“Who said boys were invited?” Reiya said with a smirk.
Lee chuckled and leaned his head down to Reiya’s ear. “It’s cute that you think you have a choice to go without me.”
“Yeah, what he said.” Hunter smirked and nodded at Levi.
“Like she can go anywhere without her guardian anyway,” Brody said, folding his arms over his chest.
“What do you call Chelsie?” Reiya grinned, and Brody shook his head.
“You’re not taking my pregnant mate anywhere without me. I don’t care who you are.” Brody looked over at Chasen, who nodded his head in agreement.
“I agree. It ain't happening, little sis.”
“That’s okay. We need someone to do the heavy lifting and cooking anyway,” Reiya said as she waved her hand dismissively at her brothers.
“Oh? Is that all we are to you, YOUR HIGHNESS?” Brody said, his voice mocking every word.
“Pretty much.”
“It would also be nice to have our mates around for when the mood hits us. That is the only other time we need them around,” Freja said in a sultry tone.
Hunter chuckled. “Is that right?”
Lee shrugged and looked at Reiya. “Sweetheart, if you want to use my body for your own satisfaction, I am completely on board with that idea.”
Reiya giggled. “Like we would plan a trip without you guys anyway.” She turned and wrapped her arms around his neck. Lee bent down and lowered his lips to her forehead.
“We need to get going. We still need to get a hold of Mason and Weston and mobilize our armies,” Lee said, his thumb playing with Reiya’s lips, a promise to her for later that evening.
“I need to mobilize the werewolves, and the witches are joining in as well. Safe travels, and we’ll see you in a couple of days.” Hunter looked at his sister and nodded. It was finally time to seize their moment.
“You’ll need to run in your wolf forms to get to Elysia in time. We can always send some hippogryphs and dragons to transport those who can’t make it in time,” Reiya said, glancing back at Xander, who nodded in agreement.
Jin hugged Ciana tightly and then looked at Dex. “Please take good care of her.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to her,” Dex said, pulling Ciana back to his side. “We’ll come back to visit you afterward so you can see that for yourself.”
“Thank you.” Jin smiled as she stepped backward and into Chasen’s arms.
There was a lot that needed to be planned and mobilized. Luckily, most of the werewolves were already on standby.
Hunter waved as his sister and brother left. The next time he saw them, it would be on the battlefield. They had prepared as much as they could for this moment. Now, they had to hope it was enough. He was worried about losing the important people in his life. He hoped that their strength would be enough … it had to be enough.
The cold wind swirled in the air, beating against the pale skin of a young girl. Her brown hair swirled behind her, the pleated leather skirt she wore flapping in the wind. She stood there holding a javelin as she looked down into the valley.
“What have you decided to do?”
The girl turned her head to see the flowing golden strands of the Moon Goddess beside her. She looked Selene over for a moment before returning her gaze downward. “I haven’t decided yet.”
“Time is running out,” Selene said quietly.
“Yes, I can see that.” Her long brown strands spilled over her shoulder as the wind whipped in a different direction. “If I go, I’ll be revealing his secret.”
“He doesn’t remember anymore. He gave up his memories of the past in order to have happiness now. Whatever you do now is your decision.” Selene turned to the girl with a small smile. She reached out and smoothed the brown hair behind the girl’s ear.
The girl’s amber eyes closed for a moment as she breathed in the cool air. “I don’t think I can simply just watch everything unfold. Not when I can help. I guess I’ll just have to deal with what happens afterward.”
“Your mother has made you overthink this. I know this group, and I know you’ll be welcomed.”
