Chapter Five
Patrol
“We’re waiting on orders.” Matt said tugging on Adam’s arm who was peering too deeply into the forest.
“Yeah I know.” Adam said, his voice full of anger.
“Chill out.” Matt said, shoving him lightly.
Adam whipped around his eyes glowing, his body shaking; he wanted to fight something. Needed to get this anger out somehow.
“Watch yourself.” Matt smirked, his eyes daring him as Ryker pushed forward.
“Sorry.” Adam said quickly, he didn’t mean to take it out on Matt but he was so angry.
Angry with himself for letting her get her. Angry that he snapped at her, angry at her for thinking so lowly of herself. He clenched his jaw, his teeth grinding against each other.
“It’s not your fault.” Matt said quietly as he watched the rest of the patrol coming out of the forest.
Adam just gruntted his response, his eyes fixed on the large gray wolf that was moving quicker than the rest of them. Adam felt his stomach sank slightly. A chocolate brown wolf flanked it’s side and Adam let out a breath.
“It’s gonna be ok.” Matt winked seeing his reaction as he waited for them.
The chocolate brown wolf shifted before Adam could even respond. It was across the distance to them in no time, out running the gray wolf. Sarah cupped Adam's face with her hand. Her other hand went to his shoulder.
“Are you hurt?” She asked quickly, her eyes scanning him.
“Mom.” Adam said, rolling his eyes at her.
“That wasn’t an answer.” Sara said frowning deeply, she could see he was physically fine but something was wrong.
“Adam.” Dante’s voice came from behind them.
Adam bowed his head to his father feeling a rush of shame and guilt.
“Beta, I ..-”
“Broken ribs, head wound. What were you thinking.” Dante said, listing off Mallory’s injury.
Adam didn’t respond. The remainder of the wolves caught up. Dante heard them behind him. He shifted his gaze to them.
“Dante, it's not like he pushed her.” Matt said, coming to his defense.
“Silence.” Dante ordered Matt.
“Silence.” Matt mimicked back but due to status he had to follow Dante’s order.
“He’s going to wish he never silenced me.” Matt snickered through a mind link to Adam.
Adam didn’t pay attention to Matt’s mind link. His guilt eating him away.
“Adam, you will lead the way to where you saw the intruder.” Dante ordered him sharply.
Sarah frowned deeply and nudged Dante. He clenched his jaw but as Sarah rubbed his upper arm, the tension from Dante melted away. He let out a sigh not saying anything else. The look on Sarah’s face was telling him he was being too hard on Adam. He pulled his lower lip into his mouth making a tight frown. Adam didn’t notice and began walking across the clearing. Matt followed next to him. Sarah sighed and shifted back into wolf form.
“Well Kiddo, I can't really splint broken ribs. You're really lucky none of the broken ones pierced your lungs.” Wyatt said coming back into the room.
“Do we have to tell them?” Mallory smirked a little.
“He already did.” Nora said, coming into the room.
“Hi..” Nora said in a small voice.
“Wyatt, what's the plan for her?” Nora said, sighing.
“Full body cast. Complete confinement for at least right weeks.” Wyatt said his face was firm and solid as he spoke.
“What?” Mallory asked, going to sit up and flinching.
“Afraid so, If only you had listened to your mother.” Nora shrugged a smirk lingering on her lip.
“Mom, there is no reason for me to be there.” Mallory sighed.
“There is every reason for you to be there. You are my daughter.” Nora said, frowning seeing the small flicker of pain in Mallory’s eyes.
“Yeah I know. Everyday I am reminded I am your daughter.” Mallory said quietly.
“You. You are not lacking.” Nora said firmly.
Mallory felt her lip quiver at the words. She took a breath in. Trying to hold back the emotions that were eating her alive.
“Does the cast cover my ears?” Mallory jested trying to draw the attention off how vulnerable she felt.
“I mean I don't see why not.” Wyatt winked at her.
“Perfect.” Mallory chuckled and then winced from the pain.
“I’m going to go get supplies.” Wyatt said, excusing himself.
“Are you in a lot of pain?” Nora asked her concern all over her face.
“No, not really. Just when I move or laugh.” Mallory grinned.
“Have you…Have you checked in with Adam?” Mallory asked before Nora could respond to her pain response.
“They are just finishing up searching the area where he saw the intruder. He should be heading back shortly…You two ok?” Nora asked her, tilting her head as she asked the question.
“We just got into an argument. That’s all.” Mallory said, biting her lip.
“Couples argue.” Nora grinned.
“Ma. We are not a couple or a thing. He’s my friend. My best friend. Besides, I don't even have a wolf.” Mallory said her voice cracking as she said the word wolf.
“Mal, is this what this whole thing is about?” Nora asked quietly.
“I don’t fit in anywhere. I dont belong with the hunters, I am not strong or coordinated.” Mallory laughed, pointing at her ribs and then flinching.
“I don't belong with the humans.” Mallory said, starting to ramable.
“I don't have super awesome powers that you once had. That everyone hoped for-
“Mallory.” Nora said, trying to stop her rant.
“Even if I did love Adam like that. I have no wolf. No wolf means no mate. At any point another female with a wolf could walk in and bam. Mate bond. Mallory on the curb…trash.” Mallory said in one big breath, tears sting her eyes as she let it all out.
“Mallory Adam wouldn’t-
“And how am I supposed to live up to you and Dad. Dad is amazing and strong and fierce people respect him. He has a power to him. He is freaking superman. And you..you saved all worlds. Now even without powers you're still helping run everything…and you have a bad ass wolf…I have nothing. I am just me.” Mallory said tears slipped down her cheek.
It felt like her chest had cracked open as the words came rushing out like water from a flood gate. Nora wrapped her arms carefully around her, leaning her head into Mallory.
“My girl. You are amazing. -” Nora started to say
“Mom.” Mallory attempted to stop her.
“Hush let me finish. Your wolf may still be hiding or even if you don’t have one. You still are faster than warriors who have been in training since they could walk. Your aim is incredible. Even when up against people who have the benefit of sharper senses. You may be clumsy but it is because you are not cautious. You jumped into everything feet first, heart first. You are stronger than humans but just need fine tuning. You hold responsibility and loyalty above everything else. Leading with both your mind and heart. You are what the moon goddess envisioned for our worlds. Do not sell yourself short.” Nora whispered to her.
“You do not need powers or a wolf. All you need is this.” Nora said, pressing her lips to Mallory’s forehead.
“And this.” She said, putting her hand over Mallory’s heart.
“I love you mom.” Mallory whispered to her.
“I love you too. You are all my stars.” Nora smiled at her.
“Alpha said he will need Luna to go address the council. Everyone can start heading home, they will postpone the meeting until everyone can make sure they're borders are secured.” Wyatt said his eyes still partly glossy from the mind link as he walked in the room.
“Let’s get Mallory fixed up and she can help me address them.” Nora said, shifting from Mallory.
“In a full body cast?” Mallory said alarm.
“Did I forget to say gullible?” Nora laughed.
“Uh?” Mallory said her eyes shooting over to Wyatt who was holding up bandage materials.
“No full body cast kiddo, just a wrap.” Wyatt laughed.
Chapter SixWaitingRonan watched them move through the tree line. He smirked, his hand twitching at his side. He recognized the young man leading them. He was the one in the clearing with the girl with long flowing jet black hair. His mind kept wandering back to her. The moment their eyes locked he felt something.“We should tell Alpha, they are getting awfully close. “ Clay sent through a mind link, his eyes studying the group of men.“No, it’s fine.” Ronan answered shortly, he suppressed his wolf's instinct to come forward.“If we are caught it wouldn't be fine.” Clay said sharply back.Ronan turned quickly grabbing Clay by the throat. Within seconds Clay was pinned to the ground. It happened so quickly and was almost soundless. Clay’s eyes widened as he realized he was on the ground. “Beta I am sorry…please.” Clay whispered his hand covering Ronan’s hand asking him to stop.“If I say it’s fine, it’s fine.” Ronan growled.“Yes Beta.” Clay whispered, nodding.“If you're worried, ta
Chapter SevenNegotiation“I Hope all your packs are well. I understand the need to leave. Your homes come first. To those who have stayed to resume the Alpha Council Meeting we will only be discussing matters that obtain only to your packs and not all as wolf kind.” Nora said, looking out over the room.Zeke, Asher, Douglas, and Grayson had stayed behind. Polly, Shea and Logan left. Polly and shea because they were the furthest and Logan needed to get back to the hunter. He felt what Nora had felt. Something was coming and he needed to prepare. His eyes were remorseful as he left. “Mallory…Before we get started did you see anyone or anything?” Zeke asked quietly, hsi mind caught up in thought.“Zeke, we have asked her.” Jace said almost defensively.“Alpha, It’s fine.” Mallory said being proper to her father in the formal setting.“Alpha Zeke, I did think I saw one man. He was across the clearing. For some reason my mind thought him to be a rogue but there was something more to him.
Chapter EightChaosNora’s face hit the table as she sank to the floor. Landing on her back her eyes shot open. She was staring in the brightest pair of ice blue eyes. His hand on her face, his dark eyebrows in a frown as he tried to hide his concern. She smiled at him, putting her hand on top of his. Then as if she remembered it all. She jolted up right.“Fire.” She said looking to Asher who was still in a mindlink.“Fire?” Jace asked, confused. “Red Woods is under attack, send help. Asher, he needs to get out of his panic/fear trance.” Nora said, walking over to him.“Dante.” Jace said his eyes looking across the room to him.“On it.” Dante nodded, rushing out of the room.“Matt. Logan’s hurt.” Nora locked eyes with him, fear flashing across them.“Fuck, I’m going.” Matt said, looking quickly at Jace who nodded for him to go.“Asher!” Nora yelled, shaking him.He didn’t budge. Jace growled coming to help her when he paused by Zeke. He was doing the same thing. His stomach sank.“No
Chapter NineSirensRoan watched movement coming from behind them through the trees. He could hear slow steady walking. They were trying to move soundlessly as they approached them. Ronan motioned for everyone to stay in their hiding spots till he gave the command. The select few he had with them pressed into the shadows blending in. Night had fallen and they had been waiting there long enough. Ronan saw her blond hair ponytail swing behind her as she walked into their hiding air. She was pushing a woman in front of her. The woman had ropes tied around her wrist and her mouth was gagged. He knew looking at the ropes that they were drenched in wolf bane. He could see the red raw marks from it against her deep brown skin. She was in pain but she kept it hidden. Her chocolate brown eyes searched the area. Her clothing was covered in soot and there were pieces of ashes in her tightly curled dark hair. She had a power to her and Ronan knew right away this was someone's Luna and mate. He s
Chapter TenRunNora’s hand hit the back door, her other hand gripping Mallory’s tightly. She peeked out before rushing out. If she could get to the woods she could get Mallory and herself out. Her plan was to escape and come back with troops.“Luna.” Matt’s voice chimed in her head as she crept towards the woods trying to keep her position lower, hoping the darkness will cover them.“Matt. Jace he’s surrendered. They have Jessica and Hannah.” Nora said his eyes locked on the heavily treed area in front of her.“Dante and I are rushing back. Asher is headed that way; he is in wolf form and feral. I’m on his tail. Get out and get to the hunters. Lilly will be waiting.” Matt said even his mind link sounded out of breath.“Mom.” Mallory’s voice came from behind her panic and it pulled her out of the mind link.Nora stopped moving and pulled Mallory behind her as three large brown wolves came out of the forest, eyes glowing gray, teeth snarling. Nora watched them slowly trying to surround
Chapter ElevenLostHe wrapped his hand around her jet black hair. A loud hair raising growl erupted from Jace as he struggled against the chains he was now in. Knox stood in the middle of the hall, his hand dangerously close to Nora’s neck as the other yanked her head back. He could hear the wolves surrounding the pack hall. The rest of Cross River inside and kneeling, mostly women and children. What he had not expected was that moonlight and Red Woods would bring their armies. He snapped his fingers and Angela scooped up Hannah and Mick did the same to Jessica, forcing them to their feet and placing a blade to their throats. Knox dragged Nora by her hair to the center of the hall, a blade on his hip.“Let them in.” Knox announced.Soldiers at the door pulled the doors open and in charge the dark red wolf, a bright red wolf, and a dark gray wolf. Jace recognized all three of them. He tensed up if Asher did anything a bit rash he could lose Nora, they could lose them all.“Asher!” Jac
Chapter TwelveFate“Damn it. Come on!” Ronan said in frustration as he pressed down hard on her chest.She hadn’t been under water that long. Pax was whimpering inside of him like he was losing a part of himself. It was driving Ronan insane he couldn’t think. He pressed down hard, he felt a crack knowing it was one of her ribs. He paused, going to give her a breath. He pinched her nose and went to place his mouth over hers. Water hit him in the face as she began coughing. He reacted quickly, rolling her onto her side. More water poured out of her as she coughed. She began to struggle, trying to sit up.“Hey, hey easy.” Ronan said, helping her sit up.“Breath.” He said quietly to her as she winced, taking a breath in. He knew she had to hurt from how hard he had been pressing on her chest. He knew there had to be some ribs broken. He watched her slowly breathe. She didn't realize it but she had leaned back into him. Her body was shivering from the cold. Although he was wet, the amoun
Chapter ThirteenCold“Jace.” Nora whispered from her cell, she just wanted to hear his voice. “Nora?” His voice carried down the long hall of cells. She instantly felt relieved. He was in here with her. She let her breath that she had been holding in.“Are you ok?” Nora called back to him.“I’m just fine. You?” Jace smiled hearing her voice made him feel instantly better.“I’m fine, we will figure this out. I am here, Jessica, and Hannah are here. The wolfsbane affects them more than me. They’re ok but weak. Asher and Zeke?” Nora asked moving closer to the bars but not close enough to touch them.“They’re here. Asher made himself pass out from trying to get the chains off of him and Zeke tried letting did the same.” Jace said, his voice frustrated.“Are you ok?” Nora almost whispered, she was afraid something was wrong.“I’m fine.” Jace grumbled.“She’s got out.” Nora said, wanting to tell Jace that Mallory had gone to get help, that she got out of there in time.“Good. She’s stro