novelxo Chapter CHAPTER 29
-Adira-
Rhys and I held hands as we approached the training field together where Selene had the warriors standing at attention. Killian, Sam, and Erica stood adjacent to the warriors with Lucas who was talking with some of them quietly. We weren’t a large pack by any means but we had the numbers when it came to warriors. There were at least 50 wolves standing before us. It was remarkable Selene was able to work with them all.
Today was the day that we were setting off to the Crimson Pack and I was nervous. Not only was I visiting my mate’s pack but we were also entering a potential war zone. I wasn’t sure what Rhys was thinking about this whole situation and would reassure me that he was fine but doubt still filled me. Nothing about this seemed right.
The sun peeked over the tree line of the forest and the early morning breeze blew through my hair as we joined Selene and the others. “Everyone accounted for?” Rhys asks, observing the wolves standing before us.
“Chase Wilson is the only one missing but you know him, he’s usually late for anything that happens this early in the morning.” Selene regards with a roll of her eyes.
“I’m here Gamma, don’t get your panties in a twist.” Chase appears just as his name was mentioned, pushing past Selene and I to join the group. He froze in his steps and inhaled deep twisting around to face Killian and his group. His brown eyes zeroed in on Erica and I recognized them as mates instantly. My gaze flickered to Erica who had her mouth parted in shock.
What happened next surprised me even more. Chase schooled his features and went into line with the rest of the warriors as if nothing had happened. It was like he hadn’t just found his soulmate.
What the hell?
As if sensing I was about to question the wolf, Rhys nudged me with his shoulder ’It’s none of our business my love.’ He all but growled into our mindlink. Seems like he wasn’t happy with Chase either.
Erica looked crestfallen but did a good job at hiding her emotions. I saw right through it though, she was hurt and I didn’t blame her.
“Now that we are all here.” I eyed Chase who gulped and looked away guiltily “Some of you may know that my mate is an Alpha himself from the Crimson Pack. There has been some rogue activity there and as allies we will be taking a small team with us as we investigate what is happening on the borders of his pack.”
“There will be five wolves joining us and Selene will hand pick her best warriors. After you five have been chosen we will make our departure.” Rhys says gruffly. As he spoke I noticed the warriors stand straighter and pay more attention when the words left his mouth. He had so much authority, it was difficult for any wolf to not focus on what he was saying. I was slightly jealous of that. I wasn’t sure I had the same effect.
Rhys turned his head to Selene and nodded “Try not to take too long picking Sel, we need to get going.”
Killian approached us with his brows furrowed “Are you sure you two only want to take five warriors? We really don’t know what Victor has planned. We could be outnumbered.” He looked between us worriedly.
Rhys put a reassuring hand on Killian’s shoulder “Relax Kil, we still have Crimson Pack warriors and Alpha River and his guard. I think we have more of an advantage than Victor.”
It was true, River’s guards were no ordinary werewolves, he only had Lycan’s in his territory, save for a few regular werewolves. There would be multiple extremely strong beasts accompanying us. My husband was right, with River and the Lycan’s on our side, we had the advantage. There wasn’t anything to worry about...at least that’s what I keep telling myself.
Killian shook his head and pushed Rhys’ hand off him playfully “Whatever you say Alpha. You’re the boss.”
Selene and Lucas jogged over to us with my sister looking very pleased with herself. “Alright I’ve chosen our five warriors and gave Kris the reins to train the rest. So, when are we leaving?” She asks looking between Rhys and I clasping her hands together..
He and I exchanged a brief look of confusion before glancing back at Selene “You two are staying here Sel.” I say cautiously.
Selene’s brows furrowed angrily “No I’m not, I’m your gamma and he’s your beta, Lucas and I should be at your side.”
“Actually since you two are now fully mated, you’re technicially now considered the Beta Female.” Rhys says with a grimace I elbowed him in the ribs as a way of saying this wasn’t a great time for that conversation.
“Even better, that gives me a higher ranking.” She crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at us “I’m going.”
“Selene is right Ad, you need us there too. What if this is a trap?” Lucas asks as he grasps my sister’s hand in a way to calm her down.
“Which is why I need you two here. If there is a chance this is a trap, we have to have communication with the pack.” I turned to Selene and softened my gaze seeing her look of uncertainty. I knew she was afraid for us, we didn’t know what we were walking into and she wouldn’t be there to help. “I know you’re afraid of losing us but you won’t. I promise Selene, we’ll come back to you guys.”
Selene said nothing for a moment before pulling me into a tight embrace, something that was out of the ordinary for her. My eyes widened in surprise before hugging her back. Even Lucas and Rhys seemed stunned. “We can’t afford to lose another family member Ad, don’t do anything stupid.”
I chuckled and pulled back “Me? Do something stupid? C’mon Sel, if we have to worry about anyone doing something stupid it’s blondie over there.” I tilted my head over to Rhys who rolled his eyes at us two..
Sel smirked and stepped back into Lucas’ embrace “That’s true. Keep my only brother alive will you? We just got him you know?”
“I’ll do my best.” I winked while moving to stand beside my mate.
Rhys kissed my head and nodded at our Beta couple “We should get going. This trip will take multiple days.”
“Yes, let’s go.” I hugged Selene once more and slugged Lucas on the arm “Take care of my baby sister.”
Lucas glared and rubbed the spot on his arm “As if she needs something to watch over her.”
I giggled and turned to my husband “Let’s rally the troops.”
After filling in the warriors with our plans of traveling by car versus in wolf form, we began packing in all two suv’s we’d be driving in. I handed Rhys and Killian the camping gear to place in the trunk “Why are we camping again?” I asked curiously as the men argued over how to properly pack gear.
“I’ve already told you my love.” Rhys stated pushing in the tents and our bags “Sleeping in the woods will allow us to let our wolves out after being confined to these suv’s. Come on Kil it’s not that hard!”
“Hey man, I didn’t judge you for your packing skills!” Killian argued back.
“That’s because I wasn’t doing it wrong.” Rhys mutters.
I sighed deeply and rubbed my forehead tiredly. We hadn’t even left yet and I knew these guys were going to drive me insane.
“Are you sure you want to be stuck in a vehicle with these two?”
I let out a laugh and turned to see Natalia and Emilia standing behind me observing the two wolves arguing like children. “No I’m not entirely sure.” I hugged both my sisters before pulling away “I didn’t think you’d be able to leave the infirmary today Nat.”
From the corner of my eye I could see Killian’s head snap up no doubt at the scent of my sister. Natalia did her best to keep from looking at him. I smirked at the two feeling amused at them. Ah, young love.
“Well I wanted to make time to see you before you left.” Nat shrugged uncaringly. Right, sure she came to see me.
Emilia didn’t look convinced either as she rolled her eyes at our sister. She smiled at me and hugged me once again. “There isn’t a chance I could join you can I?” She mumbled into my shoulder.
“I’m afraid not Em, with your lack of training, I can’t bring you to a potential war zone. I wouldn’t be able to fight knowing you could be in danger.” I say “But hey, I need you here to keep an eye on Nat and Sel, you know they’re trouble when left unsupervised.”
Emilia giggled and pulled away wiping her tearfilled eyes “Just come back home okay?”
I grinned and nodded “Don’t worry, Sel already gave me that talk. I’ll come home soon.”
Emilia reluctantly nodded then moved to say her own goodbye to Rhys who she has gotten especially close to. She was the little sister he never had and cared for her deeply. I pitied the person that ever hurt my youngest sister, I don’t think even I would be able to stop my husband from tearing them apart.
Natalia had been subtly sneaking looks at Killian, who looked just as awkward as her, while he attempted to finish packing in our supplies. He appeared to want to speak with her just as much as she wanted to speak with him. These two needed a little help. I cleared my throat and nudged her shoulder “Talk to him.” I encouraged.
Nat sputtered and crossed her arms trying to appear more collected than she really was “What would I even say? I mean I walked away when we first met. I doubt her wants to speak to me.” She whispered harshly, blowing her bangs out of her face in frustration.
Natalia had always been bossy, sarcastic, collected and confident so seeing her so flustered made this even more amusing. Yes Selene was tougher and more rough around the edges but it was Natalia who was the ice queen and had a harder exterior than the rest of us. With her mate suddenly appearing, it threw her off her game and she hated every minute of it.
I rolled my eyes and pushed her gently towards Killian “You’ll never know if you don’t try.”
“Wait Ad don’t” She whispered in exclamation as she neared Killian.
“You’ll thank me later.” I only reply before leaving the two future love birds alone. Rhys chuckled and wrapped his arms around my waist.
“Are you meddling with your sister’s love life?” He asked, kissing my head.
I smiled up at him with a grin “Nat needs a little push.”
“Just like you needed a little push?” Rhys teased poking my side playfully.
“We didn’t exactly have the best start Rhys.” I deadpanned “ Besides she can be very stubborn. More stubborn and I am!”
Rhys’ eyes widened for a moment before he chuckled lowly “Goddess help Killian.”
An hour later and we were all on the road, Rhys, Killian, Sam, Erica and I were piled into one vehicle while the warriors were in the other following closely behind. I sat up front with Rhys at the wheel and held one of his hands.
“So Adira, anything you’d like to know about Rhys? Embarrassing stories, embarrassing stories or maybe embarrassing stories?” Sam asks eagerly from behind my seat.
“Oh we have loads, there’s the time where he was dared to swim naked in the lake and got bit by a fish.” Killain says leaning forward in excitement.
“Or when he was so terrified of a butterfly that he freaked out and fell out of the boys only tree house?” Erica chimed in with a grin.
“Or-”
“Or we do none of that.” Rhys interjects eyeing all of his friends through the rearview mirror.
“We’ll talk later.” Sam whispers smiling cheekily as Rhys glares at him.
The car ride was filled with pleasant conversations, laughter and occasionally the sound of snoring from Killian and Sam. I had enjoyed spending time with Rhys’ friends and could see myself calling them my friends one day. Even Erica who was so bad once I looked past the fact she was engaged to my husband.
Eight hours seemed to pass by quickly and soon we were searching for a spot to stop for the night. Rhys wanted to continue further but I could see his eyes grow up heavy as he grew more weary. We could afford to stop for the night.
It was pretty easy to find a wooded area for us to camp in. Rhys couldn’t have pulled into the edge of the forest quicker. We had driven past several trees and bushes that would keep our vehicles and campground covered from prying eyes. Thankfully this wasn’t another pack’s territory. We had no allies in Utah.
“Alpha’s we have scouted the area and it’s clear. We should be good to set up camp.” Chase nodded his head at Rhys and as we got out of the SUV to stretch our legs.
“Good, have someone make a campfire and get started on dinner. We’ll get to unpacking our tents.” Rhys ordered tiredly with a deep yawn.
“Yes Alpha.” Chase turned away but not before casting a glance at Erica who gave him a hopeful smile. He almost returned it only to shake his head and turn the other direction.
Okay I really needed to talk with him.
Trying to hide my frown and I turned to Rhys and put a hand on his chest “Let’s get these tents unpacked huh? You look like you could use some sleep.” I smiled and kissed his cheek.
“Well being stuck in the car with those three doesn’t exactly make you energized.” He muttered, pulling me closer to him.
“Hey! We’re a big ball of sunshine you asshole.” Sam exclaimed, popping his head out from the trunk of the car with the four tents in his arms.
We're on our way to the Crimson Pack!Any new theories? What is Chase's deal? What do you think will happen between Nat and Killian?
So guys! I'm currently out of work for 21 days so I'll be doing updates a little more frequently and I expect to finish this story soon!
Thank you all for all the love for ALPHA! I never dreamed that so many people would like my writing!
See you next update!