The Alpha’s Companion - Chapter 87

Before they left the castle, Julien put Brogan in charge. After all, he was the Beta now. With Brogan on watch, Lacey was sure that the castle would be just fine. He was a skilled warrior and very loyal to Julien, Lacey, and The Harvest Moon Pack. And if there was any trouble, Julien and Lacey could be back in a flash. But she still hated to leave.

Although Lacey would have let Tima stay, when her mother left to go to The Shadow Pack, she had taken not only Wyatt and Calla, but Tima, too. Lacey found that she was looking forward to seeing him, but a bit apprehensive about seeing Wyatt. But who knew? Maybe they can finally be friends… especially if they were going to be a part of allied packs.

But she was glad that she had told Julien about him. After what she had been through with misunderstandings in the past, she didn’t want to take the chance of it happening again.

“Are you okay?” Julien asked in the limo on the way there.

Lacey nodded, but turned her attention back out the window.

“You know, you don’t have to do this if you don’t want to.” Julien’s eyes met hers, filled with concern.

She shook her head. “No, I want to go.”

Julien nodded and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Everything’s going to be okay.” He placed a finger under her chin, forcing her eyes to meet his and smiled. “Don’t worry. Your mother understood why you sent her to The Shadow Pack. She won’t hold it against you.”

She nodded, and then turned her attention back out the window again. Even though she should have told him, she let him think that her mother was all that she was worried about. Then she let out a deep breath and squared her shoulders, ready to face this head on. She had never been a coward before, and she wasn’t going to start backing down now… from anyone, including Wyatt.

A few minutes later, the limo pulled to a stop in front of The Shadow Pack Compound and, like before, Arkin was standing on the steps to greet her, along with her brothers. But this time, her mother was standing by his side. Lacey was glad to see that they had settled their differences, if not anything else.

Julien opened the door of the limousine, not waiting for Victor, the driver, or Misty. Another shifter, Sawyer, was with them, too. Although they didn’t need the bodyguards, they would need all the help they could get if the Wildclaws decided to attack The Shadow Pack compound while they were visiting. Or if Thorn found out his wife was there, he was ruthless enough to attack just for sheer spite… or for sport.

“Lacey!” Arkin said, approaching her first. He pulled her in carefully for a hug and gave her a kiss on both cheeks. “I’m so glad you came!” Then he turned to Julien and extended his hand. “I’m so glad you made it!”

“Of course,” Julien replied, a smile lighting his lips. “After what happened, I’m not letting her out of my sight until she’s fully recovered.”

Arkin nodded, his face suddenly serious. “Thank you for that.” He looked over at Lacey and smiled. “My daughter’s safety means everything.”

Julien nodded. “No thanks is necessary, but that’s one of the reasons why we’re here. Of course, we came to check on Mrs. Taregan, but we also came to talk business.”

Arkin nodded. “Lacey can go upstairs to rest in the suite I’ve prepared for you, and we can talk.”

“No,” Lacey said. “As the Alpha Queen of the Harvest Moon Pack, I need to know what’s going on, too.”

Julien looked at her and one corner of his lips curled into a smile a he nodded. Then he raised an eyebrow at Arkin.

Arkin nodded. “Yes. Of course.” Then he thought for a moment and asked, “Would you object to a family dinner? We could discuss business then. I’d like the boys to attend, too. They are both slated to take over the pack when I… retire.”

Lacey smirked. As a wolf-shifter, his retirement could be a hundred years from now or more. Hard telling how old he already was.

Julien nodded. “That would be lovely. Thank you.” Then he smiled. “When all of this is over, all of you must come to the castle and let us entertain you.”

Arkin laughed. “Be careful what you offer.”

“You’re always welcome.” Lacey smiled, walking up the stairs with Julien, but her mother came down the few steps and met her halfway.

“Lacey, darling….” Camari slipped her arm in hers, concern coloring her face. “How’re you feeling?”

Lacey smiled, raising her chin. “I’m fine. Thanks, Mom. How are you?” If there was one thing, she couldn’t take from anyone, it was a look of pity. But since she was her mother, she got a pass.

“I’m fine,” she replied, smiling. “We’ll talk later.”

Lacey stopped and stared at her. “Is everything okay?”

Of course, Camari knew Lacey was talking about how she was being treated since she arrived. “Oh! Yes! Arkin and his sons have treated me very well.”

“She’s the new queen,” Seth teased, walking up beside them.

Camari laughed. “They’ve insisted on treating me like one, actually.”

Lacey smiled, looking over at Seth and Chris. “I’m afraid I’m not up for your famous bear hugs this time.”

Seth and Chris both laughed, and Chris replied, “We didn’t think you were.”

Seth held up his arms awkwardly, obviously not sure how to hug her for fear of hurting her.

Lacey laughed. “Come here.” At the top of the stairs, she pulled them both in for a hug at the same time and they both patted her back.

“Welcome back.” Seth smiled when he pulled back.

Chris chuckled. “You mean, welcome home.” Then he looked over at Julien and saw him narrow his eyes, so Chris quickly amended, “I mean… your home away from home.”

Lacey laughed and then took her mother’s arm, and they all walked into the castle together.

“Hello, Lacey.”

Lacey looked up when she walked in and Wyatt was standing in the hallway, looking directly into her eyes…. and he wasn’t smiling.