Inequities (14 page)

Russ and Vivian shifted side by side. She dashed away wanting Russ to chase her and he didn’t disappoint.

Tonight was about welcoming her fox to the wolves.
Running in harmony.
She had no worries. The wind was in her fur and she raced around the land.
Never stopping.
Vivian had never felt this free at home.
Like she belonged.
Something always felt off. Now she knew what it was.
Family.
Russ’ pack was like a family where as her den had been full of acquaintances. This way was much better. They had fun. Russ tackled her and they went rolling through the grass.

It was Russ’ turn to lead and she would follow him anywhere.

The night was over much too quickly and they all headed home. They’d planned a big feast when they got back.
An official welcome.
Not like the slapped together meal at the safe house.
Home.

While they were dressing Bella came over to them. She was fully clothed and Vivian was struggling into her skirt.

“Russ, I’m so sorry—”

The other woman looked distressed. Vivian hurried with the rest of her clothes.

“Bella.
What is it?
A vision?”
Russ was worried. Vivian could tell by his body language and the tone of his voice. He was expecting the worse.

Bella glanced over at her and frowned. “Yes.” Bella rubbed her forehead.

“Tell me, Bella,” Russ demanded.

“Something bad is going to happen.”

“Why is it always doom and gloom with you?
Life with David that bad?”
Max had joined them along with David and Valerie.

“Don’t joke, Max. It wasn’t pretty. The vision caused her to shift back.” David sheltered his mate with his body.

“Aw, man.
Me and my big mouth.
Sorry.”

“It’s okay, Max.” Bella gave him a weak grin.

“It’s Joy,” Bella whispered.

Valerie stiffened beside her, but waited, Max now comforting her.

“Just tell us, Bella,” Russ coaxed.

“She’s hurt.
Bad.
And they’ve been separated.
Ive
and Djimon are—gone.”

“What do you mean? Russ? What does she mean, gone?” Vivian’s voice rose.

No. Not
Ive
. They had to tell Grey.

“I don’t know. It isn’t clear, Vivian. I’m not saying they are dead. I don’t get that feeling, but they’ve disappeared. And when they left, something attacked Zareb and Joy. That’s all I’ve got. I’m sorry. I don’t know—”

“
It’s
okay, Bella. Why don’t you go lay down. I’ll talk to Grey and Peter. They can leave now. I don’t suppose you have a time frame for any of this do you? Are we already too late?”

“You know the Ancients aren’t that specific, but they have never given me a vision when it was too late to do something about it. So we have to hope.” Bella and David left the grounds and walked to their new house they’d moved into in the last couple of weeks.

Max and Valerie didn’t stick around either, leaving Vivian and Russ. The others had dispersed as well.

“What’s up guys?” Grey strolled over to them.

“You need to find Peter and the two of you have to leave now. Bella had a vision and things are messed up in Africa.” Russ tried to put it as gently as he could.

“
Ive
?”
Grey looked between Vivian and Russ.

“We don’t really know. Bella just said she was—gone.
But not dead.
I have no idea what that means.” Vivian reached for his hand.

“What’s wrong?” Peter appeared beside them. “I felt—grief.
Something.
What is it?”

“
Ive
.”
Grey said only his sister’s name.

“Let’s go.” Peter asked no questions. He guided Grey inside.

“Stay safe you two and report back. While you pack, I’ll get together some coordinates for you. Zareb left them with me.
Just in case.”

They watched the two men leave.

“This isn’t good, is it Russ?” Vivian hid her face in his chest.

Why, she had just a little taste of happiness and should have known something would bring her down.
Ive
had to be okay. She wouldn’t think otherwise. Grey would find her.

“I don’t know,
Vivi
. The Ancients have helped us in the past. I don’t think they would share with Bella if we couldn’t do anything.”

Russ kissed her on the top of the head.

“Let’s go get things ready for the guys and then eat.”

“I’m not hungry.” Vivian couldn’t think of food at a time like this.

“You’re going to need it, sweetheart. The next few days could be rough. We both know it. Let’s not borrow trouble yet.”

“Okay. I can do that.”

“Thank you. I love you.”

“I love you too, Russ.”

“Put on your alpha face. We have to be strong for our pack.”

Vivian managed a smile.
Their pack.
And it was. She couldn’t think the worse. Vivian would put positive vibes out into the universe and hope for the quick return of her friend. Until then, she would lead her pack with her mate by her side.

She put her ‘alpha face’ on and went in to join her family. They’d help each other through anything that came to pass, because that is what a pack did.

Russ held out his hand and she took it. Ready to face whatever fate brought her way. Having faith that Russ would catch her if she fell and she would do the same for him.
Family.
Home.
Two words she would hold dear to her heart. And she was starting to feel hungry. Vivian smiled. Things would be okay. She knew it in her heart of hearts.
Ive
would come home and her pack would be complete.

“Hey, guys. Come eat. Food’s getting cold,” someone shouted from the kitchen. Vivian wasn’t sure who it was.

“Go on,
Vivi
.
I’ll be right in.” Russ took her lips in a gentle kiss.

Vivian turned to the dining room, her pack welcoming her as if she’d been there all along.

She closed her eyes and gave a small prayer to the Ancients.

Bring my family home safe. All of
them,
please.

“Hey,
you coming
in?” Everett was by her side.

“Of course.
Did you save me a seat?” Vivian teased.

“You’re at the head of the table. You’re seat is safe. Where’s Peter?”

“He had to get ready to leave.”

“Okay. I’ll go say goodbye.
You good?”
Everett took her hands in his.

His concern overwhelmed her. “Yes. I am. Thank you.”

Everett
bared his throat, waiting for the kiss she liked to bestow on the pack. She brushed her lips on his neck and watched him leave. Acceptance was a beautiful thing. It made Vivian think there really was justice in this crazy world.