“I will do the same, we can meet back here tomorrow at ten to discuss a training schedule. Any of my pack joining the search party will be brought up to speed as soon as they return.” Davina nods and thanks both Creed and Cairo before turning to address the room.
“I know this is going to take a lot of getting used to, but if we all work hard it will happen. We cannot go after the council and all the packs around the world halfcocked, we need to be ready and smart about this or we will all end up joining our loved ones earlier than we had planned.” I zone out after that my mind can’t get passed what Michael had said, why has Davina waited all this time. It’s not like we have thousands of pack members here with us, we would be lucky if we had 300. Davina is hiding something from us, and I want to know what it is, she is preaching for us to amalgamate, but if we can’t trust her then what is the point?
Chapter Nineteen
Jessica
I lay next to Creed unable to sleep, when we got home everyone was wiped out from the meeting, so we decided to regroup in the morning. I roll over and stare at him, he looks so peaceful and relaxed when he sleeps. Feeling rather parched I decide to get up and get a drink of water, stepping as quietly as I can so not to wake Creed or Harlem. I sigh in relief when I exit the room without waking them. I tip toe down the stairs and head to the kitchen, I grit my teeth to stop the squeal that wants to break free when I spot Ro and Z sitting on the stools in the dark, both their gazes turn to me.
“Couldn’t sleep either?” I shake my head and grab a glass then fill it from the tap, I drain the entire cup before answering my brother.
“Too much crap on my mind.” He nods stoically but doesn’t say anything.
“I trust Shelley, but I feel like we are missing something, I spoke to Dela on the way back here and he thinks the same.”
“What do you mean?” Z turns to Ro as he answers.
“Davina is hiding something from us and it’s something big. She refused to tell Cole why the council is after them and she won’t let Shelley or Dela know what it is.”
“I agree, but why hasn’t she attacked the council either? She has the numbers from what Creed has told me and it’s not like we exactly have a large amount of shifters to contribute.” I say.
“I thought the same thing. It doesn’t add up, we need to find out what the council is up to, if Jess is to take over being alpha of the Michelson and Reeves packs.” I drop my head and release a long sigh.
“I know you’re right Ro, but I think there is more to this than meets the eye.”
“What do you mean Jess?”
“What I mean Z is that this is bigger than me becoming alpha. I will gladly accept the role if it meant the council and Jacob would back off and let us go home, but I don’t see that happening. I also don’t believe this whole big war thing is over me being alpha, I think it has something to do with Davina and we are all just pawns in this big game of chess.” Zeke and Cairo remain silent for a while mulling over my words. I truly believe what I just said is the truth, if it’s all about me becoming alpha, then the task should be an easy fix. But they won’t, because they are after something. “We need to find out what it is that our dad told our mom, Davina said she was the only one dad confided in. If that is true and she did flee, her reasons for leaving us might just be acceptable.”
“Jess I… Shit, you might just be right. I think we need to speak to Davina.” I cringe.
“Creed wants me to stay away from her, he thinks she will corrupt me, or brain wash me.” Both Z and Ro chuckle as they shake their heads.
“He’s asleep, right?”
“Uh yeah, why?” The twinkle in my brothers’ eyes has me groaning internally.
“Well, there is no time like the present. Let’s go pay Davina a visit.” I gasp.
“You’re joking right?” Ro smiles and shakes his head. I motion with my hand gripping my singlet and sleep shorts. Z snorts and then stands; he exits the room and I stare at Ro who just shrugs his shoulders and heads toward the door. Z comes back to the kitchen a minute later and chucks a large hoodie at me.
“Put it on, it will cover your sleep wear.” I nod and thank him as I slip his hoodie on and follow the boys out the door, I just hope Creed doesn’t find out about this visit.
We all remain quiet on the walk to Davina’s house; you can hear voices and laughter in the distance at the same time still and quiet. This island is a hidden paradise and so beautiful, I think I might take Harlem exploring tomorrow while Creed and the others gather for the training program. As the gates to Davina’s house come into view, my heart begins to gallop at a thousand miles an hour, a part of me feels like I am betraying Creed by doing this. Before Z can even push the button for the intercom the gates open, we all share a look but remain silent and continue trekking up the drive. We make our way around the back; we see a light flicker on and the sound of the ranch slider opening lets us know someone is awaiting our presence. When we enter the back gate, I’m shocked to see both Davina and Shelley standing there. I look to Shelley, and she gives a subtle shake of her head, what the hell is going?
“What brings the three of you here at this time of night?” None of us answer, Zeke pulls out a chair and drops down into it, he motions for Ro and I to do the same. Davina releases an irritated sigh and takes a chair opposite us, Shelley claims the seat in front of me. Her attire is the same as earlier, but Davina is in a silk black robe and her long brown hair hangs loose down her back. I’m woman enough to admit that Davina is stunning, to no surprise though, her genetics were passed down to her children.
“We have questions.”
“Then ask what you want to know alpha Cairo.”
“I’m not an alpha.” Davina cocks her head to side and eyes Ro.
“But you have a pack that follows and answers to you, do you not?”
“I am not their alpha; I’m not one to rule over people. Everyone is entitled to do and live as they please. They have a choice, and if that choice is to stand against the council, then I will stand with them. I’m not like your son.” Davina purses her lips and then steeples her hands resting her chin on top of them.
“I see. You are a better man than most of the shifter men I know Cairo, now what is it that you came here to ask.” I quickly intervene.