Chapter 86

Beta Morgana (Greed)

The Ulfric returned and requested my presence. I had a feeling that he had gone through and made his deal with the witch. I was in mid-conversation with another pack member, so I gestured that I would be up in a minute to talk with him. I also needed to drink another bottle of Beta Morgana's blood before the effects wore off. 

Thankfully, Pride and the others had snuck me a cooler to help keep them chilled so I wasn't burning through my snow and ice as quickly. It had snowed again, so my stash on the balcony was replenished. Once I had finished talking with the pack member, I turned and headed to Beta Morgana's room. 

I went to the bathroom, where I had stored the small cooler in the cabinet under the sink, and grabbed one of the bottles nearest the top. I sorted them accordingly so that I could access hers more easily. I drank the blood to retain her form, but more importantly, I was starving. I could survive on a pint of blood a day, but it wasn't easy.

I had trained my body over the decades with this form of intermittent fasting; I could do this for about a month if I had to without detrimental or debilitating effects, but if I tried to push it longer than that, I would snap and start a feeding frenzy, draining anyone in sight. However, the hunger was felt around the third day and only intensified from there. 

After drinking my snack, I checked my reflection in the mirror, another thing I could only do when I had transformed into another. I readied myself before heading to Beta Morgana's office to discuss with the Ulfric, what he had said to the witch. I still had my hunch, so I would see if it was correct. 

The Ulfric was already seated comfortably behind the Beta's desk, and I pulled the door closed before taking my seat across from it. The Ulfric began, "I made the deal with Circe. You made some good points, so I took them into consideration, and now I need your assistance." I sighed, "What do you need, Ulfric?" 

He cleared his throat, "First, we need to have a meeting to convince the rest of the wolves to attack after their blood bond has been completed; she needs to be in our possession once she is carrying the child from the prophecy so that I can complete my deal with Circe when she gives birth."

I didn't respond at first; he was borderline delusional and would very likely start a coup with this plan. I shook my head in disbelief and asked, "What do you plan to tell them? He sighed, "I thought this would be better since the vampires were already anticipating our attack. I felt like going after Kara later when they least expected it would be more advantageous to our numbers."

He did have a point there, but it would put a damper on Pride's plans to attack the packs while they were off fighting this hopeless battle. I had to tread carefully and not make it seem like I was swaying him in either direction too hard, or he would flat-out reject my input. I added, "If you were to kidnap Kara, wouldn't you fear retaliation?"

He responded, "I'll take my chances on our own turf as opposed to us walking into their traps." I nodded in agreement, "Another valid point." Then I asked, "And how do you plan to kidnap her? I'm sure they won't relax their security measures just because we don't attack them on the evening of the full moon." 

The Ulfric scratched his bearded chin, "That's a good point, but during the day, they will be most vulnerable, and we can gain access through the tours they use for revenue." I added, but then you would have to get her away. We barely survived, and you saw what they did to Darius."

I paused, "It's not like Circe would restore others if they were to succumb to the same fate; you'd have nothing else to offer her." He sighed, "Well, the deal has already been made; I can't go back on it now." I asked, "Do you want my advice?" He nodded, "That's why I asked to speak with you." 

I replied, "Don't tell the others about this arrangement you've made. Tell them that you know we will lose because they are expecting us now and that our only chance is to kidnap Kara after her blood bond has been completed. That way, we can at least kill the Dhampir hybrid in its infancy so it doesn't become a threat to our kind." 

I added, "Apologize to the others about your inability to lead them to a victory that would benefit us more. At least this way, we can maintain our numbers and solidify a normal future without a Lycan King or Dhampir. This outcome would be a wash, giving neither side an advantage." 

He nodded, "Very wise, Beta Morgana; I'm proud to have you join our pack." I asked, "Is there anything else?" He nodded once again, "Will you accompany Darius and my healer to New Orleans so that Circe can perform her ritual?" I paused. I really needed to speak to Pride first about this situation. I replied, "Can I get back to you on that? I need to ensure I'm not needed by my current pack." 

He said, "Of course, the ticket I purchased for you is fully refundable. I wasn't sure if you would be able to go, but I understand whatever decision you make." I said, "Thank you, Ulfric Draven. When does the flight leave? I will try to have your answer in a timely manner." He said, "It leaves at 6:38 a.m. with one layover and arrives at 3:21 p.m." 

 I nodded, "So you need an answer very soon then?" He nodded. I stood and dismissed myself after bowing my head, "I suppose I have a lot to do in a short amount of time if I'm able." He replied, "Thank you, Beta Morgana." I left him in the office and closed the door. It would still be another hour before Pride was waking up.

I needed to talk to her before I made any decisions. In the meantime, I would keep my promise to Layla, so I headed in that direction. I texted Pride, "911, contact me immediately." When I arrived in the basement, only Jayce and Layla were present. I motioned to Layla to join me as I unlocked her cell door, insinuating that she may want to bring her belongings.

She took the hint and discreetly tucked her phone into her pocket before following me out. I took her out back, but since night was falling soon, the patrols would start as soon as dinner was finished. I said, "We don't have much time, but I learned a few things." I was careful what to divulge to Layla. If Pride wanted Kara and James to know more, she would tell Sylas later. 

I spoke in a hushed tone, and said, "The witch's name is Circe. The Ulfric has recruited her assistance to help cure Beta Darius and restore his wolf." Layla nodded, "So, to your knowledge, they aren't going to use her in the battle." I replied, "Yes, that's correct." Layla let out a sigh of relief, "Thank the moon goddess."

I personally wouldn't have done that, given the cost, but I chose to omit that detail. I needed to talk to Pride prior to saying anything else. I added, "I'm sorry I couldn't find out more." Layla smiled kindly, "You've done more than enough. Thank you for keeping your word." I nodded, "Of course." Then I added, "Also, I may be gone for a few days; during that time, I might be able to find out more." 

Layla said, "Let me get your number so we can stay in touch." I thought about it, but I didn't want to get caught in the crosshairs just in case she was caught. I replied, "I don't think that's wise, no offense. But I'll happily give it to you after all this has concluded." He nodded and smiled, "I understand." I sighed, "Let's get you back; I don't want you to miss your dinner."

She followed me back to her cell, and I left her there. The sun hung low in the sky now, and I needed to excuse myself so that I could contact Pride soon. I found the Ulfric's healer and asked, "Would you mind caring for Beta Darius tonight for dinner? There are things I need to do so that I might be able to accompany you both to New Orleans." 

She said, "Of course, Beta Morgana, I'm happy to help." I kissed Darius on the forehead before leaving them and borrowed some keys to use one of the pack's cars to drive off the property. The sun had just set as I turned the car down the road and headed to a nearby Dollar General. I pulled into the parking lot, where I dialed Pride's number.