Stars Above Lonely Nights — Michael Brown novel Chapter 166

Bonus Chapter (Alex & Elder Martin 1)

that’s too much to ask.”

+25 Points

“True” I agree quietly. “If Jax is willing for me to continue working with him closely, then I will. However I will also highlight that my family is my focus. Ophelia and I will be looking into it, and when we think it’s safe to progress we will.”

“Understood” Martin says immediately.

“I believe Nova will be a brilliant Luna Queen” I tell him, turning round and taking a seat once again.

“Without a doubt” he agrees. “Although I do think her being here means that life will not be easy for

a while.”

“Because a Guardian Wolf normally appears in tumultuous times” I say quietly. “They come to help bring peace and rectify wrongs that are made. I’m aware of that.”

“I’ve taken the time to look through the information Elder Johnathon has, there is a lot. In the past there has never been a Guardian Wolf during times of peace, and never more than one at any given time. It is said that only one of their offspring can become a Guardian Wolf, and parents unfortunately die before their pups reach their awakening age. For both Kingsley and Nova to have been around at the same time is both a testament to Kingsleys ability to keep himself alive, and a warning from the Moon Goddess that whatever we have coming is going to be serious.”

“Jax and Nova want pups, what will happen?” I ask in surprise.

“In the past, some only find out they are a Guardian Wolf at the age of their awakening, there was one recorded time that an individual found they were one when they were 39..the day their father passed away. There is no guarantee and no way of knowing if their pups will be a Gaurdian Wolf” he explains. “So I wouldn’t ever stop them from having a pup. I’ve also spoken to Johnathon about Sophie..” he mentions quietly as my brows raise in interest.

“What about her?” I ask in confusion.

“Her birth mark is rare, we have a feeling we know what it is but until she shifts I don’t wish to elaborate. But when the time comes she will be of great help if that is the case, but she also cements my fears that our future is looking rocky” he says gravely.

“I was going to ask her and Luca to take over the Rogue Pack” I mention quietly as I watch his reaction closely. Seeing the corner of his lips quirk up in a small smile, I relax.

“I think that would be a very fitting idea” he praises. “Luca will be a fantastic leader, especially with Sophie by his side to support him. But I don’t like referring to them as the Rogue Pack I have to admit. Not after hearing Kingsleys explanation as to who many of the members are. Laurence has also mentioned the reasoning behind some of the rogue warriors that came here and how they

TUE

20

3/5

5

|||

O

<

< Bonus Chapter (Alex & Elder Martin 1)

+25 Points

became a rogue. Rogues unfortunately have a bit of a history and a negative connotation, and

what Kingsley has achieved is vastly different from leaders of the past.”

“I want to change their pack name, and I believe them being formally recognised by the council will

help” I say quietly. “Then the wanderers as Kingsley called them, will be just that. Wanderers. Ones

with no sense of home or belonging. But I wish for Luca and Sophie to continue offering them a

place to call home, and to continue the oath that all pack members swear to when they join.

It’s..safe.”

“I agree” Martin says with a small smile on his face.

“Will you tell me what you think is coming?” I ask him calmly as I lean back in my chair.

“When I know more, then yes. But until then it’s just a theory” he says quietly, his face serious.

“Perhaps speak to Esmerelda” I suggest.

“I’d rather not” he chuckles, “she will come to me if necessary. Asking her questions will not always bring me answers, I learnt that a long time ago. Sometimes it just brings more questions.”

Chuckling I nod my head as I agree, “it does.”

“I also need to speak to Mila and Alpha Jax” Martin says gloomily. “Bruno wasn’t at his pack and he hasn’t come to the Council buildings yet, I doubt he will be showing.”

Heaving a sigh I rub my temples as concern for my friend rises, “Jaxon won’t be happy.”

“No..he won’t” Martin admits.

“Well good luck with that..” I mutter.

“So you really are ready to step down?” Martin checks as he observes my reaction.’

“I am” I reply with conviction.

“It’s time for a new Alpha King.”

{

20

III O

TUE

4/5

< Laurence’s Question

+25 Points

Laurence’s Question

Nova POV:

“Luna” Laurence says with a bow as he greets us on return. “How are you?”

“Tired” I chuckle, “but I’ll be fine.”

“You look tired” he says quietly before frowning and backtracking. “I mean..I don’t, you don’t..”

“Laurence” I chuckle. “I do, and I don’t mind you stating the obvious. At least you didn’t say I looked

awful” I wink as we walk inside.

“You said my mate looks awful?” Jax growls as he appears by my side.

“NO!” Laurence shouts, his eyes wide with panic. “All I said was she looks tired.”

“Bad thing to say to a she-wolf Laurence” Jax snaps as I look at him in shock.

“Jax! He didn’t insult me, I’m the one that said I was tired and he agreed. My goodness” I exclaim.

I made a joke saying at least he didn’t say I looked awful!”

“Oh” Jax says looking sheepish.

“Protective ass” Laurence mutters as Jax growls lunging for him playfully before we all erupt into

quiet laughter.

”

“Anyway” Laurence starts as reach the office door. “I’ve filed all our daily reports, I’ve checked in on

the wounded who are still hospitalised and I’m pleased to say that in the next 48 hours all will be

returning home. The funerals for the fallen are going to be held tonight, I couldn’t leave it any longer and all families have agreed it is time for the burning to mark the end of mourning.

Everybody will be meeting outside at 8pm, the families all wished to do it once darkness has fallen.

“Thank you Laurence” Jax says with a sad smile. “I’m going to make personal visits this afternoon

to all the families, I will also address the pack about what has happened with Mila. They deserve

an explanation as to why I suddenly departed and will have to tomorrow also. Was everybody ok

with me not being here?”

“They were fine” Laurence says with a shrug. “Of course people wondered where you were, but

both myself and our Luna Mother made it clear you would address the subject on your return and

that it was an urgent matter.”

“And how is my ma?” Jax asks with worry across his handsome face.

With a small frown, Laurence sighs before replying. “On the surface, you would think she is

TUE

20

1/4

|||

O

<

< Laurence’s Question

+25 Points

perfectly normal. But I know for a fact she has been keeping herself extremely busy, I don’t think she has got much sleep recently. I saw her taking a walk in the garden at 2:30am, she looked sad.”

“Oh Amelia” I whisper as concern floods through me. “She’s lost her matebond and her daughter, I imagine she’s feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment.”

“Naomi and Alice have been there with her, they’ve not broached the subject too much but they

have helped her with work” Laurence explains quietly.

“The company will help” Jax says. “I’ll ask her to accompany me this afternoon, perhaps you get

some rest Nova before this evenings burnings?”

“I think I might have to” I frown. “I’m sorry, I wanted to come with you and visit the families.”

“They will want their Luna rested and feeling well” he assures me gently. “You can see them tonight

love.”

“If you’re sure” I whisper, guilt flooding through me..

Seeing Laurence flinch, Jax and I both raise our brows in question. Realising we noticed, he rubs

the back of his neck before chuckling quietly..

“Mindlink from Naomi, I tell you..hormones are no joke” he grimaces.

“How are her and Alice?” I ask.

“Brilliant, pups are growing perfectly and Theo has been busy preparing our baby rooms while we

have time” he smiles.

“Oh I can’t wait to see” I exclaim happily.

“So I see Elder Martin and our Alpha King are still here?” Laurence asks.

“Yes” Jax replies. “Alex and Ophelia will be staying until tomorrow, we can all travel to the Alpha

meeting together that way. Elder Martin will be travelling back tonight, I believe he’s just checking

in with Sophie and organising for her to travel to the White Mountain Pack.”

“Can I just say. They have been extremely helpful and respectful while staying here” Laurence

comments. “They’ve come to some training sessions and actually included a few new methods

which we have never considered, they also were intrigued with our methods of training. They’ve also helped in the kitchens, and on border patrols.”

“They didn’t have to do that” Jax exclaims.

“They weren’t invasive Alpha, they were respectful and just offering their help. They did it before Sophie even suggested it” Laurence shrugs. “They seem to be accustoming to being around other

pack members more.”

TUE

20

2/4

5

|||

O

Laurence’s Question

+25 Points

“Well that’s a good thing” I smile. “I’ll have to find Sophie before she heads back. Is she any closer

to shifting?”

“Her wolf said at the full moon, the power of the moon will help her shift” he excitedly tells us.

“Brilliant” I say in relief as another yawn escapes me.

“Go to bed love” Jax says with a little chuckle. “I’ll come wake you for dinner.”

“Thanks” I whisper as I stand up and quickly drop a kiss on his forehead.