Chapter 2 - The Before

  ***Flashback of Kiera POV***

  The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the forest. Kiera walked alongside the small riverbed in their territory, allowing her bare feet to brush over the soft mossy earth. She would often do this when Leo was busy with work. The air here was always cool, fragrant with the scent of pine and fresh leaves. Life was simple, and though it wasn't always peaceful, it was home.

  Our home.

  The sound of mixed laughter coming from the pack's central clearing broke her from her day dreams. The commotion meant that is was almost super time, this is were all the pack gathered to discuss the gossip of the day, to drink and dine, and listen to music.

  Kiera smiled to herself, picking up her pace. She knew Leo would be there, leaning against the large oak tree that was the heart of there little city. He always greeted her with that lazy grin of his, the same grin that had melted her heart the first time she’d seen him. He was always so relaxed, so at ease in the world, as though nothing could touch him.

  As she neared the clearing, she heard his voice—loud and timbre—mixing with the sound of his brother, James.

  "You’re running out of time, Leo," James said with mock severity. "The Alpha and his mate need to start thinking about the future of our pack. You two aren't getting any younger, you know."

  Kiera snorted as she stepped into view, catching sight of the two men sitting in the clearing, their backs leaning against the massive oak tree that had been their meeting place for years. Leo, ever the jokester, grinned up at her as if he had known she was coming.

  He always knew.

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  "We have been talking about it," Leo said, his eyes glinting mischievously. "Just waiting for the right time."

  "Oh? And when might that be?" James asked, raising an eyebrow as he crossed his arms over his chest.

  Kiera shook her head, unable to hide her smile as she dropped down beside Leo, resting her head on his shoulder. "I've already told him I am ready, he is the one that is nervous!"

  "Hey! That's not true," Leo echoed, his voice light with amusement. "I just want to make sure everything is perfect and that you both will be safe and cared for if anything were to happen."

  Kiera laughed softly, wrapping her arms under his, around his waist and giving him a tight squeeze. "I know that no matter what, I am in good hands."

  James gave a resigned sigh, but there was a softness in his eyes that betrayed his true feelings. "You two are hopeless. You know that, right? Anyways, how is your father and little brother doing back east?"

  Before Kiera could respond, a rustling sound interrupted their moment. A young pack member emerged from the trees, his expression urgent. He barely paused giving the expected bow before speaking to Leo.

  "Alpha, there’s word from the border. The humans are on edge. Tensions are rising. They want to meet with you—about the vampires and our Fae neighbors along the border. They even brought there military leaders this time."

  Leo straightened immediately, his playful demeanor replaced by the seriousness of his role as Alpha. "I see." He glanced at Kiera, then at James, his tone shifting to one of concern. "James I need you with me at this meeting for Kiera's protection, and back up."

  Leo gave a resigned sigh and stood up with Kiera right on his tail. "I hate to bring you with me to these meetings knowing what they are about, but I would never exclude you, you are our peoples Luna no matter if you are wolf or not. I’m doing my best to avoid war, but you know how it is. The humans are getting more anxious, and divided in there opinions about who we are and if we are a harm to them." He leans over and kisses me on my forehead, "I love you mate."

  "I love you too mate."

  The words were heavy, hanging in the air like a storm on the horizon. Kiera wanted to unload the crashing waves of emotions in her heart, but her face held strong, and her mouth remained shut.

  The humans had always feared the supernatural, but now their fear was starting to boil over into something darker.

  The peace they had known felt fragile, like glass about to shatter, and a part of her wondered if they really were as safe as they thought. The humans were growing restless, and there was a storm brewing—a storm they couldn’t control.