80 Why Now 

Connor POV 

Becca smiles up at me as I loom over her. I’ve have been teasing her for twenty minutes. Her pregnancy has made her insatiable and Cosmo and I aren’t complaining. She reaches up to pull my lips down to hers when an urgent link has me pulling back. I smile at her pout and open the link. The sound of a panicked warrior has me moving to stand. “Alpha, three members of the council are here with Alpha Roman, his Luna, and Bart. There is also an Alpha I don’t recognize but I can feel he’s powerful,” he says. 

I growl as I begin to throw clothes on. “Do not open the gate.” “Yes, Alpha,” he says. I send out a pack link regarding the unwanted visitors. “Connor, what’s going on,” Becca asks as she rolls off the bed. She dresses while I explain the link. She goes to follow me but I turn placing my hands on her shoulders. “Becca, I need you to stay here. I need you and our pup to be safe. I’m going to have Ebony come to stay with you. She is an excellent fighter and I need Liam to focus if they truly plan to attack us right now.” 

I can see she wants to argue but thankfully she presses a kiss to my lips instead. I quickly link Olivia to check on the mission and to tell her what’s happening. I really didn’t want to, but I know my sister, and we could use Ace and Hudson’s help. I also call the three closest packs. I head down the stairs and Liam is running in my direction with Ebony hot on his heels. “Do we know how many Alphas joined them” he asks. “Only Roman and I assume Bernard. He is a snake who refused our alliance. I knew he would do the council’s bidding. The other Alphas they called refused to fight against the Red Moon” I say with a smile. 

“Good, make sure your warriors are lined around the perimeter. I don’t trust these slimy ba**ards. Is it the entire council” Liam asks. “No, only three of them, but something feels off. It’s like they knew that Hudson would be gone. If I find out we have a traitor they won’t see the light of day.” “Agreed for now lets go deal with 

the ba**ards. I’m interested to see how they think this is going to go,” Liam says. 

Before Liam can say I word to Ebony, I do. “Ebony, I need you to protect the Luna and Rain. They are waiting 

on the alpha floor.” She narrows her eyes before she turns and presses a less than PG kiss on Liam’s lips. “You had better come back to me in one piece of there will be hell to pay” she says, before she takes off. 

Donny, Abe, and Kevin join me as we make our way through the pack house. When we step into the pack yard, 

I’m glad to see that everyone heeded my warning. The pack grounds are like a ghost town. Besides the few 

warriors that are not guarding the borders, everyone has stayed in their cottages or in the pack house. 

We stalk toward the gate, but I can hear her screeching before it comes into sight. As soon as she sees us, 

she smiles like she has won. Not on your best day b**ch is my only thought. As I get closer to the gate, 

Augustus steps forward. “Alpha Connor, I am hoping that you have come to see reason, and we can avoid all 

this talk of fighting against the council,” he says. Liam growls from behind me and I smile at the fear I see 

flash in both Augustus’s and Roman’s eyes. 

“I haven’t changed my mind. In fact, if anything, I’m even more resolute in my stance against the council now 

that I see you have involved Roman and his despicable chosen mate.” “That is Alpha Roman to you 

half–breed. Don’t you dare speak of my Luna with such disrespect,” Roman growls as spittle flies from his mouth. “Alpha Roman, let us handle this,” Augustus says. 

Augustus turns back to me and the smirk on his face has a wave of unease flowing through me. “I had hoped 

you would come to your senses, but it seems that is not the case. Alpha Roger, I don’t believe you’ve met 

80 Why Now 

49 Points 

Connor,” he says. Him not using my title isn’t lost on me. “I can’t say I’m terribly sad about that fact since he 

seems like a piss poor excuse for an Alpha,” Roger says. 

“Get to the point, Augustus. I couldn’t care less about you, Roman, or this a**hole.” Augustus growls before the smirk returns to his face. “You think you’re more powerful than the council because you have made some alliances, but strength isn’t always about numbers pup. Sometimes it’s about powers,” he says. 

“Do you know what’s stronger than a pack of wolves and a few Lycans,” he asks. I don’t answer, just cross my arms over my chest. “A pack of hybrid werempires,” he says. Just as he says it, Roger bares his fangs and his 

eyes turn red. Not only that, but at least twenty more hybrids step out of the trees to join them. My heart is beating against my chest. We are a strong pack, but I’m not sure if we can defeat this many hybrids. 

Olivia POV 

Calliope starts to cry again as I sob. “It’s alright little one, I’m here,” I manage to croak out. The door to the room flies open, and I place the pup next to our mother ready to turn and fight. When I finally turn, I fall to my knees. Della followed by Ace and Hudson, rush into the room. “Ace” is all I manage to get out before he pulls me into his arms. “I’m so sorry, my love.” 

“Look,” Hudson says, and we both turn as Della touches Calliope first. Then she places her hand over my mother’s heart. “Nana Evie, the goddess, says it’s not your time. You have to wake up. Mommy and Calliope need you,” she says. A glow like the one from earlier spreads from under Della’s fingers until my mother’s 

entire body is glowing. I’m not sure how much time passes, but I know that I’m holding my breath as I pray whatever Della is doing will work. 

Ace’s arm tightens around me, trying to offer me comfort, but the only thing that will help is seeing my mother open her eyes. A few seconds later the glow subsides and Della places a kiss on my mother’s 

forehead and then Calliope’s. I step out of Ace’s embrace and move toward the bed. I place my hand on my 

mother’s arm, watching for any sign of life. Again, I’m not sure how much time passes when her chest rises. 

I nearly scream before I burst into tears. I lay my head on her stomach and cry tears of relief. “I’m sorry it took 

so long, mommy. The goddess wanted to talk to Nana before she woke up.” I’m just about to lift my head to look at my beautiful daughter when a hand runs through my hair. I pick up my head and my eyes meet my mother’s. I move up the bed being careful of Calliope and wrap my arms around my mother. 

For the first time in a long time, memories of the past don’t come rushing into my mind. My only thought is how grateful I am that she is alive. That I haven’t lost my chance to forgive her. “Sssh Oli girl. I’m here. I’m not 

going anywhere,” she says. I’m not sure how long we stay that way when Calliope starts to cry. This time. 

because she is hungry. I move to help my mom sit up and place Calliope in her arms. 

While she feeds her, I drop to my knees in front of Della. “I’m not even sure what to say, my sweet girl. Thank you for helping Nana Evie.” “You don’t have to thank me, mommy. I know that even though you were mad it would make you sad to lose your mommy. Besides, Calliope needs her mommy too,” she says. I pull her into my arms. “I love you so much, Della. I’m so grateful the goddess made me your mommy.” 

“Me too” she says. “Della, come say hello to Calliope now that she isn’t hungry anymore,” my mom says. Della giggles and climbs back on the bed next to my mom. She pulls her close and sets Calliope in her arms. I watch Della smile down at my sister before Amethyst pushes forward and presses her forehead against the pup’s, solidifying their connection to one another. “Are you ready to go home Evie,” Hudson asks. 

“I very much am. Thank you all for coming for me and Calliope. You will never know how much I appreciate it,” she says, looking at Ace. “You are family, Evie” he says, and tears well in her eyes. I’m just about to stand 

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80 Why Now 

when I feel my brother’s nudge through our bond. “We found her, Connor. They are both safe. They he says like a question. “Our sister decided she was ready to be born. We will be leaving soon.” 

“That’s good because we have visitors at the gate. I knew you’d be pissed if I didn’t tell you, so this is me avoiding your wrath,” he says. Despite his attempt to sound unfazed and funny, I can hear the worry in his voice. “Don’t let them in, Connor. How many are there?” “We aren’t sure yet,” he says. F**k, why is this happening now? 

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