48 - Ben


    "If we decide to join forces, what exactly does that mean for you?" I asked cautiously. “No offense, High Priestess, but I''m not about to hand over the little pack territory we have to someone we haven''t properly vetted."


    ra''s gaze was steady as Briana replied, “We have no intention of taking what doesn''t belong to us or settling here permanently. Regarding amodations, we have the resources to invest in building properties, which you could useter for new pack members. Think of it as a kind of down payment. Until then, we are perfectly willing to camp temporarily in the forest."


    I raised an eyebrow. "How many coven members will you be bringing with you?”


    "There are thirty of us remaining,” Briana answered calmly. "And given the current circumstances, we are not looking to increase that number."


    ra''s expression tightened slightly when Briana mentioned, "We believe there may be wards or spells ced within the pack that are being used against us. Can you help remove them?"


    Briana''s reply was measured. “That''s aplicated question." I felt ra stiffen in my arms as Briana continued. “I won''t pretend that my magic can undo every other form of magic. It doesn''t work that way, and anyone who believes otherwise is bound to be deceived. Magic has its checks and bnces; no single type of caster is all-powerful. What we can do is detect these spells, understand their purpose, and in many cases, help you counteract them ifplete removal isn''t possible."


    ra looked at me, her eyes searching. I realized this was the first time she''d asked for my opinion, apart from Jax and Dev.


    "I don''t see any other viable option," I said thoughtfully. "If she''s willing to invest in building property and then leave it for you to use as you see fit, that''s a start. Plus, having someone experienced in teaching magic could speed up our understanding, rather than waiting for Tommy to ry information. I know you''re cautious about forming an alliance."


    "Where would you suggest cing her coven if they join us?" ra asked.


    Briana considered the question before answering. "One possibility is the forest between ck w and Red Fang. That way, they''d be surrounded by our known allies. However, that area is where much of the magic activity is happening, so it could be easier for them to conceal anything they might be doing against you. It''s not a bad location-they''d be between us, Blue Moon, and White Diamond, which offers some strategic advantage. But it''s not close to the packhouse, so if they''re in danger and need help, response time would be longer. Another option is the forest just north of the packhouse. That would keep them close for assistance and allow easier ess, enabling us to learn more. The trade-off is losing some of the natural buffer provided by the forest and ally packs."


    Jax''s voice cut in through our link. "I vote to keep them close." Since I had opened the link to include them in the conversation, their input was valuable. They knew ra and this pack better than I did. "We can observe and learn more effectively without spreading ourselves too thin."


    Dev nodded in agreement. "I concur. Keeping them near the pack means we can better support everyone in town as well. She might even help calm the nerves of pack members while they''re here."


    ra shot a yful re at Dev. "I''m not about to let her put a spell on pack members, you idiot!”


    Dev grinned. "You know what I mean. She brings a calm to the forest. Even you haven''t tried to rip anyone''s head off since she arrived. Maybe we could make use of her unique presence, that''s all."


    ra turned her attention back to Briana. "How soon can your coven members move in?"


    Without a word, Briana waved her hand, and the forest behind her shimmered like a delicate metallic curtain fluttering in the breeze. Beyond it, men and women appeared, dressed in old-world traveling clothes in shades of beige and brown. Each had several brown leather packs resting at their feet. It was like stepping into a renaissance film.


    ra stepped forward, hands on her hips. "It''s a bit presumptuous to assume we''d let you stay, don''t you think?"


    Briana''s tone was steady but firm. "We haven''t assumed anything, Alpha. This is simply our situation. We have been nomads for some time now. Given the threat on their lives, I don''t let them wander far from me. To avoid any suspicion, we have no intention of working against you. My coven has already suffered enough at the hands of one of our own. We seek only your safety and protection."


    ra nodded thoughtfully, then turned to Jax and Dev. "Escort them to the forest north of the packhouse. They can use the private clearing there. We''ll go speak with Mnie," she nced at me, “and organize meals."


    I nodded in agreement, and Jax and Dev responded with a crisp, "Yes, Alpha." We


    all moved smoothly to our assigned tasks.


    I opened the passenger door for ra, who gave me a questioning look. I said nothing just a polite gesture. Luna Beth would have my head if I didn''t show proper manners, especially in front of guests. We were still working on establishing ra''s authority as Alpha within her own pack.


    Once we were driving and out of earshot of the others, ra turned to me sharply. "What was that about?"


    I smiled slightly, choosing to y dumb until I had all the context. "You''re going to need to give me more details if you want an answer."


    She narrowed her eyes. "You holding onto me... opening the door... What was all that?"


    “First off, any man who''s never opened a door for you deserves a punch in the dick. It''s rude. As for holding you, my wolf wanted you close. I didn''t think you''d appreciate me shoving you behind my back to protect you, which was his n. So Ipromised. You didn''t seem to mind."


    I nced sideways to gauge her reaction.


    She exhaled with a hint of amusement. "I wasn''t about to fight with you in front of strangers." Then, softer, "I do appreciate you not shoving me back." That sounded a little forced. Maybe I wasn''t the only one taking cues from my wolf.


    “Do you think Mnie is still mad at me? Will she help with these witches?"


    Her uncertainty stung. Too many people in this pack had chipped away at her confidence and her ability to lead.


    "I don''t think she''s mad at you," I assured her. "I believe she understands, but she''s overwhelmed. If we can get Omegas to help her feed the coven, that''ll be a good start."


    ra nodded, staring out the side window, lost in thought.