Chapter 169: Two Years Later Part 1

Our children are getting so big. The boys are about to go to middle school. Cassie, Jackie, Brianna, and Joshua are in elementary school. Where has time gone? It seemed like yesterday; that the Council took Rock Canyon off of probation and now they are recommending that I take the position of Luna from Luna Margarite. We are having a meeting today to discuss it. And by we, I mean the whole family.

I couldn't wait to see everyone again. I know it's only been -what- eight months since Avery became James' Beta because Ray declined the position because of the Stacey situation. The Council thought Avery becoming the Beta of Rock Canyon was a great idea because of how he organized the hate messages and maintained an invisible security detail after the mate bond snap for my protection.

Sorry, I digressed again. We don't get a chance to come together as a family very often anymore simply because our packs and children keep us busy. As my family arrived, it was amazing to see how much their families have grown as well. For an hour and a half, our house was loud and laughter filled the air. Laughter is always present in our house, but it was multiplied by tenfold.

"It's great to see you again Sandy. How are you feeling? Has your wolf gotten stronger?" Michael asked as we all sat down in the living room.

"I'm feeling better. My wolf hasn't fully recovered from the mate bond snaps. The doctors don't think she will ever fully recover even with the mate bond," I sadly explained to everyone present.

"I'm so, so sorry Sandy. I wish I could go back and change things so they never happened. What's the old adage-Hindsight is twenty, twenty and I'm going blind?" Michael chuckled.

"I know, right? There have been a lot of times I wished the earth could have just opened up and swallowed me whole to escape the whole situation. We don't get what we want in this world. I learned that a long time ago," I commented as everyone was sitting in the living room.

"Hey, I heard that Avery has been kicking butt as Beta. He ain't taking no disrespect from nobody," Timothy chimed in as he nestled Ariel closer to him on his lap.

"Did you think I was going to be a pushover like you?" taunted Avery to Timothy.

"No, but … hey! I'm not a pushover by any means!" bellowed Timothy to Avery.

"It took you long enough to catch on. You're getting slow in your old age," teased Avery to Timothy.

I missed the banter between my brothers. I missed my brothers period. But at least they were all close by. They weren't a hundred or so miles away that I couldn't get to them quickly if I needed to. I am a very lucky girl to have them. I am brought out of my thoughts when Patrick throws a pillow at my face and it hits me dead on.

"Hey! That wasn't very nice! Why'd you throw that in the first place?" I demanded of Patrick.

"Because you spaced out on us. Where did you go?" teased Patrick.

"I was just thinking how lucky I was to have such great brothers and that you are so close to me. Then, I get a pillow to my face. Not nice Patrick, not nice," I scolded him like I do my children.

"Now I feel bad I threw the pillow at you. I love you too little sister. Always have and always will, no matter what," reassured Patrick as he got from where he was sitting to come give me a kiss and hug.

"Thank you, Pat. I know you love me just as much as I love you. I love all of you. I miss you all sometimes. I'm just glad that you all are not hundreds of miles away that it's impossible for you to come or for us to come and see you," I explained to my brothers.

We were all just having fun talking about our children when James walked in escorting Elders Graham and Terrance. We all stood up and bowed toward the Elders as they approached us.

"Good afternoon everyone," declared Elder Graham. "I trust everyone is in good health and spirits. Why don't we all find a seat so we may begin, hmm?" commanded Elder Graham.

"Yes, Elder Graham," we chorused together.

After everyone got settled, Elder Terrance asked, "Sandra, how are you feeling today? You look a little pale? Are you still getting migraines?"

"I am doing slightly better Elder Terrance. I had a horrendous migraine yesterday, but I am feeling slightly better today," I honestly answered him.

"Is she telling us the truth Alpha Patrick?" inquired Elder Terrance to my twin.

"Yes, she's telling you the truth. Her wolf hasn't fully recovered from the 'snaps.' Dr. Marsh doesn't think she will even though she re-mated with James and Davidson," explained Patrick to everyone in the room.

"Sandra, what about her special gifts? Does your wolf still have those?" asked Elder Graham.

"Yes and no, Elder Graham. She can still sense when danger is nearby, but she is not as accurate as she once was. My wolf was once very fast for a she-wolf, but not now. Although, I can still beat Timothy in a race," I teased my brother.

"Yeah, only because I had mercy on you. I let you win," Timothy teased right back.

"As if. You never let anyone win anything. So, try again, Timothy" I declared in a mocking tone.

"Whatever!" replied Timothy as if he was offended by my statement.

Everyone laughed at our banter. The Elders had grins on their faces because if I had the energy to tease my brother, I was feeling better.