Chapter Seventy

I staggered back from his blow. I shook my head slowly. “I don’t want to go back yet.” I grabbed for his hand, but he crossed his arms. “Daddy, I’m not ready.”

I watched closely as he closed his eyes, as if my words hurt, but I watched as he pulled himself together. “If it was my choice, pup, I wouldn’t make you go back. But your mother has been messaging these last few days. She says she needs you home sooner rather than later. It seems like something is going on, and I need eyes there.” He wrapped his arms around my shivering body. “You are a strong, amazing alpha. You will make such a strong luna, Amy.”

“I’m weak.”

“No, baby. You were never weak. Not even in your first life would I believe you were ever weak, but now, now you have your wolf. You have your power. You still have so much growing to do. You are still so young. But you are strong.” I closed my eyes as I listened to his words. He was right. This time around, I was stronger than I was in the past. I have Nix, Megan, and my power gifted by the goddess.

I pulled away and straightened my shoulders. “You are right.” I wiped at the stray tear that fell. “I am stronger than I was last time. Brandon and Shannon won’t be able to trick me. They won’t be able to betray me because I won’t trust them.”

“That’s my girl.” My dad tried to smile, but I saw the fear behind his eyes, the fear and the longing.

“I’ll figure out what is going on, and when I get to the truth of everything, I’m going to tell Mom.”

“No.” My father shook his head. “Your mother doesn’t need to be involved.”

“She is a luna. She is your mate and my mother. She raised me to be a strong, level-headed alpha, and she deserves the truth.” I watched as his face shut down again, and I didn’t want to push it. “But fine. I won’t tell her anything she doesn’t need to know.”

He gave a jerky nod. “Good.” He leaned in and kissed me. He looked over at Ronnie. “How are you feeling?”

“Like shit. I was just almost gutted by a man I thought was my brother.” Ronnie laughed. “How would you be feeling?” My dad huffed out a laugh. “Why?”

“Well, we have a pack to handle. A book to copy. A pup to return.” He looked down at me and ran his hand through my hair. “And a king to get ready for.”

Ronnie stood from the side of the bed and shook his shoulder. I saw that someone mind-linked him, and he walked to the door. He pulled it open, and I ran into Cassie’s arms.

“You’re okay?”

“Of course, I kicked ass. Thanks for your training.” Cassie pulled back and looked me over. “You look like shit.”

“Yeah, well. What do you expect?” I looked over her shoulder at Greyson. “Hey, Greyson.”

“Hey, Amy.” He looked at Ronnie, but Lynn and Tina followed suit, and Tina nearly tackled Ronnie to the floor.

“Are you stupid? Are you asking to die? How could you?” I turned to watch as she checked Ronnie over, her panic and anger making her rough. I sometimes forget that Tina is Ronnie’s mate. They met when she transferred here from another pack a few years ago, and I haven’t been around them much together.

“Babe… I’m fine.” Ronnie grabbed her arms and looked over her head at me. “Amy saved me.”

Tina whirled and tackled me next. Her tears were fresh. “Thank you.” She sobbed into my chest. This strong woman brought me to my knees with her tears.

“Always.” I hugged her and then helped her back to her feet. “Uncle Ronnie is my family. And you are too.” She smiled briefly before being pulled back by her mate.

“I was terrified,” she whispered.

“I know. I was too. I’m sorry.” Ronnie hugged her.

My father cleared his throat awkwardly. “How about we all leave you guys alone?”

Ronnie chuckled but shook his head. “Walt.” He hugged Tina to his chest. “I called everyone here for a reason. Greyson is the second Gamma. Cassie is his mate, and the new gamma female, along with Lynn.”

My dad nodded as I turned to face Cass. I looked down at her neck, and I saw the beginnings of her mating mark on her neck. I squealed and grabbed her arms, jumping. “When?”

“When you were dying in a bed.” Cass smacked me. “Never do that to me again.”

“I promise.” I hugged her and patted Greyson on his shoulder. “Good job.” He smiled and grabbed Cass around the waist.

“I know.” His smile was wide.