Revolting

"They are coming."

There was a buzz of excitement in the pack house as William got the link from the guards at the border that Eudora had arrived at Rebel Moon.

Michael stood on the porch with Hannah tucked under his arm and watched the young female alpha alight from an expensive model SUV. At first glance she seemed quite ordinary. She was small and curvy, with long brown hair that she had twisted carelessly on top of her head. Her face was bare of any make-up, but she had the kind of natural beauty that needed no ornamentation. As soon as she slid out from the car, her mate was immediately at her back.

Jericho Carrole was no joke. He was almost as large as Michael, and twice as dangerous. Everyone knew that he was a retired hitman, one of the infamous "King's Assassins." His piercing silver gray eyes swept the yard, taking in every detail. To Eudora's left stood her beta, a tall, lean black man with a shaved head. And to her right was her personal bodyguard, a tall, muscular woman with short spiky red hair. Last, but certainly not least, a small toddler was riding on Eudora's hip. The baby was wearing over-all's and a sky-blue shirt.

"Uh-oh," Shane said under his breath, so that only those closest to him could hear. "She brought the baby."

Nina jabbed her mate with her elbow. "That's why we put plexiglass windows in the nursery." she hissed. "Besides, Raine loves her to pieces."

The group from Black Crow approached. The men exchanged handshakes, and Nina and Eudora gave each-other a friendly hug. When Nina pressed her body against Eudora's she gave a surprised gasp and leaned back. "Oh! Are you expecting another one?"

Eudora smiled and placed a hand over the barely-there baby-bump. "We are."

The baby had been set down on the porch, and Nina crouched down, "Hey there Victoria! I didn't know you were coming today. Raine is going to be so excited."

The child stared back at her with knowing silver-grey eyes. She nodded solemnly and extended her hand. Nina took her small hand. "Why don't we go inside and get comfortable? Then we'll make introductions."

Everyone moved off the porch and into the sitting room. Raine came running from the back, her hair flying everywhere and launched herself at the other baby. "Toria!" she cried happily. Victoria's solemn face lit up and they embraced each other passionately. The moment their two little bodies connected, a weird surge of power went through the room. Everyone felt it, and the glass rattled in the old-fashioned windowpanes.

William stepped forward quickly. "Why don't I take them down to the nursery?" he suggested helpfully. Eudora nodded her consent and William proceeded to usher the happy girls down the hall to the nursery room, which had been somewhat supernatural-baby-proofed. When the two little girls were together, their powers seemed to be amplified.

"Okay," Nina turned to her visitors, once the girls were taken care of. "Alpha Eudora, I think you are acquainted with Michael Bishop."

Eudora slipped forward and extended her small hand toward Michael. "Yes, I remember you, Michael. It's good to see you again."

Michael took her hand politely and was surprised by the firmness and the strength of her grip. She held his hand for a moment too long, and it seemed like her hand was growing unnaturally hot in his. She let him go and looked back at her husband, who was still hovering behind her protectively. "It's not him."

"Pardon?" Michael growled.

Eudora looked at him mildly. "The trees have been unsettled. But it's not you. Please introduce me to your mate."

Michael pulled Hannah forward. She'd become shy and wary once the strangers arrived and was half hidden behind Michael's bulk.

"This is Hannah." Michael said quietly. "Hannah... this is Alpha Eudora. A... friend." He said the word, but he wasn't entirely sure if Eudora was a friend, or if she was trustworthy.

"So, this is the one," Eudora said, glancing Hannah up and down. She extended both hands, palm facing up, and waited. Hannah only blinked in confusion.

"Hannah... it's okay. She wants to help you." Michael took Hannah's hand and extended it towards Eudora's hands. Hannah resisted slightly but allowed Michael to put her palm into Eudora's.

Eudora gave Hannah an encouraging smile, and Hannah relaxed some. Eudora sandwiched Hannah's hand between both of hers and closed her eyes. Everyone collectively held their breath, waiting for something dramatic and miraculous to happen. Time ticked by slowly. After about two minutes Eudora opened her eyes and shook her head.

If you're loving the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! "There's nothing I can heal here, because nothing is wrong."

"But--" Michael sputtered, his face crumpled in disappointment.

Eudora shook her head and gave him a soft, sympathetic look. "I can heal an injury; I can stop a sickness or a disease. But she is not sick, Michael. In fact, she's very, very healthy." Eudora lifted her hand and stroked it down the scarred side of Hannah's face. Hannah allowed her, and even seemed a bit in awe of the other woman. "Her scars are healed. She's just perfect." Hannah grinned at her, and Eudora smiled back before she removed her hands. She patted Michael's muscular forearm. "Don't worry."

"The other alphas are arriving," Shane announced.

Hannah, seeming to sense Michael's rising anxiety, put her arms around his waist and pressed herself against his body. This was going to be the day of reckoning for Michael.

Eudora retreated back into the protective circle of her husband, her bodyguard, and her beta. Shane led the group out of the sitting room into the newly remodeled conference room. It wasn't as big or as modern as the conference room at Black Crow, but they had managed to make a professional meeting space by knocking down a wall between two smaller rooms. The walls had been painted a muted slate green, and a long conference table had been arranged in the middle of the new room, with chairs all around. The table could comfortably seat twenty. One by one, Alphas from the local packs arrived, seven more in total. They took a seat at the long table, and the kitchen staff from Rebel Moon graciously offered them coffee and cookies.

All of the Alphas were stone-faced. None of them greeted Michael or even gave him a glance at the place where he stood in the corner, clinging tightly to Hannah for strength and calm. When everyone was seated, Eudora took the lead. "Let's begin."