Chapter thirteen : reflecting and learning

Conrad and Cynthia were escorted by the warriors and Simon back to the pack house. Tom was waiting for them. He looked relieved to see both of them walking. Simon's original mindlink was not very positive. It took all Tom's resolve to stay put and wait. Waiting was not something he did well. But he did. Simon had tried to explain what Cynthia did but he just could not explain it at the time. Tom had lots of questions.

"Not now,Father. We are exhausted.We will see you tomorrow morning by 10am." Conrad said and walked right past his Father. Cynthia looked with sympathy at Tom but followed her mate up the stairs and into their room.. She felt she had no strength left. As soon as the door closed and locked she collapsed on the bed.

Conrad leaned over and kissed her forehead. "Whose first? you are me for the shower?"

"How about we go together?" Cynthia said

"Sounds good to me!" Conrad winked.

"Second thought, I think I will go first.' Cynthia said. She grabbed shorts and a t shirt, clean panties and went into the bathroom. She was.too tired to draw a bath so a shower would do. She adjusted the water temperature, undressed and stepped in. Awww. She sighed. Closed her eyes and let the water cascade down her. She opened her eyes with a start when she felt sparks and Ruggles on her back.She had not locked the door and Conrad could.not resist the sighs. He crept behind her and began to wash her back. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in close. She laid her head back on his chest and sighed again. "What are you doing?" she asked. "Hmmm...I do love how you smell...how your feel in my arms." they finished their shower,albeit with difficulty as the physical need for one other was palpable. Conrad lifted her upinto his arms and cradled her, smothering her with kisses as he walked tonthe bed. He ge tly laid Cynthia down and stood over her taking I. her beauty. As both were naked, Cynthia also took him in. He was perfect,chiseled and strong. Conrad laid down beside her and nuzzle her sweet spot where he had marked her. Cynthia moaned and a shiver went down her spine. She wanted him despite her exhauation.She knew she needed him. Conrad obliged. Sweet love making insued. When they both came they cuddled up and slept deeply.

Conrad woke before Cynthia. She had truly exhausted herself yesterday. He knew without her being there he would have been dead. She not only saved him but healed him as well. He had never known such an incredibly gifted,caring and powerful being. Simon had mindlinked him all she had done, the elements she controlled and the power she exuded.Conrad smiled at the gorgeous woman in his arms and thanked the Moon Goddess. And yet, there was something in the back of his mind that knew her mere presence here meant dangerous times were coming. His time with the Moon Goddess had made that forebodding a certainty now. "Can I protect her? Am I capable.of being her equal and ruling beside her?" so many doubts and questions ran through his heart and mind. Conrad had never been one to.doubt himself and yet now...he truly was unsure of himself.

Cynthia stirred and rolled to look into Conrad's eyes,"Stop doubting yourself,my dear. The Moon Goddess herself placed us together. She does not make mistakes. We are made for one another. To rule together. To be one another's compliment. One a other half. Stop. I feel your doubt and your concerns. Yesterday I rose up to protect what is mine. That is all. You would and probably will do the same as we continue down this path." she kissed his cheek and squirmedoff the bed. "I have to pee...sorry, love!" Conrad chuckled and grinned at her antics as she disappeared into the on-suite.

"Moon Goddess, I pray she is right! " and he got up to gather his clothes so he could.enter the shower after Cynthia came out.

The two dressed in silence each lost in their own thoughts. Leo and Athena had been quiet since the whole episode took place. Cynthia tried to reach Athena but she was not responding. They walked down the stairs and entered Conrad's office. Tom was waiting for them as was Simon. Conrad let out a sigh mixed with a growl. Cynthia thought it sounded kind of funny, cute and yet intimidating at the same time and tittered. Conrad winked at her. The four sat down on the two couches in the office. Tom stared at Conrad waiting.

"I don't know what to say. I don't know what happened exactly. I don't even know who the hell attacked us.Tbey were organized, Father. Just like before..." Tom's eyes shot open and a growl emanated from his chest.His eyes went vlack...his wolf was at the front. "Father, I know.Calm yourself."

Cynthia squeezed Conrad's hand,"What do you mean?"

Conrad sighed and Tom sat back claws extended but taking deep breaths. "I told you about my mother being killed by rogues.I told you Father went crazy and killed every rogue he found within 200 miles. What I didn't tell you is he never found the rogue responsible for the organized attack. No one knew his name or anything about him. Or they weren't talking even under threat of death. Whoever he or she is must be quiet frightening when an Alpha as powerful as my father could not break them ... death itself did not break them."

"So, you think this attack is connected to then and not because of me?"

Tom spoke, "We don't know. We only know we have to be prepared. They will come again. For certain now that they know you are here, my child. What they do not know if that BOTH of you are now powerful."

Conrad owed his eyes, "I do not feel powerful." This was a very rare moment of vulnerability showing before his Father, his Beta and his wife/mate. Cynthia climbed onto his lap, took his face in her delicate but powerful hands and spoke, "Conrad, my dear, listen carefully to me. YOU are enough. YOU have more power than you even know. We have this! Together we have whatever this is and whatever comes our way. I believe!"

"Listen to her, son. You do. I believe as well." Tom said calmly.

"Alpha, I believe.I saw what Luna did.If you are even half as powerful as she is no one and nothing will win against us."

"Conrad,"Cynthia said, "You are my equal in every way. Believe!" Sparks flew where she touched him and he closed his eyes, leaned down into the place where he marked her and inhaled deeply. He would believe. He had to believe. If what the Moon Goddess told him was the truth and not his imagination, they had to be victorious for the sake of all Supernaturals.