Going Home

"Well that was unexpected," says Councillor Woodvine. We moved the formal hearing to an office boardroom. We asked Keith to take the kids and warriors to find food in town.

"And GROSS!" says the Witch with black lipstick.

"You didn't know him well enough to think that was unexpected. He was a sleaze. He tried to bed me, saying that his blood was powerful, coming from a long line of werewolves." says the lady vampire.

"Waz eet? Powerful, I mean," asks the green-haired Councillor.

The lady vampire wrinkles her nose, prettily, "It smells like rot, as if he was rotting inside his shell."

"He was without a true mate," my grandmother contributes. "As such, he was getting desperate. His only directive was power. I blame his parents. They both rejected their first mates before they found each other. Conniving, power-hungry beings, they were. Until it killed them."

"A child growing up in that environment learns how to use others only for his or her own benefit, regardless of whom it hurts," I feel the eyes of Councillor Mao on me. I feel his caring.

'Your father was a friend of his from University,' my grandmother mind links me. 'Councillor Mao and I have become... close.' I can almost feel her blush.

Serena sighs, "I have watched as so many of my Children of the Moon become so much lesser than they were. I had hoped that you found a True Mate." She looks at Edward and myself. "I am so happy that you accepted My Guidance toward each other."

"Leo and Natalie are thankful for Your Guidance, too." I look her right in her eyes. "I am so thankful that I have found my family at last. Thank You."

Serena looks at me with tears in her eyes. "I needed that."

Sol steps forward. "You still need protection, my dove. You provide peace to others and that plus your power makes you a target."

"What power?" I ask. I am truly confused.

"When you were presented to the Council for the Heir Naming Ceremony, a drop of your blood lit the Council chamber up like Christmas Town." The witch, Rhonda, had an irreverence that I appreciated more every time she spoke.

"I don't know zis Christmas Town, but eet was quite bright. Eez eet possible you do not know your power?"

"It is more than possible. It is true." Edward puts his arm around my shoulders. "I love this woman, not just because she is my second chance mate, but because of her strength, nobility and humility. She raised a child, kept a roof over their heads, paid bills and kept a vehicle, all by herself." He pauses. "She has given of herself to the world and has asked for nothing in return."

"Yet, she will be asked for more," Sol responds. 'With the death of Councillor Wurtz and the acceptance of Danielle in his place, you have made enemies."

"Not with this Council!" The female vampire speaks. The male vampire hisses menacingly. The two Fae members nod their heads, while Rhonda smokes another cigarillo.

"We must leave," Serena speaks up. "We will be watching." She nods at Sol and He nods back.

"Thank You, again, for everything." I shake Her cool hand and His warm one. "I hope I only see You when You can have a friendly visit." Serena smiles and Sol laughs before taking Their leave.

"Can Danielle come home with us for a week or two?" I ask the Council. "I'm not sure if you celebrate Thanksgiving, but I have a habit of cooking several turkeys with all the fixings." I want to show Madison and Danielle how wonderful true family can be.

"And then, she and her Warrior will move into the Councillor seat," my grandmother is perceptive.

"We will have to provide new servants and have the Councillor's quarters cleaned properly." Councillor Mao's British accent was more pronounced when he was controlling his temper.

"Would you like our help?" I offer before I think... again.

"No, pup. Thank you. Show them your home."

We decide that the girls can be with the Adhara Hill pack for three weeks, as long as they keep up with their education virtually. With a whole pack with doctors and educators included, I think we can manage.

We catch up with the Keith and the kids. Leo and Natalie handed Edward and I each a to-go container with a burger and fries. Leave it to my daughter to find the best burger joint within 50 miles. "So, are my sisters coming home with us?" Natalie asks, expectantly.

"Of course they are," states Edward. "And you are taking them shopping for clothes, shoes and anything else they need."

"Don't forget that Danielle needs some formal wear and business attire. Claudia should go with us." I can't wait to spoil the daughter I never knew and her sister.

....

The men went ahead with most of the Warriors, but Jenny stayed with myself and the girls as we shopped our way home from Arlington. All I can say is thank goodness for this huge SUV. We finally pull up to the pack house at 9 p.m. We agreed to wait for the formal and business attire until we had Claudia's expertise.

Leo waited patiently for Natalie on the porch. Kevin was pacing. Edward mind linked me, telling me that he was in his office with Keith and Claudia, telling them everything that had transpired and asking if I had eaten dinner yet.

'Yes, we've eaten, but we could use some help with the packages. The girls should meet their Aunt Claudia, don't you think?'

....

The next couple weeks were a blur. We helped the girls through the funeral of their master/father. Natalie wasn't worried about her father, since he hadn't been a part of her life, and what she saw was not to her liking. However, he was her blood, and she was there for her sisters.

Claudia helped the girls find their own sense of style. Madison was calm, pretty, country girl. Natalie was accomplished, business woman in jeans. Danielle was pretty, classic feminine skirt and blouse.

Natalie was determined to help her sisters heal. Natalie saw the mate bond grow between Kevin and Madison, and between Jenny and Danielle. Brianna's house was on the market. Brianna and Edward were getting married next month. Natalie couldn't be happier with her friends, family and especially Leo.

Finally, the world was reclaiming its peace.