“She’s not wrong,” Sally said. She sat on the floor with her back against a couch in between her mate’s legs. Costin sat on the couch behind her, looking as content as a fat cat, running his fingers through her hair. Titus had his head in Sally’s lap, and, like the other kids, he was sleeping soundly.

  “Are we going to address all the elephants in the room?” Adam asked. “Or just do our usual character-bashing banter?”

  Crina sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Really, dude. You had to go there?”

  “It’s my job to rock the boat, babe.” Adam winked at her.

  “I’ve spoken to Drayden.” Fane spoke up, and the mood of the room changed abruptly. Peri tensed as she waited for him to continue. “He said Nick and Kara are good. But they need some time before seeing people.”

  “Understandable,” Peri said. “They’ve been through hell.”

  Nods went around the room. Peri’s eyes fell on Sally, who wiped a tear from her eye. She hadn’t taken the news well when Jacque had explained what had happened. Jen had, predictably, requested to go vamp hunting so she could decapitate something. Peri was beginning to wonder if they might need to consider an intervention. Jen’s fascination with decapitations was getting out of hand. That or they could just get her a T-shirt deeming her the queen of hearts.

  “What about Skender?” Jen asked, her voice filled with venom.

  “Jennifer,” Decebel rumbled as he patted Thia’s bottom. She was slung over his shoulder, gripping a sippy cup but sound asleep.

  “What? Adam asked about the elephants in the room. He is one big ass elephant. Let’s discuss.”

  Peri saw Fane’s eyes meet Costin, and his third in charge gave the alpha a sharp nod. “He and his mate and son will stay with Lilly at the warlock mountain. For now,” Fane said with a finality that made it clear there would be no further discussion concerning the prodigal pack member.

  “Oookay,” Jen said, drawing the word out. “Onto the next big-eared, long-trunked being. Peri-fairy.”

  “Bloody hell.” Zara sighed. “For you, Jen, I threatened to gut a djinn warrior, who, by the way, could kill me with her pinky. Could we just let the elephants lie for now?”

  Peri smothered the grin that threatened to stretch across her face. It seemed Zara had grown into herself and her place while Peri had been gone. It looked good on her.

  “You better be glad I like you, Z,” Jen grumbled. “You’re getting as mouthy as I am.” She sighed. “Who am I kidding? I’m dang proud of you. So threaten away, my little protégé.”

  “Peri.” Fane turned to look at her over Jacque’s shoulder. “How are the healers?”

  Peri thought back to the conversation she’d had with the four girls after they’d burned Ludcarab’s castle to the ground. Sharing what their sister had been through was one of the most difficult things she’d ever done. They wanted to see Kara so badly, but it wasn’t her choice to make. “They’re hurting. Those girls are as close as these three musketeers.” She motioned to Jen, Jacque, and Sally. “It’s going to take time.”

  “On a cheerful note,” Jen said, “Bethany and Titus’s future baby momma are doing great.”

  Sally raised a brow at her blonde friend. “You really want to go there, Virginia? Because from what I hear, your daughter’s baby daddy is T-eerrific.”

  Jen laughed. “That was a terrible comeback. But also kind of genius with the whole T thing. What is with the T names? But seriously”—her smile fell, and she pointed a finger at Sally—“do not bring up he-who-must-not-be-named.”

  “I have to agree with my mate,” Decebel spoke up, looking thoroughly annoyed. “She wasn’t supposed to meet her mate for a couple of centuries.”

  Chuckles broke out around the room. Peri had to admit it was hilarious to see how much Decebel was bothered by the news of Torion and the prophecy that the boy would one day be his son-in-law. Peri had already decided she would be Torion’s ally. He was going to need it to deal with his future in-laws. And it was going to be a blast to teach him the many varied ways to annoy Jen.

  The room grew quiet as everyone seemed to sink into their own thoughts. None of them appeared ready to call it a night. Maybe, like Peri, they needed the comfort of just being in the same room. Words weren’t needed. Just the mere presence of the people she loved was enough to help Peri cope with all they’d been through.

  The silence was broken by a knock on the door.

  “Don’t answer it,” Jen said. “Let’s just pretend all is right in the world and we’re a normal group of couples with normal problems, like who’s going to be DD for the night.”

  Lucian released Peri’s waist and walked over to the door. He glanced at Fane, and their alpha nodded. Her mate pulled the door open, and everyone suddenly became alert.

  She saw Fane stand and set Jacque down on the couch next to Slate. “Boain?” He stepped toward the male who’d been missing for a very long time. Though she’d heard he’d shown up at the challenges for Fane’s position, their former pack mate had then disappeared again.

  “Where have you been?” Fane asked.

  “I found my mate.” Boain dropped his eyes. “She was among the rogues. But that’s not why I’m here.”

  Fane crossed his arms in front of his chest and tilted his head.

  “After the challenges, I left with my mate.”

  “Why?” Fane’s eyes narrowed.

  “Because Vasile sent me out as a scout after he found out the vampires were rising again. But while I was on that mission, I found Lorna, my female. She didn’t want to remain with the rogues. Her parents had forced her to stay. Even if she had left, as a lone female wolf, unmated, without a pack, she wouldn’t have been safe. But once we bonded, she had a choice. She chose me, and we’ve been tracking Order members, mostly vampires.” He paused and shifted on his feet. Peri imagined if his mate wasn’t here with him, then she was somewhere close, and he was antsy to get back to her. “We tracked one to Wyoming. We found Alston.”

  “I told you not to answer the door,” Jen sang out. “But I’ll forgive you.” She rolled off the love seat onto her feet and stealthily pulled two daggers from sheaths on both legs. She spun them expertly in her hands and grinned. “Because now it’s my turn to chop someone up.”

  “Decebel,” Fane said, not taking his eyes off Boain. “Take the knives from your mate.”

  “On it,” Decebel answered.

  “You’re not staying, are you?” Fane asked.

  Boain shook his head. “I’m a good hunter, Fane. And Lorna, she’s not had the best experience when it comes to a pack. I think we can still help, but we need to be on our own.”

  Fane held out his hand to the other wolf, and Boain clasped the alpha’s forearm. “If you need us, you call.”

  Boain nodded. “I offer the same. Look for Alston in the Black Hills mountain range.” Then he turned and left, shutting the door behind him.

  Peri felt her power rising as the information Boain had just delivered sank in. They knew where Alston was. The hunt was back on. “I say let her keep her blades.” Peri snapped her fingers and her robes disappeared, replaced by black cargo pants and a black shirt. She pulled her long hair up and tied it into a ponytail. Then she smiled at Jen. “I figure we can do a lot of bonding on a road trip.”

  Jen’s lips pursed. “I’m with you on letting me keep my blades. But you can flash. We don’t need a road trip.”

  “I didn’t say it would be a long road trip. Consider it like speed dating. But speed reconciliation instead.”

  “If it means I get to take out some Order members, consider us good. You messed up. You know you acted like a jackass. We’ll pretend you’ve groveled and, boom, all is right in the realm of the vaginas.”

  “Raise your hand if you knew that somewhere in that statement she was bound to work that word in,” Jacque said as she raised her hand.

  Jen gave it a high five. “Don’t be jealous, Red. Even if you have to be all responsible and proper as the she-alpha, your membership in The Vagina Society hasn’t been revoked.”

  “Make her stop.” Wadim buried his face in Zara’s neck, though laughter filled his voice.

  “For tonight,” Fane said, grabbing everyone’s attention, “we will set the blades aside, sheath the claws, and be thankful that we have another day to fight. Tonight is for the pack. Tonight is to celebrate those who were lost and have been found. Tonight is to lift up Kara for her bravery and what she endured. One more of our enemies has fallen. Tonight we offer thanks to the Great Luna.”

  Their collective voices agreed with their alpha as Peri used her magic to put a drink in everyone’s hand. Fane lifted his glass, and they joined him. “For Nick, for Kara, and for Peri. For Tenia, Torion, and even Skender. And as always, for the pack,” Fane called.

  “For the pack,” they said as one.

  * * *

  Peri watched as the mood of the room returned to its former lighthearted state. Fane sat back down, and Jacque resumed her spot in his lap. Jen draped herself on the love seat, her head lying on the side closest to Decebel, who stared down at her with ridiculous adoration. She saw Sally rub her stomach with one hand and lay her other on Titus’s back. Costin leaned over to lay his hand on hers. Wadim’s fingers ran absently through Zara’s long hair as he talked with Adam, and Crina leaned against Adam with a contented look in her eyes as she, too, seemed to soak in the momentary respite.

  There was still so much to do and figure out. Peri still didn’t know what Serapha meant with her veiled information about how the draheim was connected to Peri’s life. They didn’t know if Cain was with Alston, or if he’d gone off on his own to build a vampire army, or even how many Order members were still left. They didn’t know what would happen with Skender, and Peri had a new perspective after what she’d learned. But she didn’t know if it would change anyone else’s mind. The other healers were hurting and wouldn’t be able to heal until they could see Kara, and Peri didn’t know when Nick’s mate would be ready for that.

  Lucian took her waist and turned her to face him. He lifted her chin to look up at him, and even after all she’d said, he still looked at her as he always had, like she was a miracle he didn’t deserve.

  “Let it lie for tonight, mate. Be here with me. Be present in the now because we aren’t promised more.”

  So, for once, she listened to her mate and followed his lead. He kissed her and then led her over to an empty seat on one of the couches. Lucian pulled her down into his lap, and she settled against him. Her eyes met Jacque’s, who was across from her. Peri felt warmth flow into her and knew it was Jacque sending love through the pack bond. “You’re where you belong,” the alpha female’s voice said quietly in her mind. Peri nodded. “I’m home.”

  * * *

  To be continued…

  * * *

  Thank you so much for taking time to read The Hunt Begins. I truly hope you enjoyed it. If you did, I would be so appreciative if you took time to leave a review. Thank you again!

  Acknowledgments

  As with every book I write, I have to give glory to God first and foremost. He has loved me with an everlasting love. He forgives me even though I am not worthy of that forgiveness. And he has blessed me beyond measure, not just with all that I have, but because of the gift he gave me when Christ died on the cross for my sin. He is the ultimate Creator, the author and perfecter of my faith.

  Thank you to my soul mate, and best friend. We’ve been on this journey for 22 years and you have supported me through all of my crazy endeavors. You never once said you didn’t think I could do it. You never once discouraged me. Thank you, Bo, for choosing this life with me.

  Thank you to my boys. They give me grace when I am snappy because of stress. They hug me when I need it. They tell me I’m a great mom even though I feel like I’m screwing it up all of the time. I love you all so very much.

  Thank you to Jessica. I’ve said it many times over the past 7 years of our friendship, and I’ll say it again. You’re an invaluable part of my writing process. Thank you for being a sounding board. Thank you for taking your time to read through my books and help me see things that the readers will that I cannot. I am blessed to have you in my life.

  Thank you to Lindsey. God knew that we would one day be friends and he knew that we would be kindred spirits. You are such an encouragement to me and I know you don’t realize it. Thank you for all the funny texts that get me through tough days. And all the amazing food you feed me.

  Thank you to Amy. You’re an amazing beta reader, and I am so thankful that you care so much about these characters that you’re willing to read through each book multiple times to help me find errors, continuity issues, and character descriptions…that are in fact not anywhere to be found because I forget to describe characters all the time. Thank you for your patience with me.

  And thank you to the readers. Thank you to the wolf pack. Thank you to the ladies who constantly encourage me, pray for me and my family, send me cards, letters and gifts. It never ceases to amaze me that you all care so much about my books and about my family. You are the reason Bo and I are able to do what we do. There aren’t enough ‘thank you’s’ to say for all you guys have done for me.

  About the Author

  Quinn Loftis is a multi-award-winning author of over thirty five novels, including the USA Today Bestseller, Fate and Fury. When she isn’t creating exciting worlds filled with romantic werewolves, she exercises, reads, and crafts like there’s no tomorrow. She is blessed to be married to her best friend for over twenty years and they have three sons, a crazy French bulldog, and a cat that wants to take over the world.

  Quinn’s Bookshelf

  The Grey Wolves Series

  The Gypsy Healer Series

  The Elfin Series

  The Dream Maker Series

  The Clan Hakon Series

  Nature Hunters Academy

  Sign up for Quinn’s newsletter here:

  You can also find Quinn writing contemporary romances as her alter ego, Alyson Drake.

  https://www.quinnloftisbooks.com/alysondrake

 

 

  Quinn Loftis, The Hunt Begins

 

 

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