Chapter 87

Jessica’s POV

We get back to the safehouse. The dead have been bought back for a traditional cremation burial. Jerome and Ron lead the way with Romeo’s body. There weren’t as many casualties on our end as once thought. To me; one is too many. There were 103 dead warriors. Romeo was the only one killed from our little community.

Injuries was an entirely different story. They range from scratches to full slashings. According to Pedro; Sophia said; ‘talk about being thrown back into work.’ Glenn was the worse from our pack; Dustin from Grey Moon got slashed down his right leg and Kevin from Orange Pride got slashed on his right shoulder. The rest were more superficial and healed within a few hours.

I walk outside the door of the safehouse and see Seth and Brian; “Did they end up finding the drugs?” I asked Seth. “Yes; once Liv electrocuted Carter, those still standing from Maple Pride spilled their guts. Carter and his second are in the dungeons as we speak; they are like Glenn and still can’t sit down” he chuckles. “His second? Is that who was holding Debbie?” Liv asked. “Yep” he answers.

“I spoke with Fred, one of the other two guards wanting to help; Pedro was telling everyone about. He said Carter was that impressed with Jeremy; he was going to do away with his second and appoint him, as his second” Brian tells us. “What are we going to do with all the extra bears coming to our community?” Seth asked Brian; “I was thinking of talking to Rami; between the three of us, we can fit them all. If they would like to go to anyone else like Pedro; I’m happy for that to happen too” he answers.

“We should dress Pedro back up; he can pay Carter a visit” I laugh; “Already doing that” Toby says coming over to us. “Where’s Alex?” I ask him. “Talking with Sam, apparently Sharon tried to talk her way back into the Fungua Pride. Bronson was so pissed, he cast her out” he informs us. “What about Greg and Lois” I ask him “Not sure; all I know is Bronson isn’t happy with Greg because he didn’t fight with the Fungua Pride. Word has it; him and Sam are going to talk with Elaine and Heather; to see if Heather would like to take over as Pride Leader when Bronson retires.”

“Hey Toby, Jess. Coby has asked Leader Bronson if he can move to Gold Pack with us. He has agreed; he will be asking permission to join the pack when we get back” Rebecca says, walking up. “We will be happy to have Coby join our pack” Toby replies. Coby smiles; “We could have waited to ask” “Why wait when Toby is right here” she fumes at him. “Welcome to the pack, Coby” I smile at the pair.

I look over at the doorway as Olivia walks out; “Liv, over here” I call out to her. “I was just saying goodbye to Hendrix. Him and Gerry are going to get together weekly to do spell training. Hendrix didn’t know he could conjure spells as well. His grandmother never really taught him much; except how not to freeze everything he touched” she said. “I still don’t believe he hasn’t accidently frozen Alyssa” Toby huffs; “He probably hasn’t; it’s a penis thing. When it comes to sex; males only think with one thing” Olivia laughs.

“This is where everyone got to” Alex says giving me a kiss on the cheek. “How’s Renee?” I asked him. “She’s going to be feeling Rommy’s death for a while. Elder Matthews is teleporting her back. She wants to be with Jordie and Casey. I’m glad I’m not in her shoes and have to tell Laurie you have gone back to be with Goddess Selene” he tells us. “We need to give them their space for a while” I tell everyone. “The leaders have already decided to do that” Brian answers.

“Should you be out of bed” Toby calls out to Glenn. “Doc says I need to start moving around, I think she just wants me out of her hair” Glenn laughs. “Can’t blame her; you’re a pain in our ass when you’re like this” Kim replies. “What’s going on everyone?” Christian asks. “Not much” Alex tells him “I’m ready to go home” Bindi smiles.

“So am I” Cathy says coming up with Debbie. “Where’s Nath and Ads?” I ask them. “Did someone call my name?” Nathanial chuckles. “How the fuck, do you do that?” I scream. “Do what?” he answers innocently. “He must have some sort of sensory device built in. It sends out a beacon to show up when someone asks where he is” Debbie giggles. “I’m not surprised; he is a signal tower” I laugh.

“Alex, Toby; now you are both here; we can’t speak for the rest of the leaders but we were wondering if you wanted to keep Cooper and Levi, in your pack?” Brian asks; “We liked how we could communicate with everyone throughout this whole ordeal” Seth adds. “We were going to ask the leaders if they wouldn’t mind, if we do keep them in the two packs” Alex answers “That’s two leaders we can take off the list” Toby chuckles.

“Jems; now your back, Nonna would like to meet you before we leave. You can come too, Pedro” Beck says to the pair coming over. “We would love to meet Nonna; I’ve heard she makes a mean lasagne” Jeremy answers her. “Would you have taken Carter up on his offer of becoming his second?” Alister says to Jeremy walking over to all of us. “Hell no; and miss all of this” he says, circling his hand around the group.

I look over; our family are all together, laughing and smiling. **“Not all our family”** Celeste says to me. **“Besides our kids at home; who’s missing?”** I ask her. She snickers, **“Every single member in the community; we all are a part of one big family”** she says with a smile.

“We need to do this fancy-dress ball soon. Invite all our family” I tell everyone. Alex smiles at me; “Celeste is right, our family is the whole community. We stand together as one big happy family” he injects. “You got that right” Rami yells, coming over.

“What’s this about a fancy-dress ball?” Tim asks “Jess was about to explain” Rami answers. “How about we go home first and I will send out the invites” I chuckle. “Debbie, can I book in now to get my makeup done” Tim adds laughing. “Me too” Seth includes.

“We are going to be busy ladies” I say to Cathy, Debbie, Bindi, Cherie and Olivia.