So, that’s what I did. After putting on a fresh outfit, I followed him to the base of the tree. There, he told me to close my eyes. I really didn’t think it was an appropriate time for surprises but he insisted that it was necessary. “Fine,” I conceded. He waited until my eyes were closed, before taking me by the shoulders and guiding me in the right direction.
There was a strange noise floating through the air. I couldn’t quite tell what it was but it sounded like a hum of sorts — perhaps cicadas in the distance?
“Okay, you can open your eyes now.”
As soon as I did so, I saw the entire pack sitting in a prayer circle. There was a giant fire in the middle of that circle but the flames were not red or orange but a deep emerald green. “What’s going on?”
“They heard about Landon and they decided that this would be the best way to help him. Everyone is really hoping for his full recovery.”
I was touched that everyone cared so much.
“And why is the fire green exactly?”
“Something to do with healing herbs. I didn’t ask for the scientific explanation.”
Fiona got up and approached us. She held a bouquet of flowers in her hands. “On behalf of Gerald’s ex-pack, we all want to thank Landon for the sacrifices he made in order to free us from the clutches of that horrible man. We are eternally grateful and will remain forever faithful to all three of you.”
I took the bouquet but I couldn’t think of what to say.
“Thank you.” Roman nodded his head. “That is very kind of you, Fiona.”
She returned to her spot and joined the prayer that seemed to be getting louder and louder. With this many people believing in Landon’s ability to get better, I had no doubt that it would happen.
All I could do was wait and have faith in the man that I loved.
Chapter 29: Roman
It was the middle of the night and I could not sleep. Seeing that Jayden was also awake, I took him out of his crib and brought him outside with me.
Even after two weeks, he was still such a tiny, little thing. Yes, he had grown but not very much. Cynthia kept assuring us that he had a future of strength but apparently that strength didn’t come with height. “You’re going to be a little shortie just like your mother,” I teased.
I bopped him on the nose and he laughed, trying to grab my hand.
“But you’ll definitely be a fast one.”
Overhead, the stars were bright and the moon was making its full appearance. The healthiest of the pack had gone out for a midnight kill. I would have joined them but it didn’t feel right for me to leave my family behind. They needed my support and I couldn’t provide tha
t support while hunting stags.
Those who had been left behind were performing household duties. Some women were busy making jerky while others were mending clothing by the fire.
I walked around and greeted some of the members. It felt surreal to know that I was in charge of such a large group of shifters. They all depended on me but, without Landon, I felt useless. He was my partner in crime and I needed him.
“Hey!” Fiona spotted me and flagged me down with a wave of her arm. “What are you doing out here with the baby without a blanket? He could catch a cold.”
“Oh, I hadn’t thought about that. I’m kind of new to this whole fatherhood thing.”
She ducked inside her hut and retrieved a blanket. “Here, I made it for my child a long time ago but I think you should have it.”
“Wait, you have a child?”
“Almost,” she answered. “But I would rather not talk about it.”
I nodded. “I understand, but if you ever need someone, I’ll be more than happy to listen.”
She smiled. “You’re going to be a good leader.”
“I can only hope so.”