In this chapter, the pack starts to regroup. Stork learns more about himself. He has to decide what you do next.
This chapter is self-edited. I apologize for any errors I may have missed.
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Chapter 5
Andrew and Gao were well aware of the problems in the dragon clan. One of their female wolves was deep inside dragon territory. Gao was growing increasingly concerned for Mera, because earlier she left in search of her friend. Although a part of her was upset that Mera did not obey a command from her alpha, a part of her was proud that the girl made a decision that was not only wise, but evidently needed.
Caitlyn contacted Gao earlier and explained the state the young dragon was found in. She also explained that the she wolf was the only one he responded to. It was obvious to both that the two were completely connected in some way.
Andrew had other worries so Gao would deal with this issue. Andrew assessed his pack. None of the fighters died, because the skirmish did not last long, but some were wounded. The allies from the Americas and England fared well against their enemies. He was surprised to see the make-up of different of Weres function so well together. The were-bears were fierce, often protecting the wolves. The wolves were quick, cunning. Various were cats, were tricky. Often they snuck behind the enemy and pounced. The invading packs had no clue of what they were getting into. They seemed to expect an easy victory, but by the end, the invading crusaders readily admitted defeat.
Andrew thought of the few vampires that fought with them. They were magnificent, quick, graceful, and deadly. The dragons soared above, warning them of the enemy position. He had to send a message and this time he was sure that it was heard. Jackson pack was impressive. Kingsley had skilled fighters. They could not wait to return home and report in.
The Kingsley wolves were impressed as well. They had formed true allies within these few groups. The London wolves came because they had an unknown loyalty to the Kingsley Pack. Years ago, two of tier women were prisoners of war. A small she wolf, named Kiana, kept them safe. It was her strength that helped the women that were trapped with her survived. It was the loyalty she showed that lead the London pack to join this pack in battle.
Andrew needed a moment, retiring to their private quarters, he was alone with his mate. Gao was quiet. Andrew watched her. He knew she had other issues demanding her time. A young female left without permission, but she was with the MacLean dragons so she was safe for now. He also knew she was worried about Inuit, and if he had his way, that dragon would be banned. Right now though, she was worried about him and how he was feeling.
"Gao, I'm ok. The pack will recover. We are strong, vigilant. Our friends are deadly and I'm certain no one will challenge us again." Andrew whispered. Gao moved into his arms. She held her wolf as he forced his body to calm. She searched their bond and found a mixture of emotions. Joy, Happiness, and pride filled his heart. Gao also felt love, an undeniable love for his pack mates, and his family.
Papa, Momma
His sons sent. Andrew called all three children who vanished into the room instantly. All three little one cuddled their father, careful not to leave out their mother. Gao thanked the Gods for their gift of safety and mercy. Then she thought of the young dragon, the one that was injured. Mera was with him, and right now she was all that he knew. She prayed that he would come home safely and heal.
Andrew held his children close then he remembered. Two females, expectant females were murdered. Their mates were out fighting to protect the pack. He needed to know. What happened? How did the vampires get past the dragon guards? Someone had to tell them.
"The women, what happened?" Andrew asked.
Gao swallowed. "It was my fault. I came home, vanished in and the vampires had everyone trapped inside. I charged in and he broke Ingrid's neck. She died instantly. He warned me. If I said one more word, more would die. He reached for Casey, and I started to warn him when he bit her. She screamed, Andrew, and then there was silence as both she and her pup perished." Tears flowed down her cheeks, her eyes as dark as night.
"Two women are gone because I failed to protect them. How did they know to come here Andrew? We had an escape route planned. The vampires blocked the route." Gao frowned. Something was not right about this situation. How could the vampires have known unless the plan had been disclosed?
Inuit, she's behind this. We need to question her.
Her dragon whispered.
Andrew was silent. He held his mate close. Showering her with love, he sent her waves of strength. "Baby, I'm sorry, so sorry that you had to deal with this. This was not your fault. I will go and address the families, and make sure they know we grieve for them. Casey and Ingrid were innocents and didn't deserve to have this happen to them." He whispered.
As Gao wept, Andrew held her. Closing his eyes, he checked on his pack. The mates of the fallen women were devastated. He knew no words would ever take away their pain. He imagined how he would feel if Gao had perished and is wolf howled in despair. He had no words, so he sent them waves of love and support. This was hard, and though it wouldn't be easy, the pack would survive.
Gao stopped crying. "Ingrid and Lonny were expecting their first kitten. Now, he has to prepare to send his mate into the hereafter. They were so happy. They had so many dreams of life with their child. Casey and Sam were having their second child. Their oldest pup has just turned three. They were hoping for a boy this time. Their daughter has lost her mother because of me. I never want him to worry. His daughter will be considered mine now. I will make sure she wants for nothing. I personally will be there for her from this point on." Gao swore.
Andrew was silent. "Love, you can't barge into his life. Let's visit with the families and see how we can help."
Gao nodded. Then she thought of Inuit. Inuit wanted to cause her pain. She came here to hurt her. She wanted to harm her family. Inuit was cunning, and she intimated that something would happen. When they met, she was too gleeful when she made her subtle threat. Gao thought for a moment. Inuit was being held at the MacLean homes. What if she overheard details on the attack? Could she have told her co-conspirators? Her dragon rose.
We need to go see that bitch.
She hissed.
Shutting off her thoughts, Gao knew what she needed to do. Andrew grew concerned. Gao kissed her husband. "Love, I'll be back," She vanished to Kade's home.
Kade knew the moment the Madam Alpha arrived.
"Madam Alpha, welcome, how can I..." Kade froze; his wolf was on full guard.
"Where is she? If I find she had something to do with this..." Gao growled, her animal near the surface.
"Madam Alpha, I can't let you near her. If you try to harm her I will have to stop you. That action alone will cause dissension within our homes. Please, go home and let me deal with Inuit." Kade pleaded.
Gao faced the warrior dragon. He protected this woman. He told her if she moved against Inuit, she had to face him. Fueled with anger and grief, Gao stood toe to toe with the huge male. Kade knew the pack had suffered severe losses, and called for Caitlyn. Caitlyn and Conor arrived. Conor ordered a servant to call Andrew.
"Caitlyn, this has nothing to do with you. Kade has chosen to protect my enemy. He will let me see her." Gao hissed.
Caitlyn stepped forward. She'd never seen Gao as upset as this. Her eyes glimmered, and she knew if Inuit was brought out, Gao was attacking.
Ciara, come to Kade's now!
The Mistress Dragon sent. Instantly Ciara appeared. Immediately, she sent calming waves to her friend. Gao resisted, but Ciara spoke. Eventually she calmed, and the dragons were able to reason with her. Andrew rushed in, and Kade had a set of clothes ready. In his rush to get to his mate, the huge alpha ran to their home in wolf form.
Gao faced her mate, and he understood. She suspected that somehow Inuit had a role in the day's events.
