by Gale, Avery
Thinking that they’d withheld a secret that earth shattering from her was inconceivable. ‘It had damned well be, kitten.’ Jameson’s voice slid through her mind like a warm touch and she couldn’t help but feel comforted knowing he’d been listening silently. He and Trev had told her in the beginning that she’d eventually come to rely on the connection and find strength in knowing they were only a thought away. She’d doubted them, but in a flash of insight, she understood exactly what they’d meant.
She thought she’d heard the door but when she blinked open her eyes, she looked up into the kind eyes of her grandfather. “Gramps? How?” Losing her grandfather had been one of the most difficult times in Kit’s life. They’d been so close and she still felt his absence each and every day. He smiled at her and just studied her as he’d done so often as she’d been growing up.
“The love that surrounds you shines through your eyes, princess.” Kit had so many questions…so many things she wanted to tell him, but she was afraid to speak again for fear her delusion might be scattered back into her mind if she did anything more than breathe. “You can talk to me, it’s alright. I promise to stay for a bit. Your granny knows I’m here so she’ll keep the others at bay for a little while.” The fact he still spoke to his wife was oddly comforting even as it was hard to wrap her mind around. “We do talk…often, but it isn’t the same as being able to hold each other. Don’t ever underestimate the power of touch, princess.”
For just a moment, Kit was overcome with the enormity of her emotions. The sweet feeling of familiarity was so powerful she was glad she was already lying down. “I’ve missed you so much. You just can’t possibly know how much. So often I’ve held Ryan and Adana wishing I could introduce you to them.” She felt the tears rolling down her cheeks but didn’t even try to hold them back.
“Those were the moments I was standing right beside you, princess. I’m never far from you. I am so proud of you. You’re growing in to the amazing wife and mother I always knew you’d be.” He seemed to be lost in thought for several seconds before his focus returned to her. Again she was wrapped in the comfort of something familiar, because watching him focusing on his thoughts in the midst of a conversation was something he’d done so often when he’d still been on this side of death’s veil.
“Can you tell me what it’s like…what it’s like on the other side?”
He smiled at her and she saw the dimples she’d always loved so much. “I could, but you wouldn’t believe me.” She heard his chuckle and her heart clenched when she realized how much she’d missed hearing his laughter. “Princess, I don’t want you to be sad, that isn’t why I’m here.” Kit nodded and tried to pull back the flood of tears that was so close to falling. “I’m here to help prepare you because the battles you’ll face in the future will require everything in you. They aren’t immediate, but you have so very much to learn and it’s coming sooner than you think. You are right about Marcus. He isn’t perfect, and believe me when I tell you that I know because we were friends for many, many years. But then…princess, no one is all good just as no one is all bad. There are shades of gray in each and every person you meet. Your job is to recognize both the yin and yang, and learn how to channel the power of both sides to your benefit.” Kit considered his words and couldn’t hold back her grin because it was so typical of the advice he’d given her so often as she was growing up.
“But, Gramps, it’s often so very difficult to distinguish between those who are helping paddle your canoe and those who are drilling holes in it. The stakes are getting so high that I’m terrified of making a mistake.” Kit didn’t want to even hazard a guess about how dire the consequences could be if she mistook an enemy for a friend. Just thinking about Marcus Hines’ connection to Damian sent a shiver of fear up her spine.
“I know the news about Marcus has unsettled you, but if you shut him out you’ll be denying yourself a very powerful alley. Marcus can be an arrogant ass, but his magic is just as powerful as his brother’s.” She saw him grin and recognized the look as one that reminded her of all the fun times they’d had sharing mischief. “I was quite proud of the way you stood up to him a bit ago you know. He might have been angry, but your men set him straight and in the end he’ll respect you a lot more now.”
When she’d first seen him sitting beside her, he’d appeared almost solid but he was starting to fade. His expression softened as he spoke, “I’m getting tired, princess. Holding this form requires a lot of energy and I want to say a couple of more things before we have to part once again. First, your mates are among the most honorable men you could have ever found and they love you to the depths of their souls. Be grateful for the blessings you’ve been given.”
“You said the battle is coming…how will I know? Will you be near me then?” She could hear the panic in her voice and tears were already starting to fill her eyes.
“I’m always near. Your children can still see me because their hearts are so pure.” His voice lowered as if he were whispering, “They don’t like your mother much, and I’ve helped them play with her a bit. I’m hoping she gets smart before their magic really gives her trouble.” His chuckle was faint and he was becoming much less distinct. “You’ll know because you will feel the urgency surround you…I know that is vague, but I’m not allowed to alter your fate, just guide you.”
“Please don’t go…I have so many questions. I miss you so much.” Kit had given up trying to hold back the tears and felt them flowing freely down her cheeks. He’d already faded until he was just a shadow floating toward the ceiling and Kit already felt empty in his absence. She could hear voices right outside her door and knew she wouldn’t be alone much longer.
Suddenly realizing the horrible pain of the headache she’d been battling was gone, she felt warmth move through her and whispered her thanks for his healing help. Kit couldn’t remember a time when she’d been given a better reminder of the power of the Universe. Because it surrounds me each and every day I often forget how much magic there is, and how blessed I’ve been. I’ll miss you each and every day, Gramps. Send me signs that I’m on the right path if you can.
Suddenly she was surrounded by a warmth that was more than just the air around her. It was a feeling of love and acceptance that reached all the way to her soul and his voice floated through her mind, “Watch for the feathers, princess…” The door had opened and just as they wrapped her safely in their arms, Kit looked up to see an iridescent blue feather wafting back and forth slowly making its way down until it landed with a shimmer of light right in front of his picture on her dresser .
Epilogue
Kit leaned back against Trev’s chest and looked out over the festivities in their backyard. Braden’s grandmother had been visiting for the past two weeks and she was leaving in the morning. Her position at the university required her to be back before the beginning of the fall term and it was going to be difficult to see the spritely older woman leave. The pack had combined her going away party with their annual last big bash of the summer, and every pack member had turned out to celebrate their new friend and the coming fall. Jameson leaned over from his chaise lounge and grasped her hand. “Are you alright, kitten? You seemed to be a million miles away.”
There wasn’t any use denying her distraction. The previous weeks had been a flurry of training and revelations. Watching Braden mature right before her eyes had given her a new appreciation for how quickly her own babies were going to grow up and Kit had been spending a lot of time playing with Ryan and Adana. Even at their ages, their magical abilities were already easy to see. And when Kit noticed either of them seeming to focus on something over her shoulder she always whispered a greeting to her grandfather.
“No, I’m fine. There has just been a lot to process recently. Meeting Braden has been a blessing in so many ways and I know he hates to see his grandmother leave, but he knows he needs to process all she’d told him as well.” Kit knew her words were an enormous understatement. And she foun
d herself wondering how a child dealt with everything that had been thrown at him and maintain the positive attitude and sweet spirit Braden exhibited each day.
Feeling Trev’s arms tighten around her, she let him siphon off some of the strain from her muscles as only he could. “Baby, no man—no matter his age—wants to find out his mother was the product of a forced encounter with a black-hearted demon.” Kit agreed, but she’d been impressed with how thoughtful and kind Dr. O’Donnell had been with her explanation. She’d assured Braden that even though her time with Damian had been among the darkest and most frightening experiences of her life, she wouldn’t have traded any of the years she spent in fear of him finding out her daughter belonged to him or the heartache of losing her only child. She’d told her grandson that all of the tears had been worth it because they’d given her a daughter that she had loved more than life itself, and she’d gotten a grandson who was making her very proud as well.
“She really did a great job of helping him accept his heritage. And I’m glad he has chosen to honor both his mother’s and his father’s memories by staying true to the Light.” ‘Because the dark side can sure paint a tempting picture.’
Jameson leaned forward and kissed the tip of her nose. ‘Indeed that is true, but it isn’t just true for witches and wizards, kitten.’
Kit sighed at the truth of his words and just spent several long moments watching the festivities around them. She let her mind wander until Trev finally squeezed her in his arms. “What are you thinking about that has your mind whirling like a wind turbine in a hurricane, baby?”
“I was wondering what’s headed our way next.” The truth was that Kit was more than a little worried about what the Fates had in store for them. Her grandfather’s warning had not fallen on deaf ears. And Kit and Braden had both stepped up their training so they’d be ready. “Braden is so very talented and has so many hopes and dreams. Well…it seems a shame for him to be kept a virtual prisoner in the confines of the estate for an indefinite period of time.”
Jameson leaned forward and grasped her hand. “Kitten, Cecil mentioned taking Braden to visit the Supreme Council. There is a chance that he’d get to mentor with one of the Council members. It seems that your granny has done about all she can with both of you.” She was looking into his eyes and knew there was something else…something he hadn’t yet said, but she just waited. They might not have been married for a long time, but they were mates so the connection between them was deeper. And right now everything in his expression spoke of hesitance and worry.
He took her hands in his much larger ones and rubbed circles in her palms with his thumbs. Trev had pulled her hair to the side and was pressing his lips against her pulse point and sending tingles up her spine despite her worry about what they weren’t saying. Jameson finally took a deep breath and she knew he’d made the decision to tell her what was bothering him.
“Kitten, Cecil also asked us to let you go with them.” When she gasped, he held up his hand to stop her from interrupting. “Let me finish. Please, because this is very difficult. Trev and I want you to know we won’t make that decision for you. We would rather you didn’t leave us and our children, but we won’t stop you if that’s where your heart’s desire is.”
Kit felt her eyes fill with tears as her heart swelled with love for her mates. As her Alphas and as her mates, they could have easily made the call and kept her home. But they hadn’t. They were letting her make her own decision and she couldn’t think of anything else they could have done that would have demonstrated their love and respect for her any more clearly. She pulled his hands up to her lips and kissed each knuckle while trying to regain her composure.
“The only thing that will ever get me to leave my home and my family is an emergency that involves the life of another. I won’t leave to train with a mentor who could easily travel here.” Kit’s answer was interrupted by the tapping of heels across the cobblestones.
Julie Wolf-Edwards stepped into their view and grinned. “Sorry to interrupt the romantic moment you have going here, but I have some pretty amazing news. And quite frankly I didn’t want to wait to share it…I’m pushy that way.” Her grin belied her snarky tone and Kit couldn’t help but smile. “It seems our sweet Braden is exactly where he needs to be. While I’ve been holed up in the city I had some time to research some of the things that weren’t adding up.” Julie noticed Jameson’s raised brow and shrugged her shoulders. “Hey…I talk to people okay? I missed my family and I called pack members to find out what was happening. Well, anyway…I kept getting different versions of the same event and that didn’t make any sense to me. So I started charting the common links in all the inconsistencies and amazingly none of it led to Kit.”
“Well, thanks…I think.” Kit laughed even though she was fairly certain it hadn’t been a compliment.
Julie just rolled her eyes and continued, “The common links were Braden and Angie. Did you know that according to Braden’s paternal history he is linked to the same packs as Angie’s ancestors? And did you know that his maternal ancestors have displayed a remarkable ability to pull energy from those they are genetically linked to?” In a sudden flash of insight, Kit understood exactly what Devin had figured out and it didn’t bode well for Angie’s safety.
Kit had no sooner made the connection than Jameson’s phone beeped and Kit watched his face pale as she checked the message. “That was Tristan…Angie’s missing.”
Books by Avery Gale
Published with JK Publishing, Inc.:
The Wolf Pack Series
Mated – Book One
Fated Magic – Book Two
Masters of the Prairie Winds Club
Out of the Storm
Published with other publishing companies:
The ShadowDance Club
Katarina’s Return – Book One
Jenna’s Submission – Book Two
Rissa’s Recovery – Book Three
Trace & Tori – Book Four
Reborn as Bree – Book Five
Red Clouds Dancing – Book Six
Perfect Picture – Book Seven
Club Isola
Capturing Callie – Book One
Healing Holly – Book Two
Claiming Abby – Book Three
I would love to hear from you!
Website: http://averygale.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avery.gale.3
Twitter: @avery_gale
Excerpt from Awakened by a Dream
The Hidden Pack
By Gracie Meadows
The fog had returned, except this time at the end she would reappear as she did so many nights—the woman in lights. Each time she showed she had some weird tidbit to share about what Becky needed to do for her upcoming task. So many times she tried to bring her men into the dream, but the woman never would allow it. If only she could just understand, Becky needed her men. The woman in lights was the only way she could describe her. So many unanswered questions, but time and time again she was left to the point of annoyance. However, tonight something was off, different from her normal pattern. Her feet moved her forward in the same recurring pattern, except this time instead of the pond—it was a cave. The trees covered the entrance some, but not enough for her not to see it. Understanding the danger that came with dreamwalking now, she treaded carefully. As she entered the cavern the lights started to bend around a certain tunnel. The walls seem stable enough she didn’t fear a cave in and the color was breathtaking. A brilliant blue and green cascaded off, reminding her of being under the ocean. The comforting feeling suddenly surrounded her as she got closer to another opening. This time when she stepped through, the light illuminated her, creating a shadow behind her as the spray of water hit her face. She had somehow walked into another world. A waterfall cascaded down the side of a cliff as wild flowers bloomed, filling her senses with the fragrance. She was in awe at the sight before her. As she contemplated touching the water, the woman in lights re
appeared once more.
“Rebecca, I am so glad you came to me. The time is getting closer and you need to gather those whom you trust to go on your journey. Your mates may come, but they will not be enough to protect you. Trust them to help you through this, and put trust in those who are feline. However, you must heed this warning, child, the evil still lurks close to you. So tell no one of this quest, and remain silent. When the time comes to leave, look for the valley of the unknown for only you may enter. Once inside you will be able to speak from the heart to open all magic that has been locked away. Wake, child, your mates are getting impatient and are waiting for you." With those once again cryptic words, she left in a glow of lights. Turning around, Becky walked down the same path she entered from as everything went white.
Blinking her eyes open, Becky looked around only to see her mates staring down at her with concern etched on their face.
“You okay, sweetheart? You weren’t crying or screaming, but you were, umm…more wiggly than normal," Nik said as he caressed her cheek.
“Wiggly huh, you’re being nice because you just want to play before work. You’re not the one she hit in the gut with her elbow," Dmitri countered as he rubbed his extremely flat abs as if he was in pain.
