Page 8 of Fated Alpha Baby

Things have hardly been the same since the demons arrived in the valley, devastating our small community of mystical women. But Amalia has been doing everything she can to ensure that we’re safe, and calling a conference with surrounding werewolf packs and another coven sounds like a good plan.

“The conference will take place this weekend. The heads of all three packs in Helena Valley will stay over for two nights. It is of utmost importance that we are on our best behavior, showing a united front as we aim to forge this alliance with them,” Amalia continues.

“Until then, and even beyond that, we shouldn’t let our guards down. Having the help of werewolves and others like us may be an advantage, but the demon threat remains imminent. The safety of this coven is precarious, with or without the alliance. We cannot afford more casualties.”

Amalia gulps hard, and it’s clear to see that the High Priestess still struggles to look Shanice in the eye. It wasn’t her fault, but she blames herself for not protecting her sisters.

Milly and I exchange knowing looks as Amalia goes on.

“Because of this, we will add additional runes and cast fresh spells in the vicinity of Augusta. Having many leaders concentrated in one place may well be a reason for the demons to attack again.”

An unsettling silence washes over the cabin, and Milly gives my hand a tight squeeze.

“How much is known about the demons and why they’re after us?” someone at the back asks.

“We still don’t know much,” Amalia responds with a sigh. “But Alpha William of the Blood Mill Pack is rather eager to attend the conference. His wolves have picked up on anomalies on their borders. We might be able to learn more from them.”

“Then this alliance is a good idea,” Milly says. “We can join forces and end the demons once and for all.”

“It’s either a good plan or a very stupid one,” Shanice clicks her tongue. “Wolves have not always proven friendly.”

“No, they have not,” Amalia concedes. “But there is no harm in expanding our resources with wolves who can be trusted.”

Shanice narrows her eyes. “And how sure are you that these can be trusted?”

“I am not,” Amalia admits. “But we won’t know for sure until we’ve met them at this weekend’s conference. Besides, Nightcreek will be there.” The High Priestess rises to her feet, her overflowing white cloak spreading out behind her like waves. “For now, you are tasked with gathering herbs from the garden.” She passes me a list with a nod. “The rest of you may return to your previous duties. This meeting is adjourned.”

I tuck the list into my satchel, waiting for the others to clear the cabin and promising to meet Milly outside for our herb-gathering mission.

Amalia must have sensed that I needed to speak to her, because she hung back when the hall was cleared.

“What is it, Hannah? Do you wish to speak to me?”

I nod tentatively. “Clarissa is running out of medication,” I say, to which she nods, a knowing smile curling only one side of her mouth.

“I know, my darling,” she says as her green eyes glitter like emerald gems, a hint of amusement in her tone. Gone is the seriousness of her voice from just now, replaced by the softness of a mother. “That’s why I tasked you with gathering herbs,” she says as she pushes her pin-straight ash-blonde hair across her shoulder with a graceful flick. “Not everything I need is for the protection spells.”

She winks, and I giggle.

“I have to be careful when all eyes are on me at a volatile time such as this,” she adds.

“Shanice…?” I whisper, and Amalia sighs.

“She will never forgive me.”

“You did nothing wrong, Sister Amalia.”

“I know. But I am not taking any chances. Especially when it means someone else can get caught in the crossfire.”

She places a reassuring hand on my shoulder, sending warmth through me as familiar as a mother’s embrace. I’m just about to thank her for the list of herbs when her ringtone blares from somewhere beneath the many folds of her cloak.

“It’s an important call,” she says without taking the phone out. Her brows furrow softly as if she can read the screen from where it’s hidden.

I nod and watch her leave the hall, sauntering out with graceful steps that make her appear like she’s floating across the floor. Turning my eyes to the list of herbs in my hand, I take a deep breath before heading out to meet Milly.

***

Present