144 A different Ramsey….
Lyla
“What?” my eyes widened with surprise. “Really? How? I mean, why? Beta Jeremy doesn’t look like someone who would harbour resentment against anyone. The man only smiles when he sees his son. He reminds me of a bear
“You know nothing about Betas, Nanny laughed. “They hold and bear grudges, like old women, but it’s a long story and nothing inconsequential. Don’t worry, I’ll just stay in my former room at the maids‘ quarters and avoid your mother.”
My mind flitted to what Nathan had told me earlier about him listening to conversations about my dad and his dad arguing about Nanny. Was there a reason behind it? Plus, when I had first arrived at Blue Ridge, Beta Jeremy kept asking me if Nanny would show up.
What was really going on with them?
“I won’t involve myself in adult problems,” I said finally. “Gosh! I said, plumping on Nanny’s bed. I feel much better after talking. Do you think the warriors will be fine?”
“If they follow every line of your instructions. Visions are clear warnings of future occurrences. They’re not like dreams, which are always ambiguous and always when there’s a vision, it means there’s a chance for the bad things to be averted. Let’s hope they do as you’ve told them.”
I nodded. I was dying to ask her a lot of questions, but knowing who Nanny was, she wouldn’t say a word. She laid down beside me on the bed and I went to her, placing my head on her shoulders, and wrapping her in a hug.
She held me too, and we stayed like that for a few minutes before I broke the silence again.
“Nan!”
She grunted.
*Is it possible for a Moonsinger to have a wolf?”
She shot out of my hands and turned to me, her eyes wide with fright. “Do you have one?”
“No!” I huffed. “I’m just asking” I lied. “Curiosity and all…”
“Are you sure?” she asked again.
“100%” I nodded, making sure I did not take my gaze off her. I always do that when I lie. “I told you I’m just curious. Does it mean anything bad?”
She sighed and lay on the bed again. This time, she gathered me in her arms, cradling me like I was a baby.
“Not necessarily, she murmured. “It’s like having two worlds inside one person and it could be draining and dangerous if they don’t know how to control both powers.”
We were silent for a few minutes before she sighed again and said. “I’m worried about you, Lyla. I’m scared for the future, about everything. I don’t know if you should be here doing this. The meanings of everything happening–finding you in the forest earlier, the visions, how you’re still
144 A different Ramsey
“I’m fine, Nan!” I whispered. “Nothing will happen and I’ll be starting training tomorrow with the warriors here until I can go. When do you think I’ll be strong enough to leave?”
“After the final cleansing,” she said with a sigh. “Mother still believes that there’s a remnant of Xander in you. Don’t worry, it’ll be done right here. All we need is water from White Lake and we’ll use Mother Liora this time around. She says it was because I was connected to you emotionally…”
“Oh!” I nodded, trying to be brave. The cleansing still needs to happen, no matter what. I was scared of facing the same ordeal as before, but I didn’t want to show it.
“Yeah!” she nodded. “Regarding marrying Nathan, can he wait until after your training?”
“Won’t he be asked to present a Luna on the day of his official coronation?”
“That has been suspended. Every pack is trying to survive, so no one is holding any kind of ceremony that would require people travelling to come meet you. Don’t worry. After the Feral activity reduces, then everything might resume… important ones.
“How do you know all these things?”
“There was a morning assembly today, and I had to go with Mother Liora. Your mate–Ramsey made it a temporary order that would expire until we tackle the insecurity. A lot of the Elders were not happy, so he gave them a chance to join the warriors and fight or forget about their titles. They weren’t pleased, but no one complained. I like how firm he is.”
“Nathan is firm too.
She rolled her eyes. “He didn’t argue with Ramsey for the first time,” she laughed. “And is it just me? But they’ve been acting weird these days. The first night you came here, they took turns watching you.”
She rolled onto her side, an amused glint in her eyes. “How does it feel to have the heart of two powerful men at your disposal?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s not a pleasant feeling, but I like it sometimes.
We shared a peal of laughter, and I was about to say something else when Ramsey burst into the
room.
“Oh!” he lowered his eyes when he saw Nanny. “I was told Lyla was here.”
Nanny nodded. “Do you want me to leave?”
“No!” Ramsey shook his head. His clothes were dusty and his face was still smudged with dirt, but his expression was triumphant.
I rose from the bed and walked up to him. “What’s up?”
He pulled me into a tight hug.
“It worked,” he said, his voice filled with relief and excitement. “We did everything you sald, and it worked perfectly. All the Ferals were killed, every single one of them. Except for the Trinax who escaped, but the people at the southern border are safe.”
I pulled back, my eyes wide. “You went out there with them? I thought you’d be supervising
144 A different Ramsey…
He shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. “I’d die of anxiety if I didn’t. I couldn’t just sit here.”
“Your grandfather would be pissed. You’re the fate of our world. What if something happens to you? You’re not supposed to…”
“Nothing happened to me,” he interrupted with a grin. “You practically saved us time and resources and life. We’ve been doing it wrong all this while,” he laughed. “gods! This is the best day of my life.”
“You’re that happy that everyone’s safe?” I asked softly, staring at him with awe.
He was acting as if someone had just given him candy.
I’ll take
He nodded, his expression turning serious. “If it’s possible–if I could save every life that chance every time. If I can protect them, protect my world…then it’s worth everything and I’ll be the most fulfilled Lycan Leader ever.” 4
I stared at him, stunned. I’d never seen this side of him before selfless, vulnerable, and compassionate. It was a far cry from the man I thought I knew, and it left me reeling.
“I have to leave now!” he said excitedly. “I don’t want Cassidy to come looking for me, but you’re fine, right? You don’t feel faint anymore?”
“I’m fine,” I nodded.
“Great! I’ll see you later. I don’t know before. I’ll go now.”
when but…thank you for today and I’m sorry for hesitating
He nodded to Nanny before leaving the room.
For the first time, I wondered if there was more to Ramsey than I’d ever allowed myself to see.
