Chapter 90

The road ahead stretched for miles as the driver set a steady course towards The Nightshade Pack’s territory. The journey was expected to take three hours, the anticipation in the air almost palpable. In the backseat of the lead car, Frances glanced out the window at the passing scenery, her thoughts a mix of curiosity and apprehension about the impending meeting with Alpha Troy.

Besides Frances, Anthony was engrossed in his phone, scrolling through a barrage of emails. Despite the importance of the meeting, business never seemed to pause, and Anthony quietly replied to urgent messages, his demeanor calm and focused. The hum of the engine and the rhythmic sway of the car offered a familiar background to his work.

Behind them, three sleek black cars maintained a close formation, serving both as escort and a sign of the diplomatic weight this meeting carried. Inside the trailing vehicles were Robert and Miles, both silent but alert, their eyes occasionally surveying the roads and the landscape, watching for any unexpected developments. The convoy moved purposefully, cutting through the early morning mist, each occupant lost in their own thoughts yet connected by the significance of the journey. The Nightshade Pack was known for its secrecy and strength, and meeting Alpha Troy was an opportunity—and a test—for all involved. As the city gradually gave way to the dense woods that marked the edge of The Nightshade Pack’s lands, the group silently prepared themselves. Every mile brought them closer not just to their destination, but to a pivotal moment that could shape the future alliances between their packs.

“Why are we going to see Alpha Tony?” asked Anthony, finally looking up from his phone and breaking the quiet. Frances hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts as he watched the trees blur past. “It's more than just a formal visit,” he replied softly. “There are unresolved issues between our packs, and Alpha Troy wants to discuss terms himself. This meeting could decide where we all stand moving forward.”

Frances glanced at Anthony, his expression thoughtful. “Alpha Tony says that Samuel is trying to contact him and other alphas because Samuel thinks that he shouldn’t go to prison for the crime he and his mate did. Also, he wants justice for his son,” said Frances, his voice low, the weight of the situation settling between them.

“I like to see what happened because everyone knows what he and his mate. Nevertheless, Noah made every female life living hell, and on top of that he kidnaps my mate. Lucky Kathy given birth safety without pain meds,” said Anthony

Anthony frowned, processing the new information. “So, Noah tried to bargain with the rogues, and it backfired on him?” he asked, disbelief coloring his tone. Frances nodded, his voice somber. “That’s what I heard. Kathy managed to use her waterpower to her advantage, and the chaos that followed was something none of them expected.”

Anthony leans back into the back seat and starts to look for a ring for Kathy; he wants to marry her and the ring that was on her finger it was for Maria but he didn’t tell Kathy about that. But he wants to give her something that she will love and special, but he would need little one help to pick out a ring. Frances also texting on his phone and checking any business as they on their way to see Alpha Tony.

At the palace, Lady Vanessa, Sarah, Grace are in the office talking until the door is opening to see Kathy putting a basket inside and used her feet to close the door. Grace went over to the basket to the babies who were playing with their rattle and Kathy smiles to see her mother pick up Melody, Lady Vanessa and Sarah pick up the boys just holding them in their arms to see them happy.

“It’s still raining outside so I decide to bring the babies to see you ladies, I know I should be resting but I am not tired,” Kathy said with a soft laugh, glancing around the cozy office. She settled into a nearby chair, watching as everyone fussed over the little ones, her eyes bright with warmth and gratitude. The gentle patter of rain against the windows made the moment feel even more peaceful, a brief respite from the tension that lingered in their lives. While our mates are away. I recall Ms. Carter calling me to apologize for her son and I's breakup, not knowing I ended it a while ago. Kathy said, "Skye, the new daughter-in-law, has blackmailed her because of her knowledge."

While the babies were resting in the ladies arms, Kathy checked her cellphone, blushed, and saw Anthony's text.

Kathy: Anthony you can’t be texting me that…

Anthony: Why are you in our bedroom?

Kathy: No, I am not in our bedroom anymore. I am in the office with your mom, my mom and Sarah plus I am over here blushing.

Anthony: You are very sexy.

Kathy:……. quit it?

Anthony: I love you

Kathy: I love you

Kathy put her cellphone on the table, glancing down at her hand as a sudden realization struck her. Her ring was missing. She stared at her bare finger in confusion, not recalling when or where she might have lost it, but now she understood why her hand had felt oddly light all afternoon. Her brow furrowed with worry as she silently retraced her steps, trying to remember the last time she’d seen the precious piece of jewelry.

Kathy took a deep breath, composing herself despite the worry gnawing at her. “Ladies, I’ll be heading out for a minute but I’ll return soon. Everyone will be okay with the babies—their nappies, water, and powdered milk are under the bassinet, and everything else you’ll need is there too,” she said, offering a reassuring smile as she stood up and smoothed her shirt.

“Kathy, go ahead and take time to yourself—we’ll be just fine. Just stay out of trouble,” said Grace as she looked at Kathy, her tone both reassuring and playful. The other women nodded in agreement, offering Kathy gentle smiles of encouragement as she slipped quietly out of the room, determined to find her missing ring.

The ladies were watching the babies as Kathy started looking for the ring, and, not finding it, she sighed. The rain is still falling as she gazes out the window.  Kathy wants to cook for her family, as it's been a while, and heads to the kitchen. Servants and guards bow. Upon entering the kitchen, she didn't see the cook; it was strange since someone is always there. Then she stops one of the servants

"Excuse me, where's the cook?"

“She and the other servants went to the cafeteria build to cook for the other pack member that live on the land,” said servant

“Thank you for telling me that,”

Kathy went into the kitchen, the soft fabric of her apron brushing against her skin as she pondered what to make, remembering that working at the club always made her hungry. Kathy would grab a quick bite from the kitchen and then retreat to the corner, where she would sit alone.