Chapter 355: _Wouldn’t Do It Alone
"Odessa, are you guys okay?" Caroline chirped worriedly when Kaelos and I came back to Blood Oak the following morning. "It’s all over the news. The attack on the Luminari Coven."
Althea had stayed back in the Luminari to join the other coven leaders in discussing with the council of North American high covens.
While I’d have loved to stay back and argue my ass off with some old scheming witches—that’s a lie, I wouldn’t have—I had hopes that Althea and her charms could win the trust of the witches to our side.
"We’re fine, Car." I smiled, wishing I could hug her as Kaelos and I settled into the seats at the dining table. "Just a little... Riled up actually. There’s been a new change in our war plans."
Her eyebrows furrowed, her eyes flicking from Kaelos and me.
My husband had his eyes glued to his phone, the lines on his forehead telling me that he was seeing something he’d rather not have to.
I glanced at him, placing my hand on his before I continued explaining to Caroline. "We’re taking the war to Ryker. But our major problem is finding his main lair or wherever a psychopathic hybrid like himself could be hiding."
Caroline’s eyes glinted, the silver hue on her ghost body brightening slightly as well.
I arched a brow, curious about what was going on in her mind until Kaelos grunted with frustration.
"The World Alliance Television network is already buying into the propaganda that the continent is going to be dragged into a war like the rest of the world again." He set his phone aside, looking away from it. "I don’t want a war to begin with. If only we could find Ryker’s hideout, stopping him before he pushes this into a war would—"
"There’s an easy way of knowing Ryker’s hideout." Caroline finally spoke up, closing her eyes a bit before she opened them. "I’m... Probably going to regret this."
There indeed was a flicker of regret in her eyes as she placed her translucent hands on the table, leaning against it.
Kaelos and I exchanged glances but didn’t say anything, waiting for her to speak.
And she soon did.
"You literally have one of his closest henchmen in your territory willing to work with you simply to escape him." She blurted like it was obvious.
My brows furrowed at first, but all it took was a few more seconds for me to realise what she was driving at.
Or rather, who.
"Regina." I breathed out, my lips twisting. "That reminds me... She’s still lingering in the pack? Who’s watching her? I don’t trust her one bit even though she says she can’t use her magic anymore."
Caroline pouted her lips. The storm in her eyes showed the internal battle she was having with herself. With her feelings.
"Well, I’ve been watching her these past few days." She smiled wryly but then her eyes lit up quickly with embarrassment. "Not in a creepy stalker way. But... We’ve been talking. And I truly believe she wants to start a new leaf."
Kaelos scoffed, folding his arms in front of his chest. "She sure proved that when she slithered into this pack with the ulterior motive of summoning you."
Caroline shrugged. "A move you all accepted with open arms, remember?"
Kaelos arched a brow while my lips parted slightly at Caroline’s boldness.
But she soon sighed lightly. "My Lord... My point is you had so many chances to bash her head into concrete if you really wanted to. Heck, you could’ve thrown her into the dungeons if you wanted."
Kaelos clicked his tongue, tapping his fingers on his arms. "I’m starting to regret not doing either of those..."
I grabbed Kaelos’ arm, giving him a side eye that basically told him to let her finish.
He glanced at me, his silver eyes softening as his lips finally pressed into a thin line.
"Deep down, you trust that Regina means no known harm." Caroline straightened her standing posture, confidence flowing through her voice now. "Let her prove that to you with this. I’m not saying it should redeem her from all she’s done."
My mind flashed through everything we found out Regina was responsible for when she worked for Ryker.
They weren’t all as diabolical as the things dear old Marcellus did, but they still were sins most would consider unforgivable.
From assisting Celine and Gamma Zane in their attempt to overthrow Kaelos. To was helping Celine make that fake video showing me and Marcellus’ "affair", igniting a chain of events that led to the Charity Ball tragedy.
Heck, I’m pretty sure she tried killing me at the welcoming ball for late Alpha King Leonard.
If there’s anyone who should hold a generational grudge against her, it’s me.
"Caroline is right," I muttered, tightening my grip slightly on Kaelos’ arm. "Regina might be our only shot. As we speak Ryker is encroaching into more packs. We can’t let him gain too much control or the war would be lost before it even begins."
Kaelos let out a slightly shaky breath, not even trying to hide his exhaustion.
His eyes lingered on Caroline, who stood silently, her arms placed in front of her body as she waited.
I knew he was going to give in. And he knew it too.
"Very well." He nodded, leaning back on his seat. "But if this turns out to be a trap from her... Well, obviously you know I’ll kill her on the spot."
Caroline and I shared glances alongside a small smile before we spoke simultaneously. "Fair enough."
Just then, a maid walked into the dining room, her footsteps showing hesitation. She didn’t spot Caroline, as expected, but bowed before Kaelos and me.
"My lord, you have guests." She announced with a serious tone.
Kaelos tilted his head. "Who’s coming to pay a visit in such a time as this?"
I squinted, my ears catching another set of incoming footsteps behind us.
A sweet perfume wafted into the dining room, forcing me to whip my head back to see who it was. When I did, my jaw slacked with shock at the sight of the gorgeous silver-haired lady stepping in.
Luna Queen Janelle.
"I believe now is the perfect time for visits, Alpha King Kaelos." She boomed while Kaelos slowly stood from his seat, seeming as stunned as I was.
Janelle placed her hands on her waist before continuing. "My husband and I promised to have your back in this fight against Ryker. Well, here we are. Our soldiers are waiting outside..."
She smiled slowly when her eyes locked with mine. "I do hope you all have a plan."
Kaelos turned his head to me and I did the same.
Janelle’s face remained composed... Until her eyes flicked to Caroline. Her lips parted with shock, her eyes widening as well.
"Isn’t... Isn’t she supposed to be..." She stuttered, pointing at Caroline while the maid who made the announcement stood awkwardly.
Kaelos waved his hand at the maid to leave, which she did without another second.
"Luna Queen Janelle... Meet Caroline. Again. She’s back as a ghost." He started with a lopsided smile. "And yes, we do have a plan."
Janelle raised a brow, causing Kaelos to part strands of his hair awkwardly.
"Fine... We’re in the process of making a plan."
Janelle nodded slowly, her eyes still lingering on Caroline who just smiled wryly.
After a few seconds or so, the Luna Queen placed her arms beside her body and stepped closer.
"You guys can explain the ghost situation later. Big mama’s back and eager to drive a stake through that devil brother of yours."
My shoulders relaxed as my lips curled into a warm smile.
We were taking this fight to Ryker’s door... And unlike what he’d expect, we wouldn’t be doing it alone.