Hope

Luna Farrah and I spent the morning discussing plans for the ceremonies. I honestly didn't care much about the details. Color schemes, dresses, and food weren't that important to me. I just wanted to be with Connor and join the pack. I let Farrah pick most of the details, she has very good taste and seemed much more invested in things than me. I made a note to study her preferences more closely, knowing I would one day need to make these decisions.

"You're worried aren't you. About the attack yesterday? Your mind seems to be elsewhere, sweetie." Farrah says, pulling me back from my daydreams.

"A little yes." I nod and meet her eyes. "I've never had such a direct attack on me before. Most people are grateful for me, not trying to hurt me or kidnap me." I say as a shudder goes through my body. Farrah leans over to hug me gently and I enjoy her motherly presence.

"Don't you worry. I know my boys. They'll take good care of you." She says with confidence and I can't help but smile.

"I think I may be of some assistance as well!" I hear from the front door and look up to see my brother.

"Kade!" I yell and fling my arms around his neck.

"One day, Hope. You couldn't stay out of trouble for one day." He teases me sternly and I cross arms.

"You aren't honestly blaming that attack on me, are you?" I ask incredulously and he pulls me back in for another hug.

"Of course not. I'm just glad you're safe. And I'm glad Connor called me. He's a good mate. Not too proud to ask for help and I respect that. But don't tell him I said that." Kade chuckles.

"Too late. I heard it and you can't take it back." Connor says as he descends the staircase. He kisses my cheek before shaking my brothers hand.

"Draven get in here!" Connor calls out and his brother walks in the door a few seconds later.

"Anything to report?" Connor asks and Draven shakes his head.

"Nope. Now that the big guns have arrived," he says pointing at Kade. "Am I free to go? I have a mate I'd like to pup up soon. Or at least practice." He says rubbing his palms together and I groan.

"That's my best friend you're talking about." I say, my nose crinkled in disgust.

"Seriously, Draven. You have no tact." His mother says as she pushes him out the door.

"Let us know if you need anything, loves!" She says before pecking my brother on the cheek and leaving us alone.

"So," Kade says helping himself to a cake sample on the counter, "what do you have so far?"

Connor sighs and runs his hand down his tired face and comes to stand behind me, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me into him. I feel him relax as he breathes in my scent.

"Honestly, not much. Just that they wanted me dead and they wanted Hope alive and unharmed. I don't know if it's because she's a healer, a soon to be Luna or both. I have my guy still working on the two rogues that are alive, but he gets the feeling they don't know anything." Kade nods and listens intently.

"I'd like permission to stay here until the threat has been neutralized, no matter how long that takes." Kade says and Connor nods immediately.

"Permission granted." He says and I smile mischievously at my brother.

"Maybe we should host a little party. Maybe find you a nice mate." I say and Kade scoffs.

"Well, for one anywhere with a lot of people is too dangerous right now and for two, I don't need a mate. I wouldn't be opposed to finding one, but I'm not gonna run around this pack with my nose to the ground looking. These things happen when they're supposed to so keep your nosy little butt out of it. Understood?" He looks at me seriously and I nod.

"On my honor, big brother." I say with a giggle that let's him know I am entirely not serious. He sighs and goes for another piece of cake.

"How about I feed you boys something healthy." I say going into the kitchen. Connor pulls me back into his arms and follows me into the kitchen, Kade following not shortly after.

"You stay in our line of sight at all times, stóirín. For now at least." Connor says as Kade fiddles with the windows making sure they're locked. I kiss Connor briefly before taking out ingredients for lunch as the boys talk.

"What about patrols for the house?" Kade asks. Connor nods and looks thoughtfully.

"I'd like you to stay here with us, and I'll post another guard outside at all times. Preferably Draven but we will rotate out as well. Our master of arms, Colby has volunteered as well as my Beta, Dean, but I also want them training our warriors so I'll use them sparingly."

"Do you think we should call our dad?" Kade asks and Connor looks at me.

"I told you I'd defer my safety to you. I doubt dad could come stay here for a long period of time, but maybe he could use the ceremonies to stay for a week or so." I say and they both nod.

"I'll talk to him." Kade says as they dig in to their chicken salad sandwiches and fresh fruit.

"Thank you, stóirín. This is delicious." Connor says through a mouthful and Kade hums in agreement.

"You're lucky, Connor. Hope is a bomb ass cook." Kade says, licking his fingers.

"Well, when you're stuck inside all of the time cooking is one of the few hobbies you get to have." I say sadly as I look out to the forest longingly. My wolf would love to run, but we both know it's not safe. She's gotten used to having to wait. She understands the gift the Goddess bestowed on us and that certain sacrifices are necessary to protect it.

I hear Connor sigh as he stands from his chair. He walks up to me and pulls me gently into his arms, tucking my head under his chin.

"I'm sorry, Hope. I promise once we figure this out you will get to have your freedom. I won't keep you locked away. I know it won't make you happy." He says gently and his heart felt words almost make tears prick my eyes.

"Thank you, Connor. I trust you." I say and he smiles at me before kissing me gently. Kade clears his throat before making mock gagging sounds.

"Maybe I shouldn't stay here if you guys are gonna be gross all the time." He says clearing his plate. Connor chuckles and releases me before sitting back down and finishing his food.

"Don't worry. The bedrooms are sound proof." He says winking at me causing my face to burn bright red with a blush. Kade groans and stalks from the room.

"I'm going to get my stuff from the car. Put your hormones away by the time I get back please." He says making me giggle and I shake my head at Connor.

"Are the rooms really soundproof?" I ask him and he nods before a sly grin sneaks into his face.

"Oh yeah. But if you don't believe me, we can test that theory tonight." He says and I laugh before smacking his chest gently.

His eyes look faraway and I know he's mindlinking someone.

"Dean is on his way over. We're going to discuss a guard and training schedule. Kade is going to be involved as well so I'll need you to come to the office with us, ok?" He asks, but I can tell I don't have much of a choice so I nod.

"Sure, as long as I get to sit on your lap." I say cheekily and he chuckles, pulling me close.

"As long as you don't distract me too much with this sweet ass." He says smacking my butt playfully. I giggle and lean down to kiss him when I hear a thud from the living room.

Connor instantly tenses and stands from his seat, keeping me behind him. He grabs my hand and holds it tightly as he leads me through into the living room. I can tell by the light that the door is open. I sneak a look around Connor's broad shoulder and see Kade standing in the doorway, facing outside. His large duffel bag is on the ground, my best guess is him dropping it was the sound we heard. Connor is still tense and I squeeze his hand harder.

"What's going on?" I whisper to him and he shakes his head, obviously as confused as me. Then I hear Kade utter something so quietly, we almost don't hear it.

"Mate."