Page 101 of The War is Coming

When they entered, both Blake and Baylan were seated behind the desk. They rose and walked around the table.

Puff smiled at Atticus’ parents and was surprised when Andromeda pulled him into a hug and happily hugged her back. Feeling a sense of peace.

They pulled back, and Andromeda smiled at him. “Any time you need a mother’s hug, come and find me.”

Puff was overcome with emotions and cleared his throat before answering, “Thank you, Andromeda.”

She looked at Mateo. “Do you need a mother’s hug?”

Mateo grinned. “Always.”

Andromeda laughed and hugged Mateo.

Antares laughed and looked at Blake and Baylan. “While they are hugging, the reason we’re here is...”

“You’re staying and really do want to run the pub,” Blake said, interrupting him hopefully.

“I do.”

“Excellent, I was hoping your comment earlier was true.

“It was. I’ve researched breweries owned and run by shifters. I’m sure they will all supply us with alcohol.”

“That will be your project then. Have a look around and see where you want your pub, the design, everything. Run it past Puff, and it can be built or magicked up for you.”

“Thank you, Blake,” Antares said happily. “I will start looking and designing it.”

Blake held his hand out. “Good luck.”

Antares shook it, then looked at Atticus, Puff and Mateo. “Do you want to come and help us find the perfect location?”

“That sounds good, thank you,” Puff said.

“There will soon be a lot of happy shifters,” Baylan put in.

Blake nodded. “There will indeed.”

The five of them left Blake’s office and walked to the new pack lands, debating where the pub should go.

They passed the training ground and saw soldiers were still training, some in shifted form, others sparring in human form, and others practicing with swords.

“Ares said if I wanted to try this, just let him know,” Antares told them. “I told him I was too old and would be busy running the pub.”

“I can’t see Ares letting you get away with those excuses,” Mateo said with a laugh.

“No, he said I could train when the pub is closed.”

They all laughed at that and carried on looking for the perfect place for the pub.

CHAPTER 42

The next day was a hive of activity. Soldiers were training, more families were arriving, and the gallows and whipping post were being built. Over by one of the pack ponds, the largest one they had, Tudor and Alex were creating the wooden canoes with strong poles for limb tying.

“It’s a good job this pond is so big so we can do this,” Tudor commented, looking at it.

The pond was huge, with trees dotted around it and wildflowers.

“It’s a lovely spot; at least the shaman will die surrounded by beauty.”