Filed To Story: Sorry Alpha I Am Wolfless Novel
“Knew what?” I demanded of him.
“The number nineteen, while having so many important signifiers in numerology, is a number very prominent for the moon goddess. As you know there are several Gods and Goddesses that we supernaturals worship, a different one for each of us. Shifters, of all types, worship the Celtic Goddess Nehalennia. She was said to have a fondness for the number nineteen and would have that number around her in some way. Nineteen pieces of fruit in her basket, nineteen wolves following her. Whatever the reason, nineteen is indeed a number to be associated with your moon goddess. And that you would wait to have your shift until you were nineteen means that you are destined to be special. Goddess touched as they might say.”
Noah and I both looked at my Little Bunny, identical looks of worry on our faces. Dietrich was not the only person to say that Riviana was marked by the Goddess.
“Rest assured, Joaquin, I will make sure I help you find Gannon, no matter what.”
“Good, then we will be able to rescue the children.”
“What children?”
“Edmond orchestrated the kidnapping of eight children from the city, three of them cubs from the pack.” Otsana told him, finally adding something to the conversation after watching on completely enraptured by everything being said.
“Only eight? You’re sure.”
“Only eight from here, we haven’t been informed of any others yet.” I told him.
“Though I have a feeling he wants, or needs, four more before he can do whatever it is he has planned.” Little Bunny told the whole room.
“I believe you are right, Riviana.” Dietrich frowned, a line of worry and anger between his brow, it was the first wrinkle I had seen appear on his face. “We truly must work hard to find them. I will not leave until I help you bring those children home.”
**
Riviana
**
Dietrich decided to settle in at the estate. He said it was so he could talk to us about the case easier, but I know it was so he could be closer to Shawn, who would be working in the house most days. He also planned to help me find someone who would help me to develop my magic. I had to admit, having Dietrich around would be pretty nice. And I think Shawn will come around to having his new mate, eventually.
The day after Dietrich’s arrival, there was a surprise visit from my last wedding planning crew member, and her parents of course. It was just after lunch that our newest visitors had arrived. We weren’t expecting them, and somehow they managed to get all the way to our door without so much as a phone call from the guards. I had a feeling Noah had a hand in it, as he was conveniently absent today for an appointment with Nikki with the pack doctors.
Noah was due back later this afternoon with Carter, the tailor was coming to measure everyone, except Riley, for their suits for the wedding. Uncle Wesley and Grandfather would be here as well. And Vincent would already be here on guard duty. Everything would work out well.
But, then Emmalee showed up with Bryce and Bree. I was happy to see Emmalee. I knew she would be a valuable asset for planning the wedding, and I was genuinely grateful to have her around. When Joaquin and I went to the hall to answer the door, I had never expected the blonde bundle of energy to explode into the room.
“Riviana!” Emmalee ran to me as soon as the door was open, before we even had a chance to welcome the guests to our home. “I’m so happy for you.” She threw her arms around me, excitement and true happiness showing on her face.
“Emmalee, it’s great to see you.” I hugged her back.
“Emmalee, give the woman a chance to breathe.” Bryce scolded her from the doorway. “I’m sorry Joaquin, my boy, I never can control that girl.”
“No worries Bryce, it’s fine. To what do we owe for the surprise visit today?” Joaquin asked with a smile.
“I have some personal business to discuss with you. If I may borrow some of your time for a little while.”
“Yeah, no problem. Should we discuss things in my office then?”
“No, I would prefer to talk outside if that is alright with you.”
“Ok.” Joaquin seemed confused but agreed.
“Emmalee, Bree, would the two of you like to join me in the living room. I can get some refreshments and we can catch up.”
“Yes, oh Goddess, I need to hear details about the proposal and the wedding.” Emmalee linked her arm around mine and started off into the house. “Let’s have some champagne to celebrate.”
“Emmalee!”
“No!” Bryce and Joaquin yelled out at the same time making Emmalee stop in place.
“Emmalee Jade Evans, you are not using Riviana as an excuse to drink, not after last time.” Emmalee hung her head.
“Riviana and you are both underage anyway.” Joaquin didn’t say anything else.
“Come on you old fuddies. It’s not like we’re humans, a little celebration is nothing to fear.”
“No, Emmalee, I can’t drink.” I informed her.
“Don’t let those boring boys staunch your fun Riviana.”
“It’s not that Emmalee, I can’t.” I smiled at her but she still didn’t get it, but it seemed someone else did.
“Oh, congratulations Riviana.” Bree cooed.
“Joaquin, boy, you dog.” Bryce smiled. “Congrats. Hopefully you have better luck than I did.” He laughed and Joaquin grinned his goofy grin again.
“What are you talking about?” Emmalee asked us all.
“Are you kidding me?” Bryce looked at his daughter in exasperation.
“Emmalee, Riviana is pregnant, so she can’t drink alcohol.” Bree told her.
I watched as Emmalee’s eyes got bigger and bigger, until eventually they looked like giant green orbs floating in the middle of her beautiful face.
“EEeeeee!” She squealed, long and loud. “Riviana!” She yelled and she hugged me again. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you Emmalee. Now, let’s go so the boys can have their play time.” I joked as I turned and winked at Joaquin. “See you later.” I told him playfully. I heard a low growl answer me before I left the foyer entirely.
**
Joaquin
**
I went outside with Bryce as soon as the women left the hall. I let the older man lead the way and followed as he went toward the large, burnt orange colored SUV. He seemed to be heading toward the cargo area. When he was almost there he pressed a button on his key fob that caused the gate to lift automatically.
“So what is so important out here Bryce?” I asked him.
“I have an early wedding gift for you.” He smirked at the words.
“You could have waited to give me any gift until the wedding, it’s not that long of a wait you know. And shouldn’t Riviana be here then?”
New Book: Veiled Desires of the Alpha King Novel
Dayson was the alpha of the largest pack in North America. Powerful figures from other packs sought to offer gorgeous girls as potential mates for Dayson. He steadfastly rejected these advances, he was not a pawn to be manipulated. But eventually there came a mysterious girl he could hardly say No. Who was she?