Ch. 431..440

Chapter 0431

"What the hell? That sounds crazy!" Lil laughs. "These guys sound like the guys on the compound. What do you do to make them just fall at your feet? You have to teach me your secrets."

"I don't do anything, and shut up, no one falls at my feet. I was just really close with these guys, I've known them my whole life and the year before I came to training, we were pretty much inseparable. I struggled without them too, I just had other things to deal with at the time."

"Yeah, like spending a month in the hospital recovering from being poisoned by someone in your own pack. Sorry Luna Ava, but I don't understand why she is still able to be out and about walking around when she hurts pack members, especially pups." Jena is bold, she always has been with me, but it is fun to see her come out of the shell her time with Mike put her in. She is embracing her Alpha blood and an equa to Luna Ava.

"This room is a safe space, and completely soundproof. And nothing I say leaves this room, I trust you girls because my Sky trusts you with her life. Kaley is a problem, always has been and without concrete evidence there's very little we can do. Trust me we have tried, but we can't just come out and accuse her of anything without it. We can't be accused of playing favorites. Her family is the kind of family that will cause trouble. What am I talking about? They are causing trouble now. Just to give you a heads up, because your not-so-warm welcome is going to be a constant. The Cunninghams are staying with us while their home is being repaired. They are taking up half of the second floor, where you girls will be staying." She looks over at Lil and Jena with a grimace.

"If it's a problem, they can stay up here with me..." I start.

"NO! Sorry, no they can't. Kaley can't say anything about you being up here, because you have always had a room up here. She will have a fit if we let your friends stay up here with you. It shouldn't matter, nor should it be anyone else's business. But they are the worst type of me-to people I have ever met and they tend to bog us down with useless business that really only benefits them. But Lucas and I have discovered that if we keep them busy, they don't go do things behind our backs."

"You pack members just do that?" Jena is actually offended.

"Not necessarily, but many of our Elders, think they have more control and say than even the Alpha and they have gotten bold recently, just making decisions and giving orders and unfortunately our pack members don't know any different because they are trusted leaders. I know Xander is having a similar issue. There always is a power issue when the next Alpha is getting close to taking over, that's when all the politics really start to kick in." She rolls her eyes. "It's all about power and we don't want to teach our pack members to not trust the leadership. They need to trust us, know that our decisions are for their benefit and the safety of the pack as a whole. But some people who have been in power too long forgot what it is like to earn their position. So to not cause an uproar we try to deal with these things quietly. Of course we have our resident drama queen at the heart of several issues right now."

She runs her fingers through her hair, like she is composing herself.

"All guests need to stay on the second floor. That's what we told her and her father has been looking for any reason to get her up here, even claiming they had family visiting from out of town who would need to be put up in the packhouse since their home isn't finished yet. Kaley jumped on that train and tried to claim this room for herself when they brought their stuff over. We told them to make other arrangements for their guests at the local hotel, we even offered to pay for the inconvenience. But in the end 'plans changed." She air quotes and rolled her eyes. "I don't know how she keeps getting up here when we keep changing the entrance code to the door, but she does. The last time she tried, oh that was an argument fit for TV. It was one of the few times I have ever had to use my Luna aura on a pack member." "How long have they been here Luna?"

"Too long. Actually their house caught fire after a small attack about a month after you left. The amount of damage was not that severe, but whoever they hired to inspect it said it would be better to tear the whole thing down and start over, making improvements while they were at it. Everything has taken twice as long and been stalled out more times than I can count. They are stalling for time. The boys all turn 18 in the spring, Kevin wants Kaley near the twins to hopefully build a friendship good enough for them to consider her if they don't find their mate or mates right away."

"So he's trying to wh*re her out in order to give her a better chance at being Luna." Lil surmises.

"It won't happen, they want their mate or mates, but boys will be boys and they have acted like all teenage boys their age and slept around. What they realized too late is that some of these girls think that makes them the next Luna by default, which is ridiculous. None of the boys have really dated since you and Sierra left. They really have changed." She sighs and I can't tell if it's a good thing or a bad thing.

"Well, let's go get these two rooms and then I can show them around a bit since Lil didn't get to see much at trials and Jena has never been here." I look at Luna Ava seriously, I don't want to feel anymore guilty about how the guys have behaved since I chose to stay away.

 

Chapter 0432

3-4

I shake myself from my thoughts. I have no control over how they act. I am not the cause for everything that they do. They have jobs to do and got serious about them is all. They are going to start the transition soon and they know they can't mess around anymore.

"Will Jena and Lil be next to the Cunnignham's room, or are they on the other side of the hall? I don't know if I want anyone near them for an extended period of time."

"They have three rooms at one end of the hall. I will put you girls at the other end, but I think that will work in our favor since you will be closer to the third floor staircase. Maybe it will derail Kaley's actions. We should check in with Lucas too, just to see if he has had contact with Warrior Brogen about your prisoner. Anything from him on your current situation?"

"I haven't heard from him. Either of you had orders?" I look at my friends, who both shake their heads. "Weird. I told him we would wait for orders, maybe he wants us to just stay put. Maybe they caught up with rogues too and are tied up at the moment. We'll give it twenty four hours and then I will check in again."

The three of us start to move towards my door when Luna Ava laughs. "Girls, you have been at this roughing it thing for too long. Stay here and shower, change, and for the love of my sanity please tell me if any of the blood you are covered in is yours. We can meet with Lucas when you're done. Slow down, there is nothing rushing you right this moment. You could all actually rest. I think I heard you have been up for almost two days."

We all look at each other. I know for me it's the first real look I've given my friend's since we met up with the rogues in the forest. We look like a hot mess warmed over. Even though we are all in our standard issue black uniform, it is apparent that we were tumbling around in the dirt. There are still leaves and twigs in both girl's hair, so I can safely assume I have them in my hair too. The finishing touch is the streaks of blood we all have on our necks and hands. There is splatter across Lil's face and Jena looks like she's a vampire rather than a werewolf.

We all start laughing unreasonably hard. This should not be funny at all, but none of the guys said a thing to any of us about it. Although that may explain some of their reactions and the way they were talking to us.

"Sky, your clothes are still in the closet, but I dare say you have filled out in your time away. Look at these muscles." She smiles at me. "Let me see what I can dig up for you ladies."

We each make quick work of showering the battle off of us. Luna Ava brought us all clothes in every shade except black. I just rolled my eyes and laughed at the options, then we all fought over the darkest colors. I ended up in navy blue leggings with a white t-shirt. Jena got the black leggings and a red t-shirt. Lillian got gray joggers and an orange t-shirt.

"It's so weird to be wearing colors. I almost feel too bright." Lillian laughs

"I'm starving, let's go see if we can grab some food before we head out." I lead the girls out the door. I half expected the guys to be waiting in the hallway like they used to, but no one was there. I am actually a little disappointed and then angry at myself for feeling that way. I left to follow my dreams, I can't expect them to just sit around and wait for me. I mentally shake myself and head downstairs. We all slow down as we hear voices coming from the kitchen.

"Daddy, fix this! She can't be here, she's a nuisance and she will mess up everything like always."

"I will do everything I can sweetheart, you know that, but we can't just attack her. She'll be gone soon enough with her warrior missions."

"Why not? Everything was better when she left. The pack was getting back to what it should be. She was making people rebel against me and as Luna I can't have disloyal people in my pack."

"I know sweetheart, and when you are Luna you can put her on an assignment somewhere out of the way, but for now tread carefully. She's a favorite, whether it was earned or not, it's a fact." A groan like screech comes out of Kaley's mouth and I decide I have heard enough.

The three of us walk in and I head straight for the pantry. "I hope Lenny left something good to eat!" I say to my friends pretending like the Cunninghams aren't even in the room. "She always made the best snacks, but she had to hide them from the guys because they would eat them all in one sitting."

I grab random things and hand them over then turn to walk out. She's not worth my time and no longer a threat. I will beat her ass if she so much as approaches me aggressively. I am done with her and her rumors and threats.

We step out of the door and I take in

a deep breath. The smell was so

calming and comforting, this is home. The forest, the people, I can even smell the training grounds. This is my forever place, but I'm still tied to the Royal pack and the warrior compound too. It's so weird to know that and have no idea what it means all at the same time.

Now I am curious, and have no desire to be in the packhouse if Kaley and her dad are there coming up with ways to get rid of me. So we ate and we walked the short walk over to the training grounds. I am giving a running commentary of the pack as we go. I hear a lot of noise as we approach the smallest of the three arenas.

"What in the world? It's the middle of the day, what's going on here?" I ask no one in particular. We walk through the gate and what I see stops me in my tracks.

All of my guys are working with groups of pups in the middle of the day on a weekday. What is happening? There's never been training in the middle of the day before.

I walk over, waving at Delta Kyle. "What is all of this?"

"This is all you kiddo."

"What are you talking about?" I look around as I ask him.

"You inspired a lot of things here. We train instead of doing gym class with the pups now and all of the upperclassmen volunteer to help throughout the week. With all of the little attacks and you being gone, we have all bonded being here. think it makes the kids feel safe being able to fight. And they know you're at warrior training getting better and they want to do the same."

"You've had attacks? I didn't know that."

"Yeah, nothing major, but attacks nonetheless. Some houses and properties have been damaged, but I think you found that out too." He looks at me pointedly. "Yeah, we got the idea." Lil speaks up. “Lillian, Elite Warrior, nice to meet you officially."

"Oh, I am so sorry! This is Lil, one of

the elite warriors on my team, this is Jena, another warrior on my team, but she is also the Alpha of the Black Diamond Pack. This is Delta Kyle, Sam's dad. Is there anything we can do? We are waiting for orders right now so we are at a stand still. And none of us could sleep if we wanted to in the middle of the day."

"Do you really want to help?"

"Of course. What do you need?"

"Well you are somewhat of a legend here. Some of these pups have never seen you in action. What do you say to a game of capture the flag?"

 

Chapter 0433

3-5

"Really?! Of all the things we could do, you want me to play capture the flag?"

"Actually, I thought they could play against all of you and see how a team works together. That is something this group is struggling with. Everyone wants to be the hero and they are starting to plateau working individually."

"You guys in?" I look at my friends and I know their answers before they say anything. We all smile at each other.

"What are the rules? What do we get when we win?" Jena asks and Lil and I both laugh.

"Basically the kids put a flag out and you all have to get it without being tagged by them and get it back to the starting line. Sky here still holds the record for the fastest time. No one can seem to beat it, although Sam has come the closest. That is now the bragging point, who gets the closest." He laughs and we join in. He turns and starts walking toward the groups of kids working with the guys and some of the other highschoolers I recognize, but don't really know names of. I can't tell if the guys don't notice me because they are focused on the kids or if they are ignoring me, but none of them look our way until Kyle shouts.

"Listen up!!" All the commotion comes to a halt. "We have a treat for you today, Sky is visiting and has a break from her current mission, so she and her team are going to work you over a bit. Let's see if you can survive a game of capture the flag." Many of the kids cheer and wave at me. I love that some of them remember me and are at least excited to see me. The guys are all in their varying states of emotions. Sam waves enthusiastically, Mateo's wave is more subdued. Oliver is just looking anywhere but at me and the twins are blank. I have no idea what they are thinking.

"You expect us to go up against Elite Warriors? Are you crazy?" A boy, maybe a couple years younger than me complains.

"Why not?"" Lil asks. "You are here to train and get better, not be comfortable and complacent. The only way to get better is to go up against people who are better than you, have a skill that is better than yours, or work with people who have been training longer. Always be learning, don't whine about the effort of getting better, just do the things that make you better." Lil is in training mode now. She is one of our best trainers, she just isn't old enough to be an instructor yet. She should be a floor leader and a team lead, but she says she doesn't want those positions. I don't miss the looks on my guys' faces at her comment though. They must tell this kid off a lot too.

"That is the mentality of an Elite Warrior." Kyle says proudly pointing to Lil. “Now let's break you up into groups to go against their team.”

Kyle starts moving around and pairing up groups so there are an even amount of kids. This looks like our middle school aged kids so the ages and abilities are going to be interesting since many of them are probably in the middle of growth spurts. This is always such a weird age to work with because of that.

"You have your teams, work with your upperclassmen to come up with a plan. You have five minutes." He walks back over to us. "Let's see how creative they get since it's against you. Don't go easy on them either, they need to see what real competition looks like. Many of the upperclassmen struggle with harming them during training. No one wants to hurt a child and I feel like the idea that they are weak due to their size or age is actually hurting them more. You are my biggest case in point. For whatever reason you are the smallest wolf I have ever seen, and I don't think you are growing any more, Little One, but you are one of the most skilled warriors to come from our pack. These kids need a push, just like our boys did years ago. It's why they do this now, Why they still train just as hard as when you trained them. They saw how it improved them, but I also think they do it to feel closer to you. This was your thing, your project to improve the pack and they refused to let it die when you left."

I just blink, tears are threatening behind my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall. I feel like my emotions are on overdrive being home, or maybe being this close to the guys again I can't stuff them down like I do when I am away.

"Hey, Bitty, you good?" Oliver walks up to me rubbing his chest. I can see the looks of my friends from the corners of my eyes. I just walk into his massive chest and wrap my arms around him, taking in a deep calming breath. This is something I have missed. "I'm still mad at you." He wraps his arms around me and squeezes tight."

"I know, I'm a terrible friend, I'm sorry." I squeeze tighter.

"Not good enough, but we'll get to that later." He lets me go and walks back to his group.

"What was all that about?" Jena asks.

"He can feel my emotions, he just knows when I'm upset. The connection has saved me more than once."

"Really? Have you two always been like that?"

"No, it was after I got my wolf and we really started to hang out. It kind of developed, the more we hung out the more he could feel my emotions. He's most attuned to sadness and fear emotions." I shrugged my shoulders.

"And he's going to be your Gamma?" Lil asks.

"Yeah, why?"

"Looks like a mate thing to me, just curious."

"Not a mate thing, I don't think. Neither of us do. We have talked about it before, when, well that story is too long for right now, but he somehow could sense me having a panic attack from somewhere else in the packhouse and was able to find me based on our connection. But my brother, Sam and the twins have the same ability to calm me that he does. It's something with our group."

"You ladies ready?" Delta Kyle calls over to us.

We look at eachother and shrug. None of us even talked about a plan of attack for this game. "Ready as we'll ever be I guess." Jena laughs.

"Midge, you call the shots. This is your game and your pack, you know them best."

"Got it. The flag is on the top of the rope climb. They are probably really good at that now, but it's their go-to spot to place the flag. No different than trials Lil. Don't underestimate

how f*cking fast these kids are especially with a challenge. Get off the ground as quickly as possible. It's harder for them to herd us that way and we are faster in the air. Split right away, I'll go down the center and throw them off. We need to

mess with their heads a bit, confuse them. Meet you at the top.

"Got it Boss." They both call back not looking at me.

We have perfected the art of talking over the mindlink while paying attention to others.

"3...2...1...Go!" Kyle calls out.

 

Chapter 0434

3-6

We take off in three directions. I run right at a group of kids who look terrified. I just laugh and jump over them landing soft on my feet and using the momentum to roll forward and continue running. "GO!!! Why are you staring at her? You see us do stuff like that all the time." I hear Sam yell and laugh at the same time.

I can see Jenal to my right, her group following her like a rockstar. Lil is to my left and she is bobbing and weaving through the kids, messing with them and loving every second based on her cackle. None of them can touch her and some are loving the game and some are super frustrated based on the growls coming from them,

"Let's go Lil, we are on a time crunch."

"No one said anything about a time limit. What the hell?"

"It's a personal time thing, not official, but you are not going to slow us down." I laugh back at her.

"Yes, boss." She laughs back.

I know she's put on her real speed when sounds of 'hey!' 'Woah!' and 'how'd she do that?' erupt from behind me.

I run full out for the three rope climb, I grab two, but can't get the third, they are set too far apart, but Lil reads my mind and grabs it. We actually had a drill like this for escape. We had to climb a rope, skinnier than these, but almost as heavy, While pulling the end up to keep the enemy from following. Hauling the two at the same time kind of sucked, but I managed. We met at the top and grabbed the flag. It's bigger than I remember, but maybe that's to make it easier for the kids somehow.

"What's the plan, cause these kids are wearing me out." Jena calls from the ground keeping a good chunk of kids busy.

"Lil, go down the cargo net and along the wall, draw as many as you can. Jena, I'm coming for you, we need to throw them off a bit. Let's make it look like we are changing up who has the flag." “Like cups, got it." Lil laughs and takes off for the cargo net, not even stopping to assess the jump, just goes for it. Crazy ass.

There is a commotion of kids everywhere, I'm just lucky we are all fast and they are still not working together to corral us into one place. All the kids running around makes it hard for us to cross paths at first, but we soon outstrip them and criss-cross each other, making contact several times all the way back to the finish line where Delta Kyle is waiting.

We cross the line and groan almost as much as the kids from the exertion. We walk around and talk to the kids for a minute. Chatting about the game, training, what it's like to be a warrior for the Alpha King. "Well, kids, that was a great run. You gave the warriors a hard time and didn't make the win easy for them. I have a question though. Who has the flag?"

Arguments broke out amongst the kids over which of the three of us had it.

"Why does it even matter? They beat us, the game is over. Who cares which one of them has the flag?"

"Your superior cares, Dwight." If you would have seen who had the flag, you would have only had to chase one warrior instead of all three, or you could have worked together to team up on them in small group's. There's only three of them." Cam says to the whiny kid. "I think you should come to the Sky training tomorrow."

"WHAT?! No! I didn't do anything."

"You did several things. We'll talk about them in the morning though." Dakota smiles at him, then looks at me and winks.

"Hold on. What is Sky training? And why does he sound offended to be required to go?" I move closer to the twins.

"We now have a 4am training that we do. It has been deemed the 'Sky Training' because you are the only person crazy enough to workout at four on purpose. For everyone else it's punishment. It is an eye opening wake-up call for anyone needing a little extra motivation."

"We are off track though." Grumbles Oliver. "Who has the flag? We purposely set a larger one so Sky would have more difficulty concealing it." He finally looks at me with less irritation. They did change the flag because of me, I just rolled my eyes. "At this point she's still managed to hide it from you."

The discussion among the kids became a low hum as they discussed among themselves. My guys come over and stand making a wall behind the three of us.

"Who thinks Beta Sky has it? Raise your hands." My brother says to the group. About a third of them raise their hands and several of those people look like they are just doing what the person next to them is. "Alright, who thinks Warrior Lillian has it?" Another small chunk of confused hands go up. "How about Alpha Jena?" More confused hands, but I don't think this has anything to do with the flag. He gave us all titles that no one has cared to use before.

"How is she an Alpha?" Whiny boy Dwight asks. This kid is asking for an ass beating.

"Do you really need that discussion

here in front of everyone or can we

just go with My Dad was an Alpha and I am the only child of an Alpha Now that he is gone, I am the Alpha. I would think you would have that concept considering you work directly with your future Alpha's." Jena let's her aura out a little bit and I have to stop myself from smiling at the look of fear on Dwight's face. He might actually wet himself in front of the group.

"We're going to be at this early ass training, right? Dwight and I have an appointment."

 

Chapter 0435

3-7

Lil and I couldn't hide our laughter.

"Anything you want Alpha."

"Lil, don't be an ass. Alpha or not this little douche canoe is going to learn respect and how to ask questions with respect."

"I was hoping you could say 'Alpha' a couple more times. I don't think you got a round half dozen." I add on. We clearly stopped paying attention the minute he questioned a female being an Alpha.

"The problem now is observation. Don't make things more complicated than they need to be. See the objective and follow it, everything else is fluff." Cam starts ignoring us.. "Who has the flag?" "Beta Sky got it down, she brought it over the line." A girl smiles at me.

"No. I don't have it. I got to it first so I retrieved it. Beyond that it doesn't matter who gets it over the finish line. There was no need to keep it when many of you made the assumption that I touched it so I have it, I passed it off almost immediately."

Lil smiles. "Then we both split, you had to choose who to follow. Most followed Beta Sky." She looks at me with a smirk. "We divided your ranks."

"We crossed paths about a dozen times before we crossed the finish line. All three of us connected each time." Jena fills in the rest. We speak as one person because we act as a unit.

"There's no way you switched off that big flag without any of us noticing." Another boy from the back.

"And yet we did. I had it at least three times. Warrior Lil, you?"

"Four, I think, unless you count when Beta Sky gave it to me on the rope climb."

"None of us had it for more than a few seconds. In a real fight we all would have gone in completely different directions leading pursuers to warriors who could ambush them and assist us. That is how a team works. We are all important. We have team leads and assigned tasks so nothing is missed. It's not about being in charge or being the hero, it's about completing the task or assignment." I finish "There's your takeaway today. Go get cleaned up, you all have a couple more hours of classes and Principal Duncan is expecting you in ten." All the kids scatter like ants.

"So which one of you really has it?" Sam asks, laughing again. "I saw it change a couple times, but lost it."

"Well, you should maybe go to Sky training too, since you can't seem to pay attention." Lil laughs back at him. "Seriously, though. Who has it? None of you look like you have it stuffed anywhere fun at least."

Now we all just laugh, even Oliver cracks a smile.

"Alright mom just asked that we get you back to the packhouse for an early dinner and wants me to let all three of you know she's disappointed that you didn't rest after your ordeal last night." Cam interrupts and ushers us out.

"And don't try to run off either Tiny, you three are riding inside the truck."

"Why do they have to keep reminding you to ride in the truck, like you don't know it's there?"

"Because the packhouse is five minutes from here and I like to walk. They forget that I walked to the training grounds for literal years before they decided I was good enough to ride with them." I let out a huff and opened the passenger door to take my seat before someone threw me in like a doll.

"Will you stop calling me that? I'm not trying to be macho, Alpha. It's respect, you are a guest and my sister's friend. Just get in the damn truck." Mateo says loudly, putting effort into not yelling. "Why are you so bossy? Is he always this bossy?" Jena climbs in looking at me with a shit-eating grin on her face. She knows what she is doing.

"I'm probably not the best person to ask. He's not really bossy to me, he's more overprotective to a suffocating fault."

"Get your ass in that middle seat. I'm hungry. The Luna promised dinner and I love the food at the compound, looks like a mama who

but Luna Ava knows how to feed her warriors Let's go!!" Lil shouts, shoving Jena in as Mateo climbs in on the other side, basically throwing her in his lap. I turned to the front and fought the

laugh. This is going to be interesting.

I did notice that Oliver volunteered to sit in the bed of the truck. I need to get Oliver alone. He's clearly got something on his mind and he's keeping his distance from me and it hurts.

The ride to the packhouse was uneventful and yet amusing. My brother and Jena seem to have this 'need to have the last word' situation going on and I can feel the tension Lil was talking about this morning. I don't know how though, because she has her partial brand like I do, so the fact that she can flirt the way

she does baffles me.

I leaned my head on the seat back, the weariness hit all of a sudden as the truck rumbled down the road. Kota and Cam are holding my hands again, like they can't get enough contact. Their cocoon of warmth is hard to fight, but I do, just watching the town go by.

When we get there we head inside and up the stairs like old times, not really saying much after a hard training session. Jena and Lil head to their rooms and we plan to meet them on our way back down. The guys and I head to the third floor stairs.

"Have you guys been training all this time? I missed you back at school. I feel like I don't see you anymore. I wish you would come and have lunch with us at least."

Cam still has my hand still, Dakota has his hand on my lower back and none of us are trying to hide me this time, but they do all move in closer.

"Kaley, we have explained before, we are busy and we have obligations that keep us outside of the school. Our training and education has changed. I'm not sure what other ways we can tell you that. Excuse us, we have to get ready for dinner."

He pulls me along next to him and for the first time I don't feel like hiding my eyes from her, but I don't make a point to stare her down either. I'm not going to incite a fight, but I won't cower anymore. This is why I left to get stronger, to be better, I need to quit falling into old habits.

"Why is she going upstairs? Luna Ava said no guests on the third floor, that all the rooms were taken and only you guys were allowed up there."

"Kaley, enough. You know I have a

room here. I have for a very long time. Also ranked members are allowed on the third floor. I am a Beta, you are not. Stop trying to dig your claws into the guys. If you are

their mate you will find out when

everyone turns 18, until then back off. You are exhausting."

 

 

Chapter 0436

3-8

I didn't yell or scream, just told her how it is, like talking to a toddler who doesn't understand 'no.'

"We need to get ready, Luna Ava will shoot us if we are late." She just stares at me. I drag Cam with me, Kota doesn'tt break contact with me either. I unlock the door, making a point to show her I am wanted and she is not.

I head up the stairs, knowing Oliver will make sure the door is latched behind us so she can't.

"Umm, who are you and what did you do with our timid Little Bit?"

"Same person, just fed up with being called unwanted and a wh*re by her. I really hope she isn't mated to any of you. Her in any ranked position would be a nightmare."

I let go of Cam and head to my room without a backwards glance to any of them, I am really tired. I'm glad Luna Ava insisted on an early dinner for us. I shower again and linger a little longer than necessary, but the jets feel so good. I forgot how spoiled I am here. I find new clothes in my closet and all my bags are here too. I don't know why but I feel the need to have my blades on me, but how to do that and hide them? Luna Ava might freak out.

After a perusal of the new clothes, I found a sweatshirt that would hide my wrist cuffs and still look normal. I stepped

out of my room and almost burst into tears. All my guys are here, waiting for me. I walk right up to my brother and hug him around the waist, then move to Sam and Oliver, who stops me mid-hug, grabs my arms by the wrists behind his back and pulls them forward, looking at me curiously.

"It's a gut instinct to have them on me. I have learned to trust my instincts."

He just nods and lets me go, saying nothing to the rest. I hug both the twins, who take my hands again and we all head down. Jena and Lil are waiting by the door and do not look happy at all. It takes about two seconds to figure out why.

"I love how we all always walk down together. It makes such a grand entrance." She giggles and moves forward, like the leader in a parade.

Lil, Jena and I all roll our eyes.

"At least you laid the groundwork for telling her off."

"You were listening?"

"Umm, yeah, Midge. This idiot treats you the same way Drina does and you don't say anything to her either."

"I don't like causing trouble, and tattling because someone said words that are supposed to be hurtful is unnecessary."

"I could give two sh*ts if you tattle. Just make sure you keep telling her where to shove it. And use your damn aura. Yours is almost as strong as mine. You don't have to hurt her, don't give me that look. But making her not talk would

be a treat for everyone." Jena smiles.

I rolled my eyes again.

"You gonna let us in on your secret conversation?" Sam whispers in my ear, always a little too close for comfort and managing to not trip either of us on the stairs.

"Nope." I smile back.

"I can't decide if you are trying to kill me Little Bit. I hate secrets."

We walk into the kitchen and everything looks and smells even better than the scents that were wafting up.

"Luna Ava this is amazing! I hope you didn't go to any trouble."

"Never trouble for you, sweet girl. And I made all your favorites." She lowers her voice a bit. "I thought we could slowly move outside on the patio, since there's so many of us and it isn't too cool yet. Lucas and the rest of the old guys are already out there. You kids were the last to come down." A little louder she says. "Grab a plate and dig in, I made plenty and the boys know they can't have seconds until you do." She giggles, a little evilly and my mouth drops open.

"Mom, is that really fair?" Kota whines.

"I have seen this girl eat right alongside you boys and with all this extra muscle and the amount she has been training with her team, yes they get seconds first."

"Dad isn't going to like that at all." Kota muttered under his breath.

"Your father already agreed with me, so stop being a baby and go eat." We all laugh at her directing her son who's about eight inches taller than she is and twice her width. She shouldn't scare them, but she's a force when she wants to be.

We all fill plates and head out, Jena and Lil right behind me so I can introduce them.

"Skylar!! There you are. I was wondering if the boys would hog you all day. Come sit, some sit." Alpha Lucas waves us over and I set my plate next to Delta Gwen. Before we sit down I go through all the titles and introductions. As we get comfortable Lil links me/

"It's unnaturally quiet. Where's..."

"Don't say it, don't even think it. We are all out here having dinner and everyone who paid attention to Luna Ava's setup knew exactly where to go. These plates and silverware are her patio set. Now both of you get ready to be grilled about training."

We only made it about ten minutes into conversation before the Cunninghams all walked out the patio doors looking confused.

"My apologies Luna Ava, I must have misunderstood your invite. I thought we were eating in the formal dining room as usual."

"Oh no! With all the kids here we usually eat out on the patio, there's just enough room. Now that the boys are so big it's hard to have everyone crammed inside."

"Where would you like us?" He starts to walk to the head of the table where Alpha Lucas is at. "This is a new way of organizing for dinner." He smiles and I think he's trying to make a joke, maybe. "I've never seen pups at the head of the table before."

"And there's the douche you know and love."

"Why is he still here? If he was in my pack I would have

made him the Omega that cleans the locker rooms in the training facilities."

"Damn, Jen, that's harsh."

"You'll see harsh when you call me 'Jen' again."

"Luna Ava tried to tell me once, but we were interrupted. His family is an old family with the pack. Somebody was important once and we're stuck with him. He's Kyle's brother actually."

Lil spits out her drink and chokes. Jena and I both pat her on the back and try not to laugh at the water dripping from her

nose.

"What on earth is going on? I don't think the discussion of the state of our neighborhood streets is comical at all."

"No, you're right. The streets are very important especially when you are constructing such a big beautiful house. The

surrounding area should match." Jena flutters her eyes at him. He goes to answer her, but she cuts him off. "Although more than a year to construct a home seems like an overuse of resources, time and labor. Surely you would want those resources to get done in a timely manner and then they would be available to improve your street."

 

Chapter 0437

3-9

"I like your friend Little One!" Alpha Lucas smiles at me and I wink back at him.

"Luna Ava, what did you have on the schedule for tomorrow? We are still waiting on orders and would love to help out." I try to redirect the conversation.

"Actually, shouldn't you girls be in school? You can't have your education disrupted this way, it's truancy and lazy. I won't stand for it while you are in our pack." Kevin says this as if he's the Alpha.

"We are all set, Mr. Cunningham. I graduated several years ago. Similar to Cameron and Dakota, I had my studies accelerated so I could also train as the next Alpha. Lillian has also graduated. And Miss Smarty pants over here was so far ahead in her studies that she qualified for and took college classes while running missions and now the Alpha King himself has been teaching her." Jena sounds so polite, it's kind of scary. I'm wondering if she's possessed. And then I remember that there was a time when she was training to do all of this. She wasn't a hardened warrior, but a political princess, and she knows how to use her words just as effectively as her fists. It's just not a side we see very often on the missions we run. We tend to stick to the shadows as much as possible.

"I would still prefer you all in school, what kind of example is

it setting to have teenagers running around galavanting?"

"Did he not just hear that we all graduated already?" Lil doesn't hide her irritation very well on her face and Jena nudges her under the table.

"Yep, just wait, I'm sure there's an angle here."

"I think it would be prudent if all of our young leaders spent more time in school actually. Setting a good example and all. Mingling with the lower pack members and gaining their trust is always the best way to start a new rule." He's still standing there holding his plate looking ridiculous.

No one says anything about his ruling comment. What kind of response do you give to a delusion like that?

I wonder if he thought someone was going to move one of the 'pups' to make room for him if he stood there long enough. Even Kyle is avoiding eye contact with him. They couldn't be more different even though they are brothers. It's actually weird to see them in the same place.

Where Delta Kyle is all muscle and bulk from training Kevin is wiry and lanky. All werewolves have a general muscle tone about them, but most of us still work for it. Kevin Cunningham is skinny by wolf standards and a little gaunt in the face. His skin is paler, just hammering home the idea that he spends more time inside than out, even though our wolves prefer being outdoors.

"There it is." I link to my friends. "He wants the boys back in school, because of Kaley."

"He does realize that won't help her chances, right?" Jena asks.

"Obviously not, they are both still trying."

"Well, if you all are done eating why don't you run along and go hangout while the adults talk." Kevin tries to direct us.

I look down at my plate, which is still half full of my first round, and back up to him not hiding my confusion and irritation.

"We actually just started eating, Kevin. And I fully intend on having at least two more plates." I smile at Luna Ava and she winks at me too. "This food is too good and I am starving."

"I don't know where your manners went young lady, maybe they don't enforce those kinds of things at that roguish camp of yours, but it's 'Mr. Cunningham' to you." He huffs. And I would think that you would be more concerned about your figure. No male wants to see his mate all bloated up after three plates of food." He chuckles and looks around expecting the other adults to laugh along with him. They all actually look like they want to throw him across the yard.

"First, Kevin." I emphasize. "Elite Warrior training has many rules and regulations when it comes to hierarchy. All of the titles are earned by daily actions. You have not done anything of the sort, so what I choose to call you is based directly on your actions and contributions to the pack. And I don't think the Alpha King would appreciate you calling his Elite Warrior training camp 'roguish' considering the mission

that brought us here. Second, I'm pretty sure you just called me fat and unappealing. I train with my warriors for up to twelve hours per day. We," I gesture towards Jena and

Lillian, "Have been on a mission for sometime now and have been awake for over two days, I think, I've actually lost track." I look at my friends again and they both shrug. "I burn more calories in a day than you do in a week and train hard enough to eat what I want. Do not concern yourself about what I consume and don't let me hear of you talking to any other females in our pack like that, I won't stand for it." I throw his words back at him. "There's room for you at that end of the table." I point at the furthest end, near my father, who moved when Alpha Lucas called me over.

He stands there, not saying a thing, I think hoping, again, that someone would overthrow my instruction of him going to the end of the table. He finally concedes when everyone just sits there and stares at him.

"Damn, Bitty! Tell us how you really feel."

"Yep, I like the new Little Bit, that was so hot."

"You are an idiot, you know that?" I ask Sam.

"Yes, but you love me just the way I am. And Miss Alpha here, also hot. I may explode from the amount of female hotness in the room."

"We're outside." Lil looks at him and smiles.

"I know! That's the amount of hotness you all bring."

"Stop saying hot like you're twelve and just discovered girls,

you're embarrassing yourself." My brother throws a piece of his roll at Sam across the table. He leans towards Jena and whispers, "He's not wrong, that was impressive. I don't think anyone has been able to get that guy to shut up at dinner yet." He looks at me and then Jena for a long moment.

The rest of the night went more smoothly if not as comfortable. The Cunningham's stayed as long as we stayed and we didn't touch on any subjects that were more than surface deep. I really have to figure out what Kevin's deal is. Jena is right he should have been kicked to the curb by now. Something is going on and it is affecting how the pack leaders relax in their safe space. At the very least they need to move back into their own home.

"Luna Ava, I was serious about what you need from us tomorrow. We are headed to early training to watch what that is all about, but..."

"Oh, you're going to love Sky Training." Gamma Brett asks. " I can't wait until you see that." He laughs.

"Why does everyone say it like it's a bad thing? It's literally named after me and is viewed as torture, what the hell?"

 

Chapter 0438

I look around at my friends, waiting for anyone to answer. None of them look ashamed though. I narrow my eyes at all of them and settle on Oliver. He may be angry with me, but he has never beaten around the bush.

"Talk."

He takes a deep breath and rolls his eyes back at me. "Fine. They meet with us and run the full, original, patrol loop, then are in the gym for an hour doing bag work, with no break, then head to morning training and must be in the front near the trainers working full out the whole time. It's not really an insult to you, it's actually an insult to them, because they can't do it and it was your everyday normal." He shrugs a shoulder.

"Oh sh*t! How long does it take you to run the border?" Lil asks.

"If you're not actually running a patrol and just doing the loop, it's about an hour if you go full out."

"And how long is morning training?"

"It's now two hours, mandatory." Cam looks serious. "We've had too many attacks. All the surrounding packs have, so everyone has increased training and security. We'll show you in the morning."

I nod. "Well, in that case I had better eat up, I'm going to need the energy." I start to get up to go get seconds and Lil

and Jena follow suit.

"No wonder you came into Elite camp and didn't struggle at all. We were all wondering." Lil says and then looks

shocked. "I mean, it's not a secret, you're small. It's

deceiving, cause you come out and beast mode everyone." Lil says as we walk back towards the kitchen.

I see Kevin out of the corner of my eye start to move like he is going to stand and I know he's going to be like a five year old and try to take our seats.

"We'll be right back, I need seconds so I can carbo load for training in the morning." I look right at him and then my dad, who has a curious look on his face, and head in.

We were outside longer than I planned and I can feel my eyelids drooping, no longer able to fight the sleep my body needs.

"Alright Tiny, that's it, you girls need to sleep. You have been through a lot in the last couple days. Let's go." Cam pulls my chair out from the table and scoops me up. I'm too tired to react quickly and once I'm in his arms, I don't even care.

He's so warm and his scent is so familiar and calming, it's almost more difficult to stay awake now. I hear a yelp and look over his shoulder to see Oliver carrying Lil and my brother has Jena, who is actually trying to fight, but she's no better than I am and doesn't resist for too long. (1)

"Where are you going? I thought we were going to hang out tonight." It's like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole, Kaley just doesn't fit with our group and either she doesn't

get that or doesn't care.

"We didn't have any plans tonight and since we do have Sky training in the morning we need to head up and get some sleep, clearly the girls' mission has taken its toll." Kota said somewhere near me.

We started moving and the swaying was so nice and he was so warm, I just snuggled into his chest. I could care less where I sleep at this point, I'm so tired and so comfortable.

"We're all going up to the third floor. I'm not dealing with Kaley tonight or in the morning." I don't who said it, as I'm in and out of consciousness. The next thing I know is I'm laying on a pillow soft bed, I take a deep breath in and feel my body just drift off.

"SKYLAR!" I shoot up from a dead sleep. I have no idea where I am, but I look around for Jena. "SKY, HELP! Please!" She cries. I try to move but the blankets around me are holding me down. I can hear her panic and I can't move to get to her, making me panic..

My heart starts to race as I scramble to try and get my legs free.

"SKY! HELP ME!"

"HOLD ON JENA, I'M HERE, I'M COMING!" I fight harder.

"What the hell?" I hear groggily next to me. I turn quickly and see Cam looking around. "Tiny, what's wrong?"

"Smalls?"

"It's Jena, I have to get to her, she needs me, get me out of here.

"SKYLAR!?"

This time she's crying and I shove, I don't know who, off the bed and take off running. I'm a little disoriented as I run out into the hallway. "Jena, I'm coming, where are you?"

"Here." She cries again.

I ran towards her voice. She's in my room, I run in the door, straight to her on my bed and wrap her up in my arms.

"I'm here, you're safe. You're in my pack. You're in my room. You're safe, I'm here."

She just grips my t-shirt tighter and buries her face in my neck and cries as I repeat my words over and over. It's like this any time we change locations. She just doesn't transition well. Most of the time if we share a room she can calm the panic pretty quickly because she can find me. But if the dreams are too real or vivid then it takes a little bit to get her to hear me, like now.

"What can we do?" I'm startled. I can smell all the guys here now, but I was so focused on Jena, I didn't know they followed me in here.

Lil walks over and sits on her other side. "Nothing right now, she just needs a minute, then she should be alright." I say to all of them.

Lil and I just rock her until she is calm enough to pull away

herself.

"I'm sorry, I should be okay now. You can go back to sleep." "That was a bad one though, are you sure?" I ask.

"Yeah, I'm good. I think it was just the unfamiliar scents in here, that's all. I know I'm safe, go back to bed, it's okay."

"Do you want one of us to stay with you?" Lil asks. I have no idea where she was sleeping, but if it wasn't in here, It must have been Dakota's room. They would have given my friends their own bed up here and shared the couch in the media room. But I don't know why the thought of her in Dakota's bed sends a shard of ice down my spine. He was with me and Cam in Cam's bed, so it shouldn't matter.

"No, no. I'm good, go back to sleep, we have to get up early." "You two go back to sleep, I'll stay with her." My brother volunteers. When Jena doesn't argue, I nod my head and get up. I walk to Cam and Kota, who has his hand out.

"Let us know if you need us." She nods and lays back down.

We all go back to our beds and I look at the twins, "Don't ask. Not my story."

 

 

Chapter 0439

We get a couple more hours of sleep before we have to be up for training. I'm tired, but I still feel better getting actual sleep than I have felt in the last couple days.

As we head downstairs to get something to eat, I hear my name from the stairwell. I stop and look at the twins behind me. They both shrug.

"You all might as well come on in too. You're going to follow her anyway." Alpha Lucas says.

We walk into the Alpha's office and I can feel the tension. Something happened. "What's going on? Is everyone okay?" "Why don't you take a seat, this is not going to be a fun conversation and I know you all have plans today. They are all alive, but your warrior friends were ambushed. Osiston just got into contact with me."

"That's why no one has checked in yet? It must have been really bad." Lil stands behind me.

"Yes, clearly they had other priorities. There were no casualties on your side, they just confirmed with everyone in the last hour. Your friend Wyatt was sent back to the Royal pack though. He was cut with a blade that had something on it and he's having a bad reaction. Full disclosure, I do not think any of this information is helpful for you, but I was told

you need to hear everything I am about to tell you."

He takes a deep breath and rubs his face, like this is the worst information he could give me. But he just said all of the warriors survived so what could be worse than that?

"The rogues still appear to be moving in this direction, but they are dispersed among several packs, so it looks like whatever this attack is going to be it will be big, we need to prepare and since you seem to be the main target now..." Growls sound all around me. "Knock it off, she's been 'a' target we have always known that. Now we believe she has become 'the' target now that they know of or suspect your abilities." He looks right at me.

"What in the hell are you talking about?" Mateo blurts, forgetting who he is talking to.

Alpha Lucas ignores him and looks right at me. "Elena, said your training is more important now so she brought this." He shoves a bound package to me. I already know what it is without even looking. "There is a note with specific instructions. That's all I was told."

I nod and pull the book close to me. I have to train myself in magic, this should be interesting.

"Alpha Reggie has his pack on lock down, right now, no one in or out and he has advised the same for the surrounding packs. Which means you ladies are here for the foreseeable future. You will still receive training and orders so pay

attention to your link, but they are focused on the injured warriors and resetting their plan of attack so it might be a couple days."

He stops talking and closes his eyes. He takes three deep breaths and I can tell whatever comes next I'm not going to like. I hear a faint growl from his chest. Is he talking to his wolf?

His eyes fly open, but they aren't their usual soft blue, they are a deep crimson, the eyes of an alpha, and I jump back in my seat. His wolf has never come forward to me before.

"A message was delivered for you, Lucas does not want to share this information. It is not pleasant and we would both like to shield you from horrors like this, but it cannot be helped." He leans over and picks up another small box. My hand flies to my mouth, but I have no idea what could be inside. They said all of the warriors were accounted for and alive. I just start shaking my head.

"What is that and why do you look like you've seen a

ghost?" Jena asks. I yelp. I completely forgot they were all in here with me.

"The last time we had a box like that in the pack, the severed fingers of a Luna were in it."

A chorus of different curses come from all of my friends.

"Have you looked at it?" Cam asks.

"We can't, it won't open for anyone who has tried so far. My guess is it was sent specifically for Skylar." He slides the box towards me.

"Absolutely not! What the hell Alpha?" Oliver slaps my hand down as I reach for the box. "We know they are using magic now, what if they put some kind of spell on this to

incapacitate her, or worse?"

"A dozen people have touched it and Elena looked at it while she was here. She did confirm magic, but nothing she tried would open it. She suggested that Sky open it and we all be ready for anything."

"NO! We don't know this Elena, what if she is working with them." I can feel Oliver vibrating with anger next to me.

"I'm with Oliver, find someone else to try it. My sister isn't going anywhere near that thing. Did you see Luna Ava's face when we found those fingers? Not happening."

"Yeah, Alpha, it seems like too much of a coincidence to me. We need to look more into it first." Kotas says from somewhere else in the room.

"Bitty, you're giving me a migraine. You need to calm down. Please. I know this is scary..."

"You think I am scared?! You are all morons. Why don't we start with 'let's as Skylar what she thinks about the mysterious package,' Before you go making decisions for

her while she is sitting in the f*cking room!" I get loud. "Let me see the box."

"Bitty, no. It's not safe, we need to..."

"Oliver, I love you, but if you want to maintain the use of your arm and vocal chords, stop talking and step away from me... now." I look up at him and he stares at me for a long moment. He must see something that lets him know I have this.

Alpha pushes the box towards me and I hover my hand over it and I can feel the magic radiate off of it. The sensation is like feathers tickling my skin. Now that I know how to feel for magic in a space or on an object, I can't turn it off, I sense magic everywhere. Elena taught me how to feel for different types of magic. It's not really the magic, it's the intention of the spell that makes it good or bad. Good or light magic feels like feathers. Dark magic feels prickly, like when your foot falls asleep and you have pins and needles running up your leg.

The box is simple, off white, nothing exciting at all, and tied off with brown string. Well I'm sure if anything was on here to poison then all the other people who touched it would be sick now. I untie the twine and slowly lift the lid off of the box and drop the lid as soon as I peek inside.

 

 

Chapter 0440

I am instantly lifted and sat in a lap. Warm arms are around me, pulling me back to a warm chest. "Breathe, Bitty. You're safe, we're here. Take a breath and tell us what's in the

box." Oliver gives me another little squeeze. I feel my whole body relax at his contact and gentle honey scent. He just knows.

I do what he says and take a deep breath, then I look at Jena. "It's Tyler."

"What do you mean 'it's Tyler?' How is that Tyler?" Jena points to the eight inch square box in front of me.

I take another deep breath and lean forward, lift the box lid gingerly like it might explode. I slide the top of the box and my friends lean closer. Jena gasps and slaps her hand over her mouth. My brother has her in his arms in a matter of seconds. She just stares from the box and back to me.

It's a pair of green eyes. Just the eyes, removed from their body. Green eyes I looked into many times and tried to figure out what he was thinking, how he was playing me, wondering how he could be involved with the rogue group when he seemed so sweet, before I knew about his mate. They are wrapped in a tattered piece of material that I think was the t-shirt he was wearing when we escaped, his scent strong, it's in here on purpose. They killed him, for helping

me and I feel sad about that, but at the same time I feel

nothing at all because he was willing to sell us out for a mate that was not true to him. (5

"Hey, talk to us." I feel hands on my face and I blink hard a few times, trying to focus. "Tiny, you're freaking us out, say something please."

"Umm, Tyler was one of the rogues on campus. He was how we made contact with them in the first place. We kind of became friends. I mean we were both working an angle, so it wasn't real. In the end his mate was sleeping with Mike, who wouldn't let them reject each other so he could inflict pain. In the end he helped Jena and I escape." I took a deep breath and blew it out slowly letting my cheeks puff out. 5

We left him behind like he asked, left him to his fate like he asked so he could finally be with his mate. I know that he screwed me over and I guess I understand his reasons, but I can't find it in me to hate him. I just pity him and hope he finally got what he wanted.

I feel fingers rub my cheeks. Cam is still in front of me, Oliver still has his arms wrapped around me, holding me tight. This is the thing I have missed. The comfort that their friendship brings. We are stronger like this and I can't forget that again, no matter how far I go, I can't cut them off again. It hurts too much. 2

"You guys need to go, you have a pack to run and a moron

to punish." I look at Cam. "I have orders I need to hear and follow, we will meet up with you, okay?" I place my hand over Cam's and squeeze it quickly before removing it.

I go to remove Oliver's hands from around my waist. "Not a chance, Bitty. They can go and take care of pack stuff, I'm not leaving you alone." I take another deep breath and let it out slowly rolling my eyes at him being overbearing. "Don't you roll your eyes. One of us is going to be with you all of the time, get over it." How did he know? He can't even see my face. He has always been direct and a little dry with his comments. But I appreciate that he is straightforward with

me.

"I'll stay too, this is clearly a threat and I want to know what is being done." Mateo says and I really look at him for the first time. He has Jena sitting across his lap, wrapped in his arms, tears are falling silently down her cheeks. She hasn't said anything since my very brief explanation of Tyler. I'm glad he has her. The memories of being held captive can't be pleasant for her and having it thrown in her face like that was probably a shock.

"I'm going to go with the guys and see the patrol loop. I want to get an idea and be able to report back to Nathaniel and see if we can get his eyes in the sky. Mateo is right, this is a threat and the way the rest of you reacted, this is not a new concept for you." She's looking between Alpha Lucas and the rest of the guys.

Alpha Lucas just seems to be taking everything in before he takes a deep breath in and agrees with our basic plan."

Cameron, Dakota, Sam and Lillian you take the early morning patrol, Take your time and scent the area, keep Lillian furthest from the border though. If anyone comes across her scent they may use it as confirmation that Skylar is here, since they seem to team together often. Mateo and Oliver can act as a protection detail, until I have a full understanding of what is going on."

We all nod and they all make contact with us on the way out. "Oliver, you're going to have to let me stand. I need to pace and move or I am going to go crazy and I really don't want to hurt you." I huff and smile a bit trying to break the tension.

"Alright, Sky I need details, from the beginning, even the bad stuff." I look at him worried and then look at my brother and Oliver.

"Umm, some of the bad stuff is really hard..." I look at Jena again and she looks terrified. "And, not my information to tell." I am wringing my hands and pacing the office. "Where would you like me to start?"

"How about from when you got onto campus. From what I understand you were just there to help, how did you end up as a student? I know I had to give permission for your transcripts to be sent over after Principal Duncan gave Warrior Brogen a hard time."