บท 131: Chapter 131: Family Ties

Garnet POV

Ravyn had a lot to learn about this business of being a Luna. Garnet gazed at her sternly.

"You're really considering not attending your own event in Crimsontail Shadows territory?"

Garnet's voice held a healthy amount of shock. She drew herself up, scandalized.

Hesitating, Ravyn looked away for a moment. "I just think Jude's people–our people–have waited for a month for us to return. It's not fair to keep them waiting any longer."

With a huff, Garnet put her hands on her hips, and her eyes glowed golden. "Jiro is going to hear about this. And think about Kelara and Talon. We just found them, and they need all the support they can get. Last night was a good start, but Evenhide isn't their home pack."

Mali leapt up and went nose to nose with Garnet. "Keep your voice down. Your pups are listening to this, and they're hearing a lot of pettiness. I'm surprised at you. Did you talk like this to the humans?"

Careful to keep her face stern, Garnet growled, "The Silverpaws are having the bonding ceremony and ball of the year. Everyone is sniffing around for an invitation. Your pack has enough glory to spare. Surely you can let Ravyn attend our festivities for the sake of the alliance?"

Bram snorted. "I'll talk to Jiro. He's still half Evenhide and not a complete Crimsontail rebel. You may be their Luna, but what the Alpha says goes."

Oh, Bram was good. She hardly recognized the sullen, grieving soul spoiling for a fight that she'd encountered at the council meeting before he went on the mission with them to rescue his father. Proof positive that his grief had been normal and not tampered with, the way Hades manipulated Cyran's sorrow that he himself caused.

Shaking off the mixed emotions about Hades like wet leaves, Garnet faced Bram. "Jiro agrees with me. He wants Ravyn's and Jude's presence. But go ahead. Try to budge him. His own brothers can't do that when it comes to the Crimsontails."

Mali growled. "We'll see about that. I always thought Jiro was reasonable."

Laughing, Garnet waved her hand dismissively. "He's grown into his own. He's a king, not just in title but in attitude. He commands his pack, and he gets what he wants."

Ravyn stepped back, her posture defensive. "But he's also my son. You're my daughter-in-law.. Doesn't that count for anything?"

"Of course it does. It means you owe us your loyalty."

Narrowing her eyes, Ravyn said, with a straight face, "Loyalty works both ways, Garnet."

Puffing out her chest and sharpening her fangs, Garnet growled, "You're risking a pack war."

"Over an invitation? Your council will just love that! But go ahead. You're still invited to our bonding ceremony and ball, IF you can behave."

Ravyn had effectively called her bluff.

A huge smile stretched Garnet's face, and she let out a low wolf howl. "Well said, Ravyn. And If you'd rolled over for me, I'd have given you a three-day lecture about how to assert yourself as Luna. Turns out I didn't have to. Lilia has taught you well."

Mali smacked her on the arm. "This was a test? Garnet Sinsworth Cresta, you are sneakier than Jiro. No wonder you claimed him in two seconds."

Garnet beamed with pride. "Why, thank you. But honestly, it was his idea. I just executed it."

Ravyn's lips twitched, and she fought off amusement. "I should have known. You're usually less heavy-handed than this, and better at listening."

Garnet looped an arm around her and shushed Lucina, who was snarling at the adults fighting. "Don't worry, sweetie," she said to the pup. "Nana Ravyn and I were just having a friendly debate."

Ravyn kissed Lucina's shining red hair. "Play with your cousins and your brother, alright?"

The quiet toddler went back to wrestling with her cousins.

Bram gazed at Ravyn, confused. "You said you yearned to be back in Silverpaw territory."

"I do," Ravyn assured him. "But being a Luna means keeping up these alliances, especially when it's family … and Jiro and Garnet saved us."

Reluctantly, Bram nodded. "I suppose my dad wouldn't expect anything less than to do our duty … besides, I like Lady Kelara and Lord Talon, and I'll celebrate them all day long."

He sounded so mature. As if he'd grown up overnight. Garnet gave him a hug, feeling a connection with him. She'd insisted on being among the first to reach out to Bram and Mali after Emer's death, and Jiro had happily signed on. Dane and Lilia narrowly beat them to it.

"All of us in the square in front of Sinsworth House, showing off the Silverpaws' future and our new family members, the Blackthorns," she mused. "That's worth taking a few extra days to get home, isn't it? And I promise, we'll all be there for the ball and bonding in Graywolf City."

Ravyn hugged them both, and pulled in Mali and Eamon. "More than enough love and celebration to go around," she murmured.

* * * * *

Jude POV

Disentangling from the congratulations the Crestas heaped on him, as well as the constant teasing, Jude sought Ravyn, and found her organizing her things.

His heart skipped a beat.

All of Ravyn's crystals and potions were spread out on the bed of his room as she sorted through them, packing several of them in a trunk. Her witch robes and ceremonial clothes and nightgowns were piled in another trunk, with a few items left in the closet. Sculptures from Kyon and gifts she'd received as the Pack Mother went in another trunk.

Smiling, he inquired, "Are you going somewhere?"

Tucking her sunlit hair back out of her face, Ravyn said, "Of course. To Crimsontail territory like we planned, and then home. I can't wait. I feel the need to be back in Graywolf City."

He leaped into action. "Can I help you pack?"

Smiling, Ravyn waved him toward the books. "Pack those. They're magic books, histories, and some cherished novels and epics."

"Perfect."

He felt a flutter of nerves. Now, their life would begin. Would he be up for truly living together as mates? Ruling together? Why did he even question it?

Because everything was changing so fast. Ravyn was pregnant. Ravyn accepted him as the dominant partner. She would sleep in the bed he'd shared with Emer, eat at the table the way she'd done before their adventure, and make decisions about the household.

Why hadn't he considered that before?

He wanted Ravyn there. Wanted to see her every day at breakfast, beside him during council meetings, at his right hand in the Great Hall while they dealt with pack business … wanted her in his bed. It would be a dream come true.

Why did he feel so nervous now? This is what he wanted.

Ravyn glanced at him, and she smelled concerned. "Don't worry, Jude. I trust you with my books."

"That's huge," he said with feeling.

"It is. To trust you with my books is monumental."

He packed all her books in the trunk with love and care. Those books would sit beside their bed. She'd be reading them while lying on the bed, swollen with their child.

Suddenly, his nerves faded. Temporary nerves. He wanted Ravyn in his life.

"Let's get going to Red Crescent City," he said huskily. "The sooner we go there, the sooner we can do our public duty, and the sooner I can take my mate home."