of your loved ones?”

Morghan turned to the pack, their nervous eyes seeking her guidance. “We have sworn our allegiance to you as our Alpha and Luna,” she declared, lifting her chin. “There is no hesitation from our pack. Whatever you need, you can count on us.”

Paige smiled, the sternness in Morghan’s expression softening.

“Then it’s time for us to return to Point Loma.”

Madilyn and Chase joined another car for the drive back, leaving Paige and me alone. Relief washed over me; my body relaxed in places I hadn’t realized had tensed since she was taken. It had only been hours, but it felt like days apart.

I rested my hand over hers on the middle console, a soft sigh escaping her lips as she relaxed into my touch.

“I’m sorry,” I said, stealing a glance at her.

“What?”

“I said I’m sorry,” I replied, focusing on the road, embarrassed to apologize.

“I heard you, but what are you sorry for?” She looked at me expectantly.

I knew what she wanted. I owed her an apology for everything. I had been angry at myself for keeping so much from her, realizing that if I had trusted her with the truth, she might not have been taken from me.

Trust. Liberty had told me to trust my mate.

I turned to Paige, tightening my grip on her hand. “I’m sorry for all the secrets. I’m sorry for not telling you I was your mate—not just your fake mate, but your fate-chosen one. I’m sorry for hiding the truth about the baby until I had to. I’m sorry for keeping your cards hidden. Above all, I’m sorry for not believing you could handle the truth…and for thinking you needed protection from yourself.”

Tears glimmered in Paige’s eyes as she looked back at me, her grip on my hand tightening. “I accept your apology. I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have left the packhouse. It was immature.”

“You wanted support from your family,” I said, turning my gaze back to the road. “I don’t blame you for that. And I don’t blame you for trusting Katya. She was a pack member, and you should have been able to trust her. I know I didn’t give you much to trust in when you first came to the packhouse, but deep down, I never thought they would harm you.” I brought her hand to my lips, kissing it gently. “Katya will be punished.”

“Nyte,” she asked, “why did the pack come with you if they haven’t accepted you as Alpha?”

I smiled, pressing another kiss to her hand. “Because they may not have accepted you as a pack member yet, but they would never turn away a pup. They would protect our child even if they had no wolf and all magic. Our child will be born a member of the pack.”

It felt good to assure her of that. I could see the relief wash over her. When we finally arrived back at the packhouse, the caravan of packs filling the neighborhood, I parked behind Alpha Alexander.

“Are you ready?” Alexander asked, nodding at Paige.

“I just need the pendulum and a map,” she replied confidently, stepping toward him as the pack gathered.

I overheard some whispers, my newly-acquired pack growling at derogatory comments aimed at Paige. She glanced back at them. “No fighting. We don’t have time for that.”

Alexander stared at her in surprise and admiration, nodding in agreement. “Everyone stay prepared. Women with young children should head to the midwives while we prepare.” He turned back to Paige. “I have several city and state maps in my office. Meet me there with the pendulum.”

Paige nodded and looked at me. “Where did you put it? Is it in the cubby where my cards were hidden?”

“Yes,” I replied, leading her into the packhouse. “It’s in a velvet box. I’m surprised you didn’t find it when you found the cards.”

She chuckled. “Magical tools sometimes hide themselves when they’re not needed. They have minds of their own.”

We rushed upstairs into our room, reaching the hidden compartment beneath the TV. Her eyes widened when she saw the black velvet box nestled among the wires, exactly where her cards had been. Carefully, I pulled it out, turning to offer it to her like an engagement ring. She reached for the box, opened it, and gasped at the sight of the pendulum inside.

“It’s the same one,” she whispered.

“What does that mean?” I frowned, watching her lift the pendulum from its box with reverence.