First
First 87

Chapter 87

this really necessary mom? I don’t think I want to do this,” Laila grumbles

She steps out from the front door, chitching her fur jacket with both hands against her neck, seeing nothing but tiny rays of light in the misty

“You’re the one who sent my son on a fool’s errand. If he was here, he would carry you through the hike but am not breaking tradition and endangering my grandchild because of that,” Adaline replies curtly.

Leila doesn’t miss the subtle eye roll Adaline gives to her but she knows she deserves it. It’s been a week since Tatum left in search of Kelvin after further pleas from her and she hasn’t heard from him at all.

No one has.

She didn’t think he would go himself, she was hoping he would at the least delegate the task to a few of his warriors since he was s0 adamant that Kelvin should remain banished.

Her worry for both of them only grows by the day but she has to be hopeful.

She hopes Tatum replaces Kelvin and that they both return home safely. She needs Tatum by her side, she feels incomplete without him and she needs Kelvin safe and sound, he is her safe space, the perfect friend anyone could ever ask for.

“Get that look out of your face Leila,” Adaline pats her thigh when they get into the car. “It is a short climb up the Aragine hill and don’t worry, I called Carmela to assist us.”

Leila’s heart pounds with an intense rage when she hears Carmela’s name, every cell in her body reacts in the same exact way, making her

1

kits of the lord Oak Selene gave birth to the

and became the moon

seket a Lond’s prammancy, she and

gine hill off prayers, say

nd it must be done on this specific day

assist us instead, three women making

mey is not the best” Leila replies, not hiding her frown.

should be grateful she agreed to come, despite how rude you are

is the phoenix Luna, her presence there will bring good

Bidings to the baby.” Adaline replies in a serious tone

knows better than to disagree with Adaline over Carmela but she is

saline would rather believe that the moon shines during the day than believe Carmela is an evil scheming monster.

The only thing Carmela will bring to her and her baby is harm.

This is another reason why she needs Kelvin to be safe, they need to expose Carmela as soon as possible,

She quickly brings out her phone and texts Amanda.

Still paranoid, she texts Curtis the same text, informing them of her destination and who she is going with in case anything happens.

1 hope I’m not late,” Carmela steps into the front seat of the car. She turns and looks at Leila with one of her signature coy smiles and Leila looks away, feeling a bitter swirl in her heart.

OR INLE

Adaline pinches Leila subtly and raises a brow at her but Leila doesn’t cave in. She knows the only reason Adaline is somewhat polite and courteous towards her is because of the baby.

She’s sure that after she gives birth, Adaline will actively resume her pursuit in making Carmela the Luna of the pack.

You’re right on time Carmi,” Adaline replies, smiling back at Carmela who turns forward and a sinister smile splays her lips.

If everything goes according to plan, Leila will no longer remain as Luna and she can finally have Tatum to herself.

A few hours later, as dawn begins to clear into a brighter morning, their car stops at the foot of the hill.

“Wait here and be vigilant,” Adaline says to the driver and the three step out of the car.

“Leila, let me help you with your bag,” Carmela offers, smiling at Leila as Adaline talks to the driver.

Leila holds her bag firmly, leaning close to Carmela, away from Adaline’s hearing as she whispers

“Why don’t you just drop the act and tell me exactly what you’re doing here?*

Carmela pulls away and smiles sinisterly at Leila.

“We’re all here for the same thing, all three of us, for the greater good of the Blood Oak pack.”

Leila squints at Carmela, catching her undertone, whatever greater good Carmela is talking about will definitely not be good.