24

Dear Amelia,

I know in my previous letters I told you that some of the things I said would make sense later. I promise, they will. I haven’t forgotten about those details, and I will tell you when we get there. However, right now, that will have to wait. Like I told you before, I am explaining things in the order of my reality, which is wrapped. And I know that probably doesn’t make sense to you at the moment, but trust me, it will. I’ll get there, so please be patient with me. We’re almost there.

I woke up from my much needed nap thinking that I missed the gamma ceremony, but I didn’t. I still had a few hours before it started, and thanks to Devyn and Jordan, I didn’t have to worry about the tasks that kept me up. They finished them for me.

On my way to dinner, I ran into my dad. At the time, I felt like my parents had been MIA for a while. I could always sense them in the tribe, but I never saw them. I could tell by their auras that they weren’t actively trying to avoid me, they were just preoccupied with other things, as was I. But it felt good to finally see him.

They were going to travel to Black Forest with me and Tristan for the ceremony, since they are still technically members of the pack like I am. And my dad told me that they wanted to talk to me after dinner, before we left.

As soon as dinner was over, my parents met me in my office. Jordan and Devyn had cleaned it for me since they are angels. Anyway, my parents dropped the news that I was going to be an older sister. I’m sure you can imagine my surprise. I was already in my mid twenties and a mother myself. But, I was happy for them. And the thought of having a little brother made me happy.

We went to the ceremony where Leon was officially titled gamma. He was a good fit. Leon was a few years younger than me and not originally from Black Forest. He came to the pack when he was in middle school, and he came from a family of gammas. Aside from me and Devyn, he was the best fighter in the school. And I would argue that he is the best fighter in the pack after me and Devyn. Tied with Alex and Sadie.

Amelia, if you’re wondering how I knew so much about Leon without actually formally meeting him, the answer is simple. When I was in school, I used to watch him. And I know you’re probably thinking that I’m creepy and stalkerish, but I had a good reason. Since everyone wanted to challenge me, I had to know what I was up against. It was sort of a way to protect myself.

I’d hide in the shadows and people watch. I’d listen to know who was planning on challenging me during training so I could know how to best prepare. Everyone wanted to challenge me. Everyone wanted to beat me up without getting in trouble. Everyone lost in a one on one fight with me.

But Leon never challenged me. He was never mean to me- I assumed it was because we never ran into each other. Honestly if we did, knowing what I know now, he probably would have tried to befriend me back then, but I didn’t let anyone near me. Except Devyn, if he was ever alone.

Anyway, after the ceremony, I took Tristan home and put him to bed. As soon as I did, Carl linked me. One of his men attacked them. In his report, the one who attacked eyes glowed blue before they were able to subdue him. They suspected Colton influenced him, and I agreed. Especially after what I saw from Jordan’s memories. I told Carl to bring something that belonged to that team member and to meet me in private.

I probably skipped over this detail in the past, I can’t remember, but Sadie was practicing her magic with Farrah at Willow Lake. During her practice, she learned how to make charms to protect against fae magic, or whatever it was Colton was using. If he was involved, then Sadie could absorb the magic and make charms for the rest of the team. She had already done it once for me.

I went back to Black Forest to find Sadie and then left to meet Carl to collect the item. When I went back to Black Forest, I explained the situation and told Sadie I’d heal her fatigue as she made the charms. But I needed more information, so I went back to Carl.

Talking would take too long, and people might be able to hear- although that was the least of my worries. I asked him if it was okay that I looked through his memories. I don’t know if Carl noticed, but when I was looking through his memories, I saw Reese- the man in question- start acting weird after the challenge. I figured that’s when Colton influenced him.

With the information confirmed, I went back to Sadie to help her. Devyn and Leon came in, but I didn’t have time to explain what was going on. As soon as Sadie was done with the charms, I downed a few bags of blood, and then took the charms to Carl.

I had Sadie make a charm for all of them. I briefly explained to Carl the importance of them and to make sure everyone on the team had one, and then sent him on his way. Before he left, he confirmed that Katrina and Ryan were nearby. He wasn’t sure if they were working with Colton already or if they were seeking him out. Either way wasn’t good. And I told him to be careful.

Before I could go back to Black Forest, Claudia showed up.

~ Mom

MJ. B