Prologue
My pack is gone. My parents are gone. Rogues attacked us and wiped everyone out. Except for me. I was left limping through the forest as everything burned to the ground. That was 2 months ago. I’ve since healed.
I shed my tears, but now it’s time to hold my head high and forge ahead. My parents would never want me to wallow in pity and despair. They would want me to find those responsible and make them pay.
I make my way up to the cottage in the middle of nowhere. I’m in some remote part of Michigan. I am seeking out help for my next way forward. My mother used to tell me, “You are only as strong as those around you. Asking for help is never a weakness.”
I knock on the door and a beautiful woman with red curly hair answers the door. I’m guessing she’s around 25. She is wiping her hands on a dish towel. Her hands are stained red. Is that from blood? I sniff the air to confirm.
“Well, aren’t you a beauty? Actually I’m 400 years old and yes, it is blood. Chicken blood to be precise. Needed blood for a spell and chicken is easy to come by. People tend to frown upon those who drag humans out to the middle of nowhere and use their blood for spells. Even though human blood is more effective than chickens.” She said with a chuckle. I instantly like her.
“How did you know what I was thinking?”
“I am a witch, Dahlia. You are practically broadcasting your thoughts to me. Pack links can be shut down easy enough, but my power is a little stronger than that. My name is Amalia James. It’s nice to finally meet you. I had a premonition you were coming a few days ago.”
“Oh wow. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Amalia. I seek your help.”
“Yes, to find your mate as well as the rogues that killed your pack.”
“Yes, that is my goal.”
She looks at me for a second and welcomes me into her home. It is so cozy and much larger inside than anticipated. Herbs drying in bunches in the kitchen as well as the aftermath of her chicken slaughter on the counter. I give a half smile at the quaintness of that.
“Finding both of those won’t be a problem. I am sorry about your parents. I didn’t suss out what happened through your thoughts, but through the news. It must have been devastating. They reported no survivors, but here you are. Strong and capable. Your parents would be proud.”
That makes me tear up slightly. They were loving and good parents, but they made me stronger both mentally and physically than anyone else in the pack. They had plans for me to take over as Alpha one day. They did not wish for me to be a shrinking violet of a Luna. Docile and gentle. I was born to lead. My wolf Raina is a stoic sable beauty as well. She practically releases Alpha authority.
“Let me get some supplies and we can get started in a bit. Would you like food? Shower? Sleep? You’ve traveled a long way from Georgia.” I contemplate and opt for a shower and rest. I have healed but travel still wears me out.
I sleep for a few hours and awaken to the smell of some sort of beef. Raina and I both start to drool. How unladylike! I make my way downstairs from the loft in the cabin.
“Amalia? Are you down here?”
“Right here Dahlia. I made a roast with veggies for dinner. We can eat then get started.”
All through dinner, we chat about our lives. Amalia has had some amazing experiences. Originally from Scotland and settled here in the colonies and bounced around until she established herself here in Michigan. I am quickly becoming very attached to her. Like she is meant to be in my life for the long haul. I vow to the Moon Goddess to help protect her and come to her aid if she ever needs it.
Once dinner is finished and stowed away, we head to her workshop. There are ancient carvings on the walls and ceiling. No doubt some sort of shielding or protection. She asks me to stand across from her around a basin in the center of the room.
“For this I will need a few drops of your blood.”
“Whatever you need.” I give her my hand. She pricks my index finger and allows a few drops to fall into the basin. She pours a few liquid vials into the mix and some crushed up herbs. She then slowly stirs and mixes everything together.
She closes her eyes and begins to chant. It is a beautiful language, but I don’t know it. My parents made sure I knew several languages in case of alliances with foreign packs. But this language sounds ancient. I’ve never heard it before.
Suddenly she opens her eyes, and they are completely white. It gives me a slight startle.
“Your mate is in Chicago. He was not amongst your pack. He is a young enforcer for a mafia family. His name is Lorenzo Bianchi.” She closes her eyes again and stumbles back a few steps. Gasping a bit after what just happened.
“Amalia, are you ok?”
“Yes, just takes it out of me a bit. Well Lorenzo looks to be a handsome mate my friend. I got to see his face for a bit. I’ll pack up and travel with you to make introductions. Since it’s mafia and pack business we will be dealing with, we have to approach this a little differently than your standard “mate” cute. Get it? Huh?” She wiggles her eyebrows at me.
I bust out laughing. This girl is funny. I like her so much.
“I will work over the next few months to find the rogues, but it’s not as straightforward. I will have to travel to your pack lands for supplies for locator spells. I hope that won’t offend you.”
“Not at all. Anything you need to do, you have my full support. I know my parents would want justice to be served.”
“You are going to make a great leader some day, Dahlia.” She says with open affection in her eyes.
The next few days, we make calls and arrangements. We settle into Amalia’s little sedan and take off. I’m excited but nervous.
We make the trek to Chicago and pull up to a huge office building in the heart of downtown. It is slightly intimidating, but now’s no time to cower. I get out of the car with Amalia, and we make our way into the building. We travel to the top floor.
The receptionist directs us to conference room where the Alpha/Don of the family sits at the head of the table. He has his Beta, Gamma and a few enforcers around the table as well.
Then it hits me. Jasmine, leather, and pine. “MATE!” Raina yells through my mind.
Lorenzo stands and slowly makes his way to me. He looks shell shocked. He slowly lifts my hand to his lips, and I slightly blush. Sparks skitter across my palm, and I tamp back a moan.
“Mi Bella! You are more beautiful than I could have imagined. When Amalia said she found my mate and would bring her, I have never known such happiness.”
Flatterer. I am dumb struck by his chiseled features. Olive skin, green eyes, dark brown hair, large build. Raina is practically purring.
“It is such a pleasure to finally meet you.” I said lowly.
I look around the table at the other men assembled, remembering that we aren’t alone. The other men are equally handsome and imposing. Strong. They will serve their purpose well.
“Hello all, I am Dahlia Johnson. Daughter of Alpha and Luna Johnson from the Shadow Rock Pack in Georgia. It is good to meet you. I look forward to getting to know your pack.” I bow my head slightly to show respect.
“I’m Alpha Domenic Esposito, Dahlia. To my left is Beta Diego Rivera and my right is Gamma Aurelio Marino.” I nod to both of them but linger on the Gamma for a second. He’s a beautiful male and his eyes are zeroed in on mine. He’s somewhat older, maybe early 30’s. Something about him seems familiar.
“She’s a respectful one Lorenzo. The Moon Goddess did good when she paired you with her. She will fit right in.” Alpha commends Lorenzo who beams at me.
“I will do my utmost to bring pride to this pack. My parents instilled in me a deep-seated loyalty to those in authority. It is important to respect the order of the pack.”
“Perfecto! Now let’s get you settled, mi bella. You will come to my house straight away.”
“Perfecto.” I smile at Lorenzo. I have a good feeling about this.
